Folly means:
Lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight.
An act or instance of foolishness.
A costly undertaking having an absurd or ruinous outcome.
wordnik.com
(I don’t know of anything where this happened to Joseph. I don’t believe he ever had anything that was ruinous as an outcome. Including losing the 116 pages. He overcame all, died as a martyr, and was greater than anyone except the Lord Jesus Christ, that is my testimony. What an amazing man he was, and is today).
Rarely did the Prophet Joseph Smith do anything that may be even close to the word folly.
The Lord was pleased with Joseph Smith in spite of a few missteps or instances of a lack of thought. The Lord said to Joseph, “I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.” D&C 111:1 Joseph had heard about some possible treasure in Salem Massachusetts, and as broke as the Church was, he followed this somewhat silly path to seek out a quick way to bail the church out. Joseph had great intentions, but the Lord turned those intentions into something Joseph was not thinking about. Saving souls and Genealogy to name two.
How often do we seek after something foolish and the Lord bails us out by showing us a more valuable lesson than receiving money, but we receive something totally different and more eternal in nature?
JOSEPH , “SEALED HIS MISSION AND HIS WORKS”
Works of Joseph website was started by me in 2011 as a way to honor the Prophet Joseph Smith. Everything he has done, will do, and continues to do, has been and always will be focused on testifying of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As the scripture says in D&C 135: 3, “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, (Blog on my idea of the Proper translation), and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!”
What ever Joseph Smith possessed, spoke of, acted out, preached, served, translated, worshiped, revealed, and testified of; witnesses as a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet of this Last Dispensation and holds the keys in these last days. It will be well with us to learn about him and speak of him as he will lead us to the Savior.
To me, Joseph Smith loved the Lamanites and sought to share “their” book with them. I believe Joseph continues today bringing to pass the great “Blossoming as a Rose” as promised in the D&C here. “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
Along with Moroni holding the keys of the Stick of Ephraim (D&C 27:5), Joseph Smith and Hyrum I believe, will lead us during the millennium. May the Lord help each of us to become more familiar with these amazing prophets and strive to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in all we do.” Editor: worksofjoseph.com, Rian Nelson – [email protected]
Amazing Conference. Early-bird tickets still available until Sep 15 Purchase Now!
Their Theories and Practice to Appear like Folly
“Our lives have already become jeopardized by revealing the wicked and bloodthirsty purposes of our enemies; and for the future we must cease to do so. All we have said about them is truth, but it is not always wise to relate all the truth. Even Jesus, the Son of God, had to refrain from doing so, and had to restrain His feelings many times for the safety of Himself and His followers, and had to conceal the righteous purposes of His heart in relation to many things pertaining to His Father’s kingdom. When still a boy He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger and to death. So it is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we have the revelation of Jesus, and the knowledge within us is sufficient to organize a righteous government upon the earth, and to give universal peace to all mankind, if they would receive it, but we lack the physical strength, as did our Savior when a child, to defend our principles, and we have a necessity to be afflicted, persecuted and smitten, and to *bear it patiently until Jacob is of age, then he will take care of himself.” (Joseph Smith, Not Always Wise to Expose Evil. TPJS Section Six 1843-44, p.392 — June 27, 1844.)
*Meaning until the Kingdom of Israel or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is of age; meaning strong enough to defend our principles. We have the gospel and all ordinances necessary to reign, but not the power and might to resist persecution.
Joseph is ONE Tribe of Israel, and the Land of Joseph is the United States of America.
The tribe of Joseph and his sons Ephraim and Manasseh have the blood of the Hebrew through Eber and down through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and it continues with the son of Noah, Shem, which is the lineage of the Priesthood. Mesoamerican’s may become part of the Abrahamic covenant just as all people may through baptism and adoption however.
Those who believe the Mesoamerican setting as where the Book of Mormon events began just don’t get it. Where is the Hebrew DNA? National Geographic explains here in a great article. Rod Meldrum has written a 180 page explanation online here:
You read quotes like this below and I am convinced the Native Americans of the United States are the original people of Nephi. Yes there are other great Lamanites in South and Central America, but that is not where the Book of Mormon events began. Mesoamerica is outside of the original Lamanites location and called the hinterlands. See my blog here: and also here:
Orson Pratt said, “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
Joseph Fielding Smith said, “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… [Not Mesoamerica] 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. [Located in North America not Mesoamerica] 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
LeGrande Richards said, “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.[North America] 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
Bruce R. McConkie said, “A great nation (the United States of America) shall be set up… by the power of God, so that the gospel may be restored, the Book of Mormon come forth, its message go to the American remnant of Jews, that the eternal covenants of the Lord with his people might be fulfilled.” “The remnant of Jacob, including the Lamanites in the Americas”, will assist in the gathering of Israel to the promised land New Jerusalem.” McConkie, Bruce R., Mortal Messiah, Book 4, 1981, pp. 348-349, 358
Indicative of the continued concern for this chosen remnant was the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple, received by revelation, wherein Joseph prayed: “And cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten because of their transgression, be converted from their wild and savage condition to the fullness of the everlasting gospel; That they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions. And . . . come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before thee. (D&C 109:65–67).” Byron R. Merrill, “Joseph Smith and the Lamanites,” in Joseph Smith: The Prophet, The Man, ed. Susan Easton Black and Charles D. Tate Jr. (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1993), 187–202
No Where Else but the United States
Brigham Young said, “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
Wow, the above Scriptures are direct in saying the Book of Mormon events began in North America.
Baseball vs Firm Foundation
All my life I have loved baseball and though I played at the University of Utah for a season, and a little semi-pro baseball, I was not born with the skills to reach the highest level. I settled for owning a minor league baseball team as my goal. I worked hard in sales to make all the money I could. I focused on more and more sales. It didn’t necessarily matter what product I sold, I just wanted to make money. Now don’t get me wrong I never sold anything evil or immoral, just things like Real Estate, Water Softeners, Insurance, Motivational tapes and books, gizmos and gadgets, and other ridiculous products, all in the name of becoming rich.
After about 20 years working hard in sales with a great income at times and then “no” income for months, (the old feast or famine idea), I read Jacob that said, “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, (my wife hates this one, as I at times am a little too free with my substance, haha), that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” Jacob 2:17-19. Here (Picture right) is my favorite quote by a wonderful man, Hugh Nibley.
This scripture changed my life. I slowly began focusing on what the Lord wants first. I began serving more, paying a very honest tithing, seeking to help strangers, and reading my scriptures even more. In my heart I knew my life of “folly” in seeking the wrong things, actually became a blessing to me. After several times suffering through being dirt poor and then rich again, and stressing my wife out regularly, my focus changed. I was now truly seeking first for Godly things and if I made money great and if not so be it. I only need enough for my needs anyway. I no longer had to have the nicest home or the biggest vehicle and I definitely didn’t want or need that baseball team anymore. My folly turned me inward towards God not outward against Him. I believe trials are important as they will either make you mad at God and life, or they will make you humble so you turn to the Lord. I am thankful I turned inward and today working with Rod Meldrum and Firm Foundation and earning far less than I ever have, I am happier than I have ever been. I love serving the Lord everyday by writing a blog, speaking with a customer who is down in the dumps, helping someone who had a family member who is leaving the church, assist Rod with editing, publishing, and organizing wonderful events where people like you can feel the Lord’s Spirit. The thing I love the most is sharing my strong witness that the Book of Mormon is true, to everyone I meet.
Think and Grow Rich
Here is a book that helped me as well: Think and Grow Rich “One of the very best inspirational books ever written, Think and Grow Rich might be a crucial monetary e book you may ever hope to learn. Inspiring generations of readers for the reason that at the time it was first printed in 1937, Think and Grow Rich—Hill’s greatest best-seller—has been utilized by thousands and thousands of enterprise leaders all over the world to create a concrete plan for achievement that, when adopted, by no means fails. However, it will likely be incorrect to restrict the e book to be nearly attaining monetary richness. a motivational private improvement and self-help e book, its core power lies in the truth that it not solely expounds upon materials wealth however that on the coronary heart of it, it’s a treatise on serving to people reach all traces of labor and to do or be nearly something they need on this world.”
