“And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles…that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done.” -Ether 2:11
Failing to Learn from History
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (George Santayana as quoted in America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations, William J. Federer, ed., (Coppell, TX: FAME Publishing, Inc.,1994), p. 547) While many have heard of this famous quote, few know the name of the historian who said it, and even fewer seem to grasp the timelessness of those words. By any scriptural standard, the world has failed miserably to learn from history. According to the scriptures, three ancient American civilizations refused to repent and learn from the lessons of history, and for that, they were destroyed. Many other civilizations, according to secular sources, also met similar fates.
A Major History Lesson from the Scriptures
There are numerous lessons that this modern generation can learn from the Book of Mormon. But given the amount of attention and the importance the prophets attached to the overlapping subjects of secret combinations and the church of the devil, and how those two things led the people to ripen in iniquity (which brought about their utter annihilation), it is not a stretch to state that this multifaceted lesson is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Its importance is underscored by the Lord Himself, who prophesied through His prophet Alma
I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will
bring to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land (Alma 37:25).
The Book of Mormon was brought forth, and as was promised, it has brought “to light” in great detail all of those “secret works” and “abominations.” Correspondingly, if the Nephites and Jaredites were destroyed “from off the face of the earth,” for allowing such evil to flourish among them, then “every nation” that would thereafter “possess the land” must be subject to the same divine decree. Such would be the purpose for the Lord in having brought these things “to light” in the first place.
Hence, in relation to that ancient prophecy of Alma is a modern commandment, issued from the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith. In similar wording, he admonished that “we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them” (D&C 123:13). Illustrating the importance of this seemingly insignificant commandment, with its attending related duties, the Prophet further stated, “Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things” (D&C 123:15).
There was much that relied upon the Jaredites and the Nephites to not let those murderous combinations to get above them, too. Yet, the people as a whole failed to heed the warnings that were sounded among them. In time, the secret combinations among them rose to power. Once the secret combinations among those people had spread over their nation, or civilization, the Lord had no choice but to sweep them off the face of the earth (see Ether 2:8-10), Antediluvians, Jaredites, Nephites, and all.
In light of what is happening in the world today, it seems that those who live in this smug, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and high-tech generation naively believe that the laws of God, and of history, have somehow been suspended, or even revoked, in their behalf. Those who believe so are in for a rude awakening. These priceless lessons of history, preserved in the scriptures, were recorded to warn people in the latter days of what will happen to them, if they fail to remember the past, and act accordingly.
Since the past is often prologue, the scriptures offer concrete examples of what will happen to modern civilizations if they refuse to learn from history. As such, unless the inhabitants of the earth speedily repent of their iniquities, they will soon “bring down” upon themselves “the fulness of the wrath of God…as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done” (Ether 2:11).
Like the Nephites of old, who reviled against Nephi when he warned them that they stood on the brink of destruction, there are some today that exhibit similar behavior. Those Nephites mocked the idea that their nation could be destroyed, and their “great cities…taken from” them (Helaman 8:5). With blinding pride, they boasted, “And now we know that this is impossible, for behold, we are powerful, and our cities great, therefore our
enemies can have no power over us” (Helaman 8:6). Many Americans, and Latter-day Saints included, also skirt such prophetic warnings, claiming that “these things can’t happen here.” Blinded by their pride and foolish adherence to the “precepts of men,” they are either unaware of, or do not believe, what the words of the scriptures and the modern day prophets have said, and how they warn about these things.
Because all revealed truths from God to the people on the earth, as a whole, are given from the “mouth of two or three witnesses” (D&C 6:28), it is through that method that “every
word” “shall” “be established” (D&C 6:28; see also Deuteronomy 4:26, Matthew 18:16, John 5:31-47, 2 Corinthians 13:1, Ether 5:4, D&C 128:3). The divine warning to latter-day
Gentiles (D&C 109:60) against secret combinations has been sounded by at least three witnesses: do not follow in the footsteps of those who were destroyed that preceded you. Latter-day Saints should consider the fact that non-members do not read the Book of Mormon, nor do they attend General Conference. As such, these prophetic warnings are directed at those who are expected to receive them, namely members of the Church. Therefore, who has the most responsibility regarding this topic, LDS or non-LDS?
While abridging the Book of Ether, the prophet Moroni, on several occasions, felt impressed to specifically direct his remarks to the Gentiles concerning this subject. Pointing out one
of the main purposes of the Book of Mormon, Moroni wrote,
And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done (Ether 2:11)
So that no misunderstanding arise in any way, as to why the “inhabitants of the land” brought down God’s wrath upon themselves, Moroni spelled it out in very plain terms a few chapters later. He wrote that secret combinations had “caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking [the Jaredites], and also the destruction of the people of Nephi” (Ether 8:21). And lest his modern reading audience fail to grasp the universal historical application and warning of his writings, Moroni stated emphatically, “and whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed” (Ether 8:22). Then specifically directing his warning towards those living in the latter days, he said,
Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be (Ether 8:23)
In light of the historical object lesson those ancient destroyed civilizations provide, Moroni’s warning to the Gentiles is unmistakeable.
There are some that scoff at the idea that the same kinds of secret combinations, which existed during the Antediluvians, the Jaredites, and the Nephites, would exist in modern times. The scriptures leave no room for doubt that they will be among the Gentiles in the latter days. Prophesying concerning the Gentiles, Nephi wrote, “and there are also secret combinations [in the latter days], even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness” (2 Nephi 26:22). Adding to Nephi’s witness, Moroni warned, “wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these 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” (Ether 8:24)
Faithful Latter-day Saints should consider what the consequences will be to their civilization if those warnings from prophets of old are ignored. Those who take Moroni’s warning seriously concerning this modern day secret combination, and follow the Lord’s “[commandment]” to “awake to a sense” of their “awful situation” (Ether 8:24) will do all they can to stop this nation from losing its freedom. They will work to keep it “from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven” (Ether 2:11). But if “these things” are allowed “to be” (Ether 8:24), then this secret combination will “overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries” and bring to pass “the destruction of all people” (Ether 8:25)
Those who think that the United States of America is immune from that evil force that threatens global destruction are living in a bubble of “carnal security” (2 Nephi 28:21). It is
hoped that their bubble is not so catastrophically burst in the same way that it was for the Antediluvians, the Jaredites, and the Nephites. But these things need not bring down this nation. The Lord in His mercy has already provided a way out of this temporal deathtrap if His people will do what He requires of them, which will be discussed in the conclusion of this treatise.
Besides the fact that Book of Mormon prophets issued direct warnings to the Gentiles regarding “these things” (Ether 8:23), there is ample evidence that the book’s literary organization is itself a warning. As early in the text as the Words of Mormon, the prophet-historian Mormon began to lay the organizational foundation for that structure. Most assuredly, the Book of Mormon’s primary purpose is to bring men and women to Christ. But as will be shown, there is ample evidence that indicates how the book’s literary structure builds towards a message of warning.
After the narrative taken from the small plates of Nephi ends, around the time of King Benjamin, Mormon, the book’s primary author, interrupts the chronological flow of the text. He did so in order to make some editorial explanations regarding which plates he used, and from which ones he drew upon to compile his sacred history of his people (Words of Mormon 1:3-6). He also stated that he was about to “deliver up the record [he had] been making into the hands of [his] son Moroni” (Words of Mormon 1:1)
But before doing that, he explained to the reader that he was going “to finish out [his] record, which [he took] from the plates of Nephi; and [that he made] it according to the knowledge and the understanding which God [had] given [him]” (Words of Mormon 1:9). Sadly, because he was slain (Mormon 8:5), Mormon did not “finish” his book, though he did complete most of it. Mormon had recounted the history of the Nephites, from the days of Nephi, all the way to the day in which he had “witnessed almost all the destruction of [his] people” (Words of Mormon 1:1) at the hill Cumorah. His supposition that he would die before his son, and that Moroni would “witness the entire destruction of [their] people” (Words of Mormon 1:2), was correct.
Mormon’s last words he wrote in his book were an invitation to the Lamanites to believe in Christ, and to accept His gospel (Mormon 7:1-10). After engraving those final words, the next thing the text records is his son’s statement, “Behold I, Moroni, do finish the record of my father, Mormon” (Mormon 8:1). Moroni, of course, was not going to write on the plates with some filler material, until there was no more room left. He was under a commandment as to what he would write. “Behold,” he stated, “I have but few things to write, which things I have been commanded by my father” (Mormon 8:1). Apparently, there was something very important that was left out. After discussing how the Nephites “were all destroyed” (Mormon 8:2), he repeated again that he was going to “fulfil the commandment of my father” (Mormon 8:3). Stating his intentions to “hide up the records in the earth” after he fulfilled that commandment, he remarked that his father had “written the intent thereof” (Mormon 8:5)
There are two good questions that arise from these verses to consider. First, what was the “commandment” he received from his father concerning the record? And second, what was his father’s “intent thereof” (Mormon 8:5)? In tracing the pieces of evidence that follow, cited from the scriptures, what the “intent” was, as well as that “commandment,” will become clear. Moreover, the evidence will also show that the answers to those two questions are in fact evidence that the Book of Mormon’s literary structure itself is a warning to the latter-day Gentiles (D&C 109:60) against secret combinations, the great enemies of Christ.
The first piece of evidence regarding his “intent” was when Mormon recounted how Ammon discovered the people of King Limhi, who were in bondage to the Lamanites, and how Ammon had learned of a record of a destroyed people. Limhi recounted to him the story of how an expedition was chosen out from his people and sent forth to find Zarahemla, so that they might be delivered from their slavery to the Lamanites (Mosiah 8:7). During their journey, they became lost and actually stumbled upon another civilization in ruins (Mosiah 8:8-12; 28:12, 17-19).
Because the expedition became “lost in the wilderness for the space of many days” (Mosiah 8:8), they never made their original destination. Instead, they discovered a land “which was covered with the bones of men, and of beasts, and was also
covered with ruins of buildings of every kind” (Mosiah 8:8). Limhi was quoted as saying that “for a testimony” to prove that what the members of the expedition said was true, they “brought twenty-four plates…filled with engravings,” being made “of
pure gold” (Mosiah 8:9). As Ammon listened to Limhi tell his people’s story, Limhi asked him if he knew of anybody who could translate the plates, because he thought that “they [would] give [him] a knowledge of [the]…people who [had] been destroyed,” meaning the Jaredites. Limhi, perhaps unaware of the tremendous significance of his own words, said that he was “desirous to know the cause of their destruction” (Mosiah 8:12). Ammon assured him that the prophet and seer Mosiah could translate the mysterious record.
After Limhi’s people escaped from the Lamanites and were united with the people of King Mosiah, his curiosity was satisfied. Mosiah translated the record as Limhi requested.
Mormon noted that the people’s curiosity at that time was very piqued. He wrote that Mosiah translated the Jaredite plates “because of the great anxiety of [the] people; for they were desirous beyond measure to know concerning those people who had been destroyed” (Mosiah 28:12). Commenting upon that segment of Nephite history, Mormon made a significant statement regarding the Jaredite record and the people of Limhi’s desire “beyond measure” to know what happened to those who had “been destroyed.” He wrote, “and this account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people
should know the things which are written in this account” (Mosiah 28:19—emphasisadded). Mormon’s statement that “this accout shall be written hereafter” will be addressed in more detail momentarily.
The next major piece of evidence came when Mormon included in his abridgment an interview between Alma the prophet, and his prophet-son Helaman. In that interview, Alma explained to his son in no uncertain terms why the Jaredites were destroyed, and how they had become “fully ripe” in iniquity (Alma 37:28), because of secret combinations (Alma 37:21-32). Then, after that comment, Alma prophesied to his son Helaman that the Nephites would be destroyed “four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them” (Alma 45:10), because they would become “fully ripe” in iniquity like the Jaredites who preceded them. Thus did Alma verify that secret combinations not only destroyed the Jaredites, but that they would also be the cause for the downfall of his own people, the Nephites. That Mormon felt impressed to include Alma’s prophetic statement is more structural evidence of his “intent.”
Because Mormon was not able to abridge the record of the Jaredites, as he said he would in Mosiah 28:19, he was forced to leave his unfinished abridgment of the Nephites’ history over to his son Moroni, who was then tasked with the responsibility of completing it. As Moroni abridged the Jaredite record, and as he wrote concerning the rise of secret combinations among them, he paused in his narrative to comment that “they [secret
combinations] have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi” (Ether 8:21). Thus in one verse, Moroni answered Limhi’s centuries-old question concerning how the Jaredites were destroyed (Mosiah 8:12), as well as verifying his father’s comment that Gadianton’s band was the cause of the Nephite’s destruction (Helaman 2:12-14)
Mormon set a pattern by demonstrating in the Book of Mormon that secret
combinations were the cause for the downfall of the Nephites. He also started to lay the groundwork to show that the same thing happened to the Jaredites, but was unable to build upon that. Moroni followed that pattern of evidence by showing what happened to the Jaredites, and how they were similarly destroyed, like the Nephites, by the same causes.
It is significant to note that while the Jaredites had a history that was twice as long as the Nephites, Moroni narrowly focused almost half of his abridgment on how the Jaredites were destroyed by secret combinations. Both civilizations, the Nephites and the Jaredites, allowed secret combinations to corrupt their governments, take them over, lead the people to ripen in iniquity, and then use that power to murder the righteous. Moroni stated plainly that those forces were the cause of the destruction of both civilizations (Ether 8:21).
Third, while it might be a surprise to members of the Church, that Moroni never intended to write past the Book of Ether, he himself verified that such was the case (Moroni 1:1, 4).
