Common Misconceptions
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Timing of the Second Coming
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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The Day of the Lord
President Ezra Taft Benson
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When we become ripe in iniquity, then the Lord will come. I get annoyed sometimes at some of our elders who when speaking say the Lord will come when we all become righteous enough to receive him. The Lord is not going to wait for us to get righteous. When he gets ready to come, he is going to come — when the cup of iniquity is full — and if we are not righteous then, it will be just too bad for us, for we will be classed among the ungodly, and we will be as stubble to be swept off the face of the earth, for the Lord says wickedness shall not stand. Do not think the Lord delays his coming, for he will come at the appointed time, not the time which I have heard some preach when the earth becomes righteous enough to receive him. I have heard some men in positions and places of trust in the Church preach this, men who are supposed to be acquainted with the word of the Lord, but they failed to comprehend the scriptures. Christ will come in the day of wickedness, when the earth is ripe in iniquity and prepared for the cleansing, and as the cleanser and purifier he will come, and all the wicked will be as stubble and will be consumed.
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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The Millennium
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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The Second Coming of Christ (12)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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The time is near—how near, no man knoweth: the day and the hour when the Son of Man shall come is a secret. In a revelation given to this Church, it is said that no man shall know until he comes; therefore we cannot expect to know the day nor the hour; but we know it is near at hand, and what a consolation it is. There may be men that will know within a year—that will have revelation to say within one or two years when the Lord shall appear. I do not know that there is anything against this. Orson Pratt, in Journal of Discourses, 8:49. 260908
Elder Orson Pratt
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Signs of the Times (2)
Elder John Longden
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The Second Coming of Christ
Elder Bernard P. Brockbank
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Signs of the Times (4)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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The Second Coming of Christ (11)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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The Second Coming of Christ (10)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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It was in this same sermon that he said: “Were I going to prophesy, I would say the end [of the world] would not come in 1844, 5, or 6, or in forty years. There are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death till Christ comes.” The rising generation includes all those yet to be born to parents then living. Manifestly many of these are now among us and will be living after the year A.D. 2000 has come and gone.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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The Second Coming of Christ
Elder Christoffel Golden
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Not even Jesus Christ knows when he'll return
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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Not even Jesus Christ knows when he'll return
Elder Clark G. Gilbert
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Christ says no man knoweth the day or the hour when the Son of man cometh. This is a sweeping argument for sectarianism against Latterdayism Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations Oh no he spake in the present tense no man that was then liveing upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour But he did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour No for this would be in flat contradection with other scripture for the prophet says that God will do nothing but what he will reveal unto his Servants the prophets consequently if it is not made known to the Prophets it will not come to pass; again we find Paul 1rst of Thessilonians 5th chapter expressly points out the characters who shall not know the day nor the hour the when the Son of Man cometh for says he it will come upon them as the theif or unawares. Who are they they are the children of darkness or night. But to the Saints he says yea are not of the night nor of darkness that that day should come upon you unawares. John the revelator says 14 chap 7th verse that the hour of his judgements is come they are precursers or forerunners of the comeing of Christ. Read Mathew 24 Chap and all the Prophets. He says then shall they see the sign of the comeing of the Son of Man in the clouds of Heaven. How are we to see it ans[wer], As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and Shineth unto the west— So also is the comeing of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance in the east and moves along gradualy s[o] also will the comeing of the Son of Man be. it will be small at its first appearance and gradually becomes large<r> untill every eye shall see it. Shall the Saints understand it Oh yes, Paul says so. Shall the wicked understand Oh no they attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is too great Comets comeing in contact with each other It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger untill it will be all in a blaze so that every eye shall see it. Discourse, 6 April 1843–B, as Reported by James Burgess, 6-8, josephsmithpapers.org.
Joseph Smith
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Joseph Smith President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Of the Savior’s words that no man knows the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt. 24:36), the Prophet asked: “Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh, no, He spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But He did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture. For the prophet says that God will do nothing but what He will reveal unto His servants the prophets. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets, it will not come to pass.”
Joseph Smith
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So can we use this scientific data to extrapolate that the Second Coming is likely to occur during the next few years, or the next decade, or the next century? Not really. I am called as one of the apostles to be a special witness of Christ in these exciting, trying times, and I do not know when He is going to come again. As far as I know, [this indicates uncertainty and that there is a possibility] none of my brethren in the Council of the Twelve or even in the First Presidency know. And I would humbly suggest to you, my young brothers and sisters, that if we do not know, then nobody knows, no matter how compelling their arguments or how reasonable their calculations. The Savior said that “of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). I believe when the Lord says “no man” knows, it really means that no man knows. You should be extremely wary of anyone who claims to be an exception to divine decree. But while the exact timing of the Second Coming remains in doubt, there is no question that scriptural prophecy relative to that momentous and sacred event is being fulfilled, sometimes in remarkable ways. M.
Elder M. Russell Ballard
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The Second Coming hasn't started yet
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
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And everything that you are seeing - more active priesthood, more engaged Relief Society, more attention to the youth, more temples that are being build, more creations of units, more home-centered experience - as all of that unfolds, every bit of that is an attempt to make us true, living disciples of Christ, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at all times and in all things and in all places that we may be in. That is what is happening in this Church, and we have been preparing for it for a long time. All the years that I have been a General Authority, we have talked about these things. The timing is such that they are coming to pass now. I don't know what that means. I don't think it means that the Second Coming is tomorrow. I don't think it is the day after tomorrow, but it could be, and it is going to be some tomorrow. Jeffrey R. Holland, Our Day Star Rising [2022], 48-49. ISH
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
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Brian K: Ashton President of BYU-Pathway Worldwide
Brian K. Ashton
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The Lord Delayeth His Coming
Elder Erastus Snow
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Lord Will Come As A Thief In Night
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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The Seals Have Not Been Opened Yet
Elder Orson F. Whitney
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Ten Lost Tribes
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
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Ten Lost Tