“Inside of me there are two dogs. One is mean and evil and the other is good and they fight each other all the time. When asked which one wins I answer, the one I feed the most.”
– Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull
Note: This quote is similar to a Cherokee legend in which “An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.
‘A fight is going on inside me,’ he said to the boy.
‘It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.’ He continued, ‘The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.’
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, ‘Which wolf will win?’
The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’”
(Above) One of the most important non-LDS books which supports the Heartland Book of Mormon geography! Old World Roots of the Cherokee: How DNA, Ancient Alphabets and Religion Explain the Origins of America’s Largest Indian Nation, by Dr. Donald N. Yates
Book of Mormon- Which Urging do we Feed?
“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” Mosiah 3:19
“Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” Alma 34:34
Native American Culture
They believed the spirit of the animals would live on in spirit within the tribe. They also fashioned totem poles carved out of wood with different animals faces on them, and these faces represented the spirits of family and important tribal figures. In Native American culture they believed that everyone person had the spirit of a certain animal and when they died their spirit would live on inside the animal. The Native Americans also harvested plants and berries that they would use for various things from medicines to dyes. They lived in harmony with the Earth which they lived on and they let nothing go to waste.
Native American Pow Wow
Native American culture goes back thousands of years; to a time when these indigenous people lived in what is now known as North America. Native American culture revolved heavily around nature, and every aspect of their lives was based around the Earth. The Native American tribes worshipped the spirits of these animals as gods, but they also killed them for food and clothing. They would never waste any part of the animals though, they would eat the meat, wear the hides, they used the skin to make drums and they used the bones for tools and weapons.
Native American Totem Pole
Thousands of years ago there were over ten million Native Americans living within the territory that is now the United States. (See the area in green on the map below). The Native American cultural traditions varied among the thousands of different tribes that were spread throughout the land. Soon settlers started arriving on the shores of the Native American homelands and started pushing the Native American Indians from their homes and eventually off of their tribes land. The European settlers made their new homes on the Native Americans land and interfered with the Native American culture that had relatively lived in peace until now. When the European settlers arrived here they brought with them many diseases from Europe that killed many Native Americans and many more tribes were forced from their lands. Eventually the United States government set aside land for the Native Americans, and many of these Indian reservations are still around today. (See how few on the map below) There are still signs all over the country of the great Native American culture that once ruled these lands, and Native American art and fashions are more popular than ever.
What does it mean that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak?
Just before His arrest, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). The command came after Jesus had been praying to the Father and had found the disciples sleeping instead of praying (verses 38–40). He had admonished them to stay awake and pray with Him, but “their eyes were heavy” (verse 43), and they kept falling asleep. They slept right up until the time the armed mob came to take Jesus away (verses 45–47).
Because “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak,” the disciples were caught unawares in Gethsemane. The word for “spirit” in this passage is the Greek word pneuma, which in this context refers to the soul of man or the mind. The word for “flesh” refers to the human body and nature, with its moral and physical frailties. When Jesus first found the disciples sleeping, He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40), and then afterward told them all to watch and pray in order to avoid temptation.
The disciples’ spirits were willing to do what was right. In fact, just a few minute earlier, all of them had pledged their lives to Jesus: “Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same” (Matthew 26:35). But, as it turned out, they couldn’t even pray with Jesus for any length of time. Their flesh was weak. They fell asleep because of their physical human weakness. They were tired. By affirming that “the spirit is willing,” Jesus was saying that He knew the disciples wanted to stay awake and pray, but the weakness of the flesh had overpowered the spiritual desire to pray and watch. Jesus was not scolding them but exhorting them to beware of the weakness of the flesh. The Lord Himself was fighting the same struggle against the flesh, but He had overcome it (verse 39).
Dog Soldier
The story of the disciples in Gethsemane rings true for all of us. We can so easily be distracted from prayer, worship, or a kind act by hunger, exhaustion, sexual desire, feeling too cold or too hot, thirst, pain, and even a persistent itch. The flesh shouts loudly when it wants something, and the ruckus it makes can easily drown out the desires of the spirit. Even when the spirit is willing to do whatever God asks, the flesh remains weak. The answer is just as Jesus said: watch and pray. What does it mean to watch and pray? How can that help us succeed against the weaknesses of the flesh?
Prayer is straightforward. We know that we can ask God for whatever we need. Jesus made a special point that whatever we ask “in His name” He will do (John 14:13). The phrase in His name means “according to His will.” Is having the strength to obey, to worship, to do what is right and true according to God’s will? Of course! Jesus will answer the prayer for spiritual strength to overcome the flesh. When we feel the weakness of the flesh about to overpower us, we can always pray.
Watchfulness is the other weapon we have against the weakness of the flesh. The apostle Paul said, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should watch for the “way out.” Spiritual watchfulness sees the temptation coming and prompts prayer. The fact that the flesh is a natural ally to temptation makes spiritual alertness all the more important. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3).
The spirit of a believer is willing to follow God, but the flesh is weak. The demands, desires, and fears of human nature can pull us way off track. Satan has set up the world to appeal to the weaknesses of the flesh: lust, greed, gluttony, and other sins are directly related to the demands of the body. Is it any wonder that almost every advertisement you see and hear speaks to the fulfillment of the lust of the flesh? Another weakness of the flesh is the fear that we will not be taken care of. But Jesus spoke to this fear too: “I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25–26).
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.All believers know the struggle. But when we watch and pray—when we remain spiritually alert and appeal to God for help—we can find strength in the time of need (see Psalm 46:1 and Hebrews 4:16). And when we fail, “we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1–2). Source
More Quotes About Dogs
There are similar stories to the story of the Two Wolves that refer to dogs instead of wolves.
The earliest known variation of this story was published by the Baptist pastor John R. Bisagno in the book The Power of Positive Praying (Xulon Press, 1965). In this version, a missionary is told by a Mohave Indian convert named Joe that he has a black dog and a white dog always fighting inside him, and that the dog which Joe feeds the most will win.[16][17]
In I’m a Good Man, but… (1969), Fritz Ridenour writes: “A supposedly true story from the mission field pretty well sums it up. The missionary was talking to the old Indian about what it was like to be a Christian and the Indian said that being a Christian was like having two dogs inside of him fighting. There was the bad dog (sin) and the good dog (righteousness). ‘Which is winning?’ asked the missionary. ‘The one I feed the most.'”[18]
In How to Win Souls and Influence People for Heaven (1973), George Godfrey recounts a tale where an Indian convert says that in his chest he has a white dog that wants to do good, and a black dog that wants to do bad, which are always fighting with each other. After the missionary asks which one wins, he says that the one that he feeds wins.[19]
A Warrior is Christ
In The Presbyterian Journal, Volume 34 (1975), George Aiken Taylor writes: “[…] two dogs fighting in the soul. ‘Which one will win?’ asked the convert. ‘The one you feed the most,’ answered the missionary.”[20]
A later variation of this story was published by the Reverend Billy Graham in his book The Holy Spirit: Activating God’s Power in Your Life (W Publishing Group, 1978) about an Inuk with a black dog and a white dog that he used for match fixing by only feeding the one he wanted to win.[21]
Dog Soldier
The 1998 book Experiencing the Soul: Before Birth, During Life, After Death, by Eliot Rosen, uses the story to conclude the first chapter: “A Native American Elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: ‘Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time.’ When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, ‘The one I feed the most.'”[22][23]
In the 2003 film The Missing, set in 1885 New Mexico Territory, the following dialogue occurs: “‘Inside you are two dogs. One is evil, the other is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time.’ ‘Which one wins?’ ‘I don’t know. Whichever one I feed the most.'”
The Lamanites were promised, “But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose.” D&C 49:24 This wonderful revelation through Joseph Smith HAS happened IS happening and WILL CONTINUE to happen
1- Has Happened in the days of the Church in 1850 to 1890’s as we see in the full conversion of the Catawba Tribe in 1890, the Utes in Wakara’s day, Shoshone with Sagwich, and during the time of Spencer W. Kimball. Blog HereHereHere 2- Is Happening as only a few years ago Delores Kohkenen a Cayuga Iroquois assisted 85 Native American Chiefs receive their endowments in the St George Temple. (Blog Here). It also continues today as Joseph Smith is leading the Lamanites in the Spirit world. Blog Here 3- Will Continue to Happenwhen we Gentiles assist them in building the New Jerusalem. This time shall come. We also know the Jews and Josephites are the forefathers of Israel. Blog Here and Here
“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 LAMANITES. — The work of the Lord among the Lamanites must not be postponed, if we desire to retain the approval of God. Thus far we have been content simply to baptize them and let them run wild again, but this must continue no longer; the same devoted effort the same care in instructing, the same organization of priesthood must be introduced and maintained among the house of Lehi as amongst those of Israel gathered from gentile nations, As yet, God has been doing all, and we comparatively nothing. He has led many of them to us, and they have been baptized, and now we must instruct them further, and organize them into churches with proper presidencies, attach them to our stakes, organizations, etc. In one word, treat them exactly, in these respects, as we would and do treat our white brethren. — MS, 44:733: a letter from Salt Lake City dated October 18, 1882.”
“Why did not this modern prophet, if a deceiver, form his deceptive scheme more in accordance with the opinions of the learned? Orson Pratt
Orson Pratt
“In America there is a “multitude of nations,” called by us “Indians.” These Indians evidently sprang from the same source as is indicated by their color, features, customs, dialects, traditions, &c.; that they are of Israelitish origin is also evident from their religious ceremonies, their language, their traditions, and the discovery of Hebrew inscriptions, &c.
If America is not the land given to a branch of Joseph, where, or in what part of the globe shall that tribe receive the fulfillment of Jacob’s prediction? where, if not in America, has a land been peopled by a multitude of the nations of Joseph? Can a multitude of the nations of Joseph be found in Europe, Asia, or Africa, or in any of the adjoining islands? If not, then America seems to be the only place where that great prediction could receive its accomplishment. The Book of Mormon testifies that America is “the land of Joseph,” given to them by promise. Is not this an additional evidence that Mr. Smith was sent of God?
If Mr. Smith was an impostor, how came he to discover that the tribe of Joseph was to be favored so much above all the other tribes of Israel? Perhaps it may be replied, that it was easy to discover that from the scriptures; but, we ask, why did not Swedenborg, Wesley, Irving, or some of the other impostors of former times, make this scriptural discovery, and incorporate it in their pretended dispensations?
It would be, at first, thought far more natural to suppose the American Indians to be the ten lost tribes of Israel; indeed, this is the opinion of many of the learned at the present day. Why did not this modern prophet, if a deceiver, form his deceptive scheme more in accordance with the opinions of the learned? or why should he choose a remnant of the tribe of Joseph to people ancient America?
Out of the twelve tribes of Israel, why did he select only a branch of one tribe to people this vast continent? All can now perceive why the Book of Mormon should profess to be the history of a remnant of one tribe, instead of being the history of the ten tribes.
All can see, why America should be represented as a promised land to Joseph, instead of being given to Reuben, Simeon, or any of the other tribes. All can now see, though it was not seen at the first, that if the Book of Mormon was different from what it now is; that is, if it professed to contain a history of the ten lost tribes; or if it had given the great western continent to any other people, or to any other tribe than that of Joseph, that it would have proved itself false--it would not have been the book or record which the prophets predicted should come forth to usher in the great work of the last days. An impostor would be obliged to take into consideration all these minute circumstances, many of which are in direct opposition to the established traditions of the day; yet none of them could be neglected without proving fatal to his scheme. But Mr. Smith, with all the accuracy of a profound mathematician, has combined all the minute elements of both doctrine and prophecy in his grand and wonderful scheme–nothing is wanting. Whatever department of his system is examined it will be found invulnerable. What an invaluable amount of evidence to establish the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith!” Divine Authority Or the Question: Was Joseph Smith Sent of God? Orson Pratt
Only the USA could be the Place of the Book of Mormon
Orson Whitmey
“…in culmination of the grand scheme of schemes, this great nation, the Republic of the United States, might be established upon this land as an asylum for the oppressed; a resting place, it might be said, for the Ark of the covenant, where the temple of our God might be built; where the plan of salvation might be introduced and practiced in freedom, and not a dog would wag his tongue in opposition to the purposes of the Almighty. We believe that this was His object in creating the Republic of the United States; the only land where his work could be commenced or the feet of his people find rest. No other land had such liberal institutions, had adopted so broad a platform upon which all men might stand. We give glory to those patriots for the noble work they did; but we give the first glory to God, our Father and their Father, who inspired them. We take them by the hand as brothers. We believe they did nobly their work, even as we would fain do ours, faithfully and well, that we might not be recreant in the eyes of God, for failing to perform the mission to which He has appointed us.” Bishop Orson F. Whitney, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, April 19, 1885. Reported by John Irvine. Journal Discourses Volume 26 Page 201
Israel, Mt. Moriah- USA, Missouri
Mark E. Petersen said: “You from other lands don’t need to become jealous of America. Who is jealous of Palestine, where Jesus was born? We are not jealous of the country; we merely recognize the hand of God in sending him there. We must also recognize the hand of God in sending the gospel to this land. We learn to love America because it is God’s land!
“Why does the geography of the Book of Mormon matter? Think of that question if we are speaking about Israel. Does it matter where the Savior was born, or where the Biblical events happened? Yes. At Mount Moriah where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, the Lord made a special covenant with Abraham. The land around Mt Moriah was a covenant land and God’s people were given that covenant land as long as they are righteous. However, if they disobey the commandments, God’s people will be swept off that sacred land. The Jews, Muslims, and Christians fight over control over this one piece of land, why? Because it is a beautiful piece of real estate? No, because it is a covenant land. All three religions say Mt Moriah is sacred to them and they are willing to die over it.
In the same token what is the Promised Land spoken of in the Book of Mormon? According to the Book of Mormon this Promised land must meet certain requirements to be the Promised Land. 1. No Kings upon the land2. Land choice above all other lands 3. Land of Liberty 4. Land where sacred record is kept 5. Land kept from the knowledge of other nations. 6. Land of the New Jerusalem 7. Gentiles to scatter and afflict the Remnant. 8. The place where the “Marvelous Work and Wonder” happened. These are only 8 of 36 prophesies and promises in the Book of Mormon so it makes sense to me that the USA is the Promised Land. Not Canada, Mexico, England, or South America.
Scoffers and Scourge’s
The Lord has made the Lamanites—the Indians, a scourge; but if this people will turn to and do just as they have been told, their wrath will be turned away in a short time, but not until the Lord God sees that this people are determined to do right.
“It is the author’s opinion that all the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, will remain in the realm of faith. Science will not be able to prove or disprove holy writ. However, enough plausible evidence will come forth to prevent scoffers from having a field day, but not enough to remove the requirement of faith. Believers must be patient during such unfolding.” Neal A. Maxwell, Plain and Precious Things, 1983 page 4
Editors note: Do these scoffers include those who tarnish the names of many Heartlanders? Why do many scoffers ignore plausible evidence? The Bat Creek Stone, Hebrew Earthworks, Holy Stones, necessity of certain animals for the Law of Moses, Battle at Cumorah and Prophets declaring “one Hill Cumorah”? Listen to the words of a prophet. “The Lord gave a divine promise to the ancient inhabitants of this favored country (the United States): ‘Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). “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 where our Heavenly Father could send into this period of mortality a choice spirit who would be known as Joseph Smith, Jr.” Monson, Thomas S., Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, 2011, pp. 14-15, 157-158
“(For this very purpose) The Book of Mormon plates were preserved and translated in order that all these should be brought to a knowledge of the Savior. It may be concluded, then, that among the American Indians and the Polynesians who are mostly the descendants of the Lamanites, is also a sprinkling of the descendants of the Nephites who may have escaped the general destruction.” D&C Sec 3 page 22 Doctrine and Covenants Commentary by Sjodahl and Smith
“For over a century and a half, we assumed the Nephites struggled to extinction. What if remnants escaped to Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Burma, etc.–to become nations, kindreds, tongues and people? An ancient Icelandic text records a royal family in Northern Europe descending from a prince by the name of Nefi or Nephi. Another Northern European tribe was known by a name that likely means the “people of Nephi.” Did Nephites travel to Europe?” Joseph Smith Foundation
An ancient Icelandic text records a royal family in Northern Europe descending from a prince by the name of Nefi or Nephi. Another Northern European tribe was known by a name that likely means the “people of Nephi.” Did Nephites travel to Europe?
Episode 2: Nephite Survivors in Prophecy
Did righteous Nephite families escape and spread throughout the world? Was Joseph Smith a descendant of Joseph, son of Lehi? Why did the Lord tell Joseph Smith that the Book of Mormon would be given to Latter-day Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites and Zoramites as well as Lamanites, Lemuelites and Ishmaelites? (See Scripture below)
D&C 3:16-20
“16 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people—
17 And to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathers—
18 And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations.
19 And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;
20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen. D&C 3:16-20
Art by Val Chadwick Bagley
“[Joseph Smith] spoke to his followers before going to fateful Carthage…. You will yet be called upon to go the “strongholds of the Rocky Mountains,” Smith predicted. “You will gather the Red Man from their scattered and dispersed situation to become the strong arm of Jehovah.” At that time, he continued, the Lamanite would become “a strong bulwark of protection from your foes.“ Ronald W. Walker Journal of Mormon History Volume 19 Issue 1-1993
Art by Val Chadwick Bagley
LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, center, is announced as the 17th president of LDS Church Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.
“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
“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 (All Visits Here) to his personal visits with numerous Native American chiefs, Joseph Smith sought to bring to this chosen people the glad tidings of the restoration.
In Vision and in the Spirit World Joseph Sees the Lamanites Blossom
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)…
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. Let us be true to the Book of Mormon, true to the revelations and efforts of the Prophet Joseph regarding the Native Americans as a people of destiny, and thus true to the Lord God who gave Joseph the vision of the blossoming rose and who will, assuredly, lead us to its fulfillment.” 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
“Certain lands were given to Israel for an inheritance in time and in eternity. America is the land of Joseph; it was the home of Nephite Israel, who were of Joseph, for a thousand years, and it is the headquarters of the Church in this final dispensation in which the church and kingdom of God are in the lands of Ephraim.” 1985 – Elder Bruce R. McConkie
Gordon B. Hinckley said, “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. I know that she has problems. We have heard so much of them for so long. But surely this is a good land, a choice land, a chosen land. To me it is a miracle, a creation of the Almighty…. I was stirred in my heart by the words of our late, great President Harold B. Lee, who, speaking to a group such as this, said: This nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail…. I have faith in America. You and I must have faith in America if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ (Deseret News, 27 October 1973.)
Last Battles at Cumorah NY not Mesoamerica
Have any of them built forts? Tell of one settlement, if you please, excepting they commenced one in Iron County which remains unfinished yet. The Indians are now upon us, and our brethren are scattered off, three, four, and five families in a place, away off in this and in that direction, exposed to the Lamanites. They have been called into the city that they might be safe, and they are now teasing us, and wanting to go back again, and live in those exposed locations without a fort… I have lived in the State of New York, town of Bloomfield, Monroe County, right in the heart of the country where the ancient Lamanites, and other veterans, destroyed each other, root and branch; where the Book of Mormon was discovered in the hill of Cumorah. From among those rich hills the people are flocking to these mountains. Why? Because this is the richest place in the world. A Discourse by President Heber C. Kimball, Delivered at the Special Conference in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, August 13, 1853
The Lamanites will Blossom as the Rose on the Mountains. (Faith & Patience)
Recently members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world learned that President Nelson announced the building of twelve temples. That seemed like a very impressive list. But missing from that list is the temple yet to be built in Independence, Missouri. There in Jackson county sits an empty lot today waiting for Lamanites to build it, assisted by repentant Gentiles. In 1975, During General Conference, President Spencer W. Kimball, giving his First Presidency message said:
“When I was a young man living among the Lamanites more than seventy years ago, the destruction of the Lamanites was a stark reality. It seemed impossible to me that this broken people could ever rise from the destruction and become a mighty people once more, as the Lord had promised. I remember reading the words of President Wilford Woodruff, spoken in a day when the Lamanites were literally the “vanishing Americans”:
“The Lamanites will blossom as the rose on the mountains. I am willing to say here that, though I believe this, when I see the power of the nation destroying them from the face of the earth, the fulfillment of that prophecy is perhaps harder for me to believe than any revelation of God that I ever read. It looks as though there would not be enough left to receive the Gospel.” (Journal of Discourses 15:282.)
Editors note: Never forget the promises of the Lord will always be fulfilled. We may lose faith or question the timing, or give up all together, but the Lord said, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” D&C 1:38
As stated in the beginning of this blog I suggested three options for the Blossoming as the Rose: 1- Has Happened in the days of the Church in 1850 to 1890’s as we see in the full conversion of the Catawba Tribe in 1890, the Utes in Wakara’s day, Shoshone with Sagwich, and during the time of Spencer W. Kimball. Blog HereHereHere 2- Is Happening as only a few years ago Delores Kohkenen a Cayuga Iroquois assisted 85 Native American Chiefs receive their endowments in the St George Temple. (Blog Here). It also continues today as Joseph Smith is leading the Lamanites in the Spirit world. Blog Here 3- Will Continue to Happen when we Gentiles assist them in building the New Jerusalem. This time shall come. We also know the Jews and Josephites are the forefathers of Israel. Blog Here and Here
For a thousand years after the closing of the Book of Mormon record, these people wandered in spiritual darkness and were scattered upon the American continents and the isles of the sea. They lost their written language, their high culture, and, worst of all, their knowledge of the living God and his work. Faith was replaced by fear, rich language by crippled dialects, and an understanding of God and his ways by idolatry, even human sacrifice. Since the coming of the white man to the Americas, they have been driven mercilessly, killed, and degraded…Someone said, “If my pen might have the gift of tears I would write a book and call it ‘The Indian,’ and I would make the whole world weep,” Only the most brazen soul could fail to weep when contemplating the fall of this people, and yet it was the decree of the Lord that the Lamanites should be preserved in the land, that this remnant of Joseph should again come into their promised inheritance.”–Our Paths Have Met Again
St George Temple Record- Lamanite Chiefs Baptized (Just One Week After the Founding Fathers)
Page 196, St. George Temple Records August 29, 1877, LDS Church Archives, Copied by Rod Meldrum Blog Here
In 1963, while an Apostle, Spencer W. Kimball said:
“I’ve known people who have been promised in their patriarchal blessings that they would live to see the temple built and some of them are dying and haven’t seen the temple built. Do you know why? In my estimation, the Lord’s time table is directed a good deal by us. We speed up the clock or we slow the hands down and we turn them back by our activities or our procrastinations. And do you know why I think people who are actually promised that they would live to see the temple built are dying before the completion of the temple? Because we haven’t converted the Indians in large enough numbers; never shall we go to Jackson County until we have converted and brought into this church great numbers of Lamanites. Now you just as well set that down as a basic fact.”–From a copy of the December 1963 talk obtained from President Kimball’s secretary as quoted in Book of Mormon Student Manual (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed., 1981), 427-28
I love the Lamanites as Enos who said, “And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own due time.” I love them as Special Children of God. I pray for them and plead with others to remember them in their prayers. The Lamanites like the Jews will be the last to fully embrace the gospel according to prophecy, “So the last shall be first, and the first last last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matt. 20:16). We pray for that day.
Heed Prophets with the Conviction that Comes by the Spirit of God.
I have no problem with President Nelson and other Apostles who had the “jab” or Experimental Gene Therapy Under Emergency Use Authorization (Title from FDA), even though through much prayer and study I have decided against a jab for myself. I have chosen to take daily Zinc, Vitamin D and C and if that isn’t adequate I will take Hydrochloriquine or Ivermectin which are proven vaccines you can get over the counter.
President Nelson said, “Vaccinations have helped to eliminate diseases such as diphtheria and smallpox. My professional and ecclesiastical experiences convince me that vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life. Receiving the vaccine today was part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens in helping to eliminate COVID-19 from the world.” Russell M. Nelson
I agree with President Nelson here and trust him. He did ad a cautionary note saying, “competent medical professionals”. How do I know who is competent or not? How can I tell if a madman added an ingredient to certain or all vaccines. (Think Bill Gates or anyone else). I would think bad men want to see many die wouldn’t you agree?
The Prophets opinion has to do with his knowledge from his sources and through prayer. My opinion has to do with my knowledge including all I quote in this response, with the Prophets opinion and from my sources and through prayer. I recommend all people to do their own research and include the Prophets research as well. Then make it a matter of personal prayer and receive your own personal revelation. Until and if the Prophets says it is a commandment, I will not get a vaccine.
Editors Note: If you have taken a vaccine please don’t get over worried, just be aware. There may be some things you can do to help alleviate any potential problems. I would recommend more than anything else simply faith and prayer. If you took a vaccine after study and prayer I don’t believe you have anything to worry about, as you are in the Lord’s hands and He will bless you. After all the Lord knows each of us individually and will bless us according to our needs. My sister and brother in law whom I love, have taken the vaccine along with many other great people I know. We must each make our own decision and I am very comfortable with that. I’m just one opinion sharing another side to possibly help.
Prophets Comment’s
“What a pity it would be if we were lead by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are lead by him. … Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves whether their leaders are walking in the path the lord dictates or not.” Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 9, 150
Some have misread this quote, and think Brigham Young feared that people could be led astray unless they independently verify each of his instructions. However, when read in the context of his entire sermon, in the first sentence of this quote, Brigham Young was mimicking what others (non-believers) had said about the Saints. He is saying that he does not share the fears held by non-believers, but fears more that people will not heed the teachings of the prophets with the conviction that comes by the Spirit of God.
“There have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join With Us,” Ensign, November, 2013
Joseph Smith said, “Although I was called of my Heavenly Father to lay the foundation of this great work and kingdom in this dispensation, and testify of his revealed will to scattered Israel, I am subject to like passions as other men, like the prophets of olden times.” [History of the Church, Period I, vol. v, p. 516.]
Just One Man’s Opinion- Prophets are Fallible
“After years of faithfully attending Church, some Mormons abandon their faith, upset over alleged mistakes of men. How can such a thoroughly human organization be divine?, they wonder. If they cannot rely on the prophet, who can they rely on? Aren’t the words of the prophets the ultimate source of authorized doctrine? If they can be wrong, how can we have faith in the Church?
Please note: the prophets are not the ultimate authority in the Church, nor are their words. Even canonized scripture–the standard we should use to check the teachings of any, including living prophets–is not infallible and is not the ultimate authority. God is the ultimate authority, and we base our faith in Christ, not humans. We worship God the Father and Christ, not the scriptures that have been written, translated, and printed by man.
If prophets make mistakes that need to be corrected by God, God can find ways to bring about the correction, perhaps through a future revelation. But if a prophet has a wrong opinion on a matter of science, such as Moses thinking a bat was a bird, or Joseph Fielding Smith thinking man would never go to the moon, or others not appreciating certain scientific details of the Creation and its timing, then it may be adequate to wait for future advances in human learning to provide the correction. In the event that we believe a prophet’s views on some matter are wrong, we must be patient and not fall to pieces. We must not make the immature mistake of treating those views as a deciding factor for the divine authority of that prophet.
Why do I and many others remain firm in the faith? Like some who leave the Church, I, too, see the occasional mistakes of men, and realize that the Church is permeated with fallible humans, yet I recognize that such a thoroughly human organization can be divine (in fact, I know that it IS divine)–not because of who we humans are, but because of Who Christ is, the Leader of all humans who will come unto Him, and the ultimate Leader of the Church. He gives man free agency, and even when we come unto Him and seek His spirit, He does not turn us into mindless robots.
Though individuals may not always seek it or listen to it, God does provide precious revelation to leaders in the Church. Of course His Church is permeated with humans. Every decision, every doctrine, every book goes through human hands and minds. We cannot escape this.
Yes, the Church is led by revelation from Christ. I truly believe this. Yet even the greatest prophets of all were not constantly led by revelation or even remotely infallible in their work. Thank goodness they are NOT the ultimate authority and the source of our faith. Thank goodness that Jesus Christ stands at the helm of His Church, patiently working with us mortals to guide us back to Him. Errors of doctrine and understanding can be corrected, if they need to be, but it will be in His own time. We need to be patient with the Lord’s timetable, and be patient with our flawed human leaders, who in spite of their weaknesses, have been called of God to lead us and guide us in the Gospel.
We have prophets, apostles, and other General Authorities, but they are not authorities in general. They may share some views that will later be revealed to be incomplete or simply wrong. Even the scriptures have some demonstrable flaws due to human influence. None of this is reason to abandon the Lord and His Church! We must patiently wait for the Lord and stay true to our covenants, and do all we can to remove our own weaknesses and errors, trusting the Lord to take care of essential issues in His Church as we do all we can to follow Him and build up His kingdom in the midst of our fellow mortals.” https://www.jefflindsay.com/fallible.shtml
Hi Brother Lloyd. I’m sitting at my little desk on the other side of the world from you tonight wondering what President Nelson must be feeling as he hears comments (like yours and Rians) rejecting his explanation and counsel regarding this pandemic. He told the world this pandemic is a “plague” and that he and his brethren “have prayed often for this literal godsend“ – vaccinations. The First Presidency also released an official statement urging church members to “help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization” because “vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.”
I’m not trying to be divisive. I’m not talking about right and wrong, and I’m not trying to make anyone feel guilty or rob anyone of their agency; and I’m not really talking even about vaccinations. I am wondering how our prophet must be feeling right now, and how concerned and worried he must be about the welfare of those he loves and serves who are ignoring his vision and counsel?
What to you imagine he feels in that regard right now?
Hi Brother Snow, I trust you are having success gathering Israel and staying on the covenant path and enjoying good health on the other side of the world.
On March 31, President Nelson and other church leaders formalized the First Presidency’s long-standing support for vaccinations by adding a statement to the church’s official General Handbook.
“Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life,” the handbook now says in Section 38. “Members of the church are encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children and their communities through vaccination.
“Ultimately,” the statement continued, “individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. If members have concerns, they should counsel with competent medical professionals and also seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.”
I’m sure that Elohim, Jehovah, President Nelson, and the Holy Ghost are well pleased that I have exercised my agency on the matter. I don’t just listen to sound bites. I have spent hundreds of hours looking at medical journals, pondering, praying and listening to and watching doctors on both sides of the issue. It is abundantly clear to me that I should not get this experimental gene therapy under Emergency Use Authorization right now. That could change in the future if ALL my concerns are resolved and no significant side effects are documented. The FDA has NOT approved this experimental procedure. Emergency Use Authorization is not approval. Ongoing studies by Pfizer, Moderna and J&J will run into 2023 or longer. Additionally, the pundits have already announced the need for a 3rd shot!
Statistically with a 99.5 or 99.7% survival rate (based on different ages and comorbidities), why would anyone want to get the jab? Thousand have died after getting the vaccine and thousands have acquired Covid after getting the jabs. And the corrupt fools want the vaccinated to keep wearing mask–doesn’t pass the common-sense test! I’ll take my chances with proven treatments like Vitamins C & D, Zinc, HCQ, and Ivermectin. Why are these proven treatments kept hidden? Because they are effective, inexpensive and eliminates the need for a vaccine. It will kill Big Pharma’s Billions in profits. I’m NOT an Anti-vaxxer. Ten years ago, I had to get all of my childhood shots again after cancer treatments because my bone marrow transplant killed my immune system. All that immunity from drinking canal water and unpasteurized farm milk as a kid was gone. I got 6 shots in 2012 and 6 more a year later. However, this is NOT an FDA APPROVED vaccine.
“As a physician and surgeon, I have great admiration for medical professionals, scientists and all who are working around the clock to curb the spread of Covid-19.” “I invite you to join with me in a worldwide fast (for all whose health permits) to pray for relief from the physical, emotional, and economic effects of this global pandemic.” “Let us unite our faith to plead for physical, spiritual, and other healing throughout the entire world.”
There is absolutely nothing in his 1.-5-minute statement about praying for a vaccine–only relief from the effects of this global pandemic!
I believe God answered our prayers with the understanding that it wasn’t as bad as medical pundits like WHO, CDC, NIH, FDA, etc. predicted.
The 2nd blessing is that children were minimally impacted.
The 3rd blessing is our God-given immune system and the Word of Wisdom. If we get adequate rest, eat healthy and exercise, our immune system will protect us. Sadly, society is sleep deprived and Vitamin D deficient. If we get sick from Covid, we can use proven treatments like Vitamins C & D, HQC, zinc, and Ivermectin. Unfortunately, medical pundits have hidden these treatments to run up the numbers and promote fear mongering and control. If you don’t believe that, ask yourself why France in Jan 2020 moved Hydroxychloroquine from and OTC to a prescription medicine. Many doctors around the world successfully uses HCQ and zinc to treat their patients, but they were threatened by corrupt medical pundits with fines, jail time, and pulling their medical license.
The world response was totally wrong by locking down the world with useless masks and social distancing. We should have continued working and going to school without masks or social distancing. There is nothing magic about a mask. Most people don’t even wear them right or they use a bandana or a pretend mask. Social distancing at 6 feet was an arbitrary and capricious distance. Several months ago, they did a study and said that 3 feet is OK for school kids. Why not 2 feet or 14 inches? First, they said don’t wear a mask and then wear a mask and then a year later, wear 2 masks. I call this nonsense Fauci’s fantasy follies. It has nothing to do with your health. It is all about money, power, and control.
“For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again,” said President Russell M. Nelson in his Saturday evening general conference address. “Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic.
“I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized.” Again, absolutely NOTHING about a vaccine!
I’ve heard several doctors say younger people don’t need a vaccine, but older people with high risk might benefit. I think President Nelson felt it would benefit him and he was going to be a good neighbor and so he got the shot. Remember that getting the shot is NOT a commandment or a question on a temple recommend interview or an ordinance.”
Rian Nelsonsays: May 3, 2021 at 2:57 pm I have heard what the church leaders have said about Covid and I have prayerfully decided a vaccine is not right or necessary for me at this time. I am not ignoring anyone’s council I am exercising my freedom of speech which I am sure President Nelson would support me in doing. Vaccines have killed and will kill some people and I don’t recommend it to anyone who has not prayed about using it. I believe vaccines are a tool of the government to take away our rights just as they were during the Spanish flu. did you even read my article about that FDH? We can learn from the past you know.
Comment From Cliff
YOUR CRITIC’S RESPONSE TO YOUR POSTS ABOUT YOUR ATTITUDE TO THE VIRUS AND THE TAKING OF THE VACCINE:
“What a silly charge to accuse you of disobeying the prophet or not following him!
We don’t know the prophet’s journey to get to the point of taking the vaccine. We don’t know how much he prayed or how often. We don’t hear his prayers or the Lord’s response. Do we have to eat the same brand of breakfast cereal as the prophet to be called obedient?
You obeyed a higher law and one of the first given — you exercised your agency as a son of God and made a decision which you followed all the while knowing there is a consequence and accountability that goes with your decision – these can be good or bad … reward or punishment, we won’t know until all is answered —- as in every such case in all decisions, even the prophet’s case.
I can see that if the prophet had publicly said “No vaccine for me.” — most of the church members would do the same and the repercussions would be huge for the whole church! — even massive persecutions”.
“I was first taught and inspired about the North American Model by Rod Meldrum. The Works of Joseph maps included in this Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon were created after being inspired while reading the book Moroni’s America by Jonathan Neville. However, I want others to know that the spiritual messages of the Book of Mormon are far more important than the geography. But I also believe the historical accuracy is critical to my full comprehension of the ‘most correct book’ (Joseph Smith Jr.) on the earth. Many Latter-day Saints agree that the Garden of Eden, Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Cumorah are located in North America, and most know that the New Jerusalem will be built upon the American Continent (Articles of Faith #10, Doctrine and Covenants 84:1-4). It just makes sense to me that the Book of Mormon history primarily occurred in the United States of America, as other sacred events did.
The maps have been created based on Joseph Smith’s writings that the Hill Cumorah is in Manchester, New York (Letter VII), that Joseph did have a vision of Zelph who was a Book of Mormon Chieftain in Illinois (Joseph Smith Papers), and Joseph did write a letter to Emma June 4, 1834 telling her that he was ‘wandering over the plains of the Nephites,’ in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. (Joseph Smith Papers). I also believe the Promised Land spoken of in the Book of Mormon is indeed the choice land of the United States. I desire that these visual representations of Book of Mormon events will inspire you and teach you more about the spiritual message of The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Rian Nelson The Annotated Book of Mormon by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum page 522
Abraham Lincoln Mentions Niagara where we believe exists the Narrow Neck of Land
Art by David Lindsley
“It calls up the indefinite past. 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.” Abraham Lincoln
There is ONLY ONE “Narrow Neck of Land” in the entire Book of Mormon. Ether 10:20
Click to Enlarge
One of the most common questions asked about the North American setting is, “what about the narrow neck of land?” People have been taught to think the Book of Mormon describes two large land masses connected by the “narrow neck of land.” The hourglass shape has been depicted in many LDS publications. When we look on a globe, we immediately think of Panama as a narrow neck of land connecting North and South America. However, scholars have pointed out that a hemispheric interpretation of Book of Mormon geography contradicts the text; the distances are simply too great.
Instead, scholars have proposed a more limited territory. Two articles in the 1984 Ensign [i] introduced the limited model of Book of Mormon geography in Mesoamerica to a wide LDS audience. The author of those articles, John Sorenson, has also written that “A key feature of any geographical correlation must include a narrow neck of land connecting two sizable land masses… Only one geographical correlation avoids fatal flaws: The narrow neck of land was the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.” [ii]
Figure 5 is an application of this interpretation of the text. [iii]
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It may be surprising to realize that the term “narrow neck of land” is used only once in the entire Book of Mormon. The passage is in Ether 10:20: “And they built a great city by the narrow neck of land, by the place where the sea divides the land.”
That’s it.
A single passage.
A passage describing the location of a Jaredite city. Nowhere in the Book of Ether does Moroni mention Nephite or Lamanite locations, except that the Jaredite hill Ramah is the same hill where Mormon hid the records (Ether 15:11). In the first verse of the first chapter, Moroni explained the territory addressed in the Book of Ether: “And now I, Moroni, proceed to give an account of those ancient inhabitants who were destroyed by the hand of the Lord upon the face of this north country.”
Despite its solitary appearance in Ether, many commentators have considered the “narrow neck of land” to be a defining feature of both Nephite and Jaredite lands. They think the verse in Ether refers to the same feature as a verse in Alma 22:32, which says “thus the land of Nephi and the land of Zarahemla were nearly surrounded by water, there being a small neck of land between the land northward and the land southward.” That interpretation is a mistake. Besides the difference in terminology (narrow does not mean small), the context and frame of reference of the two passages are entirely different, and they were written by different authors hundreds of years apart.
I’ll explain this in more detail in the next chapters, but notice that the small neck of land is an exception to the two lands being “nearly surrounded by water.” No location in Central America is nearly surrounded by water because at both ends there are enormous continents. In North America, both the land of Zarahemla and the land of Nephi are nearly surrounded by water, with a small neck of land between them, as I’ll explain.
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Furthermore, the narrow neck of land in Mesoamerica is over 140 miles wide. Many people have observed the incongruity of describing such a wide stretch of difficult terrain as “narrow.” A feature this wide might appear “narrow” from a satellite, but to someone on the ground, this Isthmus is as wide as the adjacent land.
When we read the text, we need to put ourselves in the place of the authors, in their time and place. They didn’t have satellites. They described their territory as they saw it, from the surface. Perspective is key.
[i] John L. Sorenson, “Digging into the Book of Mormon: Our Changing Understanding of Ancient America and Its Scripture,” parts 1 and 2, Ensign, September and October 1984. Available online at http://bit.ly/Moroni119 and http://bit.ly/Moroni120. Brother Sorenson wrote several other pieces for Church magazines on this topic.
[iii] John L. Sorenson, An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon (FARMS 1985), 11. Online at fairmormon.org, http://bit.ly/Moroni139.
[1] In the year 2000, John Sorenson published Mormon’s Map, an overview of what The Book of Mormon text says about geography. He writes, “The nearest thing to a systematic explanation of Mormon’s geographical picture is given in Alma 22:27-34… He [Mormon] must have considered that treatment full and clear enough for his purposes, because he never returned to the topic.”[1] Sorenson takes the approach of creating an abstract map based on The Book of Mormon text, and then seeing if it fits in a real-world location. I agree with Sorenson about the importance of Alma 22, as well as the utility of creating an abstract map and finding a fit in the real world.
However, Sorenson’s analysis of Alma 22 seems to be influenced by the Times and Seasons article published on 1 October 1842, which declares that the Nephite city of Zarahemla “stood upon” “Central America or Guatimala [sic].” Sorenson cites this passage from the Times and Seasons, although he recognizes the “fact that the geography question had not been settled authoritatively.”[1] In Mormon’s Codex, Sorenson relegates the Times and Seasons articles to a footnote in support of his unequivocal conclusion: “Joseph Smith became convinced in the last years of his life that the lands of the Nephites were in Mesoamerica.”[1]
Sorenson’s assumptions about Central America lead him to a preconceived concept of Book of Mormon geography; i.e., a narrow neck of land between two larger land masses. Perhaps he felt somewhat bound by the Times and Seasons articles and his inference that Joseph Smith agreed with them. As such, Sorenson’s work could be viewed as an effort to vindicate the Prophet’s words. Page 31
NARROW NECK– Where Hagoth built his ships. On Lake Michigan lower east side following Lake Michigan’s coast along the St Lawrence Continental Divide to the St. Joe River. Anciently the Grand Kankakee Marsh extended south of Lake Michigan and the Great Black Swamp extended west of Lake Erie. The neck running E/W was 30 miles between Warsaw, IN and Merriam IN. Alma 63:5
NARROW NECK OF LAND– Lake Ontario divides the land at Hamilton, OT Canada, and Lake Erie divides the land at Buffalo, NY, and at Toledo, OH. In Central America the ”land divides the sea”. (Isthmus of Tehuantepec) Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are seas, where the “sea divides the land” as quoted in Ether. Ether 10:20. The N/S distance from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario is only about 24 miles wide.
SMALL NECK OF LAND– Allegheny, Susquehanna, and Genesee head-river gaps. (Triple Divide) Only 6 miles between each of these three river heads, where the two Continental Divides meet. (St Lawrence and Eastern Divide) Anciently this location was called the Forbidden Path, and was a strategic defensive location, hunting area, and buffer zone for the Native Americans to protect their south land. “Leading directly into the heart of the central New York Iroquois heartland, the Forbidden Path stood at a strategic transportation break linking river systems ultimately flowing into Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, and the Ohio Valley.” (Journey on the Forbidden Path: Volume 89, Part 2 By Christian Frederick Post, John Hays) Alma 22:32. This is the gate of the Narrow Strip of Wilderness and the place which is the “Nearly” in “nearly surrounded by water.” Don’t confuse this location with the more well known, “Narrow Neck of Land.” (3 “NECKS” see # 3,4,5).
There are 3 unique mentions in the Book of Mormon about NECKS!
NARROW NECK OF LAND Ether 10:20
NARROW NECK Alma 63:5
SMALL NECK OF LAND Alma 22:32
These three unique mentions of NECK are all in different locations in North America. THE NARROW NECK OF LAND is defined below:
Lake Ontario (a sea) divides the land at Hamilton, OT Canada, and Lake Erie (s sea) divides the land at Buffalo, NY.
In Central America, the ”land divides the sea”. (Isthmus of Tehuantepec) which is opposite of what the scripture says about the “sea divides” the land.
Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are seas, where the “sea divides the land” as quoted in Ether. Ether 10:20. The N/S distance from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario is only about 24 miles wide and in Central America it is 140 miles, which doesn’t sound very narrow to me. In the Book of Mormon the Narrow Neck of Land is only described in the Book of Ether, so the Jaredites used it, not the Nephites. There is archaeological verification at the Niagara Peninsula that dates from 800 BC to 3000 BC which is the time of the Jaredites.
Main Map of the Narrow Neck of Land
This map below is the most clear map to view the Narrow Neck of Land. See the bright green figure below. This is only 3 miles wide from North to South. From the North of Lake Erie to the South shore of Lake Ontario is a total of 24 miles. My thesis says the Jaredites could travel from East to West along the (bright green figure), which runs on the north side of Lake Erie between the Lake itself and Lake Wainfleet which was an ancient time period lake. If Lake Wainfleet was dry that area would still be the watershed area (white dotted line) of today’s rivers that flow south into Lake Erie. You can see the Onondaga Formation extends the entire shore of Lake Erie and the Niagara Escarpment runs along the south shore of Lake Ontario, which are two huge obstacles for a Jaredite to transverse.
Below is an enlarged view where you only see the Narrow Neck of Land (Niagara Peninsula) on the full page. Study it carefully as it shows amazing geography and artifacts that were found at this location during the times of the Jaredites. We haven’t found any Hopewell mounds at this site as we don’t believe the Nephites necessarily lived in this area. It seems the Jaredites were living north of the Great Lakes more so than the Nephites.
Yellow line above represents the area called the Niagara Peninsula or for our purposes, “The Narrow Neck of Land” shown on the map below.
Moroni’s America-Heartland Map Package- BOTH MAP Book’s (210 Maps) + TRAVEL MAP Save 18% was $42.85 now! $34.95- Click Here!
Maps Below and Text by Rian Nelson worksofjoseph.com Click on any one to enlarge.
Below is information and quotes about the United States, Hill Cumorah, The Book of Mormon, Lamanites, & Joseph Smith, where statements are made as facts by Prophets and Apostles. Not only do they witness by the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true, many also say it is a fact that there is only one Hill Cumorah.
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/
Joseph Fielding Smith [Fact]
“It must be conceded that this description fits perfectly the land of Cumorah in New York, as it has been known since the visitation of Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith, for the hill is in the proximity of the Great Lakes and also in the land of many rivers and fountains. Moreover, the Prophet Joseph Smith himself is on record, definitely declaring the present hill called Cumorah to be the exact hill spoken of in the Book of Mormon. Further, the fact that all of his associates from the beginning down have spoken of it as the identical hill where Mormon and Moroni hid the records, must carry some weight. It is difficult for a reasonable person to believe that such men as Oliver Cowdery. Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, David Whitmer, and many others, could speak frequently of the Spot where the Prophet Joseph Smith obtained the plates as the Hill Cumorah, and not be corrected by the Prophet, if that were not the fact. That they did speak of this hill in the days of the Prophet in this definite manner is an established record of history.” Doctrines of Salvation Joseph Fielding Smith Chapter 12
Anthony W. Ivins [Fact]
“The passages which I have quoted from the Book of Mormon… definitely establish the following facts: That the Hill Cumorah, and the Hill Ramah are identical; that it was around this hill that the armies of both the Jaredites and Nephites, fought their great last battles; that it was in this hill that Mormon deposited all of the sacred records which had been entrusted to his care by Ammaron, except the abridgment which he had made from the plates of Nephi, which were delivered into the hands of his son, Moroni. We know positively that it was in this hill that Moroni deposited the abridgment made by his father, and his own abridgment of the record of the Jaredites, and that it was from this hill that Joseph Smith obtained possession of them.” President Anthony W. Ivins of the First Presidency, April 1929 General Conference:
HEBER J. GRANT [Knows it]!
While listening to the remarks of Brother Ivins, referring to a book that was written by one of our enemies, in which the statement is made that there is not a particle of evidence to show that there is any trace of the Hebrew among the people who anciently inhabited this country, and that there is no evidence that would go to prove that the Book of Mormon is true. I was reminded of a little item of evidence that came under my observation while I was in the City of London. A gentleman there, to whom a very dear friend of mine, Col. Alex. G. Hawes, had given me a letter, kindly invited a number of newspaper men to his home to meet me. I am very sorry that the newspaper men declined the honor; but I had the privilege of meeting with this man and his family, and a few friends, and conversing with them. One of his friends had been a member of the British legation at Constantinople, and had spent a considerable portion of his life there. He had traveled all over the holy land, and was familiar with the people and their customs. Among other things, he said: “Mr. Grant, I was astonished beyond measure, when I visited Canada, to find there oriental patterns woven in beads, by the American Indians. They were the same patterns that were woven in rugs, in the oriental countries. I have traveled extensively, and I had never seen those oriental patterns in any part of the world except in the holy land, until I found them among the North American Indians. Those patterns have been handed down for hundreds of years, from generation to generation ; they are kept in families, and can be found nowhere else; and how under the heavens those Indians, who have no connection with the people of the holy land, should have the same patterns is a mystery to me.” “Well, mv friend,” I said, “if I were to inform you that the forefathers of these American Indians came from the city of Jerusalem, that would explain it, wouldn’t it?” He replied, “Well, of course, it would.” I asked him if he had ever read the Book of Mormon. He said, “No.” “Well, it will be my pleasure to send you a copy, and from it you will learn that the forefathers of the American Indians came from Jerusalem.” “Well,” he said, “that explains the mystery; I am much obliged for the book.” Now, the one thing for us to do, as Latter-day Saints, is to be loyal, to be true, to be patriotic, to be honest with God; then we need have no fear of what the world may say about us. We have the truth, and we know it, thank God; we know it, though the world may not know it. Let us follow the admonition of the Savior, and let our light so shine that other men seeing our good deeds shall glorify God.”
Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. New York April 6, 1845 [WE KNOW IT]!
William Armitage (1857–1940), Joseph Smith Preaching to the Indians, c. 1870.
“Let the Government of the United States also continue to gather together, and to colonize the tribes and remnants of Israel (the Indians), and also to feed, clothe, succor, and protect them, and endeavor to civilize and unite; and also to bring them to the knowledge of their Israelitish origin, and of the fulness of the gospel which was revealed to, and written by, their forefathers on this land;… He has revealed the origin and the Records of the aboriginal tribes of America, and their future destiny. —And we know it. He has revealed the fulness of the gospel, with its gifts, blessings, and ordinances. —And we know it. He has commanded us to bear witness of it, first to the Gentiles and then to the remnants of Israel and the Jews. —And we know it. He has commanded us to gather together his Saints on this Continent, and build up holy cities and sanctuaries. —And we know it.” PROCLAMATION of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. New York April 6, 1845. James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-75), 1:, p.252-266
“It’s interesting to note that Oliver wrote Letter VII (the essay that declares it is a fact that the Hill Cumorah in New York is the scene of the final battles of the Jaredites and Nephites and the site of Mormon’s depository of Nephite records) in his capacity as Assistant President of the Church.
He wrote Letter VII with the assistance of Joseph Smith.
He wrote Letter VII just a few months after ordaining the original Quorum of the Twelve and a few months before receiving the priesthood keys from Moses, Elias and Elijah in the Kirtland temple (together with Joseph Smith).
Joseph had his scribes copy Letter VII into his personal history, where you can read it in the Joseph Smith Papers, here. Joseph had Letter VII reprinted in all the Church newspapers during his lifetime. Both of his brothers who served as editors of newspapers, Don Carlos and William, republished Letter VII in their respective newspapers.” Jonathan Neville MOBOM
“Oliver Cowdery was the first to give the world any account in detail of these early events connected with the coming forth of the great work of God. This he did in 1834-35 in a series of nine letters to the “Saints Messenger and Advocate,” published at Kirtland, Ohio, under the caption, “Early Scenes and Incidents in the Church.” And as these letters were published in the lifetime of the Prophet, with his sanction and in a periodical published by the Church, it cannot be doubted but that the statements contained in them are reliable…. The place where the Nephite record was deposited must and ever be of interest to those who believe that record to be true, and therefore a description of the hill of Cumorah will not be out of place in concluding this chapter.” Course of Study for the Quorums of Priesthood of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1909 [Letter VII on Cumorah] The link is here:
ANCIENT RECORDS “Circumstances are daily transpiring which give additional testimony to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. . . . it was [once considered] improbable, nay, almost impossible—notwithstanding the testimony of history to the contrary, that anything like plates could have been used anciently; particularly among this people. The following letter and certificate, will, perhaps have a tendency to convince the skeptical, that such things have been used, and that even the obnoxious Book of Mormon, may be true; and as the people in Columbus’ day were obliged to believe that there was such a place as America; so will the people in this day be obliged to believe, however reluctantly, that there may have been such plates as those from which the Book of Mormon was translated.” John Taylor [Times and Seasons 4 (May 1, 1843), pp. 185-6]
THIS LAND “The Angel also informed him that America had once been people by a remnant of the seed of Israel of the tribe of Joseph who became two great Nations upon this Land one of those Nations were the present Natives of America or the Indians the other Nation was distroid [sic] about four hundred years after Christ.” Pratt, Parley Parker 1807-1857. An epistle written by an elder of the Church,
Hopewell/Nephite Village by Kendra Burton
“I am asked to occupy the few minutes yet remaining: If the Spirit gives me liberty I will pursue the train of thought that has passed through my mind while Brother Richards has been speaking upon the spirit that has gone abroad upon the remnants of the house of Israel who occupy this land, the American Indians whom we understand to be the descendants of the Nephites, the Lamanites, the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites who formerly possessed this land, whose fathers we have an account of in the Book of Mormon.” The Indians—The Influence of the Elders Among Them in the Interest of Peace, Etc. Discourse by Elder Erastus Snow, delivered at Logan, Sunday Afternoon, February 5th, 1882
THE HISTORY OF HIS FOREFATHERS Mormon lived in that age of the world, and was a Nephite, and a Prophet of the Lord. He, by the commandment of the Lord, made an abridgment of the sacred records, which contained the history of his forefathers, and the Prophecies and Gospel which had been revealed among them; to which he added a sketch of the history of his own time, and the destruction of his nation. Previous to his death, the abridged records fell into the hands of his son Moroni, who continued them down to A. D. 420; at which time he deposited them carefully in the earth, on a hill which was then called Cumorah, but is situated in Ontario County, township of Manchester, and State of New York, North America. This he did in order to preserve them from the Lamanites, who overran the country, and sought to destroy them and all the records pertaining to the Nephites. This record lay concealed, or sealed up, from A. D. 420 to September 22, 1827, at which time it was found by Mr. Joseph Smith, jun., he being directed thither by an angel of the Lord.” A Voice of Warning, page 96 Parley P. Pratt
CUMORAH/RAMAH “Moroni told Joseph that he had hidden up the records four centuries after the birth of Jesus, while he was living on the earth. He said that the Nephites, the people to which he belonged, called the hill where they stood Cumorah, and that a still earlier people, the Jaredites, called it Ramah. This was a very important hill in the history of both these peoples.” The Latter-day Prophet. History of Joseph Smith Written for Young People by George Q. Cannon 1900
THE LORD WILLED IT! Joseph Fielding Smith said the following in the April 1966 General Conference, “America was discovered because the Lord willed it. The gospel was restored in America, rather than in some other land because the Lord willed it. This is the land “shadowing with wings” spoken of by Isaiah that today is sending ambassadors by the sea to a nation scattered and peeled, which at one time was terrible in the beginning (Isaiah 18:1-2). Now that nation is being gathered, and once again they shall be in favor with the Lord.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, April 1966, pp. 12-15).
HERE IN AMERICA “Moroni’s father was commander of the armies of this ancient people, known as Nephites. His name was Mormon. The war of which we speak took place here in America some four hundred years after Christ. As the fighting neared its end, Mormon gathered the remnant of his forces about a hill which they called Cumorah, located in what is now the western part of the state of New York… When finished with his record, Moroni was to hide it up in that same Hill Cumorah which was their battlefield. It would come forth in modern times as the Book of Mormon, named after Moroni’s father, the historian who compiled it.” (“The Last Words of Moroni,” Conference Reports, October 1978) Mark E. Petersen
CURRENT AS THE MORNING NEWSPAPER “It’s narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions to those problems… If the Book of Mormon is true, then America is a choice land, but if it is to remain such the inhabitants of the land must worship the God of the land, the Lord Jesus Christ. The histories of two great nations, told with warning in this sacred volume, indicate that while we must have science, while we must have education, while we must have arms, we also must have righteousness if we are to merit the protection of God.” Gordon B. Hinckley The Power of the Book of Mormon Ensign June 1988
A DESCENDANT OF RED CLOUD, SITTING BULL, CHIEF JOSEPH, CHEE DODGE, CHIEF CRAZY HORSE “I am proud to declare to you today, brothers and sisters, that I am a descendant of Lehi, Nephi, and all the great Book of Mormon prophets. I am proud to be a child of the Book of Mormon people. I have found my true heritage; I have found my true identity. I am a son of God, a child of God, a child of the Book of Mormon, a child of Lehi, a rich heritage that extends all the way back to my Heavenly Father, through Moses, and Abraham, and other great prophets.
I am also proud to be a descendant of great Indian chiefs of our country. I am proud to be a descendant of Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph, Chee Dodge, Chief Crazy Horse and all these great Indian chiefs that did so well as leaders of their people. I want you to know that these men were great. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are all in paradise; and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them are converted, and maybe some of them are on the fourth missionary discussion. I am proud of my rich heritage.
To you my people, the Lamanite people, on Indian reservations and in the cities of our country and through the islands of the sea, I want you to know that Jesus Christ is our Elder Brother. He is our Savior. He is our Redeemer.” George P. Lee October 1975 My Heritage Is Choice (Editor’s note: I thought long and hard about using this quote, but who am I to judge?)
A MIGHTY LAND This has always been a mighty land in God’s plan. It was in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman prior to his death, called the great high priests together and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. The Lord appearing there proclaimed Adam to be Michael, the Prince, the Archangel. (D&C 107:53-54) It is to that same spot that Adam, as the Ancient of Days, shall come to visit his people (D&C 116), where judgement shall be set and the books opened. (Daniel 7:9 ff; Revelation 20:4) It is here on this land that the New Jerusalem shall be built “unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph” — ourselves and those others the literal descendants of Lehi. (Ether 13:5 ff; 1 Nephi 14:1-2, 2 Nephi 10:18) And finally, it is here on this hemisphere that Zion shall be built. (Tenth Article of Faith.) It is this fact and this purpose, the building of Zion on this hemisphere, which is Zion, which seems to be the dominant elements in all of God’s dealings with them who possess this land, for Isaiah, speaking more than twenty-five hundred years ago, declared that “out of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3.) President J. Reuben Clark, Jr The Glorious Purpose page 103
CHOICE ABOVE ALL OTHER LANDS “Because of his faithfulness and integrity, Joseph received greater blessings than the progenitors of Jacob, and was rewarded with the land of Zion. His brothers, with malicious intent, separated him and cast him out from among them. The Lord, in rewarding him, separated him from his brothers — the other tribes of Israel — and gave him an inheritance in a land that is choice above all other lands, which, we have learned from the Book of Mormon and modern revelation, is America… We are informed in the revelations given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, that the city of Zion and the New Jerusalem is one and the same. In a number of revelations the Lord speaks of the New Jerusalem which is to be built…” Zion and Jerusalem by Joseph Fielding Smith, Improvement Era Vol. 22 JULY 1919
ONLY TWO PROMISED LANDS
Tools of Faith by Ken Corbett
3 Nephi 20:22: “And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you. 23 Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people. 24 Verily I say unto you, yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have testified of me. 25 And behold, ye are the children of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26 The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant— 27 And after that ye were blessed then fulfilleth the Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed—unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house of Israel.” 28 And they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fulness of my gospel, then if they shall harden their hearts against me I will return their iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father. 29 And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father.” 3 Nephi 20:22-29
AMERICA’S PAST UNCOVERED “Remarkable discoveries of evidences of America’s prehistoric civilizations in various parts of the country are frequently being reported in public prints…
On Sept. 10, what are believed to be bodies of a royal family of the ancient mound builders were unearthed in a group of mounds near Bainbridge, Ohio. With these remains were found strands of pearls, some of extraordinary size and perfection; also ornaments of silver and copper and some sculptured objects of exquisite workmanship.
This is a highly interesting find. It shows that these mound builders in the Mississippi valley were wealthy and civilized, and that they must have had commercial connections with distant places where pearl oysters were procured.
Scientists know nothing certain about the time when the mound builders lived, whence they came and what became of them.
However, when Zion’s Camp, in the year 1834, was temporarily located on the western bank of the Illinois river, the Prophet Joseph and others ascended a high mound, on the top of which three altars had once stood. On removing some soil, they uncovered a skeleton, between the ribs of which there was an arrowhead. To the Prophet it was later made known that this was the remains of a Lamanite warrior, by the name of Zelph, who served the great Onandagus, a prophet known from the Hill Cumorah to the Rocky Mountains. Zelph was slain during the last struggle between the Lamanites and Nephites. May not this furnish a key to the mystery of the mound builders in the Mississippi valley? Besides this, at various points, from Maine to California, we find evidences of a race, or perhaps more than one race, that, like the Jaredites, who from their point of departure, carried with them “the fish of the waters,” depended largely upon sea food for their sustenance. The evidence of this they have left in numerous shell mounds, which consist almost entirely of oyster shells, some of gigantic size.
Some tell us American archaeology does not corroborate the Book of Mormon. As I see it, American Archaeologists will never unravel the mysteries of this country without the Book of Mormon.” THE JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR, Vol. 60, No. 10 October 1925 Janne M. Sjodahl
INTEREST IN HISTORY AND IN GEOGRAPHY “We have a great message to tell the world. We have to live it, and then we have to tell it, too. If you’re interest in history and in geography, just think what you can get out of the Book of Mormon! The Book of Mormon is the most tangible evidence that we have the truth, for no man could have written it at the time that it was written—except the story of the Prophet Joseph be a true story. Just imagine what that book has to tell us about America. Go back to the promises of Jacob and Moses and Joseph, who was sold into Egypt and who was promised a new land in the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills. Nobody in this world, outside of this Church, can tell you where that new land is, and yet Moses, in describing that land, used the word precious five times in just four short verses in the bible (see Deuteronomy 33:13–16). He called it a precious land, and we read the history of how Lehi and his people came here and how they were told that it was a land choice above all other lands. This fact is repeated over and over again in the scriptures.
From a historical standpoint, it ought to be worth something to people to know about this land of America or when Columbus discovered it. The knowledge that we get through the Book of Mormon is a knowledge that we can’t get any other way in all this world. It not only tells us of the great destiny of this land of America, but it also gives the promises of the Lord through his prophets that it would be a land choice above all other lands and that it would be the land upon which God would build his New Jerusalem in the latter days. It was hidden away from the eyes of the world that it might not be overrun, and the Spirit of the Lord moved upon a man across the great waters to come here. We understand and know that man was Columbus. You see what a marvelous thing it is to have understanding.” LeGrande Richards, “You’re Fringe Benefits” 1975 Devotional
“A Desolating Sickness Shall Cover the Land” D&C 45:31 Weapons of Satan and the Gadianton’s Disease, Destruction, Famine, Pestilence, Scourge, Desolation, Fear
1)“And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance.” 1 Nephi 12:24 2)“And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities.” Mosiah 17:16 3)“Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword. But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” Alma 10:22-23 4)“Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” 2 Nephi 18:12-13 5)“And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and your destruction is made sure; and then shall yeweep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say:” Helaman 13:32 6)“Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things.” Alma 9:22
When this pandemic happened, did it bring us closer to God and our neighbor, or did you rebel against God and shun your neighbor? This is the purpose of trials. Not WHY did it happen, but HOW do we react?
Some pandemics that have occurred throughout history include:
165-180 Antonine Plague One of the deadliest pandemics in history is also one of the oldest. The Antonine Plague occurred in 165–180 and ultimately took the lives of about five million people. The Romans brought the disease back home with them after a war with the Parthians.
541–542: Plague of Justinian The Plague of Justinian or Justinianic Plague (541–549 AD) was the beginning of the first plague pandemic, the first Old World pandemic of plague, the contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The disease afflicted the entire Mediterranean Basin, Europe, and the Near East, severely affecting the Sasanian Empire and the Byzantine Empire and especially its capital, Constantinople. The Plague of Justinian is the first and the best known outbreak of the first plague pandemic, which continued to recur until the middle of the 8th century. Some historians believe the first plague pandemic was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 15–100 million people during two centuries of recurrence, a death toll equivalent to 25–60% of Europe’s population at the time of the first outbreak.
Leprosy Middle Ages Leprosy (aka “Hansen’s disease”) is a slow-developing bacterial disease that can lead to damage of the nerves, skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Those infected by the disease may experience poor eyesight and muscle weakness. Some patients can no longer feel pain, which may result in the partial loss of extremities. The disease has affected humans for thousands of years, but it became a pandemic in Europe during the Middle Ages. As they were deemed to be unclean, infected individuals had to wear certain clothing or a bell to signal their arrival. However, they were forbidden to go to many locations. It is believed that around 19,000 leper houses existed in Europe during this time.
1346–1350: The Black Death One of the most devastating pandemics in history was the Great Bubonic Plague (aka the “Black Death“) in the mid-1300s. A deadly outbreak of the bubonic plague started in China in the 1330s. As the country was one of the busiest trading nations, the disease quickly spread elsewhere.
1520 Smallpox For centuries, smallpox was a menace in Europe, Asia, and Arabia. Three of every 10 infected people died. The first European explorers brought the virus to the New World, where people were not immune to the disease. The people of modern-day Mexico and the United States saw death rates much higher than those of the Old World. In North and South America, smallpox took approximately 100 years to destroy about 90 percent of the indigenous people. In Mexico, the population dropped to one million people from about 11 million before the European conquest. Ultimately, the deadly virus helped the Spanish to conquer the Aztecs and Incas because their populations barely existed thanks to the disease.
1665-1666 The Great Plague As part of the Second Plague Pandemic, the Great Plague of 1665 caused leaders to close all public entertainment and seal the sick in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. In all, London lost roughly 15 percent of its population. Although the city recorded approximately 69,000 deaths, the actual number is believed to be over 100,000.
1852-1860 The Third Cholera Pandemic The deadliest of the seven cholera outbreaks was the third major outbreak that lasted from 1852 to 1860. Just like the first two pandemics, the third originated in India and spread throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. In 1854 (the worst year), cholera killed 23,000 people in Great Britain. Approximately, 10,000 of those victims were from London.
1889-1890 Russian Flu The Russian flu (aka “Asiatic flu”) was a deadly influenza pandemic that killed approximately one million people around the globe. The outbreak started spreading in 1889 and was the largest 19th-century epidemic of influenza. It was also the first true epidemic that happened in the era of bacteriology.
1899–1923: Sixth cholera pandemic The sixth cholera pandemic (1899–1923) was a major outbreak of cholera beginning in India, where it killed more than 800,000 people, and spreading to the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Russia. The last cholera outbreak in the United States was in 1910–1911 when the steamship Moltke brought infected people to New York City from Naples. Vigilant health authorities isolated the infected on Swinburne Island, built in the nineteenth century as a quarantine facility. Eleven people died, including a health care worker at the island hospital. In 1913, the Romanian Army, while invading Bulgaria during the Second Balkan War, suffered a cholera outbreak that provoked 1,600 deaths
1918–1920:Spanish flu (H1N1) The deadliest flu pandemic in history started in 1918 and infected about one-third of the world’s population, or approximately 500 million people. Although estimates vary, it is believed that the Spanish flu killed about 50 million people, including almost 700,000 Americans.
1957–1958:Asian flu (H2N2) In the 20th century, the second major influenza pandemic was the Asian flu of 1957 (aka the “Asian flu pandemic”). The outbreak was responsible for more than one million deaths.
1968–1969:Hong Kong flu The Hong Kong flu, also known as the 1968 flu pandemic, was a flu pandemic whose outbreak in 1968 and 1969 killed between one and four million people globally. It is among the deadliest pandemics in history, and was caused by an H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus. The virus was descended from H2N2 (which caused the Asian flu pandemic in 1957–1958) through antigenic shift—a genetic process in which genes from multiple subtypes are reassorted to form a new virus.
2009–2010: Swine flu (H1N1) The 2009 swine flu pandemic was an influenza pandemic that lasted about 19 months, from January 2009 to August 2010, and was the most recent flu pandemic involving H1N1 influenza virus (the first being the 1918–1920 Spanish flu pandemic and the second being the 1977 Russian flu). First described in April 2009, the virus appeared to be a new strain of H1N1 that resulted from a previous triple reassortment of bird, swine, and human flu viruses and that further combined with a Eurasian pig flu virus, leading to the term “swine flu”. Some studies estimated that the real number of cases including asymptomatic and mild cases could be 700 million to 1.4 billion people—or 11 to 21 percent of the global population of 6.8 billion at the time. The lower value of 700 million is more than the 500 million people estimated to have been infected by the Spanish flu pandemic. However, the Spanish flu infected a much higher proportion of the world population at the time, with the Spanish flu infecting an estimated 500 million people.
2020: COVID-19 The first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan, the capital of the province of Hubei in China in December 2019. The most recent country or territory to report its first confirmed case was the Federated States of Micronesia on 8 January 2021. Updated Source Here
*Current Covid situation (cases) Worldwide
210 countries and territories with 100+ cases. In most countries it took 20 days to reach 100
195 countries and territories with 1,000+ cases. From 100 to 1,000 it took 9 days in most countries
156 countries and territories with 10,000+ cases. From 1,000 to 10,000 it took 10 days in most countries
93 countries with 100,000+ cases. From 10,000 to 100,000 it took an average of 15 days in those countries
26 countries with 1,000,000+ cases. From 100,000 to 1,000,000 it took an average of 39 days in those countries
3 countries with 10,000,000+ cases. From 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 it took an average of less than 6 months in those countries.
*Current Covid situation (Deaths) Worldwide
158 countries and territories with 100+ deaths
100 countries with 1,000+ deaths.
40 countries with 10,000+ deaths.
8 countries with 100,000+ deaths.
*Editors Note: The Covid 19 cases are all too new to judge their accuracy. Until we figure out what really happened we will not have accurate numbers. Some initial infections or problems the people initially had and later they died after Covid hit, have been counted wrong. It has been estimated only 10% of the deaths shown were caused by Covid 19 only, without a precondition already with the patient. In other words some people probably died of the Flu, but Drs. and hospitals called it Covid 19.
26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. 27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound. 28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; 29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. 30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. 32 But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die. D&C 45:26-32
I have a good friend named Bruce Lloyd who shares many blog notes with me. He recently said, “I was appalled in Sunday School today. As a class member read D&C 45:31, many including the teacher made the connection with Covid-19 and an “overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.” I and one other person disagreed and I said, “how can a 99% survival rate be associated with a desolating sickness?”
D&C 45:31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
Covid-19 is nothing compared to “a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth” or “the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them; (D&C 29:16-19) “And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets;”
I’m sorry, but I don’t classify this plandemic as a desolating scourge.” Bruce Lloyd
Border Is Open – Come On In
Sunday, March 21, 2021 19:41
Our Border is now completely Open. The Border Patrol is not even bothering to interview those seeking asylum to set up court dates. They are just taking adults to a bus station and dropping them off. They are telling them, never to be seen again, unless they commit an additional crimes to go to immigration attorneys, or agencies for help to seek asylum through the system. Of course that will never happen. Biden has authorized millions of dollars for agencies to pay for hotel rooms for these people. The money is going to Non Governmental Organizations like the Catholic Church and others to place these illegal aliens in hotel rooms. The border is completely out of control. And in the ultimate chutzpa, Biden Administration clowns are blaming President Trump for the mess that Biden has created by opening his big, demented mouth inviting the Caravans to start back up. Keep in mind, these people are not just coming in with Covid, tuberculosis is rampant in Latin America. Who knows what diseases are coming in with them. It is time for border Governors in Texas and Arizona to take action. Republican Governors Abbott and Ducey need to send in the guard to stop the invasion. Those state legislatures are also voting the money to continue building the Wall. Don’t expect anything for the Socialist Governors, California’s Gruesome Newsom or New Mexico’s Grisham to do anything. They are complicit in the crime we see happening at our border. And, yet Biden and his people refuse to call what is happening at the border a “crisis” even though thousands of illegal aliens from countries around the world, drugs and criminals are entering our country including unaccompanied minors that must be housed in “cages”. Biden will not allow the media access to these holding facilities because in many cases they are horrible. Fake News is missing in action. Imagine if Trump were still President. They would be going crazy. The American people need to stand up and say Enough. Call your Congressman or woman and Senators and raise holy hell. They need to feel the heat. here
How the CDC Could Prolong the Lockdown for 3 More Years
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 5:34
What if the lockdown is going to cause many millions more deaths from another infectious lung disease? And then the deaths from that other lung disease are going to be misclassified as COVID-19 deaths to prolong the lockdown?
An estimated 1.4 million more deaths are predicted worldwide from another infectious disease caused by the lockdown and quarantine over the COVID-19 coronavirus fiasco. Yes, that is the alarming increased mortality estimate being issued by STOP TB PARTNERSHIP.
Bottom line, the lockdown and quarantine are going to cause far more deaths from another infectious lung disease than COVID-19.
The worldwide COVID-19 lockdown is disrupting access to care for 1.8 billion people on the planet who have tuberculosis. Some 10 million TB sufferers worldwide fall ill and convert to the active infectious form of TB each year, and 1.5 million die, numbers that far exceed those of COVID-19 coronavirus infections and deaths. But unexplainably, no lockdown and quarantine called by health authorities for a more deadly TB epidemic.
There are ~14 million Americans, the majority who are foreign born, who have TB and another 9000 cases detected annually. Unexpectedly in 2019 TB cases in the U.S. were the lowest ever reported. Around 80% of U.S. TB cases are reactivations from prior latent (dormant) TB. This means the U.S. has a huge population of dormant TB patients that could erupt into active infectious TB at any time, particularly after a very cold winter when sunshine vitamin D levels are low. TB has the same seasonal onset as cold and flu viruses and its prevalence is high among the same high-risk groups – – blacks/African Americans, nursing home patients.
Bill Gates making $200 billion from vaccines? Microsoft co-founder explains math behind ‘returns’
Sunday, February 21, 2021 19:02
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has so far ploughed billions of dollars into developing medicines. For instance, it has committed over $3 billion in HIV grants to organizations globally and over $1.6 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. It has also committed over $300 million to the global Covid response. here
We Should Have Believed the Early News in 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Likely Caused by Bacteria Rather Than a Coronavirus – New Study Identifies Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
COVID-19 Coronavirus is as much an ecological disaster as it is a medical one. Initially it appears to be a unique experience centered in Wuhan, China. It emanates from an environment of incinerated pig waste, airborne particles, and low vitamin D blood levels in winter, and weakened immune systems, particularly among smokers, drinkers and the elderly.
It is believed both the Spanish flu of 1918 and the COVID-19 coronavirus began as zoonotic (animal to human) infections. Not from bats as first reported in the Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak, but rather from pigs, and pig waste.
The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic began in the midst of an infectious pig slaughter of undiscovered cause, a few hundred miles from Camp Funston, what is Fort Riley today. Similarly, the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak began in the Wuhan, China, area in the wake of a massive kill-off of pigs who were dying from African Swine Flu.
Viral outbreaks arise in winter, but so does tuberculosis.
Some types of Mycobacterium do not have cell walls and can mimic the appearance of a virus under the microscope.
Antibiotics cannot be used for viruses. If a virus, then why aren’t antiviral drugs working but antibiotics are?
COVID-19 coronavirus may just be a “passenger virus,” not the primary microbial organism that kills by filling the lower lungs with fluid.
Both the current Wuhan COVID-19 coronavirus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis do not tend to infect or cause serious disease in young children roughly 5-12 years of age.
Fear of the COVID-19 coronavirus may be misplaced. More people are killed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1.7 million) in a year than the few who have been infected (~80,000) or have died (less than 2000) of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
It is projected that the “COVID-19 Coronavirus” will peak worldwide in March and then return in a second but lesser peak in September, in accordance with Yang’s Wuhan study from 2004 to 2013, describing the annual TB surges in Wuhan, China.
Ex-Medical Examiner: The “500,000 COVID Deaths” Number Is a Lie
All during the coronavirus situation, masked reporters masking reality have noted, enthusiastically, every mortality milestone reached during the past year. Now it’s “500,000 Americans have died of COVID-19!” which certainly is an attention-getter. It’s also profound COVIDiocy, writes an ex-medical examiner with more than 30 years experience in death investigation. The number isn’t even remotely accurate.
After outlining his impressive résumé, that man, Dennis McGowan, explains why he calls the way SARS-CoV-2 deaths are recorded “the big lie.” He writes:
Death certificates are pretty uniform in their structure, and they call for strict accuracy in listing the relevant details. There are five critical lines on a death certificate, each having its own contribution to the final conclusion.
The first (top) line is “Immediate Cause of Death.” This is where the actual terminal event is recorded. This line is followed by three more, all labeled “Due To,” where contributors to the immediate cause, in declining order, are listed. An example of this structure might be Immediate Cause listed as Cerebral Hemorrhage, and the first Due To line might be Gunshot Wound. Very direct. In the event that there are other contributors in the cascade of Due To notations, they would follow, in descending order. Finally, there is a line called “Other Significant Conditions,” which serves as a catch-all for relevant, non-fatal items. In the example above, this line might read Severe Depression to explain why there was a gunshot wound to the head.
You can imagine how many death certificates I’ve seen in my career, but you can’t imagine the number of death certificates that are being fraudulently tallied in this current pandemic. Someone in some bureaucrat’s office decided that if COVID appears anywhere on a death certificate, it is counted as a COVID death, even if it isn’t. If COVID is on the Immediate Cause line, it is clearly a COVID death. If it is on the first Due To line, it might be a COVID death in a person with a significant comorbidity. If it is on the second or third Due To line, it may or may not have a role in the death, but if it appears in the Other Significant Conditions line, it is not a COVID death, yet it is being counted as one. An example is the fellow who crashed his motorcycle and tested positive for COVID. This is fraud masquerading as science.
In reality, it has long been apparent that the China virus death numbers are cooked. We know this based not only on the testimony of those who’ve witnessed the shenanigans, but also via reason’s application.
Consider: The New Americanrecently reported that, in accordance with how the United States’ mortality rate has been increasingconsistently since 2012, it did also rise in 2020. This translated into 334,477 more deaths that year than in 2019 — but not the at least 500,000 more you’d expect if the claimed China virus number was added on to what would otherwise be projected. More Here
1.5 million people die of tuberculosis in 2018 – WHO reveals
Published on October 18, 2019 By Shehu Usman
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that in 2018 alone, a total of 1.5 million people have died from the complications of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide.
The world’s number one health institution gave the terrifying figure on Friday in its latest campaign titled: “TUBERCULOSIS IS THE TOP INFECTIOUS KILLER IN THE WORLD”.
The campaign is part of measures to reawaken the consciousness of policymakers, legislators, health institutions, community, traditional and religious leaders among others around the world on the dangers posed by the communicable disease in order to step up awareness campaigns to ending it.
Hitherto, the WHO also said that 1.6 million people in 2017 have lost their lives to the TB.
“In 2018, 1.5 million people died from TB including 251,000 with HIV.
” The 95% uncertainty intervals are 1.4-1.6 million for TB deaths and 223,000-281,000 for Tab/HIV deaths”, WHO said.
The apex health organization also disclosed that an estimated 3 million people are living with tuberculosis who are still not getting the care they need.
“TB is the leading killer of people with HIV and a major cause of deaths related to antimicrobial resistance”, it stated.
According to WHO, tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis )that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable.
“TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected”, said WHO.
TBFACT, a global health education charity organization based in UK, said Nigeria is among the 14 high burden countries for TB, TB/HIV and Multi Drug Resistant TB.
It said the country is ranked seventh among the 30 high TB burden countries and second in Africa.
“The problem of TB in Nigeria has been made worse by the issues of drug-resistant TB and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
It is estimated that 407,000 people in Nigeria have TB each year”, said TBFACT.
The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program has blamed the slow pace of progress in the fight against TB in Nigeria on poor knowledge of the disease among patients and health workers.
“Once again one of our great and knowledgeable guest bloggers is David W. Allan. Here he speaks to the issue of our day, the scam that the Deep State Cabal has been playing on the world for many years. This Covid and Vaccine we are dealing with has been manufactured by evil people. Their desire to bring our world down is evident. As David explains, the Lord wins. May we be on the Lord’s side as we expose this evil.” Editor
Deep State Plan to Take Away Our Liberty
Critical information by David W. Allan
“The New World Order folks are lying through their teeth with the intent to take away our freedoms, and they are rapidly moving to do that. I have prepared this blog article and the special article referenced in it to give you ammunition to counter-attack. For example, I just learned that in the attached chart the actual deaths due to COVID-19 are about 6% of those reported, because the NWO folks use fear to motivate you into compliance in their deceitful and seditious plans to take away your liberty. LORD BLESS YOU and know of my love for you and yours.” https://itsabouttimebook.com/deep-state-plan-to-take-away-our-liberty/
“Because of the many things currently going on with the seditious activities of the New World Order (NWO), I have made major additions to Chapter 16 of my book It’s About Time. The chapter title now queries, Is the New World Order Taking Over the Globe? My wife calls it the New World Odor. Perhaps it stinks to high heaven; but more appropriately, it stinks all the way to hell. Pray for them and for us that we will all repent and come to the Fountain of Living Waters, Jesus the Christ. The “Deep State” folks are actively preparing to take away our liberty given to us by God. We critically need to know what they are doing now, and then take action to counter their devilish ways.
I have been working for over a year on the fourth edition of the book, and because of the great importance of the material in this Chapter to our current situation, we have chosen to put up a draft of this significantly revised chapter on our website. (Download Here) My desire is to help you know what I have learned and what you may not know that will be most helpful for you. Then, armed with this critical information, as you feel appropriate, take action to help others be informed that we may all join together in the cause of TRUTH and exposing the NWO’s selfish, seditious-deceitful and devilish ways.
Forewarned By God’s Word
Transparency to the seditious acts of the NWO helps the true disciples of Christ to take countermeasures, to be awake, and to enlighten others. The prophets have seen our day and they are very clear; we live in the most exciting time in the history of the earth when all things will be revealed, but it is also a very dangerous time.
“ ….when ye shall see the things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you…. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedoms of all lands, nations and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies. …” Ether 8:24-25
“And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well… thus the devil cheateth their souls and leadeth them away carefully down to hell… And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none — and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains…” 2 Nephi 28:21-22
We know who will win this war between Christ and Satan, but far too many are believing Satan’s deceitful lies propagated by the NWO. As you read the information, you will see we are on the brink of disaster with our liberty at stake. Fortunately, as you will see there are many things we can do.
As you have observed with the COVID-19 pandemic, Satan uses fear to control people, and the NWO folks have been very effective in doing that. God’s word says, “Perfect love casteth out fear.” (1 John 4:18) And, “…and if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30)
Faith and Hope
We have every reason to be filled with faith, hope, and love. The prophecies are clear: the wicked will dig a pit and fall into it. (1 Nephi 14:3). First Nephi Chapter 22 is a Hebrew midrash on Isaiah chapters 48 and 49 and is so incredibly descriptive of our day. Read the whole chapter for an enlightening view of our day and time. Verse 14 specifically says, and understand the phrase, “O house of Israel,” which means everyone who puts his or her hands in the hands of God and trusts in Him, and God will prevail.
“And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.”
Awake – Be Watchmen – Look Forward
In spite of the dangers at hand, indeed, we live in the most exciting time in the history of the earth as we anticipate the glorious coming of our Lord and Savior. We must wake up and be prepared. Let us look to Him with total trust, while being watchmen on the tower. We must keep our eyes wide open to the devil’s clever, seditions-deceitful, and subtle tactics. When the NWO speaks in one way, you can be almost certain they mean something else — appearing philanthropic while in the process of destroying your liberty.
Dr. Joseph Mercola’s recent post gives great insight on where we are: Dave Asprey – The Truth About COVID-19 (mercola.com) In this post, he gives detailed suggestions on how to avoid internet policing, where the NWO folks are trying to monitor everything you do. He also shares suggestions on how to get around their plan to control what we buy or sell, which reminds one of the mark of the beast in Rev. 13:17.
FYI: The link below gives you a pre-print of Chapter 16
Simply click: Download a copy. The information will be extremely helpful in the cause of TRUTH!”
David W. Allan
REQUIRED VIEWING! Dr. Sherri Tenpenny gives VERY important information!
She talks about instances of hyper-immune response in test animals during previous attempts at coronavirus vaccines, like SARS and MERS, which has been a persistent problem.
All seems well for awhile, until the animals are exposed to the wild mutated virus. To her, it’s clear that the same will happen with humans.
Dr. Tenpenny and other scientists predict that millions may die from the vaccine but it will be blamed on a new strain of COVID – to make an argument for even MORE deadly vaccines.
“We’re at a critical juncture in time for all of humanity on a lot of different levels. And we are past the time of hand-holding, pussy-footing around, being careful to not offend anybody and being so gentle with the snowflakes – we just can’t do it anymore…
“We’ve been doing these vaccinations in America for a month. And in 30 days, we have over 40,000 adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event database…we have over 3,100 cases of anaphylactic shock, we have over 5,000 neurological reactions, which can range from headaches, to numbness and parasthesias, to headaches, to dizziness to vertigo, to feeling like you can’t feel your hands and your feet – in 30 days!
“And it’s been estimated that less than 10% of adverse reactions that occur are reported to theirs…
“Can you think of one single product, in any industry – ANY industry – for as long as products have been made on the planet, that within 30 days, we have 40,000 people complaining of side effects – that not only is still on the market but is full-court-press and we’ve got paid actors telling us how great they are for getting their vaccine.
“And we’re offering people $500 if they will just get their vaccine. And we’ve got nurses and doctors going, ‘I got the vaccine! I got the vaccine!’ Well, they’re not going to be so happy when they start to get their Bell’s Palsy, when they start to get their neuropathies, when they get their cardiac arrhythmias, when they get their ITP, their autoimmune reaction that causes them to die of a blood disorder, they’re not going to be so happy then.
“But we’re never going to see pictures of those people.” Dr. Sherri Tenpenny
“There is no Indian who does not consider himself infinitely more happy and more powerful than the French.” Chrestien Le Clercq
“The name Mi’kmaq comes from the word «nikmak», which means, «my close relatives ». The correct spelling of their name is Mikmag however the use of Micmac became very popular over the centuries. The Mi’kmaq were called various other names, depending on the language spoken by the Europeans they got into contact with or the place they met: Indian from Cape Sable, Gaspesians or Mi’kmaq from Gaspé, Matueswiskitchinuuk (Maliseet « porcupine Indian »), shonack (Beothuk « bad Indian »), Souriquois (name used by French) and Torrateen (name used by English). However, between themselves, the Mi’kmaq called each other “L’nu’k” which means the people. The Mi’kmaq share many similarities with the Maliseets of New Brunswick and the Abenaki of New England, with the exception being that they were not farmers. Many believe the Mi’kmaq come from Northern Canada only because their language has common characteristics with Cree.
Before the European settlement, the Mi’kmaq lived mainly in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick and in southern part of Gaspé Peninsula. Nomadic people, hunter-gatherers, they lived in wigwams that were built and taken down in a day, made of spruce, wood, bark, and pine branches, with the inside floors covered in fur for comfort. The big wigwams could shelter ten to twelve people. The wigwams are different from tepees; the latter were made of animal skin and were never used by the Mi’kmaq. To move in the forest or the region’s turbulent rivers, the Mi’kmaq used snowshoes, canoes and toboggans. Their clothes were made out of mammal skin, bird feathers and fish scales to protect them against the winter cold and were also used for ceremonies and rituals. The animal bones and tendons were used to sew together animal skins to make dresses, skirts or coats, etc. The clothes were decorated with things that the Mi’kmaq picked all around. Bones, tendons and animal teeth were also used to make tools as well as stones, roots, tree barks and clay. Men were in charge of making tools whereas women were in charge of making clothes as well as crafts such as baskets.
The Mi’kmaq were the first Indians to come into contact and befriend Europeans. The Vikings and Basque fishermen were distant towards this people, considered primitive because of their different lifestyle and language. John Cabot was the first European explorer who took three Amerindians to England in 1497. The relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the Europeans improved with the dawn of the exploration era undertaken by the Spanish, the Portuguese, the French and the English in their efforts to discover a route to the Orient and its much sought-after spices. The Mi’kmaq traded their fur for European pearls, fabric and firearms. To satisfy an ever-increasing demand for fur, the Mi’kmaq formed an alliance with the Algonquins residing inland, while the European firearms acquired through trade rendered them practically invincible. These two factors largely explain the sudden disappearance of the Iroquois people from the Saint Lawrence River valley, and their replacement, as of 1608, by the Montagnais and other Algonquin-speaking tribes.” http://www.acadian-home.org/Mikmaq-history.html
“There is no Indian who does not consider himself infinitely more happy and more powerful than the French.“
The American Yawp Reader A Gaspesian Man Defends His Way of Life, 1641
Chrestien Le Clercq traveled to New France as a missionary, but found that many Native Americans were not interested in adopting European cultural practices. In this document, LeClercq records the words of a Gaspesian man who explained why he believed that his way of life was superior to Le Clercq’s.
… the Indians esteem their camps as much as, and even more than, they do the most superb and commodious of our houses. To this they testified one day to some of our gentlemen of Isle Percée, who, having asked me to serve them as interpreter in a visit which they wished to make to these Indians in order to make the latter understand that it would be very much more advantageous for them to live and to build in our fashion, were extremely surprised when the leading Indian, who had listened with great patience to everything I had said to him on behalf of these gentlemen, answered me in these words :
I am greatly astonished that the French have so little cleverness, as they seem to exhibit in the matter of which thou hast just told me on their behalf, in the effort to persuade us to convert our poles, our barks, and our wigwams into those houses of stone and of wood which are tall and lofty, according to their account, as these trees.Very well! But why now, do men of five to six feet in height need houses which are sixty to eighty? For, in fact, as thou knowest very well thyself, Patriarch—do we not find in our own all the conveniences and the advantages that you have with yours, such as reposing, drinking, sleeping, eating, and amusing ourselves with our friends when we wish? This is not all, my brother, hast thou as much ingenuity and cleverness as the Indians, who carry their houses and their wigwams with them so that they may lodge wheresoever they please, independently of any seignior whatsoever? Thou art not as bold nor as stout as we, because when thou goest on a voyage thou canst not carry upon thy shoulders thy buildings and thy edifices. Therefore it is necessary that thou prepares as many lodgings as thou makest changes of residence, or else thou lodgest in a hired house which does not belong to thee. As for us, we find ourselves secure from all these inconveniences, and we can always say, more truly than thou, that we are at home everywhere, because we set up our wigwams with ease wheresoever we go, and without asking permission of anybody. Thou reproachest us, very inappropriately, that our country is a little hell in contrast with France, which thou comparest to a terrestrial paradise, inasmuch as it yields thee, so thou safest, every kind of provision in abundance.
Mi’kmaq Wigwam
Thou sayest of us also that we are the most miserable and most unhappy of all men, living without religion, without manners, without honour, without social order, and, in a word, without any rules, like the beasts in our woods and our forests, lacking bread, wine, and a thousand other comforts which thou hast in superfluity in Europe. Well, my brother, if thou dost not yet know the real feelings which our Indians have towards thy country and towards all thy nation, it is proper that I inform thee at once. I beg thee now to believe that, all miserable as we seem in thine eyes, we consider ourselves nevertheless much happier than thou in this, that we are very content with the little that we have; and believe also once for all, I pray, that thou deceivest thyself greatly if thou thinkest to persuade us that thy country is better than ours. For if France, as thou sayest, is a little terrestrial paradise, art thou sensible to leave it? And why abandon wives, children, relatives, and friends? Why risk thy life and thy property every year, and why venture thyself with such risk, in any season whatsoever, to the storms and tempests of the sea in order to come to a strange and barbarous country which thou considerest the poorest and least fortunate of the world? Besides, since we are wholly convinced of the contrary, we scarcely take the trouble to go to France, because we fear, with good reason, lest we find little satisfaction there, seeing, in our own experience, that those who are natives thereof leave it every year in order to enrich themselves on our shores.
We believe, further, that you are also incomparably poorer than we, and that you are only simple journeymen, valets, servants, and slaves, all masters and grand captains though you may appear, seeing that you glory in our old rags and in our miserable suits of beaver which can no longer be of use to us, and that you find among us, in the fishery for cod which you make in these parts, the wherewithal to comfort your misery and the poverty which oppresses you. As to us, we find all our riches and all our conveniences among ourselves, without trouble and without exposing our lives to the dangers in which you find yourselves constantly through your long voyages. And, whilst feeling compassion for you in the sweetness of our repose, we wonder at the anxieties and cares which you give yourselves night and day in order to load your ship. We see also that all your people live, as a rule, only upon cod which you catch among us. It is everlastingly nothing but cod—cod in the morning, cod at midday, cod at evening, and always cod, until things come to such a pass that if you wish some good morsels, it is at our expense; and you are obliged to have recourse to the Indians, whom you despise so much, and to beg them to go a-hunting that you may be regaled.
Now tell me this one little thing, if thou hast any sense: Which of these two is the wisest and happiest—he who labours without ceasing and only obtains, and that with great trouble, enough to live on, or he who rests in comfort and finds all that he needs in the pleasure of hunting and fishing? It is true, that we have not always had the use of bread and of wine which your France produces; but, in fact, before the arrival of the French in these parts, did not the Gaspesians live much longer than now? And if we have not any longer among us any of those old men of a hundred and thirty to forty years, it is only because we are gradually adopting your manner of living, for experience is making it very plain that those of us live longest who, despising your bread, your wine, and your brandy, are content with their natural food of beaver, of moose, of waterfowl, and fish, in accord with the custom of our ancestors and of all the Gaspesian nation. Learn now, my brother, once for all, because I must open to thee my heart: there is no Indian who does not consider himself infinitely more happy and more powerful than the French.
Mi’kmaq Nephites and Christ visit. It is becoming clear that the Mi’kmaq may be remnants of the Nephite nation for several reasons.
They have four reformed Egyptian characters in their book of Prayers. They have the most examples of Hebrew culture. Comparatively they have high concentrations of Middle Eastern dna. Their geographical location north of the Hill Cumorah also matches well. They are traditional enemies of the Iroquois’ (Lamanite) nation. They have an account of Christ visit.
“Chrestien Le Clercq, O.M.R., (born 1641) was a Recollect Franciscan friar and missionary to the Mi’kmaq on the Gaspé peninsula of Canada in the mid-17th century. He was a chronicler of New France, who wrote two early histories, and translator of a Native American language of that region, adapting an apparently indigenous mnemonic glyph system into a writing system known as Míkmaq hieroglyphic writing.” Wikipedia
In 1680 Father Chretian Le Clercq a Roman Catholic missionary lived among the Micmac Indians for twelve years. Father Clercq was surprised by the many Hebrew customs that the Mi’kmaq had when he asked them if Christians missionaries had taught them these beliefs. The Mi’kmaq elders said that he was the first missionary to visit their tribe.
Examples of Mi’kmaq Hebrew Customs and Beliefs that Father Clercq found among the Mi’kmaq
Hebrew custom of one year betrothal and dowry (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 85 )
Belief of a great flood (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 84 )
Belief they descended from one man and one woman and genesis account (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 84 )
Their language compared to Hebrew by Silas T Rand (Legends of the Mic Macs pg 35)
Mi’kmaq Book of Mormon Examples
Belief they sailed to North America as did Lehi and his family (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 84 )
Belief they had letters and a written language (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 86 )
Christ’s Visit
The Mi’kmaq are visited by a man who performs miracles and people are healed.
In the Book of Mormon Christ visits the Nephites and performs miracles and healings (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 172 )
This man takes the time to teach the Mi’kmaq people. Christ spends several days if not weeks teaching the Nephites and Lamanites. (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 172 )
Before a visit by this man the Mi’kmaq’s were under extreme destitution and devastation. Before Christ visit in the Book of Mormon there were natural calamities that devastated the Nephites and Lamanites (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 172 )
Before Christ visit there was three days of darkness. The Mi’kmaq elders during the devastation of their nation were under a deep sleep consistent with the Book of Mormon. (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 86 )
The Mi’kmaq believe they need to have signs and and tokens in the after life. Father Clercq also believed that they once had the gospel but was lost to due to the licentiousness of their ancestors. “these people had received in times past a knowledge of the Gospel and of Christianity, which they have finally lost through the negligence and the licentiousness of their ancestors” (New Relations of Gaspesia pg 86 )
Michmash
In the Old Testament there is a city that still exist today known today as Mikhmas and known in the Old Testament as Michmash. In the Old Testament the pronunciation of Michmash is very similar to the name of the Micmac tribe. Based on their similar beliefs and their Book of Prayers characters, Micmac tribe most likely are direct descendants of the Nephites/Hopewell Indians and survived the Nephite genocide by escaping to the North Alma 22:33. Their geographical location above the hill Cumorah and other factors such as a nomadic lifestyle, being decimated by sickness, as well as wars with the Iroquois (Lamanites), offers more evidence to support this conclusion. Based on the Iroquois beliefs and traditions, the Iroquois are the best candidate to be primarily responsible for the extinction of the Nephites. Michmash in Hebrew means “something hidden”. During the Nephite genocide any surviving Nephites would have to join the Lamanites or hide.
In 1680 Father Chretian Le Clercq a Roman Catholic missionary lived among the Micmac Indians for twelve years. After spending this time with the Micmac, he then sailed back to France and wrote a book about the customs and religion of the Micmac Indians.
He helped the Micmac Indians develop a written language composed of Hieroglyphs some of which are Egyptian hieroglyphs. In doing this he most likely used the characters that the Micmac Indians were already familiar with. When he first arrived he saw the Mic Mac Indians writing on birch bark. Four of the Egyptian hieroglyphs are same appearance and meaning as in the Egyptian written language.
If Clercq himself had developed the characters for their written language he most likely would have used the Latin alphabet. The question becomes why would he use Egyptian hieroglyphs but most importantly how did he know the meaning of the hieroglyphs that he used. Egyptian hieroglyphs were undecipherable until 1820 when the Rosetta stone was discovered and allowed for the understanding of the ancient Egyptian written language. The chances of four characters being a coincidence has to be mathematically impossible. The hieroglyphs have to be from the characters the Mi’kmaq Indians were writing on birch bark.
Nephi describes their written language as reformed Egyptian.
The majority of Micmac characters are probably reformed Egyptian if not all of them.
The Anthon Transcript is the piece of paper on which Joseph Smith transcribed characters from the golden plates so that Martin Harris could show Dr. Charles Anton. Anton was an Egyptologist who could confirm the validity of the golden plates translation. Per the history, Anton described the characters as Egyptian, Chaldean and Assyrian.
This title seems impossible, but it is true. No one at BYU has a PhD in Ancient Book of Mormon Studies! No One!
In my opinion Rod Meldrum, Wayne May and Jonathan Neville have a PhBG which is far better than a PhD. These men have a combined nearly 100 years in “Professorial Heartland Book of Mormon Geography” degrees. If you read, study and pray long enough you can be part of this distinguished group as well. I need about 10 more years in my study to graduate. The pay is low but the blessings are amazing.
If we in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot even decide among ourselves where the Book of Mormon happened, how confusing is that to our youth and adults? The Anti-Mormons love the idea that we don’t even know where our sacred scriptures happened. There are over 100 theories of where the Book of Mormon happened, including, Baja, Chile, Malaysia, Honduras, Peru, etc.
However there is only one place it could be according to many leaders in the Church. (Over 200 quotes here) “The Lord gave a divine promise to the ancient inhabitants of this favored country (the United States): ‘Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). 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 where our Heavenly Father could send into this period of mortality a choice spirit who would be known as Joseph Smith, Jr.” 2011 President Thomas S. Monson (ordained an Apostle, 1963; ordained President of the Church, 2008)
I know the Brethren of the Church take a neutral position on the geography of the Book of Mormon. There are many CES instructors and other BYU professors that teach the Two Cumorah theory or Mesoamerican theory, and they say a second Hill Cumorah exists somewhere in Mexico, but they aren’t sure where. I believe there is only one Hill Cumorah which is associated with the Heartland Model of the Book of Mormon. For you and I to take a neutral stand is not required. The Lord told us to read and study, and in the promise to Moroni, He said we may know the truth of ALL things, and that would include knowing the location of the Book of Mormon events. I believe knowledge of the Spirit and of the head, are both important in learning truth. I used to believe in the Mesoamerican theory, but after research and prayer I believe in the Heartland Model.
Destroying Ancient Book of Mormon Studies
This article below by Hamblin is a good article to review. This change at BYU discussed below was the precursor to the creation of the fantasy map BYU is now teaching all new students in the Book of Mormon classes. (See Below)
BYU Fantasy Map of Book of Mormon Territory. The perfect map if you don’t have a clue where the events of the Book of Mormon happened.
This period of time (2015) could have been part of a shift toward reaffirming the the one Cumorah truth, but instead, it appears BYU was shifting away from the Book of Mormon as an actual history altogether.
Non Fantasy Map. Heartland Geography. “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.” L. Tom Perry
I can now see how the historians desire, or maybe even mandate to be academic and secular has eroded the regular Church members testimony in many ways. With that need to share all sides without pushing true doctrine is simply a big problem. I never realized this until speaking with people over the previous few years. I am very sad that good worthy members of this church in high scholarly positions have seemingly led many astray. It’s heartbreaking to me. I would sure like you readers of this blog to team up with me or others to see how we can assist with this problem.
The tools of BYU historians in academia require that they be religion neutral, if not antagonistic to faith and religion, in order to be published. It has been unfortunate that members of the Church have supposed that these historians and their publications, podcasts, etc. were attempts to publish truth. It seems to me even more unfortunate that these publications to non-believing academics have, at times, become standard fare to teach the history of the Restoration as if now we have access to the real truth, which was carefully hidden from us previously.
The sad part for me is the judgments of earlier prophets and apostles as being wrong or “on the wrong side of history,” as the new historians might term it. I have noted that the fruits of the new interpretations and accepting of previously discounted sources have not been fruits of faith and strengthening testimony. Rather, the fruits have often been a loss of faith and testimony. That is a challenge for me to witness as it ahs had such a sad influence on individuals and families.
BYU Studies Submission Rules
“BYU Studies publishes academic articles, personal essays, poetry, art, and historical documents that are informed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Submissions are invited from all authors who seek truth “by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118), discern the harmony between revelation and research, value both academic and spiritual inquiry, and recognize that knowledge without charity is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). Source:
Contributions from all disciplines are invited. To be considered for publication, a submission should be informed by the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It should declare a clear and consequential thesis and make a coherent and complete case for it. It should situate significant new knowledge in the context of what is already known. The writing should be praiseworthy and accessible to educated but non specialist readers.”
I was told by a BYU Professor that writing something NEW was critical. He told me many historians revisit issues of controversy and try and bring up new ideas just so they can get accepted or published. Sometimes little thought goes into what is true, but like scientist today they make up a theory and then convince others to go along with them. Finding truth today is so “old school.”
Moroni’s America – Pocket Edition by Jonathan Neville (Book)
$15.95Just $9.95 In the year 322 A.D. an 11-year-old boy was given a life-changing mission by a prophet of God. The boy, named Moroni, and his father embarked on a journey across their nation, observing their culture, learning their traditions and history. This non-fiction book teaches its readers about the Book of Mormon the way young Mormon did, by traveling across the landscape of Ancient America, discovering its hidden story. It also included a detailed description of Book of Mormon Geography.
How BYU Destroyed Ancient Book of Mormon Studies
SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 BY WILLIAM HAMBLIN
I maintain that numerous policies adopted by a wide range of BYU administrators over the past thirty years have had the effect—intended or unintended—of destroying ancient Book of Mormon studies as a fledgling discipline. Here’s how.
College and Department Politics. Although many people might find it incredible, every single BYU administrator on every level of the administration has explicitly discouraged me from doing ancient Book of Mormon studies in my annual performance (“stewardship”) reviews. They have all explicitly told me to focus my research and publications on non-Book of Mormon topics, such as the crusades. In part this was good advice on their part; they were telling me if you want to be successful at BYU, don’t publish on the Book of Mormon or publish with FARMS or later Interpreter. More broadly, you must publish outside the “BYU Bubble”—that is, BYU or LDS sponsored publications. Only people hired to teach Mormon history should publish on Mormonism. Only publications in non-LDS-related venues are viewed as legitimate scholarship. Since non-LDS publications generally do not accept ancient Book of Mormon studies as a legitimate discipline, this essentially means that no publication on ancient Book of Mormon studies can be acceptable as authentic scholarship at BYU.
This policy is also reflected in two other phenomena moving beyond mere verbal discouragement. Over the past twenty-five years I submitted several research proposals to my college on Book of Mormon related topics; none was ever accepted. This is in clear contrast to many of my non-Book of Mormon research proposals, many of which were accepted. Merit pay raises, based largely on academic performance did not include ancient Book of Mormon publications as authentic scholarship. The policy was crystal clear. When I published non-Book of Mormon related books or articles, I received merit pay raises. When I published Book of Mormon-related books or articles, I received no merit pay raise. My promotion to full-professor a few years ago was rejected by my college dean precisely because my Book of Mormon publications were not viewed by him as legitimate scholarship. I was informed explicitly by the dean that I needed more non-LDS-related publications to be promoted—despite the fact that I had two books and numerous non-LDS articles in my vita. (The dean’s decision was overturned by the university.)
So, my experience throughout my 25 years at BYU was that ancient Book of Mormon studies were not considered an authentic discipline. Publications in that field were not legitimate scholarly work. Such research was not supported by the college. Publications in ancient Book of Mormon studies did not contribute to either merit pay raises, nor promotion. Such policies not only obviously discourage young scholars from publishing in ancient Book of Mormon studies, and even overtly punish those who do so against BYU policy and the universal advice of administrators.
Religious Education. One would expect that the College of Religious education would be the natural home for intensive ancient Book of Mormon studies. It is not. First, as I’ll note below, the curriculum on the Book of Mormon at BYU is both superficial and extremely limited. Second, many people teaching the Book of Mormon have no professional interest or training in ancient Book of Mormon studies—or ancient scriptural studies of any sort. Finally, Religious Education focuses on teaching what I call the “Three Ds”—doctrine, devotion, and daily application. Those three approaches to the Book of Mormon are certainly important and legitimate. But they do not provide the students much opportunity for intensive text-based academic study of the Book of Mormon. The whole academic culture of Religious Education is directed towards teaching the basic principles of the Gospel, which is fine, and indeed most important. The problem is that they also actively prevent any classes being taught at an advanced level, and essentially discourage the serious academic study of the Book of Mormon as an ancient text. As far as I can tell, this restriction represents an intentional policy by the BYU Religious Education administration. They don’t want the Book of Mormon studied contextually as an ancient historical document. They want it studied only as a theological and ethical document.
BYU Curriculum and the Book of Mormon. Currently, there are only two courses that BYU students can take on the Book of Mormon: REL A 121: The Book of Mormon (first half), and REL A 122 : The Book of Mormon (second half). Both are introductory courses, and are only two hours long, making a total of only four hours. Even if a student wants to do more in depth study of the Book of Mormon, it is impossible to do so anywhere at BYU or in the church. BYU classes on the Book of Mormon are perpetually stuck at the introductory level. Furthermore, the new Book of Mormon class offered by BYU—Rel A 275 “Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon”—is now a single two hour class approaching the Book of Mormon thematically. In other words, it’s a glorified Sunday School class. It’s getting more superficial.
What BYU actually needs is a robust curriculum in the Book of Mormon. Most simply, BYU could offer in depth courses on each of the major books of the Book of Mormon, combining some of the smaller books into one. Note that Religious Education offers a class on Isaiah, but no class on the book of Alma or Helaman or Nephi? Why? Beyond in depth classes on major books of the Book of Mormon, BYU should offer classes on Book of Mormon geography, history, archaeology, linguistics, literature, theology, culture, language (ancient Near East and Maya), textual criticism, religion, law, warfare, apocalyptic, reception history, the Bible in the Book of Mormon, etc. BYU could, if the administration wanted, have a program in Book of Mormon studies, and offer two dozen different advanced courses on the Book of Mormon, certainly enough for a major. But it doesn’t. This cannot be an oversight or random chance. This is obviously a conscious policy that implements curriculum decision which minimizes the opportunities of students to study the Book of Mormon as a serious academic discipline at BYU.Which, for all practical purposes, means students can’t do ancient Book of Mormon studies at all, anywhere.
Graduate Studies and the Book of Mormon. The only way that young LDS scholars can study the Book of Mormon in graduate school is to study it as a nineteenth century text in a secular religious studies program, or US history program. There is, of course, nothing inherently wrong with this. But what this means is that one cannot do graduate work anywhere in the world in ancient Book of Mormon Studies. Unremarkably, young scholars are not doing ancient Book of Mormon studies. Furthermore, no one teaching has at BYU has a PhD in ancient Book of Mormon Studies. BYU has completely failed in its mission to prepare young LDS scholars for ancient Book of Mormon studies.
BYU and the Destruction of FARMS. I’ve written extensively on the debacle of BYU’s destruction of FARMS. FARMS originated outside of BYU precisely because of the policies of BYU that I’ve outlined above, which prevented ancient Book of Mormon scholarship from thriving at BYU. Then, not satisfied with undermining ancient Book of Mormon studies on their own campus, BYU administrators decided they should undermine it outside of campus as well. Their goal in forcing FARMS to join was not because they wanted to support ancient Book of Mormon studies. Quite the contrary. BYU wanted to gain control of land that FARMS owned, and be able to manipulate potential donations to FARMS. BYU administrators made a number of promises to the FARMS board at the time of the hostile takeover—almost none of them have been fulfilled. Furthermore, in the past three years, BYU administrators have completely transformed the direction of the Maxwell Institute from ancient scriptural studies to modern Mormon Studies in its broadest sense. As I’ve detailed in blogs over the past few years, BYU has taken what was once the most productive center of research and publications on ancient Book of Mormon studies—which came into existence precisely because of the failure of BYU in this regard—and transformed it into Sunstone South.
Conclusion. I don’t know what the goals or motives of the BYU administrators have been over the past thirty years in relationship to the Book of Mormon. I suspect they haven’t actually considered the implications of their policy decisions at all. Their focus is on other important aspects of running a university. However, the law of unintended (and perhaps even some intended) consequences has resulted in a series of administrative policy decisions over the past thirty years all of which have combined to result in undermining serious ancient Book of Mormon studies at BYU. Indeed, if their actual goal was to intentionally minimize the discipline of ancient Book of Mormons studies, they could have achieved that goal no better than by making precisely the decisions they have made. SOURCE:https://www.patheos.com/blogs/enigmaticmirror/2015/09/08/how-byu-destroyed-ancient-book-of-mormon-studies/#comment-2255719944
Online Comments about this article below
Daron Fraley •
Just my opinion, but BYU has a serious pride problem. For example . . . BYU is a CHURCH school that wants to be the “Harvard of the West”, that refuses to accept many of the credits that come from BYU-Idaho, another church sponsored school, because their instruction is not good enough? Ridiculous. Great-and-Spacious-Building kind of ridiculousness.
Hugh Nibley
I was among the fortunate few to take the first of four Honors Book of Mormon semesters with Hugh Nibley in the basement TV studio, fall of 1988. Incredible class. A masterful teacher… he is the smartest person I have ever met. I am sure he is rolling over in his grave to see what these policies have done to Book of Mormon scholarship.
This post is another great reason why I despise universities. They all seem to be about back-scratching, agenda-pushing, exclusionary-policy-driving self-indulging-nonsense. NOT scholarship anchored in truth. It’s sad. Really sad.
Wonderboywonderings .
1000X yes! Bill, you hit this one WAY outta the park. Thank you so much for shedding light on this situation. For 20 years since I was a BYU student I’ve been lamenting the generally superficial and perennially-adolescent approach to the Book of Mormon CHURCH-WIDE.
What most of the commentators on here are missing–and what even you didn’t broach–is that the effects of this reverberate beyond the confines of BYU itself. Because of these anti-BOM attitudes at BYU, most students are NOT EVEN EXPOSED to a more critical/rigorous/in-depth approach to studying the BOM. Consequently, the most influential members (the so-called “cream” who go to BYU) carry this stunted paradigm with them throughout the world. As a result, the entire church is affected and its overall appreciation for, understanding of, and faith in, the BOM will only go so deep and NO DEEPER. EVER.
The decisions made at BYU also affect the Seminary and Institute programs, only multiplying the problem (Not to mention lesson manuals in Sunday school).
Flood the earth with the Book of Mormon, they say, just don’t flood it too seriously–or at the Church’s flagship university and school of higher learning.
Knowing now that it is internal politics, personal views of certain administrators, and no-doubt bureaucratic tyranny that is throttling progress in Book of Mormon study and scholarship, I openly question the use of my consecrated tithing funds and call for an open and transparent inquiry into these policies. I want to know if the Brethren explicitly endorse this dumbing down of religious education and inquiry.
As a historical consumer of FARMS output, I’ve been extremely disappointed by its demise. As a member of the church, I’m outraged at the real damage the BYU religious education department has done to faith in, study of, and championing of, the Book of Mormon.Many people have asked about the sealed portion of the plates and when they’ll be revealed, or why doesn’t the church get more revelation, etc. Invariably, most parrot the whole “we don’t have enough faith” explanation. Taking that at face value, perhaps a contributing factor to a lack of faith is that conscious decisions have been made by people in positions of leadership and influence to not take the Book of Mormon as seriously as what it purports to be would demand.After all, “I don’t think we should really take the Book of Mormon seriously, or study it for what it purports to be,” said Joseph Smith never.
StevenWS If BYU does not take the BoM seriously enough to have a detailed studies program, it seems reasonable to ask if they believe it to be true as purported. If they cannot answer in the affirmative, then as someone else asked, why is the church supporting the school with tithing funds? Certainly there is as much validity in studying the BoM as an ancient text as there is in gender studies, woman studies, male patriarchy discussions and other like available courses of study. These, too, are perceived by many (albeit not in acadamia) as frivolous, but are present at many institutions of higher learning. Catholics may study Catholicism at Catholic universities; Evangelicals study their Bible teachings at their universities. Why is BYU not studying the Book of Mormon in depth at an LDS university? Sounds like a reasonable question to me.
Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life.— Brigham Young
Brother Maeser, I want you to remember that you ought not to teach even the alphabet or the multiplication tables without the Spirit of God.—Brigham Young
The Geography Packet
BYU-CES Packet for Book of Mormon classes by Jonathan Neville
When the issues of evolution and the origin of man generated controversy at BYU, the administration developed an “Evolution packet” in 1992, titled “Evolution and the Origin of Man.” See http://ndbf.net/010.pdf
The explanation included this statement: “the selection of material for such a packet could not depend on the content of the statements. The goal is not to achieve some kind of “balance” among the views that have been expressed, but to give students the full range of official views so that they can judge the different positions they encounter. The full range of official views should provide the basis for the evaluation of other views that have been expressed but that do not have the status of official Church positions.”
Now that the issue of Book of Mormon geography has generated similar controversy, this packet of statements by Church leaders is intended to achieve a similar purpose.
The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman He is Speaking to You and I!
“And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men; Condemning the righteousbecause of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and doaccording to their own wills.” Helaman 7:4-5
Nephi just explained to us the state of today’s government in the United States and many other countries. How can we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand this scripture better, and apply it to our lives today? Can we help our government? How? Are we sharing with our family and friends just how evil many of our government leaders are? I have found very little lately to believe in or trust in our government. Under President Biden it has gotten much worse and continues every day. It is both the Democrat’s and the Republicans. Within our government we have very few statesmen left. These statesman are mostly outside looking in. I do however believe strongly those good statesmen are preparing to return in a big way.
Great Awakening
The four years under President Trump showed many glimmers of hope and promise. Our country was being strengthened and fortified with the Abrahamic Accords, Lower Taxes, opposition to Abortion, strong rights to free speech and religious freedom. Under Trump we had low unemployment, strengthening of our minority populations in jobs, less illegal immigration, no wars, and a flourishing economy.
Nephi’s prophesy is describing today under the present administration and yet I am looking forward to another term of good government coming soon which is being called “A Great Awakening” General Michael Flynn said this week, something about our best is yet to come. Lin Wood a real patriot who loves God said, President Trump is our current President that the military respects. Rudy Giuliani just had his rights violated between his client and lawyer privledge, but he said something about how he believes the truth will prevail and our government will return to more righteousness soon.
I ask my readers, stop watching the TV and national news. Read books, search and verify truth on the internet, speak with a holocaust survivor, discuss history with your friends, write letters to others you respect and know who will tell you the truth. The main stream news is worthless. I will occasionally watch Tucker Carlson or Greg Kelley, but very few news people can you trust. Satan is using everything he has to deceive you and turn us against each other. Please just use me as simply one opinion, and get many. Pray and study the scriptures.
The Book of Mormon is my daily testimony to the evil that Satan is perpetuating on this earth today. Read these amazing scriptures below I have shared, and how they relate to today. Buy Rod Meldrum’s video called “The Book of Mormon, As Current as the Daily News”. It’s eye opening.
The Book of Mormon Current as the Daily News! NEW 4-Pack of DVD’s
2020 DVD by Rod Meldrum 2 hours. Using the two quotations below as a guide, author Rod Meldrum explores some of the Book of Mormon prophecies that pertain to our day and compare them directly with news headlines from the mainstream media of the USA. WE STILL HAVE TIME! Purchase 4 copies of the same DVD to share with your friends and you will receive a huge discount. Let’s share the message!
Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, 1st Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson, proclaimed that the Book of Mormon “is as current as the morning newspaper”, “in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society.” The Power of the Book of Mormon, Ensign June 1988
The American Prophet Moroni testified that “Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.” Mormon 8:35
Righteous Anger with the Government
11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren.
12 Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted and marveled also because of the wickedness of the people, and this because of the success of the Lamanites over them.
13 And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government, because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country. Alma 59:11-13
An Honest Government May Usher in a “Second Harvest”
I feel it is important to speak about our current government. It effects almost everything we do. People say it is to controversial to speak about. I don’t. Government is spoken about all through the Book of Mormon and I think it is very important to demand an honest government in our day.
I know this past election was stolen and the Patriots will not let it stand. The results in Arizona will prove this fraud and many other states will join in and this election could be given back to the correct winner. It’s in the Lord’s hands as I pray for the happiness of all the Lord’s people. For those of you who say, “Oh give it a rest, the election is over and just forget it”, I say to you, “If we are to be a great country we must have assurances this and future elections are valid.” Why would we allow the greatest democracy on earth to have fraudulent elections? We can’t and we won’t. The truth will be shown and you who mock will mourn. Those of you who have given up, will have your eyes opened and you will see the “Second Harvest” as I call it may happen. That harvest is that gospel will now be allowed to go into China, Israel, Iran and Saudi Arabia or other countries that need it. You watch the Lord open these doors for the truth of the Book of Mormon in the not too distant future. I am not sharing a revelation, I am just reminding us that the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church, 4:540.) I am just a guy who loves the Lord and sees something good possibly on the horizon for our world as a huge hope of mine.
The Robbers take over the Nephite Government. About 29–23 B.C.
38 And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and combinations.
39 And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God.
40 And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction. Helaman 6:38-40
“Many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ”
“And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing. And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land—but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate— But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose.” Alma 46:39-41(God has prepared cures, which we should look to first before the cures of man)
14 And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that the judgments of God will come upon this people, because of their exceeding slothfulness, yea, even the slothfulness of our government, and their exceedingly great neglect towards their brethren, yea, towards those who have been slain.
24 And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our government. Alma 60:14,24
25 Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham, and it was after the manner of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal.
26 Pharaoh, being a righteous man, established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the fathers in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father, who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom, but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood. Abraham 1:25-26
What can we learn from good or evil governments of the past? How can the previous flu’s and pandemics help us today? Doesn’t history repeat itself? Should we be concerned with the call of many in government to take the vaccine? Why do they want us to get it?
Editors Note: If you have taken a vaccine please don’t get over worried, just be aware. There may be some things you can do to help alleviate any potential problems. I would recommend more than anything else simply faith and prayer. If you took a vaccine after study and prayer I don’t believe you have anything to worry about, as you are in the Lord’s hands and He will bless you. After all the Lord knows each of us individually and will bless us according to our needs. My sister and brother in law whom I love, have taken the vaccine along with many other great people I know. We must each make our own decision and I am very comfortable with that. I’m just one opinion sharing another side to possibly help.
THE 1918 “SPANISH FLU”: ONLY THE VACCINATED DIED May 29, 2020 By Dr. Sal Martingano, FICPA
THIS BLOG IS NOT AN ANTI-VACCINE COMMENTARY. I WISH TO ENCOURAGE READERS TO CAREFULLY READ THE DOCUMENTATION, DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE, AND NOT BLINDLY ACCEPT WHAT WE ARE BEING TOLD.
WOULD YOU BE SURPRISED OR CONCERNED TO LEARN THAT THE 1918 “SPANISH FLU” HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH SPAIN AND MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN A FLU AT ALL? WELL, HANG ON TIGHT, YOU ARE IN FOR A ROUGH RIDE!
WHAT HISTORY TELLS US ABOUT THE 1918 “SPANISH FLU”
History tells us that the 1918 Spanish Flu killed between 50 – 100 million people. At the time, medical and pharmaceutical sources described it as THE MOST horrific disease process since the Black Plague of 1347, which killed an estimated 25-30 million people.
VACCINATION: “THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM”
In the book,Vaccination Condemned, by Eleanor McBean, PhD, N.D., the author describes, in detail, personal and family experiences during the 1918 “Spanish Flu” pandemic.
McBean’s coverage of the 1918 “Spanish Flu”, as a reporter and an unvaccinated survivor, requires that the historical basis of the event needs to be revisited, not as a “conspiracy theory” but with evidence that will “set your hair on fire”.
A few years ago, I came across another book by Eleanor McBean: “Vaccination…The Silent Killer”. McBean provides evidence that not only were the historical events of the 1918 “Spanish Flu” compromised, but also those of the Polio and Swine Flu epidemics.
LET’S TALK “SPANISH FLU” FACTS:
THE SPANISH SCAPEGOAT
Spain was neutral during WW1 and did NOT censor its press, unlike the combatting countries. As a result, Spain was the first to report the 1918 Flu epidemic and the world “scapegoated” Spain as the source. Thus, the “Spanish Flu” is born.
THE FIRST CASE: MILITARY VACCINATION EXPERIMENTS IN FORT RILEY, KANSAS
In preparation for WW1, a massive military vaccination experiment involving numerous prior developed vaccines took place in Fort Riley, Kansas- where the first “Spanish Flu” case was reported.
WW1 DRAFT = HUMAN TEST SUBJECTS
The fledgling pharmaceutical industry, sponsored by the ‘Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research’, had something they never had before – a large supply of human test subjects. Supplied by the U.S. military’s first draft, the test pool of subjects ballooned to over 6 million men. CLICK HERE for more details.
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS VACCINE: THE KILLING FIELD
Autopsies after the war proved that the 1918 flu was NOT a “FLU” at all. It was caused by random dosages of an experimental ‘bacterial meningitis vaccine’, which to this day, mimics flu-like symptoms. The massive, multiple assaults with additional vaccines on the unprepared immune systems of soldiers and civilians created a “killing field”. Those that were not vaccinated were not affected.
SO… HOW DID CIVILIANS DIE?
WW1 ended sooner than expected, leaving HUGE quantities of unused experimental vaccines.
Fearing that soldiers coming home would spread diseases to their families, The U.S. government pushed the largest vaccine ‘fear’ campaign in history. They used the human population as a research and development lab to field test experimental vaccines.
Tens of millions of civilians died in the same manner as did the soldiers.
Instead of stopping the vaccines, doctors intensified them, calling it the great “Spanish Flu of 1918”. As a result, ONLY THE VACCINATED DIED.
In the examples given in my previous blog “COVID 19: Another Chapter in the History of Deception and Secrecy”, history is replete with intentional lies told to the public to either “save face” or to deceive for nefarious purposes. The 1918 “Spanish Flu” was no exception.
BACK TO COVID-19: THE FERGUSON MODELS ARE FALSE AND MISLEADING
British scientist and Professor Neil Ferguson of The Imperial College, London (the same Imperial College of London funded by the Bill Gates Foundation) was responsible for developing the mathematical pandemic computer models for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The media, Facebook, Google, YouTube, and other “privately” owned communications outlets have become the self-proclaimed “guardians” (censors) of information.
NewsGuard recently classified Mercola.com as fake news for reporting that the COVID virus potentially leaked from the biosafety level 4 laboratory in Wuhan City, China.
THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY OWNS AND CONTROLS THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
“Fact Checking” is often provided by paid writers from the pharmaceutical companies and not from verified, independent sources.
“The medical profession is being bought by the pharmaceutical industry, not only in terms of the practice of medicine, but also in terms of teaching and research. The academic institutions of this country are allowing themselves to be the paid agents of the pharmaceutical industry. I think it’s disgraceful.” Arnold Relman Former Editor of the New England Journal of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1126053/
INFECTIOUS DISEASE LEVELS WERE DROPPING BEFORE VACCINES ENTERED THE PICTURE
Vaccine promoters claim that vaccines wiped out most infectious diseases. History tells us a different story. The beginning of the 20th century introduced improved sanitation (sewers), water treatment plants, and vastly improved nutrition.
The sample graphs above show that infectious diseases like Measles, Whooping Cough, Diphtheria, Typhoid Fever and Polio, were all at their lowest levels and dropping, BEFORE the vaccines were introduced.
The 1918 “Spanish Flu” held sinister secrets for 100 years. Based on my previous blog: “COVID 19: Another Chapter in the History of Deception and Secrecy”, will we learn that the world-changing protocols from COVID-19 may also contain hidden secrets?
Should we Believe the Government and Profiteers?
Below is some alternative media you may want to consider.
As Usual There Is A Total Mainstream Media Blackout on the Covid Vaccines “Wonderful” Results (And remember this shot has only been administered for the last couple of months & these links are just some of what we know about):
As ofApril/2021 ~ So far, 5,800 fully vaccinated people have caught Covid anyway in US, CDC says. Some became seriously ill and 74 people died, the CDC said. It said 396 — 7% — of those who got infected after they were vaccinated required hospitalization. https://cnn.it/3x7tEIt
This is a MUST read from Dr. Vernon Coleman!! Covid-19 Vaccines Are Weapons of Mass Destruction https://bit.ly/30JBaKt Sources
Any Treatments that may Assist in Reversing any Harm after I am Vaccinated?
While there seems to be a great deal of controversy over how frequently a vaccination might result in a negative outcome, there is little controversy that at least some of the time vaccines do cause damage. The question that then emerges is whether something can be done to minimize, if not eliminate, the infliction of such damage, however infrequently it may occur.
Vitamin C is a Potent Antitoxin
In addition to its general antitoxin properties (Levy, 2002), vitamin C has been demonstrated to be highly effective in neutralizing the toxic nature of mercury in all of its chemical forms. In animal studies, vitamin C can prevent the death of animals given otherwise fatal doses of mercury chloride (Mokranjac and Petrovic, 1964). Having vitamin C on board prior to mercury exposure was able to prevent the kidney damage the mercury otherwise typically caused (Carroll et al., 1965). Vitamin C also blocked the fatal effect of mercury cyanide (Vauthey, 1951). Even the very highly toxic organic forms of mercury have been shown to be effectively detoxified by vitamin C (Gage, 1975). Source
Editors Note: If you have taken a vaccine please don’t get over worried, just be aware. There may be some things you can do to help alleviate any potential problems. I would recommend more than anything else simply faith and prayer. If you took a vaccine after study and prayer I don’t believe you have anything to worry about, as you are in the Lord’s hands and He will bless you. After all the Lord knows each of us individually and will bless us according to our needs. My sister and brother in law whom I love, have taken the vaccine along with many other great people I know. We must each make our own decision and I am very comfortable with that. I’m just one opinion sharing another side to possibly help.
First, we are looking for Zarahemla. That is a clear statement required for a thesis. Nothing wrong here. Second, we know where to look. We are looking at the site that the Lord identified by Revelation to Joseph Smith as Zarahemla. This then is the test of that hypothesis. Nothing wrong with that approach. We are looking for a confirmation of the truth of the Lord’s statement to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Our methods are clear. We know that ancient people kept fires to cook their food, to heat their homes and to bring light to dark places. We know that the heat from these fires changed the magnetic signatures of soil and rock. These changes can be measured with a magnetometer. The SENSYS equipment can survey 100 acres per day within grids that are 1/4″ x 1/4″. Each data point will have GPS coordinates and will measure differences in magnetic forces by +/- 1nT (nanotesla). These readings will be able to identify the location of old fire pits.
The Book of Mormon informs us that in AD 320 there was a Nephite army from the Land of Zarahemla that had 30,000 men. Taking that number as our best indicator, we estimate that the population of Zarahemla was at least 100,000 people. We can find fire pits. We believe that there should be one fire pit for every 10 people or that within a mile or so of the city’s center there would have been 10,000 fire pits. We know that German technology has worked very well on several sites including Stonehenge. We have our own experience with SENSYS from the mounds of Ohio. If we can find anything, we can find fire pits that were kept 1,600 years ago. I like science and I am willing to pay for it. If you can make improvements to our research, I welcome your informed opinion and not just off the cuff speculations. We expect that God’s ancient promises will be fulfilled — “the truth shall spring out of the earth”.
$19.95 $17.49 The Lost City of Zarahemla is destined to become one of the most important discoveries in church history in decades… the definitive answer to the question of Joseph Smith’s knowledge of Book of Mormon geography and the origins of Central American theories. An attorney, novelist, and careful scholar, Jonathan Neville has created a historical account that reads like a first-rate novel. Discover the ‘smoking gun’ of Book of Mormon geography…his name? Winchester. 362 pgs
IMPORTANT CITATIONS
Words from Jesus Christ
“Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.”Doctrine & Covenants 125:3
Prophet Ezra Taft Benson
“This was the place of three former civilizations: that of Adam, that of the Jaredites, and that of the Nephites.” The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson pp. 587-588
Joseph Smith Papers
“A considerable number of the Sac & Fox Indians have been for several days encamped in the neighborhood of Montrose {Zarahemla}. The ferryman this morning brought over a great number on the Ferry boat and two Flatboats for the purpose of visiting me. The Military band and a detachment of Invincibles were on shore ready to receive & escort them to the grove, but they refused to come onshore until I went down.?> I accordingly went down, and met ‘Keokuk,” “Kish-Ku-Kosh,” “Appanoose,” and about 100 Chiefs and Braves of those tribes with their families at the landing, introduced my brother Hyrum [Smith] to them, and after the usual salutations, conducted them to the meeting ground in the grove, and instructed them in many things which the Lord had revealed unto me concerning their Fathers, and the promises that were made concerning them in the Book of Mormon;” Keokuk – Joseph Smith Papers – August 12, 1841
Crossing Mississippi on Horse – August 11, 1842
“A report came over the river that there is a several small companies of men in Montrose, Nashville, Keokuk, etc., in search of Joseph. They saw his horse go down the river yesterday and was confident he was on that side. The Mississippi River was shallow enough on this late summer day to ride a horse across it at this location.” Exploring the Book of Mormon in America’s Heartland pg 80-81. by Rod Meldrum
CROSSING THE RIVER SIDON
by Valerie Steimle
In our search for physical evidence of the Book of Mormon lands in the United States, we need to start with Zarahemla and the River Sidon. From 600 BC to 400 AD, the Book of Mormon lands were described in the book itself. Zarahemla was the largest city in the area and according to https://zarahemla.site/that-great-city “the most frequently mentioned place by name in the Book of Mormon.”
The U.S. Geological Survey tells us that the Mississippi River is one of the world’s largest river systems. It is made up of several large tributaries making it the largest river and river system in North America. It flows 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca through the midcontinent of the United States all the way to the Gulf of Mexico passing by New Orleans.
From the National Park Service River Facts, the name “Mississippi” comes from the Anishinabe people (Ojibwe Indians.) They called the river “Messipi” or “Mee-zee-see-bee,” which means “Big River” or “Father of Waters.” Dakota Indians called the river “Hahawakpa,” meaning “River of the Falls” in reference to the falls we now call the Falls of St. Anthony.” (https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/education/upload/brjfact.pdf)
So what does the River Sidon have to do with the Mississippi River and Zarahemla? First, we learn the word Sidon is the Greek name which means “fishery” for the ancient Phoenician port city of Sidonia which is now Lebanon. Many Native Americans have considered this river a great resource for fish.
We read about Prophet Joseph Smith receiving a revelation from God which is written in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 125 in verse 3:
“3 Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.” Interestingly enough, the word Zarahemla in this verse has a cross-reference to Omni 1:14 in the Book of Mormon which says:
14 “And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.”
For years and years, the Heartland theory has matched the River Sidon with the Mississippi River. How is this possible? We read in the Book of Mormon itself that Zarahemla is close to the River Sidon. According to The Book of Mormon, the River Sidon is east of Zarahemla which lines up with what Joseph Smith revealed. It would make sense from a geographical point of view that the River Sidon is the Mississippi River. As more study is done, we find that there is a possibility of finding the place of the war mentioned in Alma.
From Alma chapter 2 verses 27 and 28 and verses 33 through 35, “And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites and the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the sea, came upon them to destroy them.
28 Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them. 33 But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards of the king of the Lamanites until he slew and drove them back. 34 And thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank, which was on the west of the river Sidon, throwing the bodies of the Lamanites who had been slain into the waters of Sidon, that thereby his people might have room to cross and contend with the Lamanites and the Amlicites on the west side of the river Sidon. 35 And it came to pass that when they had all crossed the river Sidon that the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to flee before them, notwithstanding they were so numerous that they could not be numbered.”
We know that the bodies of the Lamanites who had been slain were tossed into the waters of the River Sidon. We just have to find it. An exciting event will be taking place during the first week of August of this year on the Mississippi River. A group of more than 15 professionals in science and engineering will be joining together to search for this spot. A 32-foot Pontoon Mississippi Riverboat named “Truth” is being outfitted for this expedition. Surveys of this land and river area are being studied. Advanced sonar scanning using SENSYS technology and military-trained scuba diving will be used to see and chart the river bottom. Hold onto your hats as all of these preparations are taking place to find the crossing of the River Sidon.
Hill Amnihu 87 B.C. from Zarahemla side on Sidon River, Nauvoo Temple 1844 A.D. from Montrose.
OPENING A NEW PAGE FOR THE BOOK OF MORMON
Welcome to the evidence-based search for the Lost City of Zarahemla!
While the geography of the Bible is established with maps showing the location of important biblical events, the Book of Mormon is often mocked by critics as fiction because it lacks concrete geography. But the times are changing.
Imagine finding the largest ancient city of the United States that existed over 2,000 years ago. What treasures would we find of the ancient inhabitants during the time of the Book of Mormon?
In the first week of August 2020, the Heartland Research Group is opening a new page for the history and geography of the Book of Mormon. Using a riverboat with advanced scanning technologies that have never before been used for this type of search, we intent to confirm the place for crossing the River Sidon. This is a big piece in the puzzle for nailing down the location of Zarahemla on the west bank of the Mississippi.
Our location was inadvertently identified by the young military officer Robert E. Lee in his 1837 Survey of the Des Moines Rapids. After this survey came to our attention, we saw that it matched perfectly with the account from the Book of Mormon. Using modern technology, we will be able to make scans that are 1000x more detailed than Lee’s 19th century survey.
We will scan the riverbed to find shallow places that were crossed by large armies on foot as reported in chapter two of the Book of Alma. For example, the battle of 60,000 warriors happened mostly on the west bank of the River Sidon, but much of the fighting was also in the water.
There is no other large river in North America that could have been crossed in the manner that is so carefully recorded for the Battle of Zarahemla. Near this crossing , there are Native American artifacts and earthworks that were part of the culture and religious life of the people who lived 2,000 years ago. Our mission in August is to establish the geography of the Book of Mormon so that you will have tangible proof of its place and time. Eventually we want to provide indisputable physical evidence for the story of Jesus Christ in America.
Our first donor has given us the use of his boat. Now we need to buy equipment for scanning the bottom of the river. Our total cost will be $12,000 to complete a digital mapping of the river bottom. We need your help. Please donate any amount or any equipment so we can do this important research this summer and provide you additional evidence for the Book of Mormon.
Details of the search:
When we find the place where Alma’s army crossed the River Sidon in the harvest time of 87 B.C., we will have evidence that we are in the neighborhood of the ancient city of Zarahemla. Since the construction of the river’s first dam in 1913 at Keokuk, Iowa, Alma’s crossing has been buried under 15 feet of water. At the crossing, the river is one mile wide.
Our platform for the underwater search is Jeff Green’s 32-foot pontoon Mississippi riverboat. From this boat, we will dive into the water to find the horizontal limestone ledge of the Keokuk Gorge over which Alma’s army walked when they crossed the river. After finding this geological formation, we will know that we have found the place of crossing.
Wayne May, publisher of Ancient American
How do we know where to search on a river that is more than 2,000 miles long? We can thank Robert E. Lee for his September 1837 Survey of the Des Moines Rapids in the Keokuk Gorge. His survey marks the point on a chart that shows where the flow of the river’s water at harvest time would have been sufficiently low so as to allow an ancient army to ford the large river. After confirming the crossing, we will locate the city of Zarahemla whose site was largely determined by the geological formations that force the mighty Mississippi to flow through the Keokuk Gorge.
In five days of boating, we can chart 200 feet x 5000 feet of the river bottom by advanced sonar scanning and military-trained scuba diving. These scans will be critical for the magnetic scanning of the city of Zarahemla with SENSYS technology that is discussed in-depth on this page https://zarahemla.site/sensys-technology
SPRINGING OUT OF THE EARTH
With the tools of modern science, the proof of the lost city is coming out of the ground. We have already searched in ways that our fathers could never imagine. In November 2020, we took the SENSYS MX V3 equipment from Germany to Montrose, Iowa’s cornfields, to places that God through His Prophet identified as Zarahemla. We found traces of 1,000’s of ancient fire pits revealed as magnetic images — these images are outlining North America’s largest 4th-century city.
Zarahemla’s long-promised unveiling is happening in our time with a technology that is comparable to an MRI scan. The lost city is coming out of the dust, fulfilling prophecies in the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament.
In January 2021, scientists at the Vilnius Radiocarbon Laboratory are dating 15 samples of ancient charcoal with the Accelerator Mass Spectrometer. The decay of Carbon-14 isotopes makes it possible to fix the age of the fire pits on the world’s timeline.
These dates are in alignment with the chronology of Zarahemla as found in the Book of Mormon.
By the “sorceries” of Babylon all nations were deceived. The Greek word for “sorceries” in Revelation 18:23 is “pharmakeia” [far-mak-i’-ah]. According to the Thayer Greek Dictionary “pharmakeia” is “the use or administering of drugs; poisoning; and sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.”
M. Russell Ballard by Ken Corbett
Sometimes faithful Latter-day Saints and sincere investigators begin to focus on the ‘appendages’ instead of on the fundamental principles. That is, Satan tempts us to become distracted from the simple and clear message of the restored gospel.” —Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the TwelveAvoid Distractions by Focusing on Christ Contributed By the Church News 26 OCTOBER 2014
“Whenever the God of Heaven establishes by revelation his design, Satan always comes among men to pervert the doctrine, saying, ‘Believe it not.’ He often establishes a counterfeit system, designed to deceive the children of men” (“A Vision and a Hope for the Youth of Zion” [President Ezra Taft Benson Brigham Young University devotional, Apr. 12, 1977], 3, speeches.byu.edu).
We bind the adversary and his mortal minions only as we bind our appetites.—Neal A. Maxwell “The Man of Christ,” Ensign (May 1975).
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:7–8).
“When we yield to temptation just once, we give Satan ammunition in the form of a memory,”Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy Sept 2013
“For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible.” Alma 1:32
“And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.” Mormon 1:19
Alternative Choices of Potential Evil
Mormon speaks of our day today. These works of Satan are upon the entire world. They are woven into our everyday lives. These sorceries includ Television, News, Entertainment, Athletics, Banks, Deep State, Movies, Holidays like Chritsmas’ Santa Claus and Halloweens evil costumes.
Distraction
“After watching a magician perform a trick, our first thought is usually “How did he do that?” The answer is simple: misdirection. A skillful magician leads us to focus our attention on something that seems important while he accomplishes his trick on the side. We miss the thing we really want to see because something else distracts us.
As illustrated in the following parable, sometimes misdirection comes not from trickery but from good things that seem more important than they really are.
“A jeweler … had a precious pearl he wanted to sell. In order to place this pearl in the proper setting, he conceived the idea of building a special box of the finest woods to contain the pearl. He sought these woods and had them brought to him, and they were polished to a high brilliance. He then reinforced the corners of this box with elegant brass hinges and added a red velvet interior. As a final step, he scented that red velvet with perfume, then placed in that setting this precious pearl.
“The pearl was then placed in the store window of the jeweler, and after a short period of time, a rich man came by. He was attracted by what he saw and sat down with the jeweler to negotiate a purchase. The jeweler soon realized that the man was negotiating for the box rather than the pearl. You see, the man was so overcome by the beauty of the exterior that he failed to see the pearl of great price” (J. Thomas Fyans, “The Pearl of Great Price,” Ensign, Nov. 1982).
Life in the Telestial Kingdom
“Wherefore, I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” D&C 63:17
“And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world; For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch; But received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant. Last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the church of the Firstborn, and received into the cloud. These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. These are they who suffer the wrath of God on earth.” D&C 76:98-103
Government Distraction
Senate breaks logjam over unemployment benefits, clearing pathway to passing COVID-19 relief bill
The Senate broke a logjam Friday night and reached agreement on an issue that had stopped debate for approximately nine hours, and which paves the way for a continuation of the “vote-a-rama” of amendments to the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package…
Republicans have pointed out that approximately 90% of the bill, which passed the House along party lines, has nothing to do with COVID-19 relief. One of the largest components of the bill is $350 billion for states and cities, which Republicans have argued is a way to bail out poorly run and profligate states and cities at the expense of well run, mostly Republican states.” Just the News March 6, 2021
Editors Note: This is simply more distraction. The government is saying, “look over here we are really helping the people with a new Covid 19 Bill. It will really help those Americans who need financial help.” Boloney 9% of the $1.9 Trillion goes to working families and 91% goes to the Cabal and to badly run States, and to other pork barrel spending. I don’t trust our government which in my opinion is run by greed and power and Satanic forces now.
Maintaining our Religious Liberty
Elder David A. Bednar on June 17, 2020 spoke out about the challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic and maintaining our religious liberty at the same time. He said that “Gathering” is at the core of religious liberty and being in each others presence is a unique experience. Elder Bednar also said, “The Vision of Gathering has been a driving motivation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” He said that the power of government must have restrictions, and he ended by saying, “Never again must the fundamental right to worship God be trivialized below the ability to buy gasoline.”
The importance of “awakening” us to the blessing of our rights is spoken of by Elder Bednar. It is true, religion IS an “essential” that was missed during the COVID 19 pandemic and we must never forget it again.
Pacify and Lull
In the midst of this global pandemic we must remember that usually our government does not have our best interests at heart. They do what they say seems their best, but in my opinion they do as the Lord has said, “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man… We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion” D&C 121: 35-37, 39
The larger the government and the more laws and regulations, the less freedom we have. For example I won’t get a vaccine just because the government recommends it and if they force me to get a vaccine I will go to jail I guess or pay the consequence. We need to stop giving up our liberties for a false sense of security. Let’s become secure in God not Man. Our Nation has sunk deeper into Socialism and Communism than ever before.
PHARMAKEIA Deception
“Revelation chapter 18 gives a description of the fall of Babylon and in verse 23 it gives us the reason why all nations were deceived. This may be shocking for many people. Let’s read what the Bible says. Referring to the fall of Babylon Revelation 18:23 says “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.”
By the “sorceries” of Babylon all nations were deceived. The Greek word for “sorceries” in verse 23 is “pharmakeia” [far-mak-i’-ah]. According to the Thayer Greek Dictionary “pharmakeia” is “the use or administering of drugs; poisoning; and sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.” If you put the original Greek word “pharmakeia” in place of the English word “sorceries” the end of verse 23 would say, “For by thy pharmakeia were ALL nations deceived”! “Pharmakeia” is where we get our English word “pharmacy”! Pharmacy is a well organized and professionalized system that administers poisonous drugs. The Bible reveals that Babylon will deceive all nations by the use of pharmacy that is in connection to “magical arts” and idolatry. “Magical arts” has its deep roots in witchcraft and the occultic world. We don’t have to do a deep Bible study to know that Satan is directly behind the magical arts and God’s people should have nothing to do with it. Professed deceived Christians today use “magical arts” under the disguise of contemplative prayer, “christian” humanism, and spiritual formation. In general those involved in sorcery, witchcraft, and magic are known to use “magic” potions to “heal”, deceive, poison, control, or kill someone.” Cary Rodgers, Jr., pastor and health director of Pathway to Peace Ministries
Today’s News is Frightening
Remember Bayer had Heroin in it and Coca Cola had cocaine in it? Remember when Drs. preferred smoking Camels and DDT was ok? Have we learned from our past mistakes?
The more you look, the more Satanic things you will find. Don’t give up, just GET INVOLVED! I hear Bill Gates wants so much land to control our beef consumption. What will that do? He wants to feed us this artificial beef that has 5% of the protein a human needs, not 100% of what we need. Who is in control of the Vaccines anyway?
Vaccine? Please Pray About It!
A well-known Indian actor and state health ambassador died just one day after getting injected for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19), reports indicate.
Vivekh, a comedian and the Tamilnadu state’s ambassador for public health messages, had pushed his followers to get the jab, touting it as “safe and effective.” He then got jabbed himself, only to die of cardiac arrest less than 24 hours later.
The 59-year-old was said to be in critical condition at a Chennai hospital after being brought in unconscious around 11am the day after his injection. At the facility, Vivekh underwent a coronary angiogram followed by angioplasty. Source
Editor’s Note: If you have taken the vaccine I am not saying something will happen to you, or that you made a mistake. I am saying if you have something come up unexpectedly it may be the vaccine. I know our dear Prophet took a vaccine as a way to show some of us it may be alright in many cases. I know if you are a person of faith and obeying the Lord, you will be blessed for it. For me I choose not to get any vaccine that is not proven or tested. Please be careful and read and study and pray. Why risk listening to many of these people who have alterative motives. Please weigh that as part of your decision but do as the Lord directs you. I just want to offer another voice as simply a personal opinion.
John Davison Rockefeller Sr
John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) was an American business magnate and philanthropist. He is widely considered the wealthiest American of all time and the richest person in modern history.
Rockefeller was born into a large family in upstate New York that moved several times before eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio. He became an assistant bookkeeper at age 16 and went into several business partnerships beginning at age 20, concentrating his business on oil refining. Rockefeller founded the Standard Oil Company in 1870. He ran it until 1897, and remained its largest shareholder.
Rockefeller’s wealth soared as kerosene and gasoline grew in importance, and he became the richest person in the country, controlling 90% of all oil in the United States at his peak.
I know of a madman named John Rockefeller who bought up nearly all the petroleum, then outlawed any healing modalities consisting of natural non-allopathic healing methods any herbs and naturopathy, homeopathy, eclectic medicine (botanical and herbal medicine), holistic medicine, etc.” Wikipedia
Flexner Report
“Rockefeller paid Abraham Flexner to visit all the medical schools in the US at that time. He released the so-called “Flexner Report” in 1910, which called for the standardization of medical education and concluded there were too many doctors and medical schools in America. Rockefeller then used his control of the media to generate public outcry at the findings of the report – which, by means of the classic elite strategy of “Problem, Reaction, Solution” as David Icke calls it, ultimately led Congress to declare the AMA (American Medical Association) the only body with the right to grant medical school licenses in the United States. This suited Rockefeller perfectly – he then used the AMA (which may be better called to the American Murder Association due their widespread use and endorsement of toxic vaccines, drugs, chemotherapy and radiation) to compel the Government destroy the natural competition, which it did through regulating medical schools.” The Flexner Report: How John D. Rockefeller Used the AMA to Take Over Western Medicine.” Published August 22, 2012 By Makia Freeman The Freedom Articles.
About Cancer and Rockefeller
“Did you realize that all conventional methods of killing cancer have only a 3% overall ‘cure’ rate? Chemotherapy and radiation not only have low cure rates, but they also kill healthy cells and often make cancer worse, when this is completely unnecessary because most cells can be reverted into healthy, non-damaging cells with the right treatment.
That’s not something the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure want you to know, though. They are in bed with Big Pharma, and financed by the legacy of John D. Rockefeller who started the ACS in 1913.
An Unfortunate History
The ACS was begun as a business model – not a means to ‘cure’ people from life-threatening illness. It’s also a brilliant way to wash dirty money. The ACS, in fact, receives more money in contributions every few minutes than the Independent Cancer Research Foundation (ICRF) (which has 90% ‘cure rates’) receives in a full year!!
John D. Rockefeller is also the son of the founder of the pharmaceutical industry in the US. Sterling Drug, Inc., the largest holding company in the Rockefeller Drug Empire and its 68 subsidiaries, showed profits in 1961 of $23,463,719 after taxes, on net assets of $43,108,106 – a 54% profit.” To read more: naturalsociety.com John D. Rockefeller’s American Cancer Society Never Meant to ‘CURE’ Cancer by Christina Sarich
Our Prophet’s Opinion and Example
“The Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson’s opinion to receive a vaccination has to do with his knowledge from his sources and through prayer. My opinion has to do with my knowledge including all I quote in this response, with the Prophets opinion and from my sources and through prayer. I recommend all people to do their own research and include the Prophets research as well. Then make it a matter of personal prayer and receive your own personal revelation. Until and if the Prophets says it is a commandment, I will not get a vaccine. I am not a sinner as I am not going against any commandment. I am not telling my readers to follow me, I am asking them to consider both sides including the Prophets example and decide through prayer on their own.
I’m sure the Prophet is aware that the “jab” vaccines are not approved by the FDA as a vaccine, but as an experimental vaccine to be used in a state of emergency only. (Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer) The FDA considers the vaccine as experimental as it has not been tested on humans yet. Do you know there ARE vaccines as therapeutics that have been around for many years called Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin that have been approved by FDA and in Africa each person get this “Sunday to Sunday Pill” every week? It is nothing more that a dose of Hydroxychloroquine which is the Africans safety against Malaria. That to me is much safer than a vaccine which I don’t know what is in it.
President Trump early on took Hydrochloriquine and Regeneron and was cured in two days. Remember he continued to tell people how great the Hydrochloriquine was and the main stream news shut him down and made fun of him. The reason was the Big Pharma didn’t want us to know there is a safe and helpful vaccine currently for this fake covid flu already. By fake I mean patented and not a natural virus.” Editor
Cary Rodgers, Jr., pastor and health director of Pathway to Peace Ministries Continued here, “Pharmacy mainly uses a mixture of toxic chemicals, metals, and/or synthetic elements to produce “pharmaceuticals” that are designed to manipulate the biochemistry or metabolic functions of the body in an attempt to get a “desired” affect in the treatment of a disease or sickness. In other words, pharmacy mixes up different types of poison, package it, patent it, and claims that it can treat certain types of diseases. The main problem with that system is that poison is poison. Pharmaceutical drugs are poisonous. When poison is put into the body it has negative effects on the entire body system from head to toe. These are not just “side effects” or “unintended” sicknesses or diseases that a person suffers as a result of using a drug. These are “direct effects” because the reality is that drugs have direct effects on the entire body system including the brain. When you go back to Revelation 18:23, Jesus uses the Greek word “pharmakeia” to reveal to us the main thing that will be used to deceive ALL people in the last days is a well organized system of administering poisonous drugs to billions of people that are not only toxic to the organs of body, but have direct negative effects on the brain. Many of these drugs used for a variety of reasons are known to cause problems with memory, mood, and contribute to negative personality changes.
Who is the main one behind the system of pharmacy and the administering of poisonous drugs that Babylon uses to deceive all nations? A logo or symbol reveals the values and the purpose of a business, organization, or professional occupation. They use a logo or symbol as an identifying “mark” to the world. In other words, that logo makes a direct link to a business or occupation. When a person thinks of the “swoosh” they immediately think of the Nike corporation. The symbols and logos of modern medicine clearly reveal who is behind the scenes orchestrating the whole system of the administering of poisonous drugs that manipulate the bodies and minds of billions of people around the world. Let’s just look at three recognizable symbols and unmask the truth!
Figure A: Bowl of Hygieia
Figure A: Bowl of Hygieia The symbol in Figure A is the international symbol for pharmacy known as the “Bowl of Hygieia.” Who is Hygieia? Hygieia comes from Greek mythology. Mythology is the study of myths, or lies and pagan false gods. In other words, though it is not true, millions worship it as if it is true. Who is the father of lies? Satan. According to Greek pagan worship, Hygieia is the goddess of health and hygiene, the daughter of Aesculapius. He is the god of medicine, healing, and physicians.
Ettie Rosenberg, a doctor in pharmacology and attorney describes the meaning of the Bowl of Hygieia. She says, “The ‘Bowl of Hygieia’ symbol is the most widely recognized international symbol of pharmacy. In Greek mythology, Hygieia was the daughter and assistant of Aesculapius, the God of Medicine and Healing. Hygieia’s classical symbol was a bowl containing a medicinal potion with the serpent of Wisdom (or guardianship) partaking it. This is the same serpent of Wisdom, which appears on the caduceus, the staff of Aesculapius, which is the symbol of medicine.” – Ettie Rosenberg, Pharm.D., Esq.
Figure B is a picture of the statue of Hygieia.
Figure B is a picture of the statue of Hygieia. Notice the serpent drinking the magic potion from the “bowl of wisdom”. In Genesis 3:1-14, Satan, known as the serpent, used a serpent to deceive Eve. Verse 1 reveals that this serpent was “more subtil” meaning that it was thin or very light, not dense or gross, but smooth and refined in order to accomplish its deceptive purpose.Figure B: “Hygieia”
In verse 6, Eve believed the serpent’s subtil lies. Thinking that she could become wise, Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree that God said not to eat from. In verse 13 after eating the fruit from the forbidden tree, Eve acknowledged that the serpent deceived her. When a person is deceived, are they aware of it? According to Webster’s dictionary to deceive means “to cause to believe what is false.” So when people are deceived, they really believe the lie. Notice Satan used the serpent to deceive Eve so she would believe the lie. This serpent drinking from the “bowl of wisdom” is from Satan. It represents the deceptive character of Satan that is still deceiving people today. Should God’s people have anything to do with this deception?
Figure C: Rod of Aesculapius
Figure C: Rod of Aesculapius as the staff of Aesculapius. His rod represents the healing aspects of the art of medicine. Many Christians think that this symbol is the same as the serpent of brass that Moses put on a pole, but it is not. The serpent on the rod of Aesculapius is a counterfeit to Moses’ bronze serpent on the pole. This counterfeit symbol gives a false message that the serpent is wise and harmless.
Figure D is a statue of Aesculapius
Remember, the serpent on the rod of Aesculapius is the same serpent that is drinking from the Bowl of Hygieia. The message that the serpent of this Satanic symbol is also giving is that it is okay to take the poisonous “magic potent” from the bowl. These symbols that are used to represent the professions of pharmacy and medicine are giving a deceptive message from Satan that taking poisonous drugs are wise and has the power to heal and not kill. This is a lie! Those who submit to this poisonous counterfeit system will be swept away.
Figure D is a statue of Aesculapius with his rod wrapped with the “Snake of Wisdom”. This “Snake of Wisdom” is seen throughout the symbolism of the modern medical profession. It is in the symbol of the American Medical Association, an association that set the standards for physicians and the medical profession in America. It is found in the middle of the logo of the World Health Organization. It is also found on the logos of medical schools, doctor offices, and many other medical organizations.Figure D: Statue of Aesculapius
Figure E: Caduceus
Figure E: Caduceus The next symbol in Figure E really sums up who is really behind the poisonous drugging system of Babylon. Figure E is another symbol recognized throughout the medical field, it is known as the “caduceus.” A caduceus has two serpents mating around a rod, topped by a pair of wings. The caduceus,also known as a magic wand, belongs to the Greek god Hermes or the Roman god Mercury. These gods are supposed to be the messengers of gods, inventors of magic, communicators to the “dead” and one who protects business and thieves (drblayney.com/ Asclepius.html). Many in witchcraft and sorcery still use the caduceus for magic and to cast spells. Also the caduceus in sorcery is known to “restrain and control” its victims.
In Greek mythology and the occultic world the caduceus had nothing to do with medicine, healing or health. So why has modern medicine adopted the caduceus as their symbol of medicine? Remember its original function and meaning. Who holds the caduceus? The false god of Mercury holds it. What is his claim? Inventor of magic, conductor of the dead, protector of merchants, thieves, and to restrain and control is his claim! Could it be that modern medicine has adopted the caduceus as their symbol of medicine and physicians to PROTECT the merchants of the earth that make billions of dollars poisoning people and to protect the corporate thieves and to control and restrain masses of people? This may shock you. Even though the caduceus had nothing to do with healing or medicine, an officer in the U.S. ARMY Medical Corps in 1902 insisted to adopt the caduceus as their symbol. Since then others in the medical profession began to adopt the caduceus as a symbol of medicine or physicians.
Let’s lift the veil of what the caduceus really means. In the occultic world, Satan depicts himself as a goat known as Baphomet with two wings and a caduceus between his crossed legs! Yes, Baphomet has a caduceus between his legs. Look at the pictures in Figure F and compare. Here is the direct link between the poisonous practices of modern medicine through pharmakeia and Satan. Satan is behind this drugging system. A caduceus is actually an abbreviated version of Baphomet, Satan himself.
Figure F: Baphomet
Figure F: Baphomet Do you think Jesus is a part of this system? NO. Should true Christians be a part of this drugging system? No. This systematic poisoning is of Babylon and God’s people need to get out. We need to learn natures way of healing that God approves of through lifestyle and plant-based eating and herbs.
Did you know that the “father” of pharmacology was an occultist? He was a worshiper of Satan! Born as Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim in 1493, he called himself Paracelsus. He was well known as a Swiss German physician, botanist, alchemist, astrologer, and general occultist. He founded the field of toxicology better known as pharmacy. For hundreds of years physicians used natural herbs and food for healing. Paracelsus defied this notion. From his studies on chemistry and metallurgy with the mix of occultic worship and astrology, he theorized that metals such as mercury, lead, tin, copper, and gold could “purify” the body. He believed that the stars and planets were the main cause of human illness and disease. He believed that ALL diseases should be treated with metals which are poisonous to the body. This was a very radical practice during his time. He treated many diseases with mercury better known as quicksilver. Many physicians who bought into Paracelsus method and used quicksilver (mercury), also known as Quack Salber, were known as “quacks”. This was a very rebellious way of treating the body at the time (Jethro Kloss, Back to Eden, 2nd ed., pp. 52, 53). Many died as a result of Paracelsus way of treatment. At 50 or 51 years old the story is told that Paracelsus was thrown out the window by other physicians at the time who believed him to be very dangerous in 1541. It is amazing today that Paracelsus is known as the father of modern pharmacy! Where did he get his inspiration? Baphomet, Satan!
This system of Paracelsus is the foundation in which modern medicine is built. It has killed and poisoned millions of people. Pharmaceutical drugs never cure disease – they only try to manage it by inhibiting or manipulating a function in the body that is supposed to happen naturally. In a June 2010 report in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, authors said that in looking over records that spanned from 1976 to 2006 they found that out of 62 million death certificates, 25 million deaths were coded as having occurred in a hospital setting due to medication errors. The total number of deaths due to the American modern medical system of drugging, unnecessary surgeries, infections, medical errors, etc., is nearly 800,000 people per year! This is more than people who die from heart disease with over 600,000 deaths per year and cancer with over 500,000 deaths per year. – articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/ archive/2003/11/26/death-by-medicine-part-one.aspx
This system of administering poisonous drugs worldwide is a trillion dollar industry and the medical merchants of the earth profit greatly from it. They love the money it produces and ignore the many lives it destroys. Millions worship the system as an idol.
Poisonous drugs are NOT a cure for disease. Many who prescribe and administer pharmaceutical drugs will admit it. If drugs cured disease, why are many who are being treated for diseases prescribed to take drugs until the day they die. This does not sound like a cure but a money making hoax.
“People need to be taught that drugs do not cure disease. It is true that they sometimes afford present relief, and the patient appears to recover as the result of their use; this is because nature has sufficient vital force to expel the poison and to correct the conditions that caused the disease. Health is recovered in spite of the drug. But in most cases the drug only changes the form and location of the disease. Often the effect of the poison seems to be overcome for a time, but the results remain in the system, and work great harm at some later period. By the use of poisonous drugs, many bring upon themselves lifelong illness, and many lives are lost that might be saved by the use of natural methods of healing.” – Ellen White, Counsels on Health, p. 89
What message does the Bible give for those in pharmakeia – the poison of Babylon? Galatians 5:20-21says:
20 Idolatry, witchcraft [pharmakeia], hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” The Greek word for “witchcraft” in verse 20 is pharmakeia. Those who are in this poisoning drugging business need to repent and turn away from it. If they do not repent they will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is confirmed in the book of Revelation. Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers [pharmakeus =druggist/poisoner], and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” The Greek word for sorcerers in verse 8 is “pharmakeus” defined as a druggist or poisoner. This is repeated in the last chapter of the Bible. Revelation 22:14, 15 says, 14“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers [pharmakeus = druggist], and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
Pharmakeia is a part of Babylon. This is what the Bible predicts that Babylon would use to deceive all nations. You don’t have to be deceived. There is no way to be a part of God’s true people at the end of time and be connected with this system of administering poisonous drugs that manipulate and confuse the mind. This comes from Satan himself. You have seen the evidence. Babylon is fallen, get out before it is too late. It is a broken and poisonous system, “GET OUT” is God’s earnest plea.” Article Written by: Cary Rodgers, Jr., pastor and health director of Pathway to Peace Ministries in Peachland, NC with four children and a wonderful godly wife, Elene. A portion of “Pharmakiea” was taken from his three angel’s sharing book “The Forgotten Commandment and the Mark of the Beast Crisis”, chapter 19. 11775 NC 109 South, Peachland, NC 28133. https://bookofmormonevidence.org/wp-content//index.php/blogs-and-articles/pharmakeia-deception
Righteous Masonry and the Endowment
Just like any good idea or righteous principle the Lord gives us, Satan gives us the exact same idea or principle and calls his righteous, but it is definitely evil. Every good has an equivalent evil. Television, Internet, News, Movies, and Masonry. “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” 2 Nephi 15:20
“When a corrupt man is chastized he gets angry and will not endure it. The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us, is because we do not keep them, but reveal them; we do not keep our own secrets, but reveal our difficulties to the world, even to our enemies, then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord? ‘I can keep a secret till Doomsday’. What greater love hath any man than that he lay down his life for his friend, then why not fight for our friend until we die.” Joseph Smith from the Joseph Smith Papers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Define Masonry
“Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that grew out of centuries-old European trade guilds. Freemasons (or Masons) meet in lodges, where they ritually reenact a story based on the brief biblical account of a man named Hiram, whom Solomon commissioned to work on the temple in Jerusalem. During the reenactment, Masons advance by degrees, using handgrips, key words, and special clothing. In Masonic rituals, Masons commit to be worthy of trust and to be loyal to their Masonic brothers. In addition to participating in these rituals, Masons meet socially, participate in community-building activities, and make charitable contributions to various causes.” Church Topics
Square, compass, beehive on Spring City, UT Endowment House, 1876
“On May 3, 1842, Joseph Smith enlisted a few men to prepare the space in his Red Brick Store in which the Nauvoo Masons met, “preparatory to giving endowments to a few Elders.” The next day, Joseph introduced the temple endowment for the first time to nine men, all of whom were also Masons. One of these men, Heber C. Kimball, wrote of this experience to fellow Apostle Parley P. Pratt, who was on a mission in England. “We have received some precious things through the Prophet on the priesthood,” Kimball wrote of the endowment, noting that “there is a similarity of priesthood in masonry.” He told Pratt that Joseph believed Masonry was “taken from priesthood but has become degenerated.” Joseph Fielding, another endowed Latter-day Saint and a Mason, noted similarly in his journal that Masonry “seems to have been a Stepping Stone or Preparation for something else,” referring to the endowment…
Masonic ceremonies promote self-improvement, brotherhood, charity, and fidelity to truth for the purpose of making better men, who in turn make a better society. During temple ordinances, men and women covenant with God to obey His laws for the purpose of gaining exaltation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.“ Masonry,” Church History Topics, saints.lds.orgSee my complete blog here
George Washington a Righteous Mason
“George Washington joined the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at the age of twenty in 1752. During the War for Independence, General Washington attended Masonic celebrations and religious observances in several states. He also supported Masonic lodges that formed within army regiments. At his first inauguration in 1791, President Washington took his oath of office on a Bible from St. John’s Lodge in New York. During his two terms, he visited Masons in North and South Carolina, and presided over the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the U.S. Capitol in 1793. In retirement, Washington became charter Master of the newly chartered Alexandria Lodge № 22, sat for a portrait in his Masonic regalia, and in death, was buried with Masonic honors.” gwmemorial.org
Satan in Front of our Eyes as the World Sees it.
Evil Freemasonry’s Great “Third Eye” Secret
The image of a single Eye is common to Western Secret Societies. A single Eye is one of the key symbols in Freemasonry. The Eye is visible on Masonic temples and aprons, among other places, but it does not stand for God; it stands for the hidden Third Eye in your forehead.
The Eye is also featured on Masonic “Tracing Boards,” age-old instructional designs that are present in all lodges, used to teach initiates (see below).
Dating back more than two centuries, the “Tracing Board” is one of the last vestiges of authentic untouched and unchanged Masonic wisdom.
We are immediately drawn to the single disembodied Eye at the top and center of the portrait. But few of us notice the two sides, right and left, marked by the twin pillars capped by sun and moon; in Kundalini Yoga, the Ida and Pingala channels. Isn’t the message here that we have a powerful Third Eye hidden in our foreheads? And that we can awaken this central Eye?
The Kingdom Of Satan is Freemasonry
“The Kingdom Of Satan is Freemasonry. Friday, February 5, 2021 3:12
The kingdom of Satan is Freemasonry. All evil at the political and international level is perpetrated through freemasonry. That’s why it exists, to perpetrate evil. Destroy freemasonry and you destroy the kingdom of the devil. He is called the “prince of this world” in the Bible. John 12-31, 14-30, 16-11.
This illustrates how utterly infiltrated public and private institutions are with the Freemasonic octopus of demonology. Why haven’t you heard about it before? That’s like asking a mass murderer why he didn’t tell the authorities before he went on his spree. It’s like asking a serial rapist why he doesn’t warn his victims beforehand. It’s like asking Bonny and Clyde where their next heist is going to be – and getting an answer, the correct one. It never happened. It doesn’t happen. It ain’t never gonna happen.
Get rid of freemasonry and your country will prosper. The third world would in 3-4 or 5 years achieve 2nd or Ist world economic infrastructure. Their corrupt dictators would lose their power base and be replaced with genuine democratic elections. Massive accumulated wealth at the top will flow like a river to the people below. It is to them that it always belonged.
Get rid of freemasonry and their plans for world enslavement go with it. Get rid of freemasonry and you replace it with free energy.
The arch enemy of the devil is St Michael. Drawing down his intercession becomes the final phase in the war against Satan and would the world do this it would speedily end his reign as he ended his attempt to take over the Heaven. Christ himself at his second coming will cast Satan down in complete victory and vanquishment. He will be chained and bound in hell and the gate sealed over him. We are called in Apocalypse to join this battle, so we must. We will be joined by the host of heaven, it says therein. We should prepare. Get a right mind, not dabble with the enemy. This is clear. We are prepared for the final battle in this way. The battle is for souls, not territory but results in that nevertheless.
Only those written in the book of life will escape hell. Do your best in this the final hour. Your best is good enough. No one is predestined for hell, no one…
As “postdiluvian” humans we still have access to this atrophied organ of our ancestors, which was identified by some 19th and 20th century scientists as the pineal gland:
“A small usu. conical appendage of the brain of all craniate vertebrates that in a few reptiles has the essential structure of an eye, that functions in some birds as part of a time-measuring system, and that is variously postulated to be a vestigial third eye, an endocrine organ, or the seat of the soul…”
—Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary
The “Seat of the Soul” is how French philosopher René Descartes (1596-1650) described the pineal gland; he called it the bridge that connects man’s soul to his body.” Source
Boule
In an era of deep-rooted segregation when black people were not allowed to join most predominantly white professional and cultural organizations emerged the Boulé, also known as the Sigma Pi Phi. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Henry McKee Minton and colleagues, the Boulé was America’s first black Greek-letter fraternity. Wikepedia
“During this year’s Oscar ceremonies, Chris Rock admitted that to work regularly in the HollyWeird entertainment industry- black people had to be cleared through a secret society.“ Anywhere there are prominent professional Blacks, chances are they’re in the Boule”. Steve Cokley
The takeaway folks is that black society is modelled on white. Most political, business and cultural leaders arechosen on the basis of their membership in a satanic secret society. We have all been betrayed in the most egregious fashion. The numbers of secret society members with their Satanic false idols touching all aspects of the daily lives of Black Folk including children is absolutely mind blowing, staggering and continues to grow. It is estimated that 70- 75% of all black male lawyers are members of the secret society- Alpha Phi Alpha. Virtually every black mayor, Congressman, banker or millionaire in America are members of the secret society- the Boule by Kushite Prince (Abridged by henrymakow.com)
In 1904, the first African -American Greek Secret Society was formed in Philadelphia, by Dr. Henry Minton and five of his colleagues. The Boule, (an acronym for Sigma Pi Phi) and pronounced “boo-lay”), was formed to bring together a select group of educated Black men and women. Fashioned after Yale’s Skull and Bones, the Boule historically takes pride in having provided leadership and service to Black Americans during the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, and the Civil Rights Movement.
LeBron James Tattoo
What could the Boule offer America’s Blacks in the early 20th century? Joining the exclusive secret society offered advancement and perks to select Blacks in return for loyalty to its objectives. The Boule recruits top Blacks in American Society into its ranks. Today, 5000+ Archons, (male Boule members) and their wives, (Archousais), with 112 chapters, make up the wealthiest group of Black men and women on the planet.
“Archon” means “demon” – the kind that like to keep hidden. But to who does the Boule really serve? The Satanic (mostly white) global elite! As long as the Black member conforms to the rules, the riches will be in abundance; if not, down comes the hatchet. Blackmail is part of the deal.
This Masonic secret society has a pyramid style like all the rest. The lower ranks are kept from knowing what the upper ranks are doing. The early 20th century was a period of reconstruction. Marcus Garvey’s “Back to Africa” Movement was in full swing. Garvey represented genuine Black leadership.
W.E.B. Dubois, founding member of the NYC chapter of the Boule said, “The Boule was created to keep the black professional away from Marcus Garvey”. The remaking of the House Negro was necessary to institute a group of Blacks who had a vested interest in protecting the Elite White System. It was about selling out brothers and sisters for power and money. The majority of Black lawyers, doctors, engineers and accountants were members of this secret society. Source
Don’t Allow the Evil of Satan to Look Good Unto You
Editor’s Note: Are we missing the things we really want to see because something else distracts us? Are we making a good decision about something when there is still an even better choice? Are we focusing so much on the evil and bad things going on in the world that it distorts our feeling about God and His Gospel? Are we putting our head in the sand and avoiding to watch reality run its course? Brothers and Sisters I feel we need to wake up. We are losing this great Country we call America. Lets recommit to become involved, pray, write our congressmen, help our communities and raise wonderful children. Just be aware in this world of distraction, to focus on what we can do when we really focus on truth and right.
“Remember that you are here on earth for a divine purpose. The purpose is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you.” (Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy” [2007], pp. 10-11; emphasis original) Elder Richard G. Scott (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
Remember Evil People Can’t and Don’t Keep Secrets
Evil people cant keep secrets and don’t. They flaunt them in front of everyone to show they are in agreement with each other. Look closely at our entertainers and leaders with their secret handshakes and signs and evil intentions.
“In regards to spiritual things, “Those that don’t tell, know; and those who tell, don’t know” Bruce R. McConkie, (as I remember)
“President Joseph F. Smith also weighed in on this divisive and pivotal discussion: o man or woman who enjoys the Spirit of God and the influence and power of the holy Priesthood can believe in these superstitious notions, and those who do, will lose, indeed have lost, the influence of the Spirit of God and of the Priesthood, and are become subject to the witchery of Satan . . . These peepstone-men and women are inspired by the devil . . . “ Improvement Era 5 (September 1902): 897, https://archive.org/details/improvementera0511unse/ page/896; emphasis added
Signs of Evil in our Midst
Signs are: Masonic Ring OK sign is 666 Hidden Eye Sign Triangle sign Crossed Arms Hand shake Hidden Hand Do your own research
“And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant.” Helaman 6:22
“When a corrupt man is chastized he gets angry and will not endure it. The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us, is because we do not keep them, but reveal them; we do not keep our own secrets, but reveal our difficulties to the world, even to our enemies, then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord? ‘I can keep a secret till Doomsday.” Joseph Smith
“In the forepart of the last month, about three hundred and sixty Indian, of the Kickapoos and Pottawattamies, pitched their tents on the east before this town, and tarried one night. They were on their way to the place assigned them for the land of their inheritance, being gathered by the government of the United States, fulfilling that scripture spoken by the mouth of Isaiah, which says, Behold thus saith the Lord God, I lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people, and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.
Their agent remarked that “they drunk no spirituous liquors,” and those who saw them can bear testimony that they were quiet and inoffensive, and different from any other tribes that have been gathered.
They have a prophet, in whom they place great confidence, and he instructs them that the day is nigh, when the Great Father will send his Son on the earth; then (as he says) white man and red man be one.
Their idea of what is to come to pass in the last days, the resurrection of the righteous, and their living on earth with the Lord while wickedness ceases to trouble the saints, seem to be correct as far as we could ascertain. They are very devout apparently and pray night and morning; even children and all.
They have two flat sticks about one foot long, tied together, on which are several characters, which, they say, the Great Father gave to their prophet, and mean as much as a large book. They say one of these sticks, is for the old book that white man has, (the Bible) the other for the new book, (Book of Mormon) white man has it written on paper, Great Father writes it in red man’s heart.
They seem to Pray from these sticks-– and worship on the Sabbath with great solemnity, commencing with a salutation from the greatest or oldest to the least that can walk, and ending with the same token of friendship. Should we have time to make them a visit, we may be more particular hereafter.
*From Arkansas to the Missouri, the remnants are gathering together in rapid succession, and all, as far as we have been able to ascertain, have an idea that the Great Spirit is about to do something great and good for the red man.
On the subject of the remnants of the Israelites now inhabiting this continent, Nephi thus writes, in the Book of Mormon: And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken, shall come forth and be written unto the Gentiles, and be sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written, and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are a descendant of the Jews. And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their fathers.–
And then shall they rejoice: for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God, and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes: and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a white and delightsome people.
Arrangements have been made by the General Government, to settle all the remnants of the northern Indians, near lake Winnebago, west of the Michigan. The middle and southern states’ Indians, with the exception of the Cherokees, (and arrangements are said to be making for their removal) are to locate west of the Missouri and Arkansas.
Initial Gathering of Native Americans west of the Mississippi, was to be productive.
And it affords us great joy to see the work of the gathering go on so rapidly. In fact, thus far the gathering of the remnants of Joseph, has far exceeded our expectations, and it is much more than that of the Gentiles: but God is merciful, and we hope and pray, that while he is pleading with the inhabitants of the earth, with judgments, that thousands will repent and live.
The time is short for the Gentiles; not a moment should be lost. It is the time to save men’s souls, and that too, by righteousness: and we do entreat men to behold for themselves, the great things that are passing before their eyes. See the sons of Joseph, [the Indians] gathered by Government; view the distress of nations; pray for deliverance while the destroying angel spreads the pestilence over the whole earth, and then mark the perfect man, for the end of that man is peace.” Evening and Morning Star (Kirtland 1835-1836 Page 201 https://archive.org/details/eveningmorningst01unse/page/200
Unfortunately this gathering of the Native Americans to west of the Mississippi was the beginning of the “Trail of Tears”. Something seemingly so noble by the American Government turned into the slaughter and expulsion of thousands of great Native Americans to their death and starvation.
This so called Manifest Destiny was nothing more than a coverup by Andrew Jackson and others in government to take land from the Natives. This continues today with the Government. Look at the Deep State now. Their fight is currently with the White Christians whom they hate. This Deep State is also pitting the Blacks vs the Whites vs the Asians etc. Chaos is their main goal along with eugenics and the Vaccines.
Gather Israel by President Nelson
The doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured President Nelson’s attention for the more than 36 years he has served as an Apostle, he said during the October 2020 general conference. “Anytime we do anything that helps anyone — on either side of the veil — to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.”
One of the Hebraic meanings of the word “Israel” is “let God prevail,” President Nelson said. Following an invitation for Latter-day Saints to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice, he asked, “Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?”
President Nelson encouraged all to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. “Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life.”
The gathering is “the most important thing taking place on earth today,” President Nelson told youth during a worldwide devotional in June 2018, inviting them to enlist in the Lord’s youth battalion to gather Israel. “This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.” More President Nelson Directives here
Compare Ezekiel 37:16-22 Below
16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
18 ¶ And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.
20 ¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:
22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: Ezekiel 37:16-22
Middle America is not a land of many waters
“The imperishable inscriptions of metal plates have told us the history of that mysterious people who fought their final battles in the land of many waters.
“Furthermore, the Book of Mormon emphasizes the fact that the land of many waters was ‘an exceeding great distance’ from the land of Zarahemla; that there were more streams, rivers, lakes, and fountains in that area than were to be found in any lands where these early people had dwelt. (Miles From the City of Zarahemla near Nauvoo Illinois, to Hill Cumorah is about 860 Miles There is a direct route from the Mississippi south to the Ohio east to the Allegheney and up the Genesee right to the Land of Cumorah)
River Route City Zarahemla to Hill Cumorah 860 Miles
“Middle America is not a land of many waters. Its ancient hills are not marked with tokens of fortifications; its skeletal remains do not tell of a bitter war of extermination, comparable at all to the evidence in western New York. If we are to find that historic land where the drums of war called forth the warriors until the land was covered with the bodies of the dead, we must go northward ‘an exceeding great distance,’ as the Jaredites and Nephites did many centuries ago.
The Trail of Tears brutally killed many Native Americans
The Land of Joseph (United States) was reserved for the Seed of Joseph, the Lamanites of today.
This is the land that was given to Joseph—the son so well beloved by his father Jacob; and no king will ever reign upon it but the King, the Lord. Could that book [the Book of Mormon] have been brought forth and published to the world under any other government but the Government of the United States? No. He has governed and controlled the settling of this continent. He led our fathers from Europe to this land, and prepared the way to break the yoke that bound them, and inspired the guaranteed freedom in our Government, though that guarantee is too often disregarded. He could bring forth his work, and has prepared a people to receive and commence his kingdom. Could this be done anywhere else? No. He has known, from the beginning of creation, that this is the land whereon to build this Zion. He knows how to commence his work and how to finish it, and he will finish it where he commenced it. How our faith would stretch out and grasp the heavenly land where our father Adam dwelt in his paradisiacal state! That land is on this continent. Here is where Adam lived. Do you not think the Lord has had his eye upon it? Yes. Brigham Young, June 3, 1860, JD 8:67
J. Golden Kimball is quoted as saying the following: “Heber C. Kimball said it was revealed to him that the last great destruction of the wicked would be on the lakes near the Hill Cumorah.” J. Golden Kimball (abt. Heber C. Kimball) N. B. Lundwall, Temples of the Most High, SLC: Bookcraft, 1941, p. 52.
Mormon Hill, Gold Bible Hill
Below, Wikipedia is accurate in explaining the two Cumorah theory about as the RLDS and LDS Church both speculated!
“Cumorah (/kəˈmɔːrə/; also known as Mormon Hill, Gold Bible Hill, and Inspiration Point is a drumlin in Manchester, New York, United States, where Joseph Smith said he found a set of golden plates which he translated into English and published as the Book of Mormon.
In the text of the Book of Mormon, “Cumorah” is a hill located in a land of the same name, which is “a land of many waters, rivers and fountains”.[8] In this hill, a Book of Mormon figure, Mormon, deposited a number of metal plates containing the record of his nation of Nephites, just prior to their final battle with the Lamanites in which at least 230,000 people were killed.
Early Latter Day Saints assumed that the Cumorah in New York was the same Cumorah described in the Book of Mormon, based largely on a letter written by Oliver Cowdery (Letter VII), published in the July 1835 Messenger and Advocate and reprinted several times at the direction of Joseph Smith, but in the early-20th century, scholars from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) began to speculate that there were two such hills and that final battle in the Book of Mormon took place on a hill in southern Mexico, Central America, or South America. The LDS Church has no official position on the matter, and while these hypotheses are not held by some leaders and members of the LDS Church, they are firmly espoused by others.” Wikipedia
Visit to the Land and Hill of Cumorah Mormon Hill (cave) vs Gold Bible Hill (box) In words of Brigham Young and George Q Cannon, you will see in their mind and witness the Hill Cumorah in NY is the location where Joseph found the gold plates and it is the exact same hill where the Jaredites and Nephites met their final end. Forget what men of Wikipedia say or what other theorists say, listen to prophets and leaders who indeed say there is only one Hill Cumorah.
While on a recent visit to the States on business Brother Brigham Young, Jun., and the Editor of the Juvenile Instructor arranged to make a visit to the hill Cumorah — the hill where Mormon and Moroni secreted the records, by the command of the Lord, which were revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and from which he translated the Book of Mormon. As we were traveling eastward, we took the New York Central Railroad at Buffalo for the town of Palmyra. This town is prettily situated on the New York and Erie Canal, and the railroad also runs close by it. Trees are cultivated extensively on the sides of some of the streets in the city lots, and some of the residences are very pretty and tastefully arranged. From the indications we imagined that this must be a wealthy country. The farms around are highly cultivated; but the land does not yield grains and fruit as it once did. It was at Palmyra that the first edition of the Book of Mormon was published. We put up at the leading hotel and engaged a carriage to take as out to Cumorah, which was about three miles distant from Palmyra. We took the old stage road to Canandaigua. The scenery on this road was exceedingly fine. It was a season of the year when the country was seen to the best advantage and its appearance called forth our admiration.
In this opinion the Editor coincided. The driver, hearing our remarks, turned to us and said: “Yes, this is Gold Bible Hill.” We then learned that Cumorah was known through the country by the name of “Gold Bible Hill.” We asked him what he meant by calling the other, which he had pointed out to us, “‘Mormon Hill.” He replied that there was a cave in that bill which the “Mormons” had dug and some of them had lived in it, so the people said; and, therefore, it was known by that name.
Close at the foot of Cumorah there is a comfortable firm house. The driver got permission to leave his carriage in the barnyard while wo climbed the hill. The hill is fenced in and enclosed in a farm. The road runs on the west side of it, and is only a few hundred yards from its base. It presented a most remarkable appearance as one travels on the road from Palmyra as we did. No observing person could pass it without being struck by its singular appearance. It rises so abruptly at its north end that it is somewhat difficult to climb. Its base is quite broad, but at the north end the summit is quite narrow — almost a ridge, on which a few trees are growing. The view from the top of the hill was one of the finest the writer ever beheld, and we could not refrain from expressions of pleasure at the beauty of the scene and the extensive prospect which a view from the summit afforded. The hill seemed to be in the center of what might be termed an extensive valley. On every side the horizon was bounded, at a distance of four or five miles from where we stood, by a range of hills. The intervening country was not a smooth, regular valley; but there were low hills, and dales — fields and groves of timber, broken at intervals by water courses. We saw several villages and towns in the distance. Undoubtedly great changes had occurred in the appearance of the surrounding country since the days when Mormon and Moroni had trod the spot where we stood; still we could readily understand, even now, how admirable a position this would be for a general to occupy in watching and directing the movements of armies and in scrutinizing the position of an enemy. Around Cumorah is yet a land of many waters, rivers and fountains, as Mormon said it was in his day. Our emotions on treading on this sacred hill were of the most peculiar character. They were indescribable.
The Jaredites, a great and a mighty race, the descendants of the most favored of men, had received the threatened penalty of disobedience and they were exterminated. The Nephites, too, than whom a more favored people never dwelt upon the earth of whom we have any account, when they became ripened in iniquity shared the same fate — they were blotted out. The inquiry arose, in reflecting upon the fate of those mighty empires, “How will it be with the American nation? Will its strength, the blessings which it enjoys, its numbers and prosperity, its liberty and boasted wisdom, and other great advantages, avail it anything in rescuing it from the same destruction if it persist in persecuting the Saints, in seeking to shed the blood of innocence and to destroy the priesthood and the Church of God?”
The surface of the hill is comparatively level and is narrow
at its northern extremity. There is a tolerably clear space at the north end,
there being but a few scattering trees standing there. In proceeding south the
top of the hill becomes broader and the timber — beech, hickory, maple and
other varieties — has quite a thick growth. Emerging from this timber, and less
than half a mile from the north end of the hill, we came on a fenced field
which is cleared of timber and cultivated. The surface of the hill from that
point is rounding, and with the sides, can easily be plowed. Beyond this field
there are the stumps of the former forest of the country; and still beyond, proceeding
south, a clearing which has been made, as Oliver Cowdery says in his
description of the hill, by wind or art. Beyond this the hill loses its
distinctive character and falls, not abruptly, however, to the level of the
surrounding country.
From the hill we proceeded to Manchester, about three miles distant, the town where the Prophet Joseph Smith resided when he obtained the plates. The house in which he lived is no longer standing; but we thought of his trials and temptations, of the persecutions to which he had been subjected and how cruelly he had been treated; how often himself and his brothers and parents had traveled that road, with but scanty means and no friend but God. Then we contrasted those circumstances with those of the Saints and servants of God at the present time, and we felt thankful to the Almighty for the fulfilment of so many of His promises made through His servant Joseph. https://archive.org/stream/juvenileinstruct814geor/juvenileinstruct814geor_djvu.txt
Again I leave you with this:
J. Golden Kimball is quoted as saying the following: “Heber C. Kimball said it was revealed to him that the last great destruction of the wicked would be on the lakes near the Hill Cumorah.” J. Golden Kimball (abt. Heber C. Kimball) N. B. Lundwall, Temples of the Most High, SLC: Bookcraft, 1941, p. 52.
Where this great destruction happens is not as important, as we do know it WILL happen. May we be prepared.
I have studied this part of Church History very thoroughly and I know Rod and Jonathan have as well. The story about the “messenger” who appeared at the Whitmer wagon with Joseph and Oliver riding, on their way to Fayette, and the story told on another blog of mine here about this story, and about the “Cave at Cumorah” that Joseph Smith entered many times. Both stories scream out truth which validates that Book of Mormon events happened in North America in my opinion.
These two stories make the events of the Book of Mormon happening in Mesoamerica as not likely. Showing two repositories of records at Hill Cumorah is significant. One depository is the Stone Box where the original gold plates were found by Joseph Smith, and a second depository in a different location in Hill Cumorah where wagons full of records were found. In this large cave was also the Sword of Laban and the Liahona which were not found with the gold plates and the Urim and Thummim. Both of these accounts have been published in Church History since 1923 in the Doctrine and the Covenants Commentary shown below.
If the Cave at Cumorah really existed (which it did, see page 47 Doctrine and the Covenants Commentary), there would be no reason for Moroni to walk all the way from Mesoamerica to NY to deposit the plates. In fact think about it. If there was a cave at Cumorah with wagon loads of plates (all Nephite and Jaredite records) and the sword of Laban and the Liahona, how would Moroni bring all of this back to the hill Cumorah in New York? Would he have made 5 or 6 trips of over 3,000 miles each way? My friend Val Chadwick Bagley illustrates that idea below that I asked him to draw. Before he drew the picture he believed the Meso story, but was soon converted after realizing the absurdity of these many trips to Mesoamerica and back to NY.
Art by Val Chadwick Bagley
The First Presidency in 1923 of Heber J Grant, Charles W. Penrose and Anthony W. Ivins and again in 1950 The Publication Committee of Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee and Marion G. Romney, assigned by Pres George Albert Smith, approved some historical information from Church History (page 508 below) that has much to do with Book of Mormon Geography. The last edition of the commentary was also published in 1978 by Deseret Book and approved by Pres Spencer W. Kimball, N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney.
Within this Commentary speaking about section 84, contains comments pertinent to Book of Mormon geography by telling the historical account by David Whitmer saying, “the messenger who had the plates [of the Book of Mormon], who had taken them from Joseph just prior to our starting from Harmony.” Who is the messenger spoken of? We report, you decide!
On page 508 of the The Doctrine and the Covenants Commentary (picture above) it says,
Approved commentary from 3 Presidencies
“The following anecdote, which was told by David Whitmer to Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith in 1878, may be retold here: When I was returning to Fayette, with Joseph and Oliver, all of us riding in the wagon. Oliver and I on an old- fashioned wooden spring seat and Joseph behind us — while traveling along in a clear open space, a very pleasant, nice-looking old man suddenly appeared by the side of the wagon and saluted us with, ‘Good morning, it is very warm,’ at the same time wiping his face or forehead with his hand. We returned the salutation, and, by a sign from Joseph, I invited him to ride if he was going our way; but he said very pleasantly, ‘No, I am going to Cumorah.’ This name was something new to me; I did not know what Cumorah meant. We all gazed at him and at each other, and as I looked around inquiringly of Joseph, the old man instantly disappeared, so that I did not see him again. “Whitmer described his appearance and added, it was the messenger who had the plates [of the Book of Mormon], who had taken them from Joseph just prior to our starting from Harmony”(Andrew Jensen, Historical Record, p. 209) 1950 Revised Edition of the Doctrine and Covenants Commentary page 508More Details at this blog
David Whitmer and the Messenger by Jonathan Neville
“Some people still dismiss David Whitmer’s account of the messenger taking the plates from Harmony to Cumorah before arriving in Fayette with the plates of Nephi.
I discussed this in 2016, but there are a lot of new readers who probably missed those posts so I’m posting updated versions of them here.
Note on Cumorah, David Whitmer and Zina Young
I realize the topic of Cumorah has been discussed a lot lately, but there are still people who claim the founding prophets and their successors were wrong when they taught that the Hill Cumorah of Mormon 6:6 is in western New York. I’ve covered this topic in detail here.This post covers a new bit of information that’s always been available but a lot of people don’t know much about it.
If you’re new to this topic, it has to do with two of the Three Witnesses. Those who advocate the Mesoamerican/two Cumorahs geography (M2C) reject Oliver Cowdery’s description of Cumorah in Letter VII. They also reject David Whitmer’s explanation of the first time he heard the word Cumorah (which he said was in June 1829, before he’d ever read the text, and he heard it from a heavenly messenger).
The rationale for rejecting David Whitmer’s testimony is that he supposedly never talked about it until 50 years after the fact, in interviews he gave to Edward Stevenson in 1877 and to Joseph F. Smith and Orson Pratt in 1878.
Here’s how one scholar articulated the argument:
Edward Stevensen
“The earliest possible connection between the New York hill and the Book of Mormon Cumorah comes from an 1878 interview with David Whitmer by Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith,… This report [the Whitmer interview] would be much more conclusive had it not been recorded nearly fifty years later. The passage of time and the accepted designation of “Cumorah” as the name of the New York hill by the time of the recollection argue against the second-hand report from Whitmer as being a definitive statement.”
There are all kinds of logical errors in that statement, but I’ve addressed those before. Today, I want to point out something in the Stevenson statement, taken from his contemporaneous journal.
I obtained a copy of Stevenson’s journal recently and here’s what his entry says:
Page from Stevenson journal
“I wish to mention an Item of conversation with David Whitmer in regard to Seeing one of the Nephites, Zina Young, Desired me to ask about it. David Said, Oliver, & The Prophet, & I were riding in a wagon, & an aged man about 5 feet 10, heavy Set & on his back, an old fashioned Armey knapsack Straped over his Shoulders & Something Square in it, & he walked alongside of the Wagon & Wiped the Sweat off his face, Smileing very Pleasant David asked him to ride and he replied I am going across to the hill Cumorah. Soon after they Passed they felt Strangeley and Stoped, but could see nothing of him all around was clean and they asked the Lord about it. He Said that the Prophet Looked as White as a Sheet & Said that it was one of the Nephites & that he had the plates.”*
Art by Brooke Mahlia Mann
Edward Stevenson was a general authority (one of the seven presidents of the Seventy). He was a well-known missionary (one of the MTC buildings is named after him). There’s no reason to doubt the credibility of his interview with David Whitmer.
What I find fascinating is that Zina Young asked Stevenson to ask David Whitmer about seeing one of the Nephites. That was the focus of the interview, not the Cumorah question.
Zina Young
This means that Zina had heard this story earlier.
Why Zina Young? And when could she have heard it? And from whom?
It could not have been from the interview with Joseph F. Smith, which occurred a year later.
Instead, the evidence indicates she heard it from David Whitmer directly!
Zina was born in 1821. Her family lived in Watertown, New York. In 1835, when she was 14 years old, two missionaries came to town: Hyrum Smith and David Whitmer. Hyrum baptized her on August 1, 1835. The family moved to Kirtland, and eventually to Far West, and then to Nauvoo along with most of the rest of the Saints. Zina married, had two children, and then also married Joseph Smith. After his death, she married Brigham Young. (That’s a topic for another day.)
David Whitmer left the Church in 1837-1838 and lived in Missouri for the rest of his life. Zina would have had no contact with him after about 1837, at the latest. If that’s the case, then she could only have heard the story from him between 1835 and 1837–just a few years after 1829, when David said the event happened.
Of course, modern Mesoamerican scholars will dispute this somehow, but the argument that David’s testimony is unreliable because it was 50 years late contradicts the Stevenson account.
Interestingly, Zina was also the one who inherited Joseph’s seer stone after Brigham Young died.
The simplest, historically justified explanation is that David told Zina and her family the story when he contacted them as a missionary. Zina remembered it and told Stevenson to ask David about it in 1877. Stevenson recorded it and wrote about it.
Then Joseph F. Smith asked David about it, and he reiterated his account of the event.
It’s not a 50-year-old story related from a feeble and tainted memory. It’s a retelling of an account related by a missionary to his investigators just a few years after the event. Other than to defend the M2C ideology, there’s no reason to cast doubt on the testimony of the Three Witnesses. ________________
David Whitmer
The bottom line is this: To accept M2C, you have to disbelieve two of the three main witnesses to the Book of Mormon: Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer. The M2C advocates seek to persuade you these two men were not reliable witnesses when it comes to the issue of Cumorah being in New York.
By contrast, to accept the North American setting (Moroni’s America or the Heartland), you fully embrace what these two men said.
*You can find this account in these references, although apparently not transcribed exactly: “Edward Stevenson Interview (1) 22-23 December 1877, Richmond, Missouri Diary of Edward Stevenson,” LDS Church Archives, Lyndon W. Cook, ed., David Whitmer Interviews, 1993, p. 13; also Dan Vogel, ed., Early Mormon Documents, 2003, vol. v, p. 30._____
This post offers more detail on David Whitmer and Zina Young.
I’ve had some feedback on the previous post that there is no evidence Zina had heard about David Whitmer’s Cumorah experience from David himself. It’s true we don’t have written evidence of when she heard the story or from whom, but Stevenson’s journal shows Zina had heard it from somewhere before Stevenson visited Whitmer. That’s why she told Stevenson to ask Whitmer about it. I imagine the conversation being something such as this:
Zina: “You’re going to visit David Whitmer?” Stevenson: “I plan to. I hope he’ll see me.” Zina: “Ask him about the Nephite he met.” Stevenson: “He met a Nephite?” Zina (nodding): “And he was carrying the plates to the hill Cumorah because Joseph didn’t want the responsibility. David, Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were riding in a wagon from Harmony to the Whitmer farm. He’ll tell you all about it.” Stevenson: “Sounds interesting.” Zina: “You should publish it when you get back.”
The M2C advocates who reject David’s testimony rely on the “late” retelling to Stevenson and Joseph F. Smith. Their objection is based on the premise that David’s experience hearing the term “Cumorah” for the first time occurred in 1829, but he did not tell the story before 1877. Certainly, 50 years after the fact could be considered late; each person has to assess that “lateness” in light of the detail of Whitmer’s account, the surprising and unusual circumstances (most people probably remember their first encounter with divine messengers), and the presence of Joseph and Oliver when the event occurred.
The Stevenson account undermines the “lateness” objection, however. Whether Zina heard the story directly from Whitmer in 1835, or heard it from someone else, the point is that she did hear it before Stevenson asked Whitmer about it. From his journal, we have to infer that Stevenson had not heard the story before.
There is no record of anyone knowing this story before Stevenson’s interview with David, except for Zina. So all the evidence we have suggests that before the interview, the only two people who knew the story were Zina and David (and Oliver and Joseph, if David’s testimony is to be believed, but Joseph and Oliver were dead by then).
And the only evidence we have of David and Zina interacting was when David and Hyrum Smith were missionary companions in 1835 in Watertown, NY, where Hyrum baptized her. [This is no minor point. David Whitmer didn’t go on a lot of missionary journeys. When you read Zina’s account, notice how she emphasizes how hard David worked to persuade her to get baptized. It seems reasonable to infer he tried everything he could, including his viewing of the golden plates as one of the Three Witnesses. In this context, his claim he saw one of the Nephites carrying the plates to Cumorah would naturally be another thing to bring up.
Later, Joseph F. Smith and Orson Pratt visited David Whitmer and elicited the same story from him. This suggests they first heard it when Stevenson published it (or told them about it).
Zina published an article, probably taken from parts of her journal we don’t otherwise have now, in the April 1893 issue of The Young Woman’s Journal. Titled “How I Gained my Testimony of the Truth,” the article gives details on how she joined the Church in 1835. It is available online here. In the next section, I show the relevant aspects of Zina’s article.
In the following summer Hyrum Smith and David Whitmer came to our house and stayed several days. Father and mother had been baptized in the April of that same year, but neither myself nor my sister were baptized. David Whitmer persuaded me to be baptized while they were at our home, but some way I did not accept his offer. I had told my sister-in-law, Fanny Huntingdon, that when she was baptized I would go with her. The morning for the departure of these men from our house arrived, and I had not as yet become a member of the Church. That morning, a short time before they were to start, Hyrum Smith’s cousin rode up with a message that they could not leave that day, as my brother Dimick and his wife Fanny, my dear sister-in-law, were desirous of being baptized. That morning at prayers I had presented to me a heavenly vision of a man going down into the water and baptizing someone. So when this message came I felt it was a testimony that the time had come for me to receive baptism. Brother Hyrum Smith was mouth in prayer, and in my secret soul I had a wish that he should baptize me. I had refused the coaxing of Brother Whitmer, as I told myself, because mother and father were going away from home, and I had all the home cares on me, and I feared I would be tempted to speak crossly or say something I ought not to after so sacred an ordinance as that; but this strong testimony that the proper time had arrived I did not dare treat lightly.As soon as I consented to go with my brother and sister-in-law David Whitmer began talking about performing the office for us. Happily for me, however, Brother Hyrum was chosen by the others to be the proper one and I added my preference to their words. Accordingly, we all went down to the water and were baptized by Hyrum Smith, and confirmed under the hands of Hyrum Smith and David Whitmer. [This was on August 1, 1835.]
Why does Book of Mormon Central say a “messenger” is Moroni?
Edward Stevenson’s journal said, “And an aged man about 5 feet 10, heavy set, and on his back an old fashioned army knapsack strapped over his shoulders and something square in it, and he walked alongside of the wagon and wiped the sweat off his face, smiling very pleasantly. David asked him to ride and he replied, ‘I am going across to the Hill Cumorah.’ Soon after they passed, they felt strange and stopped but could see nothing of him-all around was clear. And they asked the Lord about it. He said that the Prophet looked as white as a sheet and said that it was one of the Nephites, and that he had the plates.” See Edward Stevenson, Journal, Dec. 23, 1877
See the title assigned to the painting by Book of Mormon Central as, “Mary Whitmer and Moroni” by Robert T. Pack (See picture below)
In the actual article below, Book of Mormon Central never mention the messenger as “Moroni”, just as “a messenger“. Why would they call this messenger Moroni? Take a look at the description of Edward Stevenson below. He says that David Whitmer identified the messenger as 5’10” and heavy set. Does that describe the Moroni we all know as described by Joseph Smith? NO! https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/what-does-mary-whitmer-teach-us-about-enduring-trials
Original source (Joseph F. Smith, 1918):
“In the middle of this prairie, all of a sudden, there appeared a man walking along the road, and David said he raised his hat and rubbed his brow, as if it were a little warm, and said good morning to them, and they said good morning. Oliver and David looked at each other and began to marvel and wonder: Where did he come from, what does it mean? David described him saying he had on something like an old-fashioned knapsack, but of course a little differently formed, right across his shoulders, and on his back he was carrying something of considerable weight.
“They looked round to Joseph inquiringly: What does it mean? And Joseph said, “Ask him to ride.” So David, who was teamster, asked him if he would get in and ride with them. He said, “No, I am just going over to Cumorah.” David said, “Cumorah? Cumorah? What does that mean?” He had never heard of Cumorah, and he said, I thought I knew this country all around here, but I never heard of Cumorah” and he inquired about it. While he was looking around and trying to ascertain what the mystery was the man was gone, and when he looked back he did not seem him any more. Then he demanded, “What does it mean?”
“Joseph informed him that the man was Moroni, and that the bundle on his back contained plates which Joseph had delivered to him before they departed from Harmony, Susequehanna County, and that he was taking them for safety, and would return them when he (Joseph) reached father Whitmer’s home. There was a long talk about this.”
To be sure, there is a discrepancy in the accounts about whether this messenger was Moroni or one of the Three Nephites, a topic I’ve discussed elsewhere, but there is complete consistency among all the accounts that the messenger was going to Cumorah.
John C. Whitmer’s 1878 account As recorded by Andrew Jenson (see his Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia 1:283, Salt Lake City, Utah: 1901):
5’10” Heavy Set Old Man Brother Nephi, one of the Three Nephites?
“I have heard my grandmother (Mary Musselman Whitmer) say on several occasions that she was shown the plates of the Book of Mormon by a holy angel, whom she always called Brother Nephi. (She undoubtedly refers to Moroni, the angel who had the plates in charge.)”
Why would John C. Whitmer change his grandmother’s name for the messenger from Brother Nephi, to Moroni?
Over 6 foot medium build Moroni?
We thinkthe messenger appearing at Joseph and David’s wagon, (picture left) and the same messenger that appeared to Mary Whitmerat her farm and the same messenger who knocked at the door of Zina to teach her about Christ, could very well be one of the Three Nephites named Brother Nephi, AND IT WASN”T MORONI!
You Choose!