In light of that, members should ponder how their view of the Book of Mormon would differ if the book had actually ended with the Book of Ether. If he had not written any further, would not the overwhelming message of the text be that two civilizations were destroyed in the exact same fashion, with a warning to the Gentiles (Ether 2:8-10, 8:22-25) to not repeat the same disaster? Is that not the “intent thereof?” Based on the
evidence at hand, one would be hard pressed to find another one.
When certain members of the Church are uncomfortable with, or disagree with, some of the teachings of past prophets, a frequent tactic employed against those who cite them is to
bludgeon them into silence by accusing them of quoting from a “dead prophet.” Yet, almost every time those same members read from their scriptures, or listen to someone else discuss them in Sunday school class, they are reading or listening to the words of “dead prophets.” This tactical double standard of selectively accepting divine teachings conveniently allows those who use it to pick and choose which truths from the scriptures and the prophets they wish to obey. And when the teachings are perceived to be “controversial,” then the “dead prophet” tactic is used with a fanatical zeal that rivals the Pharisees of old. But, the Lord does not give His prophets suggestions to recommend to
His people.
Speaking to His “church,” concerning the teachings of His prophets, He stated, “thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me” (D&C 21:4). “For,” He added, “his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:5). Especially applicable to the subject matter addressed in this book is the succeeding verse of
that section. “For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:6).
As one of the Lord’s prophets of the last dispensation, President Ezra Taft Benson spoke frequently to the Saints and other Church leaders regarding the importance of the Book of
Mormon, and how it has been neglected for too long. In a talk delivered over 26 times to various segments of the Church, he said, “now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, A Witness And A Warning, (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book Company, 1988), p. 6.) He then offered some ways as to how the Book of Mormon might be properly utilized the way God intended it to be.
There are some who take these warnings very seriously, even to the point of having awakened to a “sense of [their] awful situation” (Ether 8:24). But, they feel that there is no way to stop the momentum of this latter-day secret combination that seeks to overthrow the “freedom of all lands, nations, and countries” (Ether 8:25) and have given up hope. Yet, as dire as the warning is, those same Book of Mormon prophets still hold out hope to the Gentiles. Moroni prophesied that “the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be” (Ether 8:23)
Moroni never foretold the outcome. He only placed the Gentiles’ fate in the balance, with the outcome being contingent upon what they choose to do.For those who think it is too late to stop what is happening just might watch their beliefs become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and will one day wish that it had not come to pass.
Book of Mormon prophets, namely Mormon and Moroni, testified that secret combinations brought down at least two ancient American civilizations. In particular, Moroni wrote, “And they [meaning secret combinations]…caused the destruction of [the Jaredites], and also the destruction of the people of Nephi” (Ether 8:21). Moroni poignantly added to such an observation, that “whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold they shall be destroyed” (Ether 8:22).
After making those instructive statements, he then remarked that “it is wisdom in God” that the Gentiles (D&C 109:60) be shown “these things,” so that they might “repent” and not let “these murderous combinations” get above them (Ether 8:23). He testified that the Lord commands the Gentiles to “awake to a sense of [their] awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among [them]” (Ether 8:24). For “whosoever buildeth…up [this evil group] seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries” and to bring “to pass the destruction of all people” (Ether 8:25). Failure to heed this warning will cause that “the sword of the justice of the Eternal God” to “fall upon” this nation, if the Gentiles “shall suffer these things to be” (Ether 8:23).
The Book of Mormon was “so molded” by God that the structural organization of the text is a warning, in and of itself, about the total destruction caused by secret combinations to past American civilizations. Concerning those secret combinations, the Lord prophesied, as was recorded by Alma, that He would “bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations…unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land” (Alma 37:25). The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a fulfillment of that promise. The Book of Mormon stands as a solemn warning, “unto every nation that shall hereafter possess” this land, as to what will happen to modern civilizations that allow their nations to be taken over by they who follow those “secret works” of Satan, Cain, and all of their followers throughout the generations.
While numerous prophets have spoken out against freedom destroying evils in the world, President Benson directed his warnings against the great latter-day secret combination that is the force working behind the scenes, which seeks to enslave all of humanity. Accordingly, in modern times, the Lord has commanded His people to “waste and wear out [their] lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness” (D&C
123:13). “For,” said the Prophet Joseph Smith, “there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things” (D&C 123:15). The importance of following such a commandment, in light of what is at stake, is plainly manifest.
Three ancient American civilizations were destroyed by the same cause, and for failing to adhere to the warnings sounded by prophets in their day and age. Yet, the United States of America is not predestined to meet the same fate, and for that matter, nor is any particular one of the many other nations. The scriptures leave everything open-ended, but with the stipulation that time is running out for the Gentiles in America to put their country back
on its Constitutional tracks.