Approaching Zion
Here is my favorite book of all time which I have read several times. (right) “Approaching Zion.” It’s over 600 pages and full of Nibley’s language. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is amazing. If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have not read this book, it’s because you have been intimidated by its size and scope. Other than the Scriptures, this is a must read in my opinion. It will truly humble you and you will understand one great principle, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”.
Nibley says, “And about work? I once had a university fellowship for which I had to agree not to accept any gainful employment for the period of a year—all living necessities were supplied: I was actually forbidden to work for lunch. Was it free lunch? I never worked so hard in my life—but I never gave lunch a thought. I wasn’t supposed to. I was eating only so that I could do my work; I was not working only so that I could eat. And that is what the Lord asks us: to forget about lunch, and do his work, and the lunch will be taken care of.” Hugh Nibley Approaching Zion. I highly recommend it.
The Lord said, “before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.” I am so blessed. I now know how the Prophet felt with his folly off to Salem (his baseball team) and then his being happier than ever (finding the genealogy of his family) and other things. Wow is the Lord wonderful. I think you will really enjoy the article I found about section 111. It is an eye opener and information that may be able to change your follies into happiness.
Learning from our Folly the Greater Things.
What’s the moral of Joseph’s mission to Salem?
Section 111: The Salem Experience by Michael J. Preece
“In the summer of 1836, a Brother Jonathan Burgess, a member of the Church from Massachusetts, came to Joseph and told him of a widow lady of Salem, Massachusetts, who was now deceased. Before her death, Brother Burgess had learned that this lady, also a member of the Church, had a treasure chest in her basement filled with gold, silver, jewels, and other precious things. Brother Burgess had spoken with her about her treasures and asked her what she intended to do with them. She told him that she intended to give them to the Church. Thus it seemed that the treasure was available for the taking, if only they could find it. Brother Burgess was the only one who had visited the home and knew of its location. The news of this treasure came at an opportune time, since the Church was struggling with an increasingly serious plague of debts.
Many factors had contributed to this debt. The loss of all church assets in Jackson County, Missouri, was estimated at $175,000. Funds had been raised and spent in support of the displaced Missouri members. The costs of provisioning Zion’s Camp had seriously depleted the resources of the saints who had contributed. The Church was still under divine commandment to raise money to purchase additional lands in Missouri (D&C 105:29). Finally, Joseph had borrowed tens of thousands of dollars to pay the financial demands of building the Kirtland Temple. It should be noted that the debts of the Church during this period were not due to foolishness or mismanagement. Rising land values in the Kirtland area had made it possible to keep securing loans for the Church with church-owned property used as collateral. Thus, the Church was land rich and cash poor. The debt problem was largely one of cash flow rather than of net worth.
So Joseph decided to take a trip to Salem to see if he could locate this treasure. He took with him Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery. They traveled first to New York City, where they spent several days with the church’s creditors, and then they continued on to Salem, Massachusetts, arriving there on August 4. They were joined in Salem by Brigham Young and Lyman E. Johnson who were doing missionary work in the area. They rented a house in Salem and began looking for the widow’s house. Brother Burgess met with them briefly and told them all he remembered about the house and its location, and then he disappeared. It seems that it had been some years since Brother Burgess had actually met with this woman, and considerable building had occurred since then, so that locating the house was going to be difficult. The group was in Salem for weeks looking for the treasure. They divided their time between preaching, sight seeing, and looking for the widow’s house. They never found the house or the treasure.
While in Salem, in the house they had rented, Joseph received, in the presence of Brigham Young and Lyman E. Johnson, a revelation—section 111. A copy of section 111 in the handwriting of Willard Richards was included in the Manuscript History of the Church sometime before January 4, 1844. The revelation was first published in the Deseret News (December 25, 1852,) and was first included in the Doctrine and Covenants in 1876.
1- I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.
Verse 1 A classic verse of scripture! Do we sense that the Lord may have had tongue-in-cheek here? What is a “folly” anyway? Perhaps it is best described as an honest mistake or an unwise decision made with good intentions.