More Information from Zina Huntington by Ryan and Anita Murdock below:
I read your blog this morning and have a bit more to add. Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Smith Young is my husbands 3rd great grandmother and was the wife of two prophets, sealed twice to Joseph Smith (once by her brother Dimmock, best friend of the prophet, and then again by Brigham Young, after he returned from England.) She later married Brigham for time only. The reason she was interested in the Three Nephites, is because the same one stopped by their family home in Watertown, Jefferson, NY and taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ.It is mentioned in the book 4 Zina’s about her mother Zina, herself, her daughter Zina and granddaughter Zina. The family was having what we might call a family home evening one night, discussing scriptures and playing music, when they had a knock at their door, and when opened, they found a man dressed in old fashioned clothes, who said that he usually takes sequestered paths. the mother of the family, Zina Baker Huntington, had said she wished she could hear the gospel from someone who KNEW CHRIST. The man told them all about Jesus Christ in a manner that they had never heard before, as if he did know Christ, and stayed the night with them. Later after they were gathered with the Saints, William Huntington related the story to Joseph, who asked them the describe the man, which he did. Joseph confirmed it was one of the three Nephites sent to prepare them to receive the gospel. Since Zina had spent an entire evening with one of the three Nephites, not a moment, but an entire night learning from him, you can imagine why she was so interested in this story. -Anita Murdock
As a companion volume to President Monson’s biography, this book’s purpose is to highlight his doctrinal teachings on a variety of subjects, focusing on the core of the topic and featuring what he has taught rather than how he has taught it. (Source) Published September 23rd 2011 by Deseret Book Company
Description
A lifetime of teachings from President Thomas S. Monson. Teachings of Thomas S. Monson is the ideal companion volume to the prophet’s bestselling biography, To the Rescue. This comprehensive collection: •Gives quick, easy access to key teachings on scores of gospel topics representing nearly half a century of teaching •Provides President Monson’s teachings topically in alphabetical order •Includes a scripture index so readers can find what President Monson taught about specific scriptural passages. (Source)
President Monson confirms that the United States is The Choice Land spoken of in the Book of Mormon (Ether) and the Nation on This Choice Land is the United States of America. [Mystery Solved?]
As you read Ether 2:12 it says, “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.” (Bold Added)
Ask yourself, in Ether 2:12 of the Book of Mormon it tells us, this choice land?? will be possessed by a nation?? who will be protected from all other nations if they serve the God of THIS LAND?? What choice land is he speaking of and what nation is he referring to and what does he define as this sland?
Summary of Chapters, “America” & “Joseph Smith” by Monson Below
“The Lord gave a divine promise to the ancient inhabitants of this favored country (the United States): ‘Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). “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 where our Heavenly Father could send into this period of mortality a choice spirit who would be known as Joseph Smith, Jr.”Monson, Thomas S., Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, 2011, pp. 14-15, 157-158
America
(The United States)
The Lord gave a divine promise to the ancient inhabitants of this favored country (the United States): “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).
Chapter called “America” from Monson, Thomas S., Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, 2011, pp. 14-15
Are we today serving the God of the land, even the Lord Jesus Christ? Do our lives conform with His teachings? Are we entitled to His divine blessings?
Too many Americans have been screaming ever louder for more and more of the things we cannot take with us and paying less and less attention to the real sources of the very happiness we seek. We have been measuring our fellow man more by balance sheets and less by moral standards. We have developed frightening physical power and fallen into pathetic spiritual weakness. We have become so concerned over the growth of our earning capacity that we have neglected the growth of our character.
As we view the disillusionment that engulfs countless thousands today, we are learning the hard way what an ancient prophet wrote out for us over three thousand years ago: “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
The revered American president Abraham Lincoln accurately described our plight: “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown; but we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us. We have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken succession, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of preserving and redeeming grace, to proud to pray to God that made us” (“Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day,” Washington, D.C., March 30, 1864).
Notice the parenthesis on United States are part of the original editing
Can we extricate ourselves from this frightful condition? Is there a way out? If so, what is the way?
We can solve this perplexing dilemma by adopting the counsel given by Jesus to the inquiring lawyer who asked, “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” (Matthew 22:36–39). (“America Needs You,” Church of the Air, October 4, 1964)
For many years the code 911 has been the telephone number dialed to report any emergency. Children have memorized the number, and it has been well known by one and all that when 911 was dialed, help would soon be on its way.
Then came September 11th, 2001, and nine-eleven took on another meaning and has a universal and everlasting place in the annals of history and in the hearts of millions. As with December 7, 1941, it too has become a day of infamy.
Early on the morning of September 11, 2001, men and women left their homes for work, mothers prepared their children for school, commuters filled the freeways. Then everything changed. The unthinkable occurred. An insidious attack, planned and executed by evil minds, wreaked havoc in America. Indiscriminately, men, women, and children were slaughtered, including those who responded to the call to rescue. No dastardly deed has been so rapidly and graphically reported.
Amidst the fear, the sorrow, the pain and the suffering, a mighty miracle occurred. Experienced was a fusion of faith—even a pattern of prayer—as Americans turned not to dial 911, but rather dropped to their knees and looked heavenward to God for help. (“Nine-One-One,” September 11 Memorial Observance, September 11, 2002)
I never entered the classrooms of learning there where students are taught concerning the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and other monumental foundation principles but what I had the feeling that I was walking on sacred ground. (“God Bless America,” Freedoms Foundation Utah Chapter Constitution Day, September 17, 2002)
One of the most famous enlistment posters of World War II was one depicting Uncle Sam pointing his long finger and directing his piercing eyes at the viewer. The words read, “America Needs You.” America truly does need you and me to lead out in a mighty crusade of righteousness. We can help when we love God and with our families serve Him; and when we love our neighbor as ourselves. (“Duty—Honor—Country,” National Boy Scouts of America Duty to God Breakfast, May 29, 2003)
Joseph Smith
To get to the true meaning of the birth of the Prophet [Joseph Smith], we need to go back beyond the year of our Lord 1805. We need to go back a long way into history and read what another great prophet said—that prophet, Joseph, who was sold into Egypt and who literally saved his brothers. . . . Said Joseph: “A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins” (2 Nephi 3:6).
“And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation” (2 Nephi 3:15).
Joseph Smith, Jr., was called after the name of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. He was also called Joseph after his own father, Joseph Smith, Sr., literally fulfilling that prophecy which had been spoken many hundreds of years before his birth. (Twenty-First Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermon, December 11, 1963)
Chapter called “Joseph Smith” from Monson, Thomas S., Teachings of Thomas S. Monson, 2011, pp. 157-158
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 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. (Twenty-First Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermon, December 11, 1963)
Following the visits of the angel Moroni to young Joseph and his acquisition of the plates, Joseph commenced the difficult assignment of translation. One can but imagine the dedication, the devotion, and the labor required to translate in fewer than 90 days this record of over 500 pages covering a period of 2,600 years. I love the words Oliver Cowdery used to describe the time he spent assisting Joseph with the translation of the Book of Mormon: “These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:71, footnote). (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, November 2005, 68)
I think one of the sweetest lessons taught by the Prophet Joseph, and yet one of the saddest, occurred close to the time of his death. He had seen in vision the Saints leaving Nauvoo and going to the Rocky Mountains. He was anxious that his people be led away from their tormentors and into this promised land which the Lord had shown him. He no doubt longed to be with them. However, he had been issued an arrest warrant on trumped up charges. Despite many appeals to Governor Ford, the charges were not dismissed. Joseph left his home, his wife, his family, and his people and gave himself up to the civil authorities, knowing he would probably never return. . . .
In Carthage Jail he was incarcerated with his brother Hyrum and others. On June 27, 1844, Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, and Willard Richards were together there when an angry mob stormed the jail, ran up the stairway, and began firing through the door of the room they occupied. Hyrum was killed, and John Taylor was wounded. Joseph Smith’s last great act here upon the earth was one of selflessness. He crossed the room, most likely “thinking that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could get out, . . . and sprang into the window where two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without” (History of the Church [1932–1952], 6:618). He gave his life; Willard Richards and John Taylor were spared. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love—by example. (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, November 2005, 68–69)
I love the words of President Brigham Young, who said, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 343).
To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, November 2005, 69–70)
Through Joseph Smith, the gospel—which had been lost during centuries of apostasy—was restored, the priesthood and its keys were received, the doctrines of salvation were revealed, the gospel and temple ordinances—along with the sealing power—were returned and, in 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ was re-established on the earth.
Though reviled and persecuted, the Prophet Joseph never wavered in his testimony of Jesus Christ. His peers watched him lead with dignity and grace, endure hardships, and time and again rise to new challenges until his divine mission was completed. Today that heritage he established still shines for all the world to see. The teachings he translated and his legacy of love for his fellow man continue in the millions of hearts touched by the message he declared so long ago.
Few in this dispensation have paid so dearly for an irrevocable testimony of Jesus Christ as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. On June 18, 1844, he gave what was to be his last sermon. He very likely knew that he would not again address his people. His concluding remarks were these: “God has tried you. You are a good people; . . . I love you with all my heart. Greater love hath no man than that he should lay down his life for his friends. You have stood by me in the hour of trouble, and I am willing to sacrifice my life for your preservation. May the Lord God of Israel bless you forever and ever.” His words sank deep into the hearts of the people. It was the last time, in the flesh, that they were to listen to . . . his voice, or to feel . . . his inspiration (from Historical Record, edited and published by Andrew Jenson [1889], 555).
Ultimately, the Prophet Joseph was slain by evil men who assumed the church would collapse after his death. George Q. Cannon, who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a counselor to several Church presidents, wrote: “The enemies of truth were sure that they had now destroyed the work. And yet it lives, greater and stronger after the lapse of years. It is indestructible, for it is the work of God. And knowing that it is the eternal work of God, we know that Joseph Smith who established it was a prophet holy and pure” (Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet [1999], 527). . . .
We do not worship the Prophet Joseph; however he left behind a legacy that enables [his] followers today on every continent to proclaim him as a prophet of God. May we, each of us, strive to continue the Prophet Joseph’s vision for this work and to magnify his legacy through our works and testimonies to others, that they may know him as we do and that they may experience the peace and joy of the gospel he restored.
When the Savior returns to the earth in glory, the Prophet Joseph will come forth with the righteous as a resurrected being and will continue to minister under the Savior’s direction. As our beloved hymn affirms, “Millions shall know ‘Brother Joseph’ again.” Of this truth I testify. (“The Prophet Joseph Smith,” 200th Birthday Commemoration, December 23, 2005)
No description of models for us to follow would be complete without including Joseph Smith, the first prophet of this dispensation. When but fourteen years of age, this courageous young man entered a grove of trees, which later would be called sacred, and received an answer to his sincere prayer.
There followed for Joseph unrelenting persecution as he related to others the account of the glorious vision he received in that grove. Yet, although he was ridiculed and scorned, he stood firm. Said he, “I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it” (Joseph Smith—History 1:25).
Step by step, facing opposition at nearly every turn and yet always guided by the hand of the Lord, Joseph organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He proved courageous in all that he did.
Toward the end of his life, as he was led away with his brother Hyrum to Carthage Jail, he bravely faced what he undoubtedly knew lay ahead for him, and he sealed his testimony with his blood.
As we face life’s tests, may we ever emulate that undaunted courage epitomized by the Prophet Joseph Smith. (“Models to Follow,” Ensign, November 2002, 62)
“I was born in the year of our Lord 1805 on the 23rd day of December in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, state of Vermont.” Thus spoke the first prophet of this great dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness of times. His testimony has been translated into Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, German, French, Polish, and almost every language of the civilized world. When it has been read by honest men and honest women, it has changed thinking and they have changed lives. This is the value of the simple testimony of the boy prophet, Joseph Smith. (“The Prophet Joseph Smith—Teacher by Example,” General Authority Family Home Evening, June 28, 1993)
Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes . . . perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr’s death, as did his brother Hyrum.
Joseph Smith was a pioneer indeed. (“They Showed the Way,” Ensign, May 1997, 51–52)
Thomas S. Monson also said: “In harmony with our belief that the U.S. Constitution is an inspired document and that America has a special mission,” President Monson said, “the Deseret News will defend and promote the principles of the Constitution and the great freedoms for which the nation stands; indeed, it will promote the free agency of all mankind. We view ourselves as being not just in the newspaper business but in the communication business. As technology or public preferences change, our methods of communication may change, but at all times ours shall be a voice for the principles of our owner, for the canons of responsible journalism and for all other righteous and compatible interests and causes.” (Source: “New Home for Pioneer Newspaper”, LDS Church News, 31 May 1997 )
Several other quotes of Prophets validate the “One Great Cumorah” in New York as the hill the plates were buried in and is also the hill where the finals battled happened. [MYSTERY SOLVED?]
“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 Ensign Dec. 2012
“I do not believe that there were two Hill Cumorahs, one in Central America and the other one up in New York, for the convenience of the Prophet Joseph Smith, so that the poor boy would not have to walk clear to Central America to get the gold plates.” Elder Mark E. Petersen, General Conference Address, April 1953
“The whole of our journey, in the midst of so large a company of social honest and sincere men, wandering over the plains of the Nephites, recounting occasionaly 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” JS, Letter, Pike County, IL, to Emma Smith, Kirtland, OH, 4 June 1834; in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 56–59 To read Online this letter in the Joseph Smith Papers, CLICK HERE
“…At about one mile west rises another ridge of less height, running parallel with the former, leaving a beautiful vale between. The soil is of the first quality for the country, and under a state of cultivation, which gives a prospect at once imposing, when one reflects on the fact, that here, between these hills, the entire power and national strength of both the Jaredites and Nephites were destroyed.
By turning to the 529th and 530th pages of the Book of Mormon, 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 valley fell the remaining strength and pride of a once powerful people, the Nephites….” Read Online the complete LETTER VII HERE
“Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.” D&C 125:3
“Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words”. 2 Nephi 11:3
Instead of trying to find out where the Nephites lived, try this experiment. Find an ancient culture of people that lived somewhere in the world at the same time period as the Nephites. (Apx. 200 BC to 400 AD). If you believe the Nephites lived in Mesoamerican look for this group of people there. If you believe the Book of Mormon events happened in North America, look there. If you feel Nephi and Mosiah lived in South America, look there.
Next find real artifacts that exist today that are dated during those time frames of 200 BC to 400 AD. Look at their travel patterns and hunter gatherer societies and compare it with the location you have found.
Finally, does the land and these people you are looking for, match these 17 promises and prophecies below as recorded in the Book of Mormon? (I can give you 19 more if you need them). If not, don’t be alarmed. The answer is: “The events of the Book of Mormon happened in the Heartland of the United States of America.” Item 8 below is a {REVELATION}. It shouldn’t be disputed. The way the Meso boys get around this, is they say the entire continent includes the New Jerusalem not just the USA. (So the Promised land could be Greenland, or Nova Scotia, or Venezuela, or Montreal? I guess it could be, but I don’t think it is. The place of the Constitution written by the Lord Himself and the place where the Garden of Eden is located is the Promised Land. What else is an important location of a promised land? Hill Cumorah, Palmyra, Susquehanna, Colesville, Kirtland, Nauvoo, Independence, MO, Salt Lake City? There is overwhelming evidence that as Elder L Tom Perry said, “The United States is the promised land foretold in the Book of Mormon—a palace where divine guidance directed inspired men to create the conditions necessary for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Elder L. Tom Perry Ensign Dec. 2012.
Stop looking. The Hopewell Mound builders are the society that match the criteria of what you are looking for.
Early Woodland period (1500 BC–200 BC) ADENA Middle Woodland period (200 BC–500 AD) HOPEWELL Late Woodland period (500–1000 AD) FORT ANCIENT Mississippian Period (1000 -1500 AD) EARLY-LATE JAREDITES (22OO BC – 586 BC) NEPHITES (600 BC – 421 AD)
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“The Hopewell Culture was contemporaneous with the end of the Adena culture, but the Adena people tended to be considerably larger than the Hopewell. Remains of men seven feet tall were common among the Adena, while Hopewell were robust, their males averaged closer to six feet in height. There are four types of earthworks that were constructed by the ancient Hopewell civilization.
Defensive Enclosure Mounds
Burial Mounds
Effigy (Shaped) Mounds
Ceremonial and Temple Mounds
“Mounds were used chiefly as burial places but also as elevated foundations for special structures such as temples (Marietta, OH), hill top enclosures (Fort Ancient, OH), as totemic representations (Serpent Mound in Ohio), and ceremonial space and structures, (The great Circle/Octagon complex, Newark, OH). In size they vary from less than one acre in area to more than 100 acres. Over 200,000 earthworks dotted America’s Heartland.” The Book of Mormon in America’s Heartland by Rodney Meldrum
The Hopewell Culture describes the common aspects of the Native American culture that flourished along rivers in the northeastern and midwestern United States from 300 BC to 400 AD, in the Middle Woodland period. The Hopewell tradition was not a single culture or society, but a widely dispersed set of related populations. They were connected by a network of trade routes, known as the Hopewell Exchange System.
At its greatest extent, the Hopewell Exchange System ran from the Southeastern United States as far south as the Crystal River Indian Mounds into the southeastern Canadian shores of Lake Ontario up north. Within this area societies participated in a high degree of exchange with the highest amount of activity along waterways. The Hopewell Exchange System included copper from the Great Lakes, mica from the Carolinas, obsidian from the Rocky Mountains, and shells from the Gulf Coast. These people then converted the materials into products and exported them through local and regional exchange networks. Although the origins of the Hopewell are still under discussion, the Hopewell culture can also be considered a cultural climax, ending suddenly in about 400 AD.
Hopewell populations originated in western New York and moved south into Ohio where they built on top of the local Adena mortuary tradition. Hopewell was also said to have originated in western Illinois and spread by diffusion … to southern Ohio. Similarly, the Havana Hopewell tradition was thought to have spread up the Illinois River and into southwestern Michigan, spawning Goodall Hopewell.
The name “Hopewell” was applied by Warren K. Moorehead after his explorations of the Hopewell Mound Group in Ross County, Ohio in 1891 and 1892. The mound group itself was named for the family that owned the earthworks at the time.
The Hopewell location in the Mississippi Valley, plains of Illinois, and Indiana and locations in Ohio match up with the location of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. The time period also shows a great correlation, especially as both the Hopewell and Nephite civilization abruptly ended in about 400 AD.” The Book of Mormon in America’s Heartland page 102 by Rodney Meldrum
Parallels of the Hopewell Culture
Parallels of the Hopewell Culture as described by William C. Mills, Chief Archaeologist of Ohio, with the Book of Mormon“[May 20, 1917; Sunday] Attended Sunday School and afternoon service in Hawthorne Hall, and was a speaker at each assembly. Evening meetings here, as also in Brooklyn, have been discontinued for the summer. The attendance both at Sunday School and afternoon meeting was surprisingly large in view of the fact that many of the Utah college students have left for the vacation period. This evening at the hotel I had a long and profitable consultation with Professor Wm. C. Mills, State Archaeologist of Ohio. He is continuing his splendid work of exploration in the Ohio mounds, and I went over with him again the remarkable agreement between his deductions and the Book of Mormon story. He has reached the following (10) conclusions: The area now included within the political boundaries defining the State of Ohio was once inhabited by two distinct peoples, representing two cultures, a higher and a lower. These two classes were contemporaries; in other words, the higher and the lower culture represented distinct phases of development existing at one time and in contiguous sections, and furnish in no sense an instance of evolution by which the lower culture was developed into the higher. These two cultural types or distinct peoples were generally in a state of hostility one toward the other, the lower culture being more commonly the aggressor and the higher the defender. During limited periods, however, the two types, classes, or cultures, lived in a state of neutrality, amounting in fact to friendly intercourse. The numerous exhumations of human bones demonstrate that the people of the lower type, if not indeed both cultures, were very generally affected by syphilis, indicating a prevalent condition of lasciviousness. Their (are) two peoples or cultures…the lower culture was most commonly the assailing party, while the people of the higher type defended as best they could but in general fled. As a further consequence of this belligerent status they buried their dead, with or without previous cremation, in such condition as to admit of expeditious covering up of the cemeteries by the heaping of earth over the sepulchers [sic], in which hurried work the least skilled laborers and even children could be employed. From a careful collating of data it is demonstrated that the general course of migration through the area now defined as the State of Ohio was inward from the west and outward toward the east. Professor Mills states that no definite data as to the age of these peoples have as yet been found, but that the mounds may date back a few hundred years or even fifteen hundred or more. Several years ago I placed a Book of Mormon in the hands of Professor Mills and, while he is reticent as to the parallelism of his discoveries and the Book of Mormon account, he is impressed by the agreement.” James E. Talmage 20 May 1917
Ross County, OH in Red. Each tiny black dot is equal to one mound complex. Over 5,500 complexes in Ohio
THE HOPEWELL CULTURE
Mounds We know the Hopewell principally from their mounds. Archaeologists have excavated scores of Hopewell mounds in search of knowledge about these ancient people. Many of these mounds were places of burial and, as a result, we know quite a lot about the Hopewell “way of death.” But the burials and the construction of mounds may only represent the climactic events in a series of activities performed at these special sites.
Before the mounds were built, the Hopewell erected large wooden structures on the site. Some of these structures probably were charnel houses, places where the Hopewell dead were prepared for burial or cremation. Others could have been council houses, places of worship, or all of these things. They may have been used over and over again, as layer upon layer of colored clays and sands sometimes are found covering the floors. Each layer may represent the ritualized ending of one phase of activity and the beginning of another. Often, clay basins were built into the upper most floors and some of these served as crematories.
Once they had fulfilled their role in Hopewell society, whatever that role may have been, the wooden structures were burned to the ground, or carefully taken down. Then these places of ceremony and burial were covered with mounds of earth, some of which were quite large such as those at sites like Seip, Harness, and, the largest, Mound 25 at the Hopewell Mound Group. Mound 25, actually three conjoined mounds, was 500 feet long, 180 feet wide, and 30 feet high when mapped by Squier and Davis in the 1840s.
Sometimes the Hopewell would perform this cycle of activities many times in the same general area. The resulting clusters of anywhere from two to a dozen or more mounds might be enclosed by an elliptical or rounded rectangular earthen wall. At Mound City there are at least 23 mounds of varying shapes and sizes surrounded by the walls of an enclosure.
The people buried in the mounds include males and females, young and old. The Hopewell often cremated their dead, but extended burials in prepared tombs are also common. They often clothed or wrapped the bodies in fine textiles. Sometimes they would bury an array of ornaments and objects of ritual with the dead.
The skeletons uncovered by archaeological excavations into Hopewell mounds show us that, in life, these people were healthy and robust. Infant mortality probably was high by today’s standards, but many Hopewellians lived to a ripe old age. The elderly likely held a special place in Hopewell societies. They represented “living archives” of lore on all aspects of the natural and supernatural worlds. Although the Hopewell probably had leaders of some considerable power and influence there is no evidence, such as consistent patterns in burial practices, that their leaders inherited political power after the manner of kings or pharaohs.
The most spectacular offerings frequently were not associated with a particular burial and may, therefore, represent some other ritual activity. Such offerings might include large numbers of copper earspools, copper axes and adzes, plaques of copper or mica cut into various abstract designs or representational forms, animal effigy pipes often carved from Ohio pipestone or other works shaped from various materials brought from the ends of the Hopewell world. These exotic materials included the raw copper and silver from the Lake Superior area; mica, quartz crystal and chlorite from the southern Appalachians; pearls, fossil shark teeth, alligator teeth, conch shells and sea turtle shells from the Gulf Coast; obsidian from the Rocky Mountains; and meteoric iron from various sources. Some archaeologists think these exotic commodities represent a far flung network of trade. But very little material from Ohio, such as tools shaped from Flint Ridge flint, is found at the other end of the so-called Hopewell interaction sphere. Perhaps the trade involved deer skins or other things which have left no traces in the soil for archaeologists to unearth. Perhaps it was not trade at all. Exotic raw materials may have been brought to Ohio by people on pilgrimages or by Ohio Hopewell who collected the materials while on extended quests to far off lands.
One dot per mound complex could be 3-20 mounds per complex.
Enclosures The Hopewell people frequently enclosed places of special importance with earthen walls built in diverse shapes and sizes. Squier and Davis originally classified these into two broad categories: works of defense and sacred enclosures. Archaeologists still recognize the basic distinction between hilltop enclosures, with walls that follow the edges of bluff tops, and geometric earthworks which are usually built on broad, flat river terraces. But they no longer interpret most of the hilltop enclosures as defensive works, even though many still bear the name of “fort”. The Fort Ancient site, for example, has more than three miles of embankments with more than 60 passages allowing entry into the enclosure. Ditches, or moats, were dug inside the walls, rather than outside where we might expect to find defensive features. These facts indicate many of the hilltop enclosures were never intended to serve as forts.
The walls of Hopewell enclosures generally were not used to cover burials. Only at the Turner Group of earthworks near Cincinnati and at Mound City have archaeologists recovered burials beneath the walls of an enclosure. Burial mounds occasionally are enclosed by circular or elliptical embankments, but many, perhaps most, of the earthworks were not used for mortuary ceremonialism.
The gigantic earthen enclosures of the Hopewell are among the most compelling and mysterious architectural remains of ancient America. Embankments of earth built in the shape of simple geometric figures or following the contours of a hilltop are the tantalizing vestiges of a sacred landscape molded from Ohio’s soils nearly 20 centuries ago. Most of these earthworks appear to represent places of social, political and religious significance . But it is difficult, if not impossible, to translate this abstract geometry into sure knowledge about the activities and beliefs of the prehistoric builders. Important clues to the function of the earthworks may still lie buried beneath our feet, or may wheel across the sky above our heads.
Ray Hively, a physicist, and Robert Horn, a philosopher, together recently determined the circular enclosures connected to octagons, at Newark and Chillicothe, record in the alignment of their walls the rising and setting points of the moon through an 18.6 year long cycle. Some scholars argue such alignments are coincidental and the Hopewell were not astronomers. But it should not be surprising these people were aware of the cyclical nature of the apparent motions of the moon and sun, nor that they attached importance to these phenomena. Indeed, we should move beyond the question of whether or not the alignments are intentional or accidental. The important question now is, were the earthworks used as instruments for making astronomical observations or, do the astronomically significant alignments of the walls fulfill a strictly symbolic function? In either case, Hopewellian monumental architecture serves to bring the celestial choreography down to earth.
An unexpected precision underlies Hopewellian geometry. Squier and Davis noted a remarkable correspondence between the form and dimensions of earthworks located many miles apart. For example, the circles connected to the octagonal enclosures at both Newark and the High Bank Works in Chillicothe were the same size as the inner of two concentric circles which once graced Circleville. The outer circle at Circleville was the same diameter as Newark’s Great Circle.
There are other important connections between the Hopewell earthworks at Newark and Chillicothe. The Scioto Valley north and south of the modern city of Chillicothe has the largest number and greatest diversity of earthworks built in North America. The Newark Works are the single largest complex of joined geometric earthen enclosures ever built. Octagon State Memorial in Newark and the High Bank Works in Chillicothe are the only two circular enclosures joined to octagons built by the Hopewell and the main axis of these two sites are oriented precisely perpendicular to each other, even though they are more than 50 miles apart.
There is some evidence to suggest the connections between ancient Newark and Chillicothe were formalized in a prehistoric roadway of long, straight parallel walls. Caleb Atwater, one of Ohio’s first archaeologists, suggested in 1820 that the parallel walls which ran southwestward from Newark’s octagon might extend thirty miles or more. In 1862 James and Charles Salisbury, early residents of Newark, traced these walls six miles “over fertile fields, through tangled swamps and across streams, still keeping their undeviating course.” They did not follow the road to its end, but noted the walls headed in the direction of Chillicothe.
If the Hopewell truly built such a long, straight “roadway” they would not have been the only culture in the Americas to do so; but they would have been among the first. The Anasazi of Chaco Canyon and the Maya of the Yucatan built the most famous networks of long, straight roads more than a century after the Hopewell. The roads of the Maya were ceremonial highways and pilgrimage routes connecting one special place with another. It is often inappropriate to draw analogies between cultures so widely separated in space and time, but perhaps Hopewellian Newark and Chillicothe were great religious centers like Mecca, Santiago de Compostela, or the Vatican. Pilgrims from across eastern North America may have come to these places bearing offerings of rare and precious items; perhaps they left with a spiritual recompense – an oracular message or a religious inspiration. This would provide one of many possible explanations for the presence of large quantities of copper, mica and other exotic materials in Ohio’s mounds and the relative absence of material goods from Ohio in sites at the periphery of Hopewellian influence. See http://www.heathohio.org/about/hopewell.html.
Ancient DNA from the Ohio Hopewell
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Amazing results of a study of ancient DNA from the Hopewell site! Lisa A. Mills conducted a study of ancient DNA recovered from human remains from mounds at the Hopewell site, Ross County, Ohio. The results of her work are presented in her doctoral dissertation: Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the Ohio Hopewell of the Hopewell Mound Group. PhD Dissertation by Lisa A. Mills, Department of Anthropology, Ohio State University, 2003.
The Hopewell Mound Group is located in Ross County along the North Fork of Paint Creek, about four miles northwest of Chillicothe. It is part of the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park [http://www.nps.gov/hocu/]. The Hopewell culture [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1283] extended across much of eastern North America, but its heartland was here in central and southern Ohio. Hopewell culture sites range in age from 100 BC to around AD 500.
Mills successfully extracted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the teeth of 34 individuals originally excavated by H. C. Shetrone who was, at the time, Curator of Archaeology for the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society (now called the Ohio Historical Society). These human remains were excavated from mounds of the Hopewell Mound Group between 1922 and 1925 and subsequently have been curated by the Ohio Historical Society. Mills sampled a total of 49 individuals so her success rate at recovering DNA was 69%. This rate of success indicates excellent preservation of DNA. Although based on a relatively small sample of individuals, the results are promising and provocative.
First, Mills noted that the people she studied from the Hopewell site represented a very diverse group. The sample included 4 out of the 5 documented Native American lineages (haplotypes) [see http://www.centerfirstamericans.com/mt.php?a=203 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplogroup_X_(mtDNA) for more information about Native American DNA]. This apparent diversity might suggest that individuals from different groups were buried together in these mounds.
Second, comparisons between the mtDNA from individuals from the Hopewell site and a database of mtDNA from groups from all over the world, demonstrated that these ancient Native Americans shared close ties with Asia especially, China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. This offers strong support for the already well-supported conclusion that Native Americans originated in Asia and migrated to the Americas in the past 15,000 years.
Third, comparisons between the mtDNA from these individuals from the Hopewell site and a database of mtDNA samples from 50 ancient and modern Native American groups provided evidence of some biological relationships. There were clear links between these people and individuals from two Adena culture [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1287] sites as well as individuals from the even earlier Glacial Kame culture [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2049]. This confirms the inference that the people of the Hopewell culture were the descendants of people of the Adena culture (circa 800 BC to AD 1) who were, in turn, descended from the local Archaic cultures (circa 3000-500 BC).
Interestingly, however, the Hopewell site individuals did not show a close relationship to the Fort Ancient culture samples [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1285]. Perhaps, as some scholars have suggested, some Fort Ancient-era groups (circa AD 1000-1650) moved into Ohio from elsewhere. The most closely related ancient groups outside of Ohio included individuals buried at the 700-year-old Norris Farm mound in central Illinois. Also, Mills found that one particular female buried at Mound 25 at the Hopewell site had a rare mutation that she shared with several elite individuals buried at the 1000-year-old Cahokia site [http://www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html].
Modern groups with whom the individuals at the Hopewell site shared some degree of relatedness include the Chippewa/Ojibwa [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2090] and Kickapoo of the Great Lakes region. Some genetic links also are indicated between one or more of the individuals from the Hopewell site and tribes as diverse and widespread as the Apache, Iowa, Micmac, Pawnee, Pima, Seri, Southwest Sioux, and Yakima. Mills looked, in particular, for evidence of ancestral ties between the individuals at the Hopewell site and Cherokee Indians, since some oral traditions have suggested a relationship between them. She found that Cherokee mtDNA samples do not cluster close to the Ohio Hopewell.
Finally, Mills found that multiple burials at the Hopewell site included individuals with different mtDNA profiles, indicating they did not share a recent female ancestor (since mtDNA is passed from mother to child). This further indicates that the people at this Hopewell culture site did not base their burial practices on principles of matrilineal descent. Due to the small sample size, the conclusions are tentative.
Mills work, however, confirms that DNA is recoverable from 2,000-year-old bones and that it can be used to make inferences about biological relationships between and among ancient populations and their descendants. It also demonstrates the importance of museum collections, including ancient human remains.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the Ohio Hopewell of the Hopewell Mound Group. PhD Dissertation by Lisa A. Mills, Department of Anthropology, Ohio State University, 2003. CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION
“The results of this study add to an already growing body of research dedicated to mtDNA analysis. In recent years, research utilizing Y- chromosome and STR analysis have also begun to add to what is known about the genetic variation present in Native Americans both ancient and modern. Combine that information with mtDNA, and a complete picture of migration, gene flow and kinship begins to take shape in North America. The Ohio Hopewell through an analysis of their mutations have revealed ancestral relationships with individuals in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Russia and South America. The Ohio Hopewell also display mutations that are uniquely their own, such as haplotype A 16166, haplotype B 16247 and 16265. The unique mutations of the Ohio Hopewell of Hopewell Mound Group may have been lost through attrition or have yet to be discovered in other Native American populations. The Ohio Hopewell also share a unique mutation with the Cahokians of 72Sub2 Mound , utilized to denote a rare haplotype aligned with individuals of high status at Cahokia.
Phylogenetic analysis through Neighbor Joining trees revealed that the Ohio Hopewell group with those individuals who share the basic A through D Native American haplotypes. Upon closer examination, the Ohio Hopewell clustered with both ancient and modern groups of Native Americans. RFLP Neighbor Joining trees revealed that the Ohio Hopewell do not group with samples from Fort Ancient populations of the Ohio River Valley, but with samples from Glacial Kame, Adena or Norris Farms, possibly indicating some relationship between the groups. This in part could be due to small sample size and a low number of sites that have been amplified. More work within all of the Ohio River Valley cultures is needed to give a clearer picture to archaeologists, linguists and biological anthropologists alike. Also examined were hypotheses detailing the migration of the Glacial Kame/Red Ocher groups into the northeast. The Ohio Hopewell did not supply evidence to support these hypotheses. This research did add to the growing body of work on the Hopewell. Matrilineal descent at least at the Hopewell Mound Group is not supported by this research. Also, based upon a visual analysis of the mtDNA haplotypes at the Hopewell Mound Group, as well as lack of homogeneity in multiple burials, segregation does not seem to be occurring at the site. More analysis is needed for the remaining burials in order to flesh out the rest of the site and compare the patterns. Finally, genetic indices were produced which present the Ohio Hopewell as a diverse and heterogenetic group, possessing four out of the five possible Native American haplotypes and presenting as an expanding population. This information also adds to the debate of the number of original waves of Native Americans to migrate into the North America. The Ohio Hopewell would suggest only one wave containing all the haplotypes that are present today in modern Native American populations. Finally, this research provides a model for multidisciplinary research, drawing from all four fields of anthropology. Each field complementing the work of the other fields to produce a complete picture. However, due to the small sample size and restriction to mtDNA, future work could add to what is already known about the Ohio Hopewell.
Contributions were also made in the struggle to deal with the bane of ancient DNA work, contamination. The procedure outlined in this research could help preserve information thought lost to contamination.”
Notes about Haplogroup X documentation
Brown M, Hosseini S, Torroni A and et al. (1998) MtDNA haplogroup X: An ancient link between Europe/Western Asia and North America? A J Hum Genet 63: 1852-1861.
For Native Americans, extensive RFLP and control region (CR; also known as the “D-loop”) sequence analysis has unambiguously identified four major founding mtDNA haplogroups, designated “A”–“D” (Torroni et al. 1992;1993a). Together, these haplogroups account for ∼97% of modern Native American mtDNAs surveyed to date (Torroni and Wallace 1994; Merriwether et al. 1995). Apparent non–haplogroup A–D mtDNAs can result from reversion of key A–D markers, recent admixture with non–Native Americans, or represent additional Native American founding mtDNA lineages. A striking example of the presence of non–haplogroup A–D genotypes in Native Americans can be seen in the Ojibwa, an Amerindian population from the Great Lakes region of North America. Using high-resolution RFLP analysis, Torroni et al. (1993a) found that 25% of the northern Ojibwa mtDNAs did not belong to haplogroups A–D and that nearly all of these “other” mtDNAs encompassed four distinct but related haplotypes characterized by the RFLP motif −1715 DdeI and +16517 HaeIII. This motif was also present in 4% of the Navajo, but it was not observed in 18 other tribes from North, South, and Central America. The high incidence of this motif in the Ojibwa has been confirmed recently by Scozzari et al. (1997), who reported its presence in 26% of the southeastern Ojibwa from Manitoulin Island, Canada.
17 of 36 promises and prophecies as recorded in the Book of Mormon
As students study Alma 3, they might have questions about the mark and the curse placed upon the Lamanites. You may want to explain that there is a difference between the mark and the curse. The mark placed upon the Lamanites was dark skin (see Alma 3:6). The purpose of this mark was to distinguish and separate the Lamanites from the Nephites (see Alma 3:8). The curse, which was more serious, was the state of being “cut off from the presence of the Lord” (2 Nephi 5:20). The Lamanites and the Amlicites brought this curse upon themselves because of their rebellion against God (see 2 Nephi 5:20; Alma 3:18–19). Although dark skin was used in this instance as a mark of the curse placed upon the Lamanites, the Book of Mormon teaches that the Lord “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) declared:
“No man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. …
“Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Need for Greater Kindness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 58). For additional help on this subject, see lesson 27.
What was the curse? The curse is clearly defined in verse 20 as being “cut off from the presence of the Lord.”
What caused the curse? According to verse 21, the cause of the curse came “because of their iniquity” and “hardened … hearts.” Since the days of Adam’s Fall, wickedness has resulted in being cut off from the presence of the Lord (see 1 Nephi 2:21; 2 Nephi 4:4; 9:6; Alma 9:13; Ether 10:11).
What was the mark or sign set upon the Lamanites? In Nephi’s day the curse of the Lamanites was that they were “cut off from [the Lord’s] presence … because of their iniquity” (2 Nephi 5:20–21). This meant the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn from their lives. When Lamanites later embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, “the curse of God did no more follow them” (Alma 23:18).
The Book of Mormon also states that a mark of dark skin came upon the Lamanites after the Nephites separated from them. The nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. The mark initially distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as the Nephites and Lamanites intermingled as they went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant.
Prophets affirm in our day that dark skin is not a sign of divine disfavor or cursing. The Church embraces Nephi’s teaching that the Lord “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). President Russell M. Nelson declared: “The Lord has stressed His essential doctrine of equal opportunity for His children. … Differences in culture, language, gender, race, and nationality fade into insignificance as the faithful enter the covenant path and come unto our beloved Redeemer” (“President Nelson Remarks at Worldwide Priesthood Celebration” [June 1, 2018], newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/book-of-mormon-student-manual/chapter-8-2-nephi-4-8?lang=eng
Bob Woodson blasts Black Lives Matter, says ‘race grievance vigilantes’ are ‘destroying this nation’
Woodson Center founder says BLM ‘has migrated from social justice’ to attacking ‘the nuclear family’ By Angelica Stabile | Fox News
Civil rights activist Bob Woodson joins Tucker Carlson on ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight.’
The Black Lives Matter movement has become an agent of parasitic destruction rather than a “champion of social justice,” civil rights activist Bob Woodson told “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Monday.
“Black Lives Matter, that advertised itself as the champion of social justice for Blacks, has really become a parasite,” Woodson told host Tucker Carlson. “It has migrated from social justice to [an] attack on the nuclear family … The burning of Bibles, desecration of the cross … It was the nuclear family and our Christian faith that enabled us to survive slavery and discrimination.”
Woodson questioned why Christian leaders and legacy civil rights groups have not spoken out to condemn the violence.
“Where’s the Urban League? Where’s the NAACP?” he asked. “Where’s the Congressional Black Caucus to speak out against these race grievance vigilantes that are destroying this nation? Where are they?”
Among those whose voices are not being listened to, Woodson added, are the 80% of Black Americans who support the police.
Woodson added that his organization, The Woodson Center, is attempting to give voices to the “dissidents… who are standing up for America.”
“We have the gatekeepers that are rewarded by the press and corporate America keeps paying these parasites,” he said. “And our country continues to decline. So what we’re trying to do at the Woodson Center is really give voice to those dissidents in these communities who are standing up for America and I want to protect these values… They need to answer which side they stand, with Black America or with the parasites?”
The Latter-day Saints have been so repeatedly and generally misrepresented and maligned
“The Latter-day Saints have been so repeatedly and generally misrepresented and maligned, that ordinarily little has been done by way of refutation. Were the people to undertake to meet every lie uttered against them and set it right, they would devote the whole of their lives to it and then die without accomplishing the desired object. But there are times when a refutation is necessary; when the whole people awake in earnestness to deny the misrepresentations of those who purposely and wilfully assail them.” —Junius F. WellsThe Contributor, Vol. XIII, No. 1, (November 1891) P. 52
In 1875, church president Brigham Young organized the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association. The first implementation of the organization was in the Salt Lake 13th Ward, with Junius F. Wells as president. Among his counselors was Heber J. Grant…
Junius Wells was also the founding editor and publisher of The Contributor, an independent publication that sought to represent the YMMIA and the church’s equivalent organization for young women. Wells continued in these roles until 1892.” Wikipedia
2 Nephi 30:6 And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and a delightsome people.”http://shields-research.org/42_Questions/ques03.htm#11.