Mormon included in his writings, as found in 3 Nephi 6-8
(which is a parallel and pattern for the last days), a priceless
historical object lesson of what might happen to members of the
Church if they allow “these things to be.” They who survived the
calamities of those times paid attention when the prophetic
warning was sounded. If modern day Gentiles (D&C 109:60)
wish to save their civilization, and their freedom, they would do
well to listen to those warnings.
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This was taken in part from “The Hidden Things of Darkness: Exposing the Enemies of Christ” by Christopher S. Bentley. The Mormon Chronicle strongly encourages you to purchase your copy (by clicking on the title) this important book that lays out the principles of identifying the “enemies of Christ” so as not to be deceived.
This is just my opinion, and I don’t want to be obnoxious or rude–
but I believe that the time is long past for the U.S. to be saved as a nation; few people even want it. Many who do have exhausted themselves, used all their resources and are feeling very ‘done’–
As for LDS, most of them are fast asleep.
But I do believe it is possible for a person to flee Babylon or for a family to flee Babylon, at least in spirit, at least in knowledge. Perhaps it is time to focus on that; political parties and candidates let *us* down long ago–
and the behavior of the U.S. in foreign countries is nothing less than roguish.
But it’s good to see the Book of Mormon being used. That book needs to be used by individuals to lead them/us all to Jesus Christ.
I and many thousands of other LDS have discovered that the best way to get in trouble with your priesthood leaders is to express concern about the corruption in our government. Actually taking steps to resist the corruption can and often does get you excommunicated. So, if the BOM is true, why don’t our leaders encourage us to abide by its warnings? Why do our leaders strongly discourage us from doing so? I have never been able to understand this. It seems as if they have made the BOM a relic from an ancient past, no longer applicable to the problems that beset us today. Concerning the BOM, they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk, and they won’t allow us to either. Why is protecting their tax exempt status apparently more important than BOM warnings?
Walter,
I don’t think the Church leaders have discouraged anyone from taking part in the political process. I have yet to hear of anyone being excommunicated for taking part in the political process. Your comment does not make sense to me. Sorry. I hope this did not come across rude as I do not intend it to be the case. I just do not understand how you think someone will be excommunicated for taking part in politics.
At my trial, which lasted for 5 1/2 hours, my stake president literally screamed that he had spoken with no less than 5 GA’s about this, and they had all told him that lawfully withholding funding from our present secret combination in Washington D.C., makes one unworthy of a temple recommend, and will eventually result in his excommunication if he persists. You can choose to disbelieve me if you want to, but the Lord knows I am telling you the truth. Like I said earlier, the brethren talk the talk, sort of, but they don’t walk the walk, and they won’t let us either. So if you take steps to resist the latter-day secret combinations, you had better keep it to yourself. My LDS friends who are doing this have had no trouble from their priesthood leaders.
Walter, I’ve read your comments on the past two articles. Prior to reading your words regarding you “trial” it had already become apparent that you have enlisted to obey a contentious spirit, and that you are disenfranchised with our current prophets and apostles. May I humbly suggest you dump the militant pride and seek answers to your questions through the spirit. While your arguments on fighting secert combinations may be correct, your tactics in doing so will be your downfall. As I’ve dealt with similar questions you are dealing with, I’ve never come to the conclusion that the brethren aren’t dealing with the issue. They can only preach what the body of the church is willling to hear; and there be few humble enough to hear it now.
A thought to the question “why doesn’t the leadership of the church publically cry out against secret combinations?”: They used to and many of them did during the first half of the 20th century. They did back then because that evil had not completely saturated our political, economic, educational, and social life. We were warned, but this evil has gotten above us and there are few even willing to awake to the awful situation. Like Mormon of old who was forbidden for a time to stop preaching to the Nephites about their awful situation, I believe our leaders are in the same position. Their primary mission is three fold (perfecting saints, missionary work, redeeming dead). If they were to speak out, as former times, the work around the world would cease due to the
intense opposition it would bring (even from inside the membership). The Lord needs them to build the church and gather in as many as will listen before the great tribulations come upon us. Rather than questioning the leadership of Christ’s church, we should be the voice of warning the Lord needs. Those of us (much like this Ezra and this website) who are the modern day “prophets” (I’m using the word prophet in the sense of an inspired disciple of Christ who raises a warning in spirit and truth vs. the leader of Christ’s church who has been ordained to such a position.) of warning should be proclaiming through the still small voice the evident truths in the BOM and attempting to arouse our brothers and sisters.