In this verse and in subsequent verses, the Lord gives us a great example of how to deal with a folly committed by someone over whom we have responsibility. The Lord could have rebuked his young prophet and not let him off the hook for making this nearly fruitless trip to Salem. This would certainly have been embarrassing for Joseph and damaging to his self esteem. Instead, the Lord points out positive features of Joseph’s trip to Salem and provides encouragement for the “treasure” seekers. How often are we guilty of anger or abuse, both verbal and physical, when we are affected or inconvenienced by a folly of someone over whom we have authority—a child, an employee, or even a friend?
2- I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
Verse 2 “I have much treasure in this city for you” The Lord teaches that there is more treasure than just gold and silver here in Salem. This other treasure includes genealogical records (see verse 9).
“Many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time” In addition to the genealogical records, the Lord may be alluding to other potential treasures—contact with influential people, and potential converts.
Five years later, Erastus Snow and Benjamin Winchester were sent back to Salem. They were given a copy of the Salem revelation and told to fulfill it. They arrived in Salem in September 1841. They preached at public meetings, published a pamphlet, and challenged the notorious Mormon apostate, John C. Bennett, to public debate. Their efforts bore fruit. Within a year there were ninety members in Salem.
3- Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
Verse 3 “form acquaintance with men in this city” Joseph’s account of his time in Salem reveals a great deal of public relations work as well as public lectures and sermons. Joseph Smith and his associates visited most of the important people and places in the city, and several newspapers covered their activities while they were in Salem. It appears from all accounts that their visit left the community with a generally positive impression.
4- And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
Verse 4 “And it shall come to pass in due time” It seems likely that, even as of today, the whole story of Salem, Massachusetts, and Zion in the latter days has not yet been played out.
“They shall not discover your secret parts” In the Old Testament, this statement is a Hebrew idiom for being thoroughly and publicly humiliated. The Hebrew could be translated more literally “uncover your private parts,” and carries the connotation of being publicly stripped and humiliated (1 Samuel 5:9; Isaiah 3:17). In the context here, it is a promise that the brethren will not be publicly embarrassed or shamed.
“Its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours” It would be hard to make a more explicit reference to financial treasure than this, and there will come a time when the wealth of Salem will be brought to adorn Zion’s fair head.
5- Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.
Verse 5 Two years before, the Lord had given Joseph Smith specific instructions and promises concerning his debts and those of the Church (D&C 104:79-86). The Lord had told Joseph that “in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling” (D&C 24:9). Again, the Lord challenged the leaders of the Church to have faith in allowing him to deal with both Church debt and the redemption of Zion in his own due time. The promise concerning debt has been fulfilled. The promise concerning the physical Zion has not—as yet.
6- Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.
7- Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about;
Verse 7 “Tarry in this place” One might think that Joseph, having learned that his purpose for going to Salem was “folly,” would have wanted to return promptly to Kirtland. But the Lord wanted Joseph in Salem for reasons of his own, and he would show Joseph where to go and what to do.
8- And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you.
Verse 8 The word signalized means made evident, prominent, or eminent.
9- This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;
Verse 9 “This place you may obtain by hire” Joseph’s temporary lodgings on Union Street were acceptable to the Lord to serve as his base of operations in Salem.
“Inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city” The Lord counsels Joseph to begin to do genealogical research. Salem was the county seat of Essex County, and many genealogical records were kept there. It was in that county that Robert Smith, the first of the Smith family in America, settled. Salem was the residence of many of the pioneer immigrants to America whose descendants joined the Church. The Smith family records were there in Salem.
10- For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.
11- Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.
Verse 11 “be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin” The Lord commands them to summon all their resources to do the Lord’s work and to remain pure. The dangerous “serpent” was prototypical of astuteness and cunning in the ancient world. Therefore, the Lord’s servants, in order to remain safe in the world, need to be “as wise as serpents.”
Brief Historical Setting
The spiritual high of the completion and dedication of the Kirtland Temple was followed by one of the lowest periods of our church’s history. The year following the Temple dedication saw a spirit of apostasy sweep through the Church. This apostasy even involved several members of the Quorum of the Twelve.
1837 July
In July 1837 the Lord warned Thomas B. Marsh that, as President of the Twelve, he should bring his quorum back into line [D&C 112 -Thomas B. Marsh and the Quorum of Twelve].
What’s the moral of Joseph’s mission to Salem?
“But ye seek for , seek ye for the of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” Jacob 2:18-19