“White” need not refer to skin color, as is clear from the following passages from the biblical book of Daniel: “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed (Daniel 11:35). “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand (Daniel 12:10). In both of these passages, the meaning of the word “white” is most obviously pure; to “make white” is to purify. When Joseph Smith first translated the Book of Mormon, he gave the literal rendering of “white” for the passage in 2 Nephi 30:6. For the 1840 edition, it was changed to “pure,” which better reflected the meaning of the word used by Nephi. Subsequent editions, however, relied on the 1837 Book of Mormon, which still read “white.” This oversight was not rectified until the 1981 edition. John A. Tvedtnes http://shields-research.org/Critics/CARM-JAT.htm#If
“White” versus “Pure”
“According to the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, Nephi, speaking of the latter-day restoration, discussed the future conversion of Lehi’s descendants: “And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not pass away among them, save they shall be a white and a delightsome people” (2 Nephi 30:6). In 1840 the Book of Mormon was “carefully revised by the translator,” Joseph Smith,15 and in that edition the expression “white and delightsome” was changed to “pure and delightsome.” This change seems to reflect the Prophet’s concern that modern readers might misinterpret this passage as a reference to racial changes rather than to changes in righteousness. Possibly his sojourns in Ohio and Missouri had altered his perspective of the racial connotations of the term white in the contemporary United States, particularly among slaves and slaveholders. He may not have gained much understanding of this matter during his upbringing in New England and New York State, where slavery was not as common.
Unfortunately for subsequent Latter-day Saint interpreters, following the Prophet’s death the changes in the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon were not carried over into subsequent printings, which were instead based on an edition prepared by the Twelve Apostles in Great Britain after a copy of an earlier edition. The apostles, being in England, were not familiar with the 1840 edition. Consequently, Latter-day Saints did not reap the benefit of the Prophet’s clarification until it was restored in the 1981 edition of the Book of Mormon.17 Some critics have been fond of citing statements of earlier Latter-day Saint leaders, who once interpreted 2 Nephi 30:6 to mean that conversion leads to a change of skin color; however, to use such statements today is anachronistic at best and disingenuous at worst since these statements were all expressed previous to the 1981 correction and merely echo a misinterpretation of the Book of Mormon text rather than the authoritative text itself. Moreover, a change in Lamanite skin color was clearly never intended by the “white/pure and delightsome” passage that the Prophet Joseph modified because it does not refer to the Lamanites at all, but to the Nephites and Jews in the latter days who turn to Christ (see 2 Nephi 30:1-7).
Is the Prophet’s Change from “White” to “Pure” Justified in the Scriptural Context? Yes!
But is the Prophet’s change from “white” to “pure” justified in the scriptural context? The answer is yes. The terms white and pure are used synonymously in Daniel 7:9, Revelation 15:6, and Doctrine and Covenants 110:3. They are also found together in a number of passages where they clearly refer to those who are purified and redeemed by Christ (Alma 5:24; 13:12; 32:42; Mormon 9:6; D&C 20:6). Similarly, Mormon expressed the hope that the Nephites “may once again be a delightsome people” (Words of Mormon 1:8). It was also of the Nephites that he wrote:
And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry. (Mormon 5:15)
Purity and Righteousness on the One Hand and Impurity and Wickedness has Nothing to do with Race
The use of black-and-white imagery to typify purity and righteousness is exemplified in the works of Ephraim of Syria, a fourth-century AD Old World Christian writer, who commented on Philip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39) as follows: “The eunuch of Ethiopia upon his chariot saw Philip: the Lamb of Light met the dark man from out of the water. While he was reading, the Ethiopian was baptized and shone with joy, and journeyed on! He made disciples and taught, and out of black men he made men white. And the dark Ethiopic women became pearls for the Son.”18 One of Ephraim’s poems explains that “bodies that were filled with stains are made white” by means of anointing and baptism.19 The Qur’an, a seventh-century Semitic text, also speaks of the day of judgment as “the day when some faces will be white and some faces will be black” (3:106). This could be taken as a reference to purity and righteousness on the one hand and impurity and wickedness on the other, or to salvation and damnation, but certainly not to race, since Islam has always been reasonably color-blind.20 Modern Arabic still uses the idiom sawwada wajhuhu to describe the act of discrediting, dishonoring, or disgracing a person, but its literal meaning is “to blacken the face” of someone.” John A. Tvedtnes
15 See introduction to the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon 16. Use of the term white for the concept of purity was well attested at the time Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, as well as in his cultural context. Out of six meanings for the term given in Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, three concern purity, while only two concern color. The last concerns venerability. 17. For a more detailed explanation of the history of this textual variant, see Larry W. Draper, “Book of Mormon Editions,” in Uncovering the Original Text of the Book of Mormon, ed. M. Gerald Bradford and Alison V. P. Coutts (Provo, Utah: FARMS, 2002), 43. 18. “The Pearl: Seven Hymns on the Faith” 3:2, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, 2nd ser., ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (1890-1900; reprint, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1994), 13:295. My thanks to Mark Ellison for bringing this passage to my attention. 19. This translation comes from text 16, stanza 7, of a forthcoming edition of selected poems of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, edited and translated by Sebastian P. Brock and George A. Kiraz, to be published in a bilingual side-by-side format by Brigham Young University Press in 2004. See also Sebastian Brock, trans., The Harp of the Spirit: Eighteen Poems of St. Ephrem, 2nd ed. (London: Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius, 1983), 49. My thanks go to Daniel C. Peterson for this reference and the next. 20. Bernard Lewis, Race and Color in Islam (New York: Harper and Row, 1971).
Prophecies regarding the last days often refer to large-scale calamities such as earthquakes or famines or floods. These in turn may be linked to widespread economic or political upheavals of one kind or another.
But there is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective—a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it. The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”
The encouraging thing, of course, is that our Father in Heaven knows all of these latter-day dangers, these troubles of the heart and soul, and has given counsel and protections regarding them.
In light of that, it has always been significant to me that the Book of Mormon, one of the Lord’s powerful keystones in this counteroffensive against latter-day ills” Jeffery R. Holland Safety for the Soul 2009
My Personal Desire
“O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.” Alma 29:1-3
.Quotes about The Book of Mormon, “Keystone of our Religion”
The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding its precepts than any other book. — Joseph Smith
Now the Lord is withholding from us a great many truths that he would gladly reveal if we were ready to receive them. Did you know that a portion of the record from which the Book of Mormon is taken is sealed? The Prophet was not permitted to break the seals, and we will not receive the sealed record until the time comes when the people will show by their faith their willingness to accept it. [3 Nephi 26:6-12; Ether 3:21-28; 4:4-8.]….Until we are prepared to receive the things already given, I fear the Lord will hold from us those other things which one time will be revealed. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:201-2.) — Book of Mormon Student Manual, [1979] p. 9-10
We do not have to prove the Book of Mormon is true. The book is its own proof. All we need to do is read it and declare it! The Book of Mormon is not on trial – the people of the world, including the members of the Church, are on trial as to what they will do with this second witness for Christ. (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1984, p. 8.) — Book of Mormon Student Manual, p. 1
I would like to call your attention to one thing in the Book of Mormon. The Lord has promised us greater knowledge, greater understanding than we find in the Book of Mormon, when we are prepared to receive it. When the brother of Jared went upon the mount to have the Lord touch stones to give them light to light their way across the great ocean, the Lord revealed to him the history of this world from the beginning of it to the end. We do not have it. . . .
Now the Lord has placed us on probation as members of the Church. He has given us the Book of Mormon, which is the lesser part, to build up our faith through our obedience to the counsels which it contains, and when we ourselves, members of the Church, are willing to keep the commandments as they have been given to us and show our faith as the Nephites did for a short period of time, then the Lord is ready to bring forth the other record and give it to us, but we are not ready now to receive it. Why? Because we have not lived up to the requirements in this probationary state in the reading of the record which had been given to us and in following its counsels. — Joseph Fielding Smith, “The Book of Mormon, a Divine Book,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1961, pp. 925-27; also Conference Report, Oct. 1961, pp. 19-20
Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. . . .I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter.” — President Ezra Taft Benson, New Era, May 1975, p. 19
The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent. — President Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, April 1986
The Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. It will be the most important book you will read in preparation for a mission and for life. A young man [or woman] who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teachings will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord. — President Ezra Taft Benson, Priesthood Session, General Conference April 1986
The major mission of the Book of Mormon, as recorded on its title page, is “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.” Additionally, over one-half of all verses in the Book of Mormon refer to our Lord. Some form of Christ’s name is mentioned more frequently per verse in the Book of Mormon than even in the New Testament. — President Ezra Taft Benson, October 1987 General Conference; reported in Church News, January 4, 1992
I bless you with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon. I promise you that from this moment forward, if you will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown. — President Ezra Taft Benson, 1986
I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity – the pure love of Christ – will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness. (Marion G. Romney) — President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 7
The Book of Mormon is an anchor in the storms of mortality.— Marion G. Romney, General Conference, April 1960
Today, in compliance with the prophetic mandate, thousands of Latter-day Saints have begun to search the Book of Mormon; many have begun to experience its subtle but certain sanctifying power. They have begun to feel a greater yearning for righteousness and the things of the Spirit, a heightened sensitivity to others, an abhorrence to sin. Many have surrendered to the Lord, desiring to know his ways and abide by his will. For such, surely the condemnation is no more. — Robert Millet, “So Glorious a Record,” Ensign, Dec. 1992, p. 10
All the scriptures testify that perilous times lie ahead, that wickedness will increase and malevolence multiply, all before the Son of Man comes to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Before that time, before the proud and the wicked are burned as stubble, those who call themselves after his name will find security only in holy places. For only the sanctified – those who have yielded their hearts unto God (Hel. 3:55), who have an eye single to the glory of God (D&C 88:67-68), and who, like God, have come to abhor sin (Alma 13:12) – will be able to withstand the onslaught that Satan will bring to bear against them. It is my conviction that the Book of Mormon will be one of the few mainstays to which we can rivet ourselves in that future day. — Robert L. Millet, “So Glorious a Record,” Ensign, Dec. 1992, p. 11
Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book. It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. . . . When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.
These promises – increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness – are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God. — President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion,” General Conference, October 1986; see Ensign Nov. 1986, p. 7 and January 1992, p. 7
When James H. Moyle visited David Whitmer, Whitmer was an old man; he was out of the Church and was living in a log cabin in Richmond, MO. Of this visit to David Whitmer, James H. Moyle stated in this very building [the Tabernacle] on March 22, 1908:
“I went to his humble home, . . and I told him . . . as a young man starting out in life I wanted to know from him . . . what he knew about the Book of Mormon, and what about the testimony he had published to the world concerning it. He told me in all the solemnity of his advanced years, that the testimony he had given to the world, and which was published in the Book of Mormon, was true, every word of it, and that he had never deviated nor departed in any particular from that testimony, and that nothing in the world could separate him from the sacred message that was delivered to him. I still wondered if it was not possible that he could have been deceived, . . so I induced him to relate to me, under such cross-examination as I was able to interpose, every detail of what took place. He described minutely the spot in the woods, the large log that separated him from the angel, and that he saw the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, that he handled them, and that he did hear the voice of God declare that the plates were correctly translated. I asked him if there was any possibility for him to have been deceived, and that it was all a mistake, but he said, ‘No.’” (Quoted in James Henry Moyle by President Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 366-67.) — Church News, January 25, 1997, p. 14
We are not required to prove that the Book of Mormon is true or is an authentic record through external evidences – though there are many. It never has been the case, nor is it so now, that the studies of the learned will prove the Book of Mormon true or false. The origin, preparation, translation, and verification of the truth of the Book of Mormon have all been retained in the hands of the Lord, and the Lord makes no mistakes. You can be assured of that. God has built in His own proof system of the Book of Mormon as found in Moroni, chapter 10, and in the testimony of the Three and Eight witnesses and in various sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.
We each need to get our own testimony of the Book of Mormon through the Holy Ghost. Then our testimony, coupled with the Book of Mormon, should be shared with others so that they, too, can know through the Holy Ghost of its truthfulness. Nephi testifies that the Book of Mormon contains the “words of Christ” and that if people “believe in Christ,” they will believe in the Book of Mormon. (2 Ne. 33:10) — President Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, 1987
In June of 1829, Joseph Smith, then 23 years old, called on 23-year-old Mr. Grandin in company with Martin Harris, a local farmer. Mr. Grandin had three months earlier advertised his intent to publish books. Joseph Smith provided pages of a handwritten manuscript. If the content of the book did not doom it to remain obscure, the account of where it came from certainly would. Imagine an angel directing a teenage boy to the woods where he found buried a stone vault and a set of golden plates. The writings on the plates were translated by use of a Urim and Thummim, which is referred to a number of times in the Old Testament (see Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65) and described by Hebrew scholars as an instrument “whereby the revelation was given and truth declared” (John M’Clintock and James Strong, Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature [1867-1881], s.v. “Urim and Thummim”).
Before the book was off the press, pages of it were stolen and printed in the local newspaper, accompanied by ridicule. Opposition was destined to excite mobs to kill the Prophet Joseph Smith and drive those who believed him into the wilderness. From that very unlikely beginning to this day, 108,936,922 copies of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ have been printed. It has been published in 62 languages, with selections of it in another 37 languages, and 22 more translations are in process. Now 60,000 full-time missionaries in 162 countries pay their own way to devote two years of their lives to testify that the Book of Mormon is true. For generations it has inspired those who read it. — President Boyd K. Packer, “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, p. 62
[Speaking of David Whitmer not having the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon. . . .] Why I am positive that it was not the original is because I have indisputable evidences that the original was deposited by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the cornerstone of the Nauvoo House, from which it was taken, many years later, when the house was in a ruined state, by Emma Smith’s second husband, Major [Lewis C.] Bidamon, and by him given to parties who brought it to Utah. It is now in the possess of this Church. There is no truth in the story that we offered to David Whitmer money for the manuscript then in his possession, and now in the possession of his kindred. I merely suggested to him that the Church had better facilities for taking care of such things than he had and would gladly give it a place in the archives if he were willing to part with it. This, however, he declined to do, regarding the manuscript as a talisman upon which his safety depended. — President Joseph F. Smith, “Reminiscences by the First Presidency,” Dec. 21, 1901; President Joseph F. Smith, President John R. Winder, President Anthon H. Lund; Deseret News, December 21, 1901, p. 57
The plates in the cave . . . I lived right in the country where the plates were found from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and I know a great many things pertaining to that country. I believe I will take the liberty to tell you of another circumstance that will be as marvelous as anything can be. This is an incident in the life of Oliver Cowdery, but he did not take the liberty of telling such things in meeting as I take. I tell these things to you, and I have a motive for doing so. I want to carry them to the ears of my brethren and sisters, and to the children also, that they may grow to an understanding of some things that seem to be entirely hidden from the human family. Oliver Cowdery went with the Prophet Joseph when he deposited these plates. Joseph did not translate all of the plates; there was a portion of them sealed, which you can learn from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light; but that it was just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls. The first time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had been taken down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written these words: “This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ.” I tell you this as coming not only from Oliver Cowdery, but others who were familiar with it, and who understood it just as well as we understand coming to this meeting, enjoying the day, and by and by we separate and go away, forgetting most of what is said, but remembering some things. So is it with other circumstances in life. I relate this to you, and I want you to understand it. I take this liberty of referring to those things so that they will not be forgotten and lost. Carlos Smith was a young man of as much veracity as any young man we had, and he was a witness to these things. Samuel Smith saw some things, Hyrum saw a good many things, but Joseph was the leader. — Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 19, p. 38
Some have alleged that these books of revelation are false, and they place in evidence changes that have occurred in the texts of these scriptures since their original publication. They cite these changes, of which there are many examples, as though they themselves were announcing revelation. As though they were the only ones that knew of them. Of course there have been changes and corrections. Anyone who has done even limited research knows that. When properly reviewed, such corrections become a testimony for, not against, the truth of the books. . . .
Now, I add with emphasis that such changes have been basically minor refinements in grammar, expression, punctuation, clarification. Nothing fundamental has been altered. Why are they not spoken of over the pulpit? Simply because by comparison they are so insignificant, and unimportant as literally to be not worth talking about. After all, they have absolutely nothing to do with whether the books are true. After compiling some of the revelations, the ancient prophet Moroni said, “. . . if there be faults they be the faults of a man. But behold, we know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that condemneth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Mormon 8:17.) “And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. . . .” (Mormon 8:12.)
. . .There has, over the years, been an endless procession of those who would examine these revelations by every formula save the right one. Each becomes evidence, as Paul said, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Cor. 1:14.) These scriptural diamonds, as we have described them, will stand the test. — Elder Boyd K. Packer, “We Believe All That God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 1974
First Presidency challenge . . . I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. If you will read a bit more than one and one-half chapters a day, you will be able to finish the book before the end of this year. Very near the end of its 239 chapters, you will find a challenge issued by the prophet Moroni as he completed his record nearly 16 centuries ago. Said he: “And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust? . . . “And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true” (Moroni 10:27,29).
Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. From the moment God’s present-day spokesman on earth uttered this challenge with its accompanying promises, every reasonably literate member of the Church was faced with a choice: Heed prophetic counsel or ignore it. Accomplishing it is relatively uncomplicated though most of us find it takes persistent, daily effort. The instruction is strikingly plain and simple – like looking at a brazen serpent on a staff (see Numbers 21:8) or washing in the River Jordan seven times (see 2 Kings 5:10-11). Is it so simple, in fact, that some will risk perishing because they ignore it (see 1 Nephi 17:41)? — President Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, p. 6; last paragraph from “Choosing our thoughts,” Church News, Oct. 22, 2005, p. 16
Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. It tells of evils and dangers of secret combinations, which are built up to get power and gain over the people. It tells of the reality of Satan and gives an indication of some of the methods he uses. It advises us on the proper use of wealth. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel and the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days. It tells us of the purpose and principles of missionary work. It warns us against pride, indifference, procrastination, the dangers of false traditions, hypocrisy, and unchastity. — L. Tom Perry, “Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, November p. 8
President Hinckley has encouraged us to read the Book of Mormon to lift us above the things of the world, to enjoy the things of the Lord. He said, “Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (Liahona and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6). These blessings are far more valuable than material possessions. — L. Tom Perry, “Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, November p. 8
We will then have a choice of what to do after January 1. [President Hinckley asked all Church members to read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end between August 1 and the end of the year, 2005.] We can choose to sigh with relief and say to ourselves: “I have built a great reservoir of faith by starting early and being steady in obedience. I will store it away against the times when I will be tested in storms.” There is a better way to prepare, because great faith has a short shelf life. We could decide to persist in studying the words of Christ in the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets. This is what I will do. I will go back to the Book of Mormon and drink deeply and often. And then I will be grateful for what the prophet’s challenge and promise did to teach me how to gain greater faith and maintain it. — Henry B. Eyring, “Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady,” Ensign, November 2005, p. 39
No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon. — President Joseph Fielding Smith, Improvement Era, December 1961, pp. 925-26
The Book of Mormon is not just a book that helps us feel good; it is a heavenly document that helps us be good. It is not only an invitation to come unto Christ; it is a pattern for accomplishing that consummate privilege. It is not just a book about religion. It is religion. — Robert L. Millet, “So Glorious a Record,” Ensign, December 1992
Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. . . I have noticed within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter. — President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1975
More than that, as I read in the Book of Mormon, I will pray that the Holy Ghost will help me know what God would have me do. There is a promise of that plea being answered in the book itself: “Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. I will act quickly on what the Holy Ghost tells me I should do as I read and ponder the Book of Mormon. When I complete the project in December, I will have had many experiences of stretching my faith to be obedient. And so my faith will be strengthened. And I will know from my own experience what comes from going to the scriptures early and consistently to know what God wants me to do and then doing it. If we do that, we will be better prepared for the greater storms when they come. — President Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 2005, p. 39
As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest – and last – hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth? Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be “houseless, friendless and homeless” and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor. Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if not the very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history – perhaps like no other book in any religious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died – from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator. In this I stand with my own great-grandfather, who said simply enough, “No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.” (George Q. Cannon, quoted in “The Twelve Apostles,” in Andrew Jenson, The Historical Record, 6:175)
I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work – and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times – until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies. If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages – especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers – if that is the case, then such a person, elect or otherwise, has been deceived; and if he or she leaves this Church, it must be done by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make that exit. In that sense the book is what Christ Himself was said to be: “a stone of stumbling, . . . a rock of offence,” a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in this work. Witnesses, even witnesses who were for a time hostile to Joseph, testified to their death that they had seen an angel and had handled the plates. “They have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man,” they declared. “Wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true.” (“The Testimony of Three Witnesses,” Book of Mormon) — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” General Conference, October 11, 2009
Now we not only need to say more about the Book of Mormon, but we need to do more with it. Why? The Lord answers: “That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.” (D&C 84:58) We have felt that scourge and judgment! The Prophet Joseph said that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book.” (Book of Mormon, Introduction.) The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent. I do not know of a man living today who has been more true to the Book of Mormon than President Marion G. Romney. In a general conference address, he declared that the Book of Mormon was “the most effective piece of missionary literature we have.” He quoted the Doctrine and Covenants, which states that “the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction” (D&C 33:16) and that “the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.” (D&C 42:12) President Romney added, “It is of course obvious that unless we read, study, and learn the principles which are in the Book of Mormon, we, the elders, priests, and teachers of this church, cannot comply with this direction to teach them.
“But there is another reason why we should read it,” President Romney continued. “By doing so we will fill and refresh our minds with the constant flow of that ‘water’ which Jesus said would be in us – ‘a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ (John 4:14.) We must obtain a continuing supply of this water if we are to resist evil and retain the blessings of being born again. . . .
“If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with and call them back to the things of the Spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by reading the Book of Mormon.” And then he concluded: “And so, I counsel you, my beloved brothers and sisters and friends everywhere, to make reading in the Book of Mormon a few minutes each day a lifelong practice. I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity – the pure love of Christ – will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1960, pp. 110–13.) — President Ezra Taft Benson, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” Ensign, May 1986, p. 4
There is another and simpler test that all who seek to know the truth might well take. It calls for us simply to read, ponder, and pray – all in the spirit of faith and with an open mind. To keep ourselves alert to the issues at hand – as we do read, ponder, and pray – we should ask ourselves a thousand times, “Could any man have written this book?” And it is absolutely guaranteed that sometime between the first and thousandth time this question is asked, every sincere and genuine truth seeker will come to know by the power of the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true, that it is the mind and will and voice of the Lord to the whole world in our day. — Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “What Think Ye of the Book of Mormon?” Ensign, November 1983, p. 72
“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not” (Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, A Witness and a Warning, p. 7).
That is the key: to use the Book of Mormon to become “built on the rock of Christ”! This book is a testament of Jesus Christ. It explains the significance of his atonement and the content of our covenant relationship with him. — Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” Ensign, March 1994, p. 60
No Latter-day Saint, no man or woman, can say the Book of Mormon is true, and at the same time say that the Bible is untrue. If one be true, both are; and if one be false, both are false. If Jesus lives, and is the Savior of the world, Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and lives in the bosom of his father Abraham. Though they have killed his body, yet he lives and beholds the face of his Father in Heaven; and his garments are pure as the angels that surround the throne of God; and no man on the earth can say that Jesus lives, and deny, at the same time, my assertion about the Prophet Joseph. This is my testimony, and it is strong. — Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 459
Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon shows God at work in the life of the human race. Its supreme revelation is of the human heart, and life touched by the Spirit of God. Its power and value is this, and it is from beginning to end a book of life. It becomes in this light, colorful, gripping, vivid, laying its hold on our imaginations and our souls. It inspires, it lifts our minds to God, and herein is its power. — Elder Levi Edgar Young, Conference Report, October 1928, p. 106 It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true. . . . No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon. — President Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, October 1961, p. 18
Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. . . . I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter. — President Ezra Taft Benson, New Era, May, 1975, p. 19
I bear witness that parents who consistently read and talk about the Book of Mormon with their children, who share testimony spontaneously with their children, and who invite children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon will be blessed with eyes that can see afar off (see Moses 6:27) and with ears that can hear the sound of the trumpet (see Ezekiel 33:2–16). The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families – “watching . . . with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18) – to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity. — Elder David A. Bednar, “Watching with All Perseverance,” Ensign, May 2010, p. 43
Government: In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for liberty. We also note the complacency of the people and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty for the promises of a would-be provider. The record reveals that a man “of cunning device . . . and . . . many flattering words,” . . . sought . . . “to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them” (Alma 46:10). — President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1962
If there is one character more than another in the Book of Mormon that I have admired and whose example I have felt to emulate, that character has been Nephi of old; never discouraged, never disheartened, always ready, always determined to labor to the best of his ability for the accomplishment of the purposes of God. —Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, 2002, p. 37
In that sacred volume of scripture, the Book of Mormon, we note the great and prolonged struggle for liberty. We also note the complacency of the people and their frequent willingness to give up their liberty for the promises of a would-be provider. The record reveals that a man “of cunning device . . . and . . . many flattering words,” . . . sought . . . “to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them” (Alma 46:10). — President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, October 1962
Now, my beloved brethren and sisters, let us read the Book of Mormon and be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him.
We are meeting the adversary every day. The challenges of this era will rival any of the past, and these challenges will increase both spiritually and temporally. We must be close to Christ, we must daily take His name upon us, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. — President Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 1987
I bear witness that parents who consistently read and talk about the Book of Mormon with their children, who share testimony spontaneously with their children, and who invite children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon will be blessed with eyes that can see afar off (see Moses 6:27) and with ears that can hear the sound of the trumpet (see Ezekiel 33:2-16). The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families, “watching . . . with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18) to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity. — Elder David A. Bednar, “Watching with All Perseverance,” Ensign, May 2010
There is another and simpler test that all who seek to know the truth might well take. It calls for us simply to read, ponder, and pray – all in the spirit of faith and with an open mind. To keep ourselves alert to the issues at hand – as we do read, ponder, and pray – we should ask ourselves a thousand times, “Could any man have written this book?” And it is absolutely guaranteed that sometime between the first and thousandth time this question is asked, every sincere and genuine truth seeker will come to know by the power of the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true, that it is the mind and will and voice of the Lord to the whole world in our day. — Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “What Think Ye of the Book of Mormon?” Ensign, Nov 1983, p. 72
The Book of Mormon is studied in our Sunday School and seminary classes every fourth year. This four-year pattern, however, must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read daily from the pages of the book that will get a man nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. — President Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, October 1988, p. 3
The Lord has been operating for centuries to prepare the way for the coming forth of the contents of the Book of Mormon from the bowels of the earth, to be published to the world, to show to the inhabitants thereof that he still lives, and that he will, in the latter days, gather his elect from the four corners of the earth. . . . — Discourses of Brigham Young, 109
The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems. I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living. These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final and total extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras. — President Gordon B. Hinckley, First Presidency Message, Ensign, August 2005
Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times. That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair. That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” That phrase—taken from Moroni’s final lines of testimony, written 1,000 years after Lehi’s vision—is a dying man’s testimony of the only true way.” Jeffrey R. Holland Safety for the Soul 2009
When others try and ban certain words or wont listen to another’s opinion they are turning this Miracle we call America upside down. Whenever there is disagreement we should have more dialogue, not less. Banning words or phrases or books is a terrible way the progressives use today to take away our God-given rights.
Plead for America
“I plead with you this evening to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people, and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God… this country was established and preserved by our founding fathers and mothers who repeatedly acknowledged the hand of God through prayer… We must stand boldly for righteousness and truth, and must defend the cause of honor, decency, and personal freedom espoused by Washington, Madison, Adams, Lincoln, and other leaders who acknowledged and loved God… We must stand boldly for righteousness and truth, and must defend the cause of honor, decency, and personal freedom espoused by Washington, Madison, Adams, Lincoln, and other leaders who acknowledged and loved God… Please look for the Lord’s hand in your lives and in the lives of your family, as I do in the lives of my ancestors and family,” he said. “Expect it. Do not dismiss it. Do not relegate the experiences in your lives to coincidences. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776 through the signing of the U.S. Constitution in September 1787, the “wise men” whom the Lord “raised up unto this very purpose… As an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I have a solemn duty to face the Lord and deliver His message,” said President Ballard. “His words often include words of encouragement and expressions of love. They also include words of warning. America and the nations of the earth, as in times past, “are at another crossroad… Let it begin today that we take leadership and reach out in our own prayers and encourage our neighbors, our friends, our families … to pray for this country that we all love much.” President Ballard pleads with Latter-day Saints to ‘pray for this country’ as United States is at ‘another crossroad by Sarah Jane Weaver church News. Link here: https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-10-21/pray-for-the-united-states-its-leaders-and-its-family-president-ballard-pleads-164797
“…in culmination of the grand scheme of schemes, this great nation, the Republic of the United States, might be established upon this land as an asylum for the oppressed; a resting place, it might be said, for the Ark of the covenant, where the temple of our God might be built; where the plan of salvation might be introduced and practiced in freedom, and not a dog would wag his tongue in opposition to the purposes of the Almighty. We believe that this was His object in creating the Republic of the United States; the only land where his work could be commenced or the feet of his people find rest. No other land had such liberal institutions, had adopted so broad a platform upon which all men might stand.We give glory to those patriots for the noble work they did; but we give the first glory to God, our Father and their Father, who inspired them. We take them by the hand as brothers. We believe they did nobly their work, even as we would fain do ours, faithfully and well, that we might not be recreant in the eyes of God, for failing to perform the mission to which He has appointed us.” Bishop Orson F. Whitney, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, April 19, 1885. Reported by John Irvine. Journal Discourses Volume 26 Page 201Mark E. Petersen said: “You from other lands don’t need to become jealous of America. Who is jealous of Palestine, where Jesus was born? We are not jealous of the country; we merely recognize the hand of God in sending him there. We must also recognize the hand of God in sending the gospel to this land. We learn to love America because it is God’s land!Watch over 700 Inspirational Videos Sign-up Here
73% Say Freedom of Speech Worth Dying For
Rasmussen Reports Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
73% Say Freedom of Speech Worth Dying For
Americans agree freedom of speech is under assault but strongly insist that they are prepared to defend that freedom even at the cost of their lives if necessary.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that an overwhelming 85% of American Adults think giving people the right to free speech is more important than making sure no one is offended by what others say. Just eight percent (8%) think it’s more important to make sure no one gets offended. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
This shows little change from past surveying. Eighty-three percent (83%) think it is more important for the United States to guarantee freedom of speech than it is to make sure nothing is done to offend other nations and cultures. Seventy-three percent (73%) agree with the famous line by the 18th century French author Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Only 10% disagree with that statement, but 17% are undecided.
Among Americans who agree with Voltaire, 93% rate freedom of speech as more important than making sure no one is offended. That compares to just 69% of those who disagree with the French author’s maxim.
The national survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 17 & 20, 2017 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.
Just 28% of Americans believe they have true freedom of speech today, and most think the country is too politically correct.
There is rare partisan agreement on freedom of speech. Most Americans regardless of political affiliation agree that they would defend someone’s right to say something even if they don’t agree with it, although Democrats are slightly less sure than Republicans and those not affiliated with either major party. The majority across the political spectrum also agree that free speech is more important than making sure no one’s offended.
Generally speaking, most adults across the demographic board agree. Blacks (65%) are just slightly less likely than whites (75%) and other minorities (73%) to say they’d defend to the death someone’s right to free speech if they don’t agree with them.
Men are more supportive of the statement that women are.
Voters rate freedom of speech as even more important than other basic constitutional rights such as religious freedom, freedom of the press and the right to bear arms
After conservative pundit Ann Coulter was forced to cancel a planned speech at University of California, Berkeley, in the late spring following protests and threats of violence by some students. 44% of Americans said there is less freedom of speech on U.S. college campuses today than there has been in the past. Nearly half (47%) also believe most college administrators and professors are more interested in getting students to agree with certain politically correct points of view rather than in a free exchange of ideas.
In May, just 19% of voters felt that the United States should erase symbols of its past history that are out of line with current sentiments.
Despite calls by some politicians and the media for erasing those connected to slavery from U.S. history, voters strongly believe it’s better to learn from the past than erase it.
Just 20% of Americans say it is better for owners of social media like Facebook and Twitter to regulate what is posted to make sure some people are not offended.
Banned Words
Posted here June 29, 2015
It’s in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, for goodness sakes: “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . .” Is there anyone who doesn’t understand what that means? It means as a free American citizen I can say whatever I want (as long as my words don’t lead to the physical harm of others — like shouting “fire” in a movie theater, for example). My thoughts and words are not controlled by the government. I am free to say whatever I wish.
Yet, there are colleges and universities across the country compiling lists of words students must not use, phrases that are forbidden, and all sorts of rules about what can and can not be spoken. These, mind you, are the institutions intended to be forums of debate; they’re where issues are expected to be argued back and forth. These are the institutions that now wish to squelch any comment they disagree with.
The First Amendment wasn’t provided to protect uncontroversial speech. There’s no need to protect that; it’s uncontroversial. The First Amendment was expressly provided to protect uncomfortable, disagreeable, and contentious speech.
The ‘Inclusive Language Campaign’ at the University of Michigan (Source.)
Dozens of posters plastered across the University of Michigan caution students not to say things that might hurt others’ feelings, part of a new “Inclusive Language Campaign” at the state’s flagship public university that cost $16,000 to implement.
Words declared unacceptable through the campaign include “crazy,” “insane,” “retarded,” “gay,” “tyranny,” “gypped,” “illegal alien,” “fag,” “ghetto” and “raghead.” Phrases such as “I want to die” and “that test raped me” are also verboten.
University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the campaign aims to “address campus climate by helping individuals understand that their words can impact someone, and to encourage individuals to commit to creating a positive campus community.”
Macalester College Seeks to Ban ‘Offensive Phrases’ Like ‘You Guys,’ ‘Derp’ . (Source.)
Students at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota are going to have to start watching their tongues, for a new campaign introduced on campus seeks to ban words like “girl,” “derp,” “lame,” “crazy,” “gay,” “invalid,” “spaz,” “retarded,” and “you guys” in an effort to halt “oppressive” language.
The campaign encourages students to become more aware of the words they use, because if they don’t, they “may inadvertently use the power of our voice to oppress and degrade others.”
Elon University Bans the Word “Freshman” (Source.)
Elon University in North Carolina has banned the word “freshman” from its website and student orientation, claiming it’s sexist and suggests that the young women might make good rape victims. It’s replacing the word with the term “first-year.”
Ironically, numerous students have stated they were actually more comfortable with the word “freshman.”
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has also eliminated the word “freshman” from its official university documents as part of a concerted effort to use “gender inclusive language.” (Source.)
PC Police at UC Berkeley Want to Ban One of the Most American Phrases of All Time (Source.)
The administrators at UC Berkeley want to ban certain phrases on campus. Among them: “America is a melting pot,” “Why are you so quiet?” and “I believe the most qualified person should get the job.”
These innocent phrases are said to be racist and sexist.
Should Colleges Punish Swearing? (Source.)
At Hinds Community College in Mississippi, “public profanity, cursing and vulgarity” are all punishable with a $25 fine for a first offense, and a $50 fine for a second offense.
Further, the offense of “flagrant disrespect” (which may be demonstrated by swearing), can earn a student demerits that could lead to suspension.
Forbidden at the University of California (Source.)
A University of California faculty seminar discussed “diversity in the classroom” at nine of the 10 UC campuses during the 2014-2015 school year. A worksheet at these ceminars was entitled “Tool: Recognizing Microagressions and the Messages They Send.” The opening sentence: “Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.” The ultimate cure for such “hurtful” behavior? Banning free speech.
Examples of “microagression” statements were listed: “You are a credit to your race.” And “Wow! How do you become so good in math?” And “Everyone can succeed in this society, if they work hard enough.” And “Where are you from” or “where were you born?” And (said to an Asian person): “You must be good in math, can you help me with this problem?” And (to a woman of color): “I would have never guessed you were a scientist.” (Source.)
Politically Correct Speech at CUNY (Source.)
“Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Ms” are being shown the door at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
At CUNY, school staffers have been advised to refrain from using gendered salutations in correspondence with students — and instead use a student’s full name, according to an internal university memo.
Campus Speech Codes: Absurd, Tenacious, and Everywhere (Source.)
The University of Connecticut banned the “use of derogatory names, inappropriately directed laughter, inconsiderate jokes, anonymous notes or phone calls, and conspicuous exclusions from conversations and/or classroom discussions.”
Free Speech Dying a Slow Death on Campus (Source.)
It was reported in The Washington Post that, during a university panel on free speech (of all things), “Smith [College] President Kathleen McCartney had joked, ‘We’re just wild and crazy, aren’t we?’ In the transcript, the word ‘crazy’ was replaced by the notation: ‘[ableist slur].”
Term of Endearment Is on List of Words to Ban (Source.)
The word “bae” is on a list of a dozen words to be banned at Lake Superior State University. Others include “cra-cra” (short for crazy-crazy), “takeaway,” “swag,” “curate,” (which means chosen), “skill set,” “enhanced interrogation,” and “foodie.” Other words: “polar vortex,” (a large pocket of very cold air), “friend-raising,” “hack,” (meaning to gain unauthorized access by manipulating a computer code), and “-Nation” when used as a suffix for fans of a sports team, celebrity, or politician.
Lake Superior State has been publishing a list of bad words since Jan. 1, 1976.
Free Inquiry? Not on Campus (Source.)
In their 1993 book, The Shadow University, Alan Charles Kors and Harvey Silverglate turned some of the early speech codes into national laughingstocks. Among the banned comments and action they listed: “intentionally producing psychological discomfort” (University of North Dakota), “insensitivity to the experience of women” (University of Minnesota), and “inconsiderate jokes” (University of Connecticut). Serious nonverbal offenses included “inappropriate laughter” (Sarah Lawrence College), “eye contact or the lack of it” (Michigan State University), and “subtle discrimination,” such as “licking lips or teeth; holding food provocatively” (University of Maryland).
Later gems, added well after the courts struck down (as overly broad) some campus conduct codes, included bans on “inappropriate non-verbals” (Macalaster College), “communication with sexual overtones” (Lincoln University), and “discussing sexual activities” (State University of New York at Brockport). Other campus codes bar any comment or gesture that annoys, offends, or otherwise makes someone feel bad. Tufts ruled that attributing harassment complaints to the “hypersensitivity of others who feel hurt” is itself harassment.
Free Speech and Safe Spaces on College Campuses (Source.)
Free speech has become an increasingly limited and precarious right, especially on college campuses. Some 58 percent of public campuses still enforce shockingly illiberal speech codes. Furthermore, 1 in 6 of America’s largest and most prestigious colleges have free speech zones which limit where free speech can occur. Some of these zones compromise areas as miniscule as 1.37 percent of the total campus, and many require weeks-long approval processes for any expressive activity.
Speech Codes Have Expanding Dramatically (Source.)
There were approximately 75 hate speech codes in place at U.S. colleges and universities in 1990; by 1991, the number had grown to over 300.
Critics assert that the costs of hate speech codes far outweigh their benefits. Threatened by “politically correct” speech codes, students will be afraid to speak in classes. As a social institution, a university should be open to all opinions, popular and unpopular. As Oliver Wendell Holmes commented, “The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think.” Speech codes thus inflict a major harm on our social institutions.
Speech Codes: The Biggest Scandal on College Campuses Today (Source.)
At the end of 2012, it was reported that 62 percent of all the higher-education institutions surveyed maintain policies that restrict a substantial amount of speech protected under the First Amendment. Included in the 62 percent are Harvard, Columbia, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Speech codes come in many forms. The University of North Dakota bans student speech that “feels offensive” or “demeaning.” The University of Missouri at St. Louis boasts a policy restricting speech that will “discredit the student body.” Texas’ Sam Houston State University broadly prohibits “abusive, indecent, profane or vulgar language.” (Just how is a student to know if something he or she says falls in one or more of these categories?)
But there’s some good news. Although the percent of schools with speech codes (62%) is high, in 2007 it was 75 percent. So progress has been made. But, given that universities have been sued at least 22 times since 1989 — with virtually every challenge leading to the university either settling and withdrawing its code or losing in court — why do any speech codes still exist?
Obama Administration Pressures Universities to Adopt Unconstitutional Speech Codes Report dated June 19, 2015. (Source.)
Under the Obama administration, the Education Department has pressured universities and the public schools to restrict speech, including off-campus speech, even when it is protected by the First Amendment. The Education Department claims this is required by federal anti-discrimination laws such as Title IX and Title VI, even when the speech is not severe and pervasive.
In May 2013, Obama’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ordered the University of Montana to ignore the requirements in the Supreme Court’s Davis decision (that speech be severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive) in its internal Title IX investigations of harassment and retaliation, effectively commanding colleges to adopt speech codes broader than those struck down by the federal courts in cases like Saxe v. State College Area School District (2001) and DeJohn v. Temple University (2008).