During 40 years of Church membership I have met and corresponded with exed LDS who, like myself, were warned that they were “mixing politics with religion” anytime they so much as mentioned in a meeting anything specific about our corrupt leaders in government. An even worse offense was quoting prophets like David O. McKay or Ezra Taft Benson on the subject of our duty to save the Constitution from said leaders. Elder Zeller in the office at the NCCS warned me to not quote these past prophets in any priesthood meeting, citing two brethren he knew personally, one a Bishop and the other a High Priests Group leader who were released from all their callings for quoting ETB from the pulpit. I know two members, a married couple in Biloxi, MS., who were exed for teaching
from the book “An Enemy Hath Done This” in their home. It features numerous quotes from ETB, DOM, Heber J. Grant, etc. on said subject. Websites like mormonthink.com and exmormon.com often feature comments from such exed members. The BOM, especially the Book of Ether, repeatedly warns us to not support secret combinations, or we will end up just like the Jaredites and Nephites if we do. ETB and DOM both warned that this is exactly what we as LDS and as Americans have been doing for decades. Of course the best way to stop supporting the secret combinations that have gained complete control of our government is to withhold funding from them. ETB reflected what Thomas Jefferson said when he stated that the most effective remedy against tyrants is to stop funding them.
Therefore, a great many LDS have learned at least enough about tax law such that they were able to lawfully follow this inspired counsel. However, doing so is almost always interpreted by our priesthood leaders as a violation of the counsel in the GHI about the payment of taxes. Apparently the brethren are more concerned about the Church getting into trouble with the IRS than they are about anything else because following said counsel from ETB and TJ will get you exed quicker than a moral transgression will. I speak also from my own experience. After 40 years of dedicated service including as a full tithe payer and 100% home teacher, I was exed for acting upon Ether’s warning. It’s called “Conduct Unbecoming a Member of the Church”. At my trial, which lasted for
I do not care what a Bishop or a Stake President says. Scripture matters and the book of Mormon is god’s warning to us and we have an obligation to warn our neighbors. If you get excommunicated then God will regardless allow you into His kingdom. God will interview you and if your heart is pure and motives honorable you will be saved.
I think it is best to teach much “milk” of the gospel at church. Teaching mostly “meat” of the gospel is counterproductive in that it turns church attendance into a conflict laden experience for newer or weaker members. Those members and investigators just can’t handle it. While I do find a high percentage of longtime members “asleep”, I don’t think stirring them up on Sunday is productive. Those that really understand the larger part of the gospel should, if inspired, engage the enemies of Christ as individual citizens. Just my feeling on it.
I as a LDS have to agree with you. I wish I could remember in which LDS article I read but my memory ceases to remember, hiwever what I do remember is, from one if the Church leaders we were admonished to follow the our present day prophet nit thise such as president Benson ir President Kimball as times of our world have changed I was very disturbed by this article. As the above article mentioned all of our past prophets are now dead but yet we do still read the visible, prophets if old, book of Mormon prophets of old. Joseph Smith even warned our Constitution will one day hang by a thread, this and many of all of these warnings we see today yet yes you are correct , they are nit spoken of by our present keaders if the church. Remember as I do what the scriptures from both the Bible and BOM tells us, that the very elite will fall. Which tekks me that is nit to say that present or future prophets are NOT exempt from falling, from possibly becoming members if the secret societies. . I am nit saying our present prophet is a member of such but I caution every mem er to humble themselves before God and pray fir their iwn oersonal revelation and inspiration. Hid has never commanded us to follow a prophermt or anyone without consulting first with Jim in prayer. When in Sacrament meeting we raise our right hand in agreement to call a certain person as bishop or a person within the bishopric, we all just raise our right habd as though this is what we are suppose to do rather than pray for guidance about this individual being calked and should one oppose they then should raise theur hand in oppsosal which then should be discussed behind the opposed or opposes before a perdon is calked to be Bishop etc. I’ve been in the church h my entire life and never did I see the church Co firm to the changes if the world until the last 5 years and in.y personal view this is unacceptable be ause Gid does not vhabge with the world, with political views that go against the gospel. Sadly this is what I see niw. I’m not angered but saddened I do nit stop believing in the truthfulness of the gospel but calked upon as prophet ir not ehen I see man within our church not speaking out against these se ret societies which have been from the beginning, not encouraging members to humbly prayerfully and lovingly seek to uphold our Constitution , our God given rights our God given free agency then have to seek personal guidance from God understanding the very elite will fall. Money, power, greed are strong hold tha sadly Satan uses to tear down who can be the leaders of pur own church. We see clearly that The Pope, leader of the Catholic religion is a member if these se ret societies. There was a time church keaders did not hold back, they refernce the Bible and the book if Mormon of the latter days which included secret societies yet for whatever reason our church leaders remain silent so its then OUR responsibility to stay prayerful, study pur scriptures and take heed to the warnings of our past prophets. So I total agree with you walter and I fear those that pay no attention to these warni gs , just follow the orophet, remain silent, nit stabd against st this tyrant by and communism that niw befalls us will find themselves under the swift wrath sword of our creator, our redeemer . We must all remember men will fail us, our Givernment, even our prophets so we must stay in tune spiritually, keep a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Ssvior Jesus Christ. The gospel gives us truth warnings, we must adhere to these things even when nit spoken of by the prophet or our local church keaderd. Try to leacmve the anger behind d, pray that people’s eyes will be opened . God made clear we are we are all capable of personal revelation and right now the days are upin us that this is what we have to DeArmond on even in our own church.. look how many have died, suffered permanent physical disabilities from these so called vaccines. Hiw many members ran to be bmcmvacci aged be ause the church said too knowing there had not been sufficient studies on these vaccines. Now so many are paying the price and will continue to pay the price ahead. Stay true to the hispel Walter stay prayerful, always remember God’s words, ” the very elite will fall.”
Thank you marginalizedmormon and walter buller. I relish your comments. The author has shown his knowledge in the Bible, the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, especially in his many quotations from the BoM, but he has not been obedient to the Savior’s command to study Isaiah as recorded in 3 Nephi 23: 1 and several verses thereafter, and thus his view of future events is in error.
Three ancient American civilizations were destroyed by the same cause, and for failing to adhere to the warnings sounded by prophets in their day and age. Yet, the United States of America is not predestined to meet the same fate, and for that matter, nor is any particular one of the many other nations. The scriptures leave everything open-ended,
but with the stipulation that time is running out for the Gentiles in America to put their country back on its Constitutional tracks.
I need a citation for. “Yet, the United States of America is not predestined to meet the same fate, and for that matter, nor is any particular one of the many other nations.” “The scriptures” (sweeping generalization) leave everything open-ended, but with the stipulation that time is running out for the Gentiles in America to put their country back on its Constitutional tracks” (unwarranted assumption that it is possible considering current level of massive corruption).
The author’s conclusions are a sure clue that he has not been obedient in his study of Isaiah whose view of the future is very different, based on his many visions of future events. To have an apocalyptic prophesy of the last days whose clarity surpasses that of John’s Revelation seems to me to be a blessing of immense value, and to have it being ignored is for me a travesty of terrible danger, for we will not see the future as Isaiah’s visions gave him and about which he wrote 66 chapters of instruction of blessings and curses.
There is however a problem. That clarity requires a decoding of Isaiah’s “sealed book” and for those who are willing to search, there is a Hebrew scholar who has (1) retranslated Isaiah into modern English,
The remainder of my message has been withheld.
Much has been written about secret combinations that are to arise in the latter days. Many of us see the corruption in our federal, state, county, and city governments. We see the corrupt U.N. seeking to overthrow all nations. We see ubiquitous conspiracies and the evil that they do. One would have to be intentionally blind not to see these things. What I often wonder is: “What is the best way to keep them from getting above us? How do we overthrow such evil? And how do we ensure that we replace them with just and honest government?” I know we’ve been commanded to befriend the Constitution. What is the best way to do that? Is that also the answer to stopping these evil combinations?”
Start with reading the essay ‘Many are called but few are chosen’ by Verlander Anderson and send copies to all your family and friends.
I don’t think the present America can be saved. Only the remaining followers of Christ after “judgement”. The best video I have seen contains a lot of truth, imho. It is “you tube AMERICA IS BABYLON”. It starts with a picture of the Statue of Liberty’s head after rain is seen falling. I liked it anyway.
I appreciate the optimism expressed by those who believe the Constitution can be restored and the secret combinations can be defeated, but that is not what Isaiah saw, nor is it what happened to the three great Book of Mormon civilizations. My Isaiah instructor was very adamant that we look for Scriptural patterns and D&C 52: 14 is a reminder for our day. In essence as I stated above, Isaiah contains a pattern of latter day events and thus is an apocalyptic prophesy of the last days. I would plead with you to study his writings and find the scholar who has retranslated Isaiah into modern English, “that ye be not deceived.”
Thank you Ezra. When you challenge my statements, I would appreciate citations. From memory I recall 4 of 4 records of Joseph Smith’s statement about the Constitution. 3 of 4 stated as you have said; however I remember #4 said “That is not what I heard Joseph say. He said if it is to be saved at all. .” How long has Congress allowed the murder of innocents called abortion? Regarding the Secret Combinations, please don’t give a sweeping generalization (“The Book of Mormon said”). I would appreciate a citation for my own learning. Yes, they will be destroyed to enable the righteous to gather to Zion, but under specific conditions about which Isaiah clarifies along with matching themes in the Book of Mormon. I will provide citations tomorrow. Thanks
Isaiah always gave the problem and then a solution, just like the article said, if you don’t repent, you’ll be destroyed…….