Since 2013, the Office for Civil Rights has sent conflicting signals about what definition of hate speech should be adopted by colleges, but it is not surprising that colleges that want to avoid a Title IX inquisition have adopted strict speech codes to avoid potential harassment by the OCR, as in fact, many colleges have. The result: Draconian restrictions on speech at many of the colleges and universities around the country.
A list of 100 politically correct words and phrases:
Dictator – Leader who refuses to obey the UK government
Tyrant – Leader who refuses to obey the UK government
Regime – Government that refuses to obey UK government
Crime rate – Street activity index
Robbery – Wealth redistribution
Vomiting – Unplanned re-examination of recent food choices
Lying – Economical with the truth
Wanted criminal – Person of interest
Patriot – Troublemaker / pest / nuisance / agitator
Promiscuous – Sex addict
Chairman – Chairperson / Chair
Fireman – Firefighter
Merry Christmas – Season’s Greetings
Blackboard – Chalkboard
Illegal voter – Undocumented voter
Bribe – Public service bonus
Christmas – Winter Festival
Lies – Alternative facts
Printing money – Quantitative easing
Immigrants – Labour supporters
Illegal subletting – Irregular subletting
Shoplifting – Irregular shopping
Black sheep – Outcast
Blackmail – Extortion
Postman – Mail carrier
Manhole – Utility hole
Blacklisted – Banned
Murder – Unauthorised termination of life
Rational fear – Phobia
Uneducated – Unschooled / Lacking a formal education
Flip chart – Easel (Flip is a derogatory word for Filipinos)
Mexican – Hispanic
Dustman – Sanitation engineer
Ghetto – Economically deprived area
Housewife – Domestic engineer
Illegal aliens – Undocumented migrants
Ugly – Visually unfavourable
Lazy – Motivationally deficient
Unemployed – Unintentionally at leisure / non-waged
Smelly – Nasally disturbing
Best man for the job – Best person for the job
Man in the street – Average person
Waitress – Server
Failure – Non-traditional success
Forefathers – Ancestors
Man-made – Artificial
Manpower – Human resources
Mankind – Humanity
Right-hand man – Chief assistant
Christian name – Forename
Sportsmanship – Fairness
Tax man – Tax officer
Workmanlike – Efficient
Steward – Flight attendant
Stewardess – Flight attendant
Deaf – Hearing impairment
Disease – Disorder
Businessman – Business person
Actress – Actor
Manageress – Manager
Spinster – Bachelorette
White lie – Lie
Plastic surgery – Cosmetic surgery
Britons have been gagged by political correctness.
The British National Party believes in freedom of speech and also believes that criticism and dissent are essential in a democracy.
The far-left uses slur words against their political opponents because they have lost the argument.
https://bnp.org.uk/politically-correct-words/
Who is Satan and does He Steal our Liberty and Freedom?
Liberty vs. Freedom
“…they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, for thus saith the Lord…” (Alma 8:17)
“The United States is the promised land…”
– L. Tom Perry
L. Tom Perry
Latter-day Church leaders continue to be consistent with the foretelling by Book of Mormon prophets of the rise of America. Elder L. Tom Perry once stated: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly a worldwide Church. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that the Church could never have become what it is today without the birth of a great nation, the United States of America.
The Lord prepared a new land to attract the peoples of the world who sought liberty and religious freedom… “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. It was the birth of the United States of America that ushered out the Great Apostasy, when the earth was darkened by the absence of prophets and revealed light. It was no coincidence that the lovely morning of the First Vision occurred just decades after the establishment of the United States” – Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Tradition of Light and Testimony,” Ensign [Dec. 2012], 29; emphasis added. See page 24 in the Annotated Book of Mormon by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum.
Freedom vs. Liberty
Annotated Book of Mormon by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum Page 216- Purchase
Book of Mormon Definition of Freedom vs. Liberty
“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose [first choice] liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose [second choice] captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Nephi:2:27; emphasis added.)
“And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the ‘cause of Christians.’” (Alma 48:10; emphasis added.)
“For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which He has given unto His people.” (Alma 8:17; emphasis added.)
Freedom provides the ability to choose between good and evil—God’s Natural Law or Satan’s counterfeit plan. True liberty is the conscientious choice to follow God’s law.” Annotated Book of Mormon page 216 by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum
Liberty then is far more important that simple freedom. Freedom means we can do anything we want, as we are free to choose. Liberty means we can do what ever we choose under God’s Laws. This is why the United States of America in not a Democracy meaning the majority rules. The United States has a Republic form of government in which elected individuals represent the citizen body and exercise power according to the rule of law under the Constitution.
Have you ever heard of the:
Liberty Bell, not the Freedom Bell.
Statue of Liberty, not the Statue of Freedom.
Land of Liberty, not the Land of Freedom.
Title of Liberty, not the title of Freedom.
One of the sad events in history was the 9-11 attacks on Sept 11, 2001. The building that was built to replace the Twin Towers is now called the “Freedom Tower”. Remember Freedom is a tyrannical rule and Liberty is under God’s care. Rod Meldrum has an awesome video that gives you more information about 9-11 and how the attacks are related to the USA’S disobedience to God. HERE: We believe the towers were brought down by our government to make money for the Cabal by pitting the Muslims against the Christians. This Cabal consisted of the Vatican, City of London, Washington DC and the Money of the Rothchild’s and Rockefeller’s.
Which country in the world has Liberty under God’s Law, the coming forth of The Book of Mormon and The Constitution of the United States of America?
The Book of Mormon Current as the Daily News! NEW 2-hour DVD. Trailer Here! Brand-New
by Rod Meldrum
The answer is simple, The United States of America where the Lord Himself said, “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (D&C 101:80) Our Bill of Rights gives us 3 unalienable rights, Life, Liberty and Property. From this Promised and Choice Land we spread the Gospel of Christ through the most correct book on earth, even The Book of Mormon, which is the real history of a real people who lived here in the Heartland of the Promised Land of Liberty, even these United States.
When the Lord declares the United States as “CHOICE above all other lands” (1 Nephi 2:20), does he mean that those who live in the United States are better than people of other lands? Of course not. He loves all of His children equally. But, just as the Lord made the Land of Israel a Promised Land, He has also made the United States as the other Promised Land. The people who live on these lands MUST obey the commandments or they will be swept off this Choice Land. It happened with the generation of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Jaredites and the Nephites. What is the fate of this Choice Land? It will remain Choice so the question is, who will live on the Choice Land? Only those people who keep all the Commandments of God, which ever land they are from, the Choice people of God will dwell on the Choice lands of God. Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem.
“The remarkable alliance between Israel and the United States has always been above politics. It must always remain above politics. Because America and Israel, we share a common destiny, the destiny of promised lands that cherish freedom and offer hope. Israel is grateful for the support of American — of America’s people…” Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech to U.S. Congress MARCH 3, 2015
Ezra Taft Benson
Ezra Taft Benson said, “I desire, therefore, to speak to you about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said “belongs to all mankind” (D&C 98:5; italics added) “and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77; italics added).
The Constitution of
the United States has served as a model for many nations and is the oldest
constitution in use today. “I established the Constitution of this land,” said
the Lord, “by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80). For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her
for her destiny in the last days. “It is wisdom that this land should be
kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations,” said
Lehi, “for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would
be no place for an inheritance” (2 Ne. 1:8)
In the Lord’s due
time His Spirit “wrought upon” Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others
to come to America. They testified of God’s intervention in their behalf (see 1
Ne. 13:12–13). The Book of Mormon records that they humbled “themselves before
the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them” (1 Ne. 13:16).
Our Father in Heaven
planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government
as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. Recall what our Savior Jesus Christ
said nearly two thousand years ago when He visited this promised land: “For
it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people
by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth” (3 Ne. 21:4). America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord’s latter-day
base of operations for His restored church…
During his first inaugural address in 1789, President George Washington, a man who was raised up by God, said: “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency” (First Inaugural Address, 30 Apr. 1789)…
Unfortunately, we as
a nation have apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional
principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders. We are fast approaching that
moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: “Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling
to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the
brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean,
and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (19
July 1840, as recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray; ms. in Church Historian’s
Office, Salt Lake City)…
Only in this foreordained land, under its God-inspired Constitution and the resulting environment of freedom, was it possible to have established the restored church…
Two great American Christian civilizations—the Jaredites
and the Nephites—were swept off this land because they did not “serve the God
of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether
2:12). What will become of our civilization?…
I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith.
It will be saved by the righteous citizens of this nation who love and cherish
freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—among
others—men and women who understand and abide the principles of the
Constitution.
I reverence
the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are
akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval upon
it.
I testify that the
God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this
government, and He has now sent other choice spirits to help preserve it.
We, the blessed beneficiaries of the Constitution, face difficult days in America, “a land which is choice above all other lands” (Ether 2:10)… Exra Taft Benson “Our Divine Constitution Ensign Oct 1987
The USA has been without our Republic since the Act of 1781 where under Ulysses S. Grant he was forced to file bankruptcy and the Cabal City of London bought us as a Corporation and each citizen is now simply chattel or property. We believe President Trump will bring us back as a Sovereign Republic soon.
President Russell M. Nelson
“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. Because … Joseph’s 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” – Elder Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles,Provo Missionary Training Center, Provo, UT, June 2016, emphasis added.
“The Only Land where His Work could be Commenced”
“…in culmination of the grand scheme of schemes, this great nation, the Republic of the United States, might be established upon this land as an asylum for the oppressed; a resting place, it might be said, for the Ark of the covenant, where the temple of our God might be built; where the plan of salvation might be introduced and practiced in freedom, and not a dog would wag his tongue in opposition to the purposes of the Almighty. We believe that this was His object in creating the Republic of the United States; the only land where his work could be commenced or the feet of his people find rest. No other land had such liberal institutions, had adopted so broad a platform upon which all men might stand. We give glory to those patriots for the noble work they did; but we give the first glory to God, our Father and their Father, who inspired them. We take them by the hand as brothers. We believe they did nobly their work, even as we would fain do ours, faithfully and well, that we might not be recreant in the eyes of God, for failing to perform the mission to which He has appointed us.” Bishop Orson F. Whitney, delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, April 19, 1885. Reported by John Irvine. Journal Discourses Volume 26 Page 201
George Washington’s Address to the Inhabitants of Canada
(14 September 1775)
Friends and Brethren,
The unnatural Contest between the English Colonies and Great-Britain, has now risen to such a Heighth, that Arms alone must decide it. The Colonies, confiding in the Justice of their Cause, and the Purity of their Intentions, have reluctantly appealed to that Being, in whose Hands are all human Events.
He has hitherto smiled upon their virtuous Efforts—The Hand of Tyranny has been arrested in its Ravages, and the British Arms which have shone with so much Splendor in every Part of the Globe, are now tarnished with Disgrace and Disappointment.— Generals of approved Experience, who boasted of subduing this great Continent, find themselves circumscribed within the Limits of a single City and its Suburbs, suffering all the Shame and Distress of a Siege. While the true born Sons of America, animated by the genuine Principles of Liberty and Love of their Country, with increasing Union, Firmness and Discipline repel every Attack, and despise every Danger… Come then, my Brethren, unite with us in an indissoluble Union, let us run together to the same Goal.—We have taken up Arms in Defence of our Liberty, our Property, our Wives, and our Children, we are determined to preserve them, or die.[Just like Moroni]
We look forward with Pleasure to that Day not far remote (we hope) when the Inhabitants of America shall have one Sentiment, and the full Enjoyment of the Blessings of a free Government… Incited by these Motives, and encouraged by the Advice of many Friends of Liberty among you, the Grand American Congress have sent an Army into your Province, under the Command of General Schuyler; not to plunder, but to protect you; to animate, and bring forth into Action those Sentiments of Freedom you have disclosed, and which the Tools of Despotism would extinguish through the whole Creation… I invite you therefore as Friends and Brethren, to provide him with such Supplies as your Country affords; and I pledge myself not only for your Safety and Security, but for ample Compensation. Let no Man desert his Habitation—Let no one flee as before an Enemy. The Cause of America, and of Liberty, is the Cause of every virtuous American Citizen; whatever may be his Religion or his Descent, the United Colonies know no Distinction but such as Slavery, Corruption and arbitrary Domination may create. Come then, ye generous Citizens, range yourselves under the Standard of general Liberty—against which all the Force and Artifice of Tyranny will never be able to prevail.
[G. Washington; emphasis added]
Source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 1, 16 June 1775?–?15 September 1775, ed. Philander D. Chase. Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia [1985], 461–463 George Washington’s Address to the Inhabitants of Canada (14 September 1775) 297
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-01-02-0358)
Please read below with an open mind. You won’t agree with everything I share, as I am still learning as well. I love the Lord and each one that is reading this blog. My heart is so saddened with all the evil we are experiencing, but I know the Lord wins and we will be blessed as we pray, develop more faith, and repent each day. Evil does not come from the Lord!
Elder Uchtdorf Shared a Powerful Answer to the Question: “Since God Created Everything, Did He Create Evil?”
by LDS Living | May 08, 2017
Recently, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf received the following question on Facebook: “Since God created everything, did He create evil?”
In response to this question, President Uchtdorf shared this powerful answer:
As I have mentioned before, when I find time, I do try to review what you are sharing in response to my Facebook posts.
Recently I received a question on Facebook that was essentially this: “Since God created everything, did He create evil?”
I’ll turn to the words of the Lord, as well as scholars to answer this. Certainly, my answer will not be exhaustive, but I hope it will provide you with some increased understanding and direction where to search for more.
B.H. Roberts, a scholar and Church leader in the late 1800s and early 1900s, said this about evil: “Evil is not a created quality. It has always existed. It is as eternal as goodness.”
For example, before we were born, Satan used his agency to choose evil, and sought to destroy the agency of man. Because of this choice Heavenly Father caused that he should be cast down” (Moses 4:1–4).
President James E. Faust taught that Satan then became “the author of all evil in the world,” and it is therefore “essential to realize that he is the influence behind the opposition to the work of God.”
The Book of Mormon says that “all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil” (Moroni 7:12, see also Alma 5:40, 2 Cor. 4:4 and “Evil” in the Topical Guide).
There must be an “opposition in all things. If not . . . righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness” (2 Nephi 2:11).
Good and evil exist, along with our power to choose, so that when we choose the right, Heavenly Father can bless us with all the blessings He has promised.
Heavenly Father wants to bless His children and this requires that we must be able to make choices. God does not create evil, but allows it so that we can choose.
I testify that God loves His children. Because He loves us and because He is the source of all goodness, He does all in His power to invite and encourage us to do good continually (see Moroni 7:13). I bless you to always have the desire to choose the right—CTR!
Want to try some fun? This will let you know about Good vs Evil. Do you know who Antifa is? Antifa is a left-wing anti-fascist and anti-racist political movement in the United States. It is highly decentralized and comprises an array of autonomous groups that aim to achieve their objectives through the use of both nonviolent and violent direct action rather than through policy reform. Wikipedia They are funded by the Cabal and George Soros.
Go go the internet and enter antifa.com. What comes up? Is that good or evil? This link has led to the same place since last year before the election. I guess you know who Antifa supports? OUR WHITE HOUSE? Good or Evil?
When Evil Appears Good and Good Appears Evil
By Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
From a devotional address, “A Banquet of Consequences: The Cumulative Result of All Choices,” given at Brigham Young University on February 7, 2017. For the full address, visit speeches.byu.edu.
How the adversary tries to mischaracterize and undermine the blessings of living according to the Father’s plan.
One of the most cunning aspects of the adversary’s efforts to thwart our Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness is his deceitful teaching that there is no evil influence or devil (see 2 Nephi 28:22) and his attempt to redefine evil as good and good as evil, darkness as light and light as darkness, and bitter as sweet and sweet as bitter! (see 2 Nephi 15:20).
This is sometimes called a paradigm shift—“when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way,” thus portraying things to be exactly the opposite of what they really are. In his classic novel The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis wrote from a senior devil’s point of view. Lewis inverted traditional values using irony and satire to make evil appear good and good appear evil.
In this vein, I had a provocative meeting with an internationally recognized advertising expert a few months ago. We were discussing the influence of evil and the consequences of bad choices.
He envisioned an interesting hypothetical account of Lucifer meeting with an advertising agency. The adversary described his dilemma: he and his followers had rebelled and rejected the Father’s plan and had come to understand that they could not prevail against God. Lucifer understood that while the Father’s plan was about joy and happiness, his own plan resulted in grief and misery. The problem, Lucifer explained to the ad executive, was how to attract followers.
It was determined that Lucifer’s only hope of success was to achieve a paradigm shift or values inversion—in other words, to characterize the Father’s plan as resulting in grief and misery and Lucifer’s plan as resulting in joy and happiness.
This hypothetical meeting serves a useful purpose. The truth is, not only do the enemies of the Father’s plan attempt to undermine the doctrine and principles of the plan, but they also attempt to mischaracterize the blessings that flow from the plan. Their basic effort is to make that which is good, righteous, and joyful seem miserable.
“And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government, because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country.”Alma 59:13 (62 BC)
Peace in the Land, Helaman Chapter 6 Summary
The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty. About 29–23 B.C.
7 And behold, there was peace in all the land, insomuch that the Nephites did go into whatsoever part of the land they would, whether among the Nephites or the Lamanites.
8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did also go whithersoever they would, whether it were among the Lamanites or among the Nephites; and thus they did have free intercourse one with another, to buy and to sell, and to get gain, according to their desire.
9 And it came to pass that they became exceedingly rich, both the Lamanites and the Nephites; and they did have an exceeding plenty of gold, and of silver, and of all manner of precious metals, both in the land south and in the land north.
10 Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land north was called Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.
11 And behold, there was all manner of gold in both these lands, and of silver, and of precious ore of every kind; and there were also curious workmen, who did work all kinds of ore and did refine it; and thus they did become rich.
12 They did raise grain in abundance, both in the north and in the south; and they did flourish exceedingly, both in the north and in the south. And they did multiply and wax exceedingly strong in the land. And they did raise many flocks and herds, yea, many fatlings.
13 Behold their women did toil and spin, and did make all manner of cloth, of fine-twined linen and cloth of every kind, to clothe their nakedness. And thus the sixty and fourth year did pass away in peace.
Evil Government Takes Over – Helaman Chapter 6 summary
—Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness—The robbers take over the Nephite government. About 29–23 B.C.
15 And it came to pass that in the sixty and sixth year of the reign of the judges, behold, was murdered by an unknown hand as he sat upon the judgment-seat. And it came to pass that in the same year, that his son, who had been appointed by the people in his stead, was also murdered. And thus ended the sixty and sixth year.
16 And in the commencement of the sixty and seventh year the people began to grow exceedingly wicked again.
17 For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder, that they might get gain.
18 And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton. And now it had come to pass that there were many, even among the Nephites, of Gadianton’s band. But behold, they were more numerous among the more wicked part of the Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton’s robbers and murderers.
19 And it was they who did murder the chief judge Cezoram, and his son, while in the judgment-seat; and behold, they were not found.
20 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there were robbers among them they were exceedingly sorrowful; and they did use every means in their power to destroy them off the face of the earth.
21 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings.
22 And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant.
23 And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God.
24 And whosoever of those who belonged to their band should reveal unto the world of their wickedness and their abominations, should be tried, not according to the laws of their country, but according to the laws of their wickedness, which had been given by Gadianton and Kishkumen.
25 Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants which Alma commanded his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should be a means of bringing down the people unto destruction.
26 Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not come forth unto Gadianton from the records which were delivered unto Helaman; but behold, they were put into the heart of Gadianton by that same being who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit—
27 Yea, that same being who did plot with Cain, that if he would murder his brother Abel it should not be known unto the world. And he did plot with Cain and his followers from that time forth.
28 And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven. And it was that same being who led on the people who came from that tower into this land; who spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land, until he dragged the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell.
29 Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness, and of secret murder; and he has brought it forth from the beginning of man even down to this time.
30 And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men.
31 And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts of the Nephites; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver.
32 And it came to pass that all these iniquities did come unto them in the space of not many years, insomuch that a more part of it had come unto them in the sixty and seventh year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
33 And they did grow in their iniquities in the sixty and eighth year also, to the great sorrow and lamentation of the righteous.
34 And thus we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in unbelief, and grow in wickedness and abominations, while the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge of their God; yea, they did begin to keep his statutes and commandments, and to walk in truth and uprightness before him.
35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts.
“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” D&C 121:39
Nephi Sees Evil
4 And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men;
5 Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—
6 Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the space of not many years; and when Nephi saw it, his heart was swollen with sorrow within his breast; and he did exclaim in the agony of his soul: Helaman 7:4-6 23 BC
I see Evil
This is the time in the Book of Mormon that sounds like our government today. One class of Democrats and many Republicans in name only, ruling the entire country. Socialism now rules all branches of government. I am glad we have the military as I believe the Nephites had Moroni, and we have General Michael Flynn. Our current CIA, England’s MI-6 and Israel’s Mossad I believe, are the heads of the snake today. Let’s take a look at what they are all about.
The Mossad is separate from Israel’s democratic institutions. Because no law defines its purpose, objectives, roles, missions, powers or budget and because it is exempt from the constitutional laws of the State of Israel Mossad has been described as a deep state. Its director answers directly and only to the Prime Minister.
Britain’s Security Service, also known as MI5 (Military Intelligence, Section 5), is the United Kingdom’s domestic counter-intelligence and security agency, and is part of its intelligence machinery alongside the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and Defence Intelligence (DI). In terms of manpower, MI-5 is stronger. MI-5 has 4,037 employees while MI-6 has 2,479. In terms of jurisdiction, MI-6 is stronger. MI-6 is a foreign intelligence agency, meaning that they collect foreign intelligence from all around the world
I feel we should fear Israel’s Mossad and Britain’s MI5 and 6 more that we should fear Russia and China and even Iran. I believe it is Israel and England that use China, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia as their proxies for interfering with our U.S. Government. I don’t believe they are truly our Allies. Ask a military commander what they think.
Think about this. Why was Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn, the younger brother of former National Security Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn, designated as the new head of the U.S. Army Pacific forces, the Department of Defense on Jan 25, 2021 while Joe Biden was President? Why has the White house been closed since Jan 6th, 2021 and not been reopened? Why is former President Trump flying all over on Air force One, including to Joe Biden’s Inauguration? Trump flew Air Force One to Switzerland last month, check it out. Why have you not seen President Biden on a foreign trip yet? Why did President Biden not greet Japanese President Suga at the White House while as you can see below, saying he was looking forward to meeting him?
Why does President Biden not have the nuclear football and does not receive intelligence briefings? (Check it out yourself) Why does the President and VP not visit the border that is in a crisis? I hear over 18,000 children are in cages. What was on the Evergreen Ship that was stuck in the Suez Canal? The Egyptians found over 1200 dead children and over 1300 living children and they found bilogical and weapons of mass destruction among the 20,000 containers. Did you know Hilary Clinton’s codename was Evergreen and the Clinton foundation and Wall-Mart owned that ship?
Why does Biden keep saying the Harris-Biden administration? I believe the Democrats want to hurry and get the first woman President into the White house. What do you think? Why does VP Harris make most of the foreign calls to heads of state and not Pres. Biden? Why does President Biden seldom take questions from conservative news and Pres Trump spoke with MSM all the time? Have you seen any legislation go through congress or has 90% of orders come like a dictator through executive orders? Why do the Democrat’s want to take away our guns, continue abortion, seek the green new deal, allow social media to cancel citizens free speech, and push for a socialistic government? It seems they are trying to take over our government and let the Deep State or Cabal run things for us. Have you noticed most Federal Reserve banks all over the country are closed? Is the one in Salt Lake opened? Have you heard of NASARA, or the Act of 1871, or read the original 13th Amendment that is no longer in our Constitution. Have you heard of Adrenochrome and why it is such a popular drug among Hollywood?
Does all of this sound like I made it up? Or, does it sound like the secret stuff the Gadianton’s never spoke of? Have you looked into the greatest government cover-up ever, called 9-11? Do you know that George HW Bush and LBJ with Cheney and Rumsfeld were involved in that? Did you know in 1987 insurance would not cover the Twin Towers because of their age and construction problems. That made it a nice building to allow to be blown up and someone to receive the insurance money. Why would I make this up? Did the government really take down the towers? I don’t know but if they did wouldn’t you like to know? Read about it, as it is all available to read. Did you know the Covid 19 is not listed as a virus but as a patented product? Do you really know what ingredients are in the vaccine? I would read up on it if I were you. Read below to see what the CIA leader Casey said about we stupid Americans.
More Fun! How do you feel foreign powers feel about our current White House? This may tell you something in the news today.
China Shows John Kerry How to Reduce Carbon Footprint: Makes Kerry Wait for a Bus – Then Sticks Him in Back
By Jim Hoft Published April 19, 2021
CIA- Our Continued Evil Government Formed September 18, 1947;
“The success of the British Commandos during World War II prompted U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt to authorize the creation of an intelligence service modeled after the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), and Special Operations Executive. This led to the creation of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) established by a Presidential military order issued by President Roosevelt on June 13, 1942. On September 20, 1945, shortly after the end of World War II, Harry S. Truman signed an executive order dissolving the OSS, and by October 1945 its functions had been divided between the Departments of State and War. The division lasted only a few months. The first public mention of the “Central Intelligence Agency” appeared on a command-restructuring proposal presented by Jim Forrestal and Arthur Radford to the U.S. Senate Military Affairs Committee at the end of 1945…
The Central Intelligence Agency, known informally as “The Agency” and “The Company”, is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States, officially tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world, primarily through the use of human intelligence (HUMINT). As a principal member of the United States Intelligence Community (IC), the CIA reports to the Director of National Intelligence and is primarily focused on providing intelligence for the President and Cabinet of the United States.
Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is a domestic security service, the CIA has no law enforcement function and is officially mainly focused on overseas intelligence gathering, with only limited domestic intelligence collection. The CIA serves as the national manager for coordination of HUMINT activities across the U.S. intelligence community. It is the only agency authorized by law to carry out and oversee covert action at the behest of the President”. Wikipedia
Game Plan of the High Cabal
THE ASSASSINATION of President John F. Kennedy was one of the truly cataclysmic events of this century. The murder of a President was traumatic enough; but the course of events that followed and that have affected the welfare of this country and the world since that time has, in many ways, been tragic.
That assassination has demonstrated that most of the major events of world significance are masterfully planned and orchestrated by an elite coterie of enormously powerful people who are not of one nation, one ethnic grouping, or one overridingly important business group. They are a power unto themselves for whom these others work. Neither is this power elite of recent origin. Its roots go deep into the past.
Kennedy’s assassination has been used as an example of their methodology. Most thinking people of this country, and of the world believe that he was not killed by a lone gunman. Despite that view, the cover story created and thrust upon us by the spokesmen of this High Cabal has existed for three decades. It has come from the lips of every subsequent President and from the top media representatives and their spokesmen. They are experienced, intelligent people who are aware of the facts. Consider the pressure it must take to require all of them, without exception, to quote the words of that contrived cover story over and over again for nearly three decades.
This is the evidence we have of the significance of the Kennedy assassination. But it is only one example. Other major events, such as the development and escalation of the Vietnam War, have been manipulated in a similar manner. In bringing this work to a close I shall provide, briefly, a look at a few of the other events during the Cold War that have taken place because the power elite planned things that way. Complete article here:
I also believe the Cabal consisting of the Rothchild’s, the Vatican, City of London, Washington DC, Khazarian’s or Krypto Jews are the people today of this High Cabal. “This High Cabal has been working against “We the People” ever since the CIA was formed and long before that, and this is what the Trump administration has been working to take down. I feel It will result in the Great Awakening where we get our Republic back. It will happen, General Flynn, Lin Wood, Mike Pompeo and Sidney Powell will win this for the Patriots. How do I know? The Gadianton’s were removed weren’t they? The Gadianton’s are the High Cabal and the Children of Israel will win. The Lord has told us that. This is not the second coming of the Lord, but a great Second Harvest that I believe will allow us to prepare for His second coming. This is only my opinion.
This is a terrifying, but true statement. “We’ll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false.” William Casey, CIA Director First Staff Meeting1981
CIA: ‘Disinfo Program Is Complete’ – They Actually Said This
“We’ll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false.” William Casey, CIA Director 1981-1987
Did William Casey really say this? There has been debate as to whether he actually did. If there is proof he did say this, it should ring alarm bells for everybody. So alarm bells should now be ringing.
The allegation that the quote is unreliable due to the fact the the “only” main source traces back radio show host Mae Brussell (host of the radio show ‘Dialogue: Conspiracy‘) is false. There is another far more credible source for the quote.
Former assistant to the chief domestic policy adviser to President Reagan has recently come forward confirming that William Casey did indeed say this.
“I am the source for this quote, which was indeed said by CIA Director William Casey at an early February 1981 meeting of the newly elected President Reagan with his new cabinet secretaries to report to him on what they had learned about their agencies in the first couple of weeks of the administration. The meeting was in the Roosevelt Room in the West Wing of the White House, not far from the Cabinet Room. I was present at the meeting as Assistant to the chief domestic policy adviser to the President. Casey first told Reagan that he had been astonished to discover that over 80 percent of the ‘intelligence’ that the analysis side of the CIA produced was based on open public sources like newspapers and magazines. As he did to all the other secretaries of their departments and agencies, Reagan asked what he saw as his goal as director for the CIA, to which he replied with this quote, which I recorded in my notes of the meeting as he said it. Shortly thereafter I told Senior White House correspondent Sarah McClendon, who was a close friend and colleague, who in turn made it public.”
Barbara Honegger: Not only does Honegger claim he said it, but apparently he said it in response to what he saw as his goal as CIA Director! This statement was further backed by an email posted by Quora user Greg Smith from Honegger regarding the quote which is consistent and apparently prompted her to tell the story above: “Seriously — I personally was the Source for that William Casey quote. He said it at an early Feb. 1981 meeting in the Roosevelt Room in the West Wing of the White House which I attended, and I immediately told my close friend and political godmother Senior White House Correspondent Sarah McClendon, who then went public with it without naming the source… “ So there you go. Guess it boils down to he said she said, except when she says it, it’s because she was actually there… The year 1981 was an interesting one for Director Casey.
He just so happened to be under investigation and fighting to keep his new job over various seedy dealings that came to light; among them were claims he approved a plan to overthrow Libya’s Moammar Qaddafi to instill a shadow government. (Oh I know, our government would never do that, would they?) The agency’s plan, according to an article in the July 27, 1981 Gettysburg Times, involved toppling Qaddafi via what else? Disinfo: “Newsweek Magazine reported the covert operation was designed to overthrow Khadafy through a ‘disinformation’ campaign to embarrass him, creation of a counter government to challenge his leadership and a paramilitary campaign.” (Wow. A lot of that sounds eerily familiar… 2011, anyone?) That same year, investigative journalist Jack Anderson published this piece in the September 22, 1981 Santa Cruz Sentinel discussing the troubling CIA disinformation campaign being waged against Americans: Anderson points out the CIA’s “triple assault on the public’s right to know” included 1) trying to shut off channels of information to the electorate, 2) seeking criminal penalties against reporters whose stories might identify CIA operatives, and the third which Anderson called most troubling, 3) spreading “disinformation” to news agencies. And who else does Anderson specifically call out in this disinfo campaign but new CIA Director William Casey: “Now along comes Bill Casey, the dodering CIA director, with the argument that the government has the right to mislead the public by planting phony stories in the press.”
Oh really? So the good director not only talked about his disinformation campaign but actually argued for the government’s right to wage it against the American people? The plan involved getting around the ban on CIA operations on domestic soil by planting disinfo stories in foreign news outlets that were routinely picked up by American mainstream media agencies. Anderson also points out the various rumors and false stories going around surrounding the goings on in Libya at the time… The bottom line here is, if anyone in our government was going to make the above disinformation statement and specifically in 1981, all available evidence points to no better person who would have likely said it than Casey. Finally on an aside, there seems to be this mission lately to memory hole quotes or muddy the water about who said what and change history. In this particular instance, someone who was there when William Casey said the line in question and claims to have literally heard the words come out of the man’s mouth with her own ears as he said it is vouching that this quote is true.
Then again, this is the same agency on record behind the government’s MKUltra mind control program, an illegal project in which the CIA experimented on Americans for over two decades (that we know about) to manipulate mental states and brain function with everything from drugs to microwaves — the kind of stuff DARPA is openly working on today — all of which makes the piddly quote in question here seem like mere child’s play by comparison. Even so, people still went into the Quora thread afterwards to claim — with absolutely no evidence whatsoever as they were not personally there — the quote is false. So, in a bitter twist of the saddest irony possible, it would seem the contents of the quote itself are also true.
In the 1950s and 1960s—the height of the Cold War—the United States government feared that Soviet, Chinese and North Korean agents were using mind control to brainwash U.S. prisoners of war in Korea.
In response, Allan Dulles, director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), approved Project MK-Ultra in 1953. The covert operation aimed to develop techniques that could be used against Soviet bloc enemies to control human behavior with drugs and other psychological manipulators.
The program involved more than 150 human experiments involving psychedelic drugs, paralytics and electroshock therapy. Sometimes the test subjects knew they were participating in a study—but at other times, they had no idea, even when the hallucinogens started taking effect.
Many of the tests were conducted at universities, hospitals or prisons in the United States and Canada. Most of these took place between 1953 and 1964, but it’s not clear how many people were involved in the tests—the agency kept notoriously poor records and destroyed most MK-Ultra documents when the program was officially halted in 1973. Source
The CIA Reminds us of the Tower of Babel Genesis 11:3-9
3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.
4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
Cloning, Robots, Artificial Intelligence, Med Beds, UFO’s Vaccines, etc
7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.
8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
“A good God must make evil an option for humanity. If that evil is then chosen, moral blame must be imputed, not to God but, rather, to the human agent who chooses it.” Val Larsen Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 15 (2015)
Question: “Why does Isaiah 45:7 say that God created evil?”
Answer: Isaiah 45:7 in the King James Version reads, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” How does Isaiah 45:7 agree with the view that God did not create evil? There are two key facts that need to be considered. (1) The word translated “evil” is from a Hebrew word that means “adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, misery.” Notice how the other major English Bible translations render the word: “disaster” (NIV, HCSB), “calamity” (NKJV, NAS, ESV), and “woe” (NRSV). The Hebrew word can refer to moral evil, and often does have this meaning in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, due to the diversity of possible definitions, it is unwise to assume that “I create evil” in Isaiah 45:7 refers to God bringing moral evil into existence.
(2) The context of Isaiah 45:7 makes it clear that something other than “bringing moral evil into existence” is in mind. The context of Isaiah 45:7 is God rewarding Israel for obedience and punishing Israel for disobedience. God pours out salvation and blessings on those whom He favors. God brings judgment on those who continue to rebel against Him. “Woe to him who quarrels with his Master” (Isaiah 45:9). That is the person to whom God brings “evil” and “disaster.” So, rather than saying that God created “moral evil,” Isaiah 45:7 is presenting a common theme of Scripture – that God brings disaster on those who continue in hard-hearted rebellion against Him. https://www.gotquestions.org/Isaiah-45-7.html
Take a look. This might shock you… Think this technology isn’t inside the vaccines?
It’s possible these vaccines not only change human DNA, but can also enable a person’s thoughts and actions to be influenced by remote control.
Professor Teaches West Point Soldiers About Technology For Human Mind & DNA Control
Jared James April 17, 2021
Professor Charles Morgan gives a lecture at West Point to US soldiers in the Visual Information Division on the latest technology in the field of Bio-Warfare, DNA reprogramming and human cell exploitation seen in the above video.
This article is meant to inform you of possible evils you may not have ever known about. I don’t claim to know everything, but I want you to study on your own so if these things are true you may be prepared. “And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amalickiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, that they might maintain a free government, he caused to be put to death; and there were but few who denied the covenant of freedom. Of course the Lord has said we need never fear as long as we are prepared. God will win.
There is ONLY ONE “Narrow Neck of Land” in the entire Book of Mormon. Ether 10:20
“Moroni’s father was commander of the armies of this ancient people, known as Nephites. His name was Mormon. The war of which we speak took place here in America some four hundred years after Christ. As the fighting neared its end, Mormon gathered the remnant of his forces about a hill which they called Cumorah, located in what is now the western part of the state of New York… When finished with his record, Moroni was to hide it up in that same Hill Cumorah which was their battlefield. It would come forth in modern times as the Book of Mormon, named after Moroni’s father, the historian who compiled it.” 
“Remarkable discoveries of evidences of America’s prehistoric civilizations in various parts of the country are frequently being reported in public prints…
Hebrew custom of one year betrothal and dowry
The Mi’kmaq are visited by a man who performs miracles and people are healed.
“The Hopewell Culture was contemporaneous with the end of the Adena culture, but the Adena people tended to be considerably larger than the Hopewell. Remains of men seven feet tall were common among the Adena, while Hopewell were robust, their males averaged closer to six feet in height. There are four types of earthworks that were constructed by the ancient Hopewell civilization.
The Hopewell Culture describes the common aspects of the Native American culture that flourished along rivers in the northeastern and midwestern United States from 300 BC to 400 AD, in the Middle Woodland period. The Hopewell tradition was not a single culture or society, but a widely dispersed set of related populations. They were connected by a network of trade routes, known as the Hopewell Exchange System.
Parallels of the Hopewell Culture as described by William C. Mills, Chief Archaeologist of Ohio, with the Book of Mormon“[May 20, 1917; Sunday] Attended Sunday School and afternoon service in Hawthorne Hall, and was a speaker at each assembly. Evening meetings here, as also in Brooklyn, have been discontinued for the summer. The attendance both at Sunday School and afternoon meeting was surprisingly large in view of the fact that many of the Utah college students have left for the vacation period. This evening at the hotel I had a long and profitable consultation with Professor Wm. C. Mills, State Archaeologist of Ohio. He is continuing his splendid work of exploration in the Ohio mounds, and I went over with him again the remarkable agreement between his deductions and the Book of Mormon story. He has reached the following 
The people buried in the mounds include males and females, young and old. The Hopewell often cremated their dead, but extended burials in prepared tombs are also common. They often clothed or wrapped the bodies in fine textiles. Sometimes they would bury an array of ornaments and objects of ritual with the dead.
There is some evidence to suggest the connections between ancient Newark and Chillicothe were formalized in a prehistoric roadway of long, straight parallel walls. Caleb Atwater, one of Ohio’s first archaeologists, suggested in 1820 that the parallel walls which ran southwestward from Newark’s octagon might extend thirty miles or more. In 1862 James and Charles Salisbury, early residents of Newark, traced these walls six miles “over fertile fields, through tangled swamps and across streams, still keeping their undeviating course.” They did not follow the road to its end, but noted the walls headed in the direction of Chillicothe.
“The results of this study add to an already growing body of research dedicated to mtDNA analysis. In recent years, research utilizing Y- chromosome and STR analysis have also begun to add to what is known about the genetic variation present in Native Americans both ancient and modern. Combine that information with mtDNA, and a complete picture of migration, gene flow and kinship begins to take shape in North America. The Ohio Hopewell through an analysis of their mutations have revealed ancestral relationships with individuals in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Russia and South America. The Ohio Hopewell also display mutations that are uniquely their own, such as haplotype A 16166, haplotype B 16247 and 16265. The unique mutations of the Ohio Hopewell of Hopewell Mound Group may have been lost through attrition or have yet to be discovered in other Native American populations. The Ohio Hopewell also share a unique mutation with the Cahokians of 72Sub2 Mound , utilized to denote a rare haplotype aligned with individuals of high status at Cahokia.
“The Latter-day Saints have been so repeatedly and generally misrepresented and maligned, that ordinarily little has been done by way of refutation. Were the people to undertake to meet every lie uttered against them and set it right, they would devote the whole of their lives to it and then die without accomplishing the desired object. But there are times when a refutation is necessary; when the whole people awake in earnestness to deny the misrepresentations of those who purposely and wilfully assail them.” 
Now the Lord has placed us on probation as members of the Church. He has given us the Book of Mormon, which is the lesser part, to build up our faith through our obedience to the counsels which it contains, and when we ourselves, members of the Church, are willing to keep the commandments as they have been given to us and show our faith as the Nephites did for a short period of time, then the Lord is ready to bring forth the other record and give it to us, but we are not ready now to receive it. Why? Because we have not lived up to the requirements in this probationary state in the reading of the record which had been given to us and in following its counsels. — Joseph Fielding Smith, “The Book of Mormon, a Divine Book,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1961, pp. 925-27; also Conference Report, Oct. 1961, pp. 19-20
All the scriptures testify that perilous times lie ahead,
Among the lessons we learn from the Book of Mormon are the cause and effect of war and under what conditions it is justified. 