Sean, yes, Isaiah does identify sins like a tirade in Isaiah 1: 2-15 and then provides instructions for repentance in Isaiah 1: 16-20. If Isaiah is creating a scenario of ancient Israel in his day, it is necessary to understand that Hebrew prophesy applies in two time bases, one in the prophet’s own time and another in the latter days. So as you read this and other chapters, see if it fits our current civilization. Isaiah 2: 7-9 identifies idolatry with a negative connotation. Is that possibly related to President Kimball’s identifying us in 1976? as an idolatrous people? In this application Isaiah only identifies a certain behavior as sinful, abstaining is assumed. Same in Isaiah 3: 1-9 and 12-26 as curses but in the middle, 10-11, he clarifies righteousness.
I agree, the Lord knows we are going to fall
As a nation because he has all the facts and details
But if we repent it takes away the curse from ourselves
Thank you Sean. It is not possible to condense what took Isaiah 66 chapters to describe in these brief posts, so expansive and complex are the events he saw. The Hebrew scholar with whom I studied during 1995 has since written several books and reports, each of them attempting to make Isaiah’s complex prophesy better understood, and he is largely ignored by those who ought to be thrilled with his Isaiah scholarship. The good news is that there are some scholars world wide who relish his research including those who were part of his Doctoral committee. I believe that if you make understanding Isaiah part of your prayer subjects, the Lord will lead you to this scholar. For me, I have gained a very firm testimony of the truth of Isaiah that is a most precious jewel.
I wish to thank the author for such an excellent article, and all those who have commented thus far. I, too, believe that the Constitution will be saved but not necessarily by saving our nation as we know it. I believe that the faithful Latter-day Saints who survive the prophesied attacks on America from China and Russia will both carry the flag of the United States and treasure the Constitution–thereby saving both by keeping them alive, even if only among their own ranks. I believe we must stand for truth and fight the fight, but I do not see any hope that we will be successful until Christ returns.
I agree that America.is going to be destroyed soon, leaving “flyover country, as the politicians call it” largely unharmed. At least this sounds reasonable to me because the constitution will continue on after the secret combinations group are destroyed. I was assigned a talk in Sacrament meeting about God’s protection and relationship with America. I told the counselor I didn’t think he wanted me giving that talk due to my unhappiness with the current situation. He insisted. I gave the talk and left the bishop somewhat stunned, I guess. I didn’t tear the US apart but stated the new curriculum for K-12th grade contradicted the gender roles explained in the Proclamation on the Family. I was a.VOICE OF WARNING so I could stand before Christ at the last day.
Chrisopher Bentley provided us with a scriptural essay of great worth because of many sources. Thank you for that. It has become a rallying basis for many comments that have been instructive for me whether supportive or in opposition of my world view. Thank you all. Perhaps I can add something of use in discussing secret combinations. In this I do not mean to be caustic, only that they are secret, that is, they are hidden from public disclosure and great effort is expended to remain out of sight. For example, we may believe we have a free press, and that is true if they are covering Grandmas new dress or something of small consequence. But beginning in 1915, a group of conspiracy-minded powerful men wanted to control public access to important matters, so they
searched for the 5 most influential newspapers and bought them. From that position of ownership they could edit our news and with use of editorial control, omit news threatening to their secret plans, and print items favorable to their views. Only those honorable journalists would be aware of that bias but were required to follow directions if they wished to remain employed. That scheme worked until the internet provided alternate news sources, but that is only accessible to those who avoid being TV couch potatoes or caught up in the dribble of TV entertainment. Yes, the internet provides many side-bar links and youtube adds much variety and depth, also webcam sources. But these too can be biased in accuracy of reporting. For those of you hoping to witness a
Hi everyone, My brothers and my sisters. Ive enjoyed reading about your feelings and concerns. The article is true about secret combinations in our time. It is so obvious in the media. I am trying not to be caught up in the fray of all this anger and accusasion.I think wisdom is needed here for me and for you. The Lord said let the tares and the wheat grow in the field together and in time of the harvest the wheat shall be gather out of the field into the garner. But the tares that remain in the field are bound in bundles that no man can loose them and are ready to be burned. The lesson here is that the Lord is in charge so, let God prevail. Remember to be gathered is to be mobile. Are you mobile? Thank you so kindly.
Well this sure rings true especially with the current events happening in 2020.
I am blown away at the lds people who do not see that the country and our freedoms in jeopardy. They are to concerned with their hatred for President Trump to recognize who the enemy actually is.
Of all people it should be the lds peoe who were given this additional knowledge from scripture to know the warning signs of the latter days. It is our responsibility to stand up for our constitution but half of us are sleeping with an, “all is well in Zion” attitude.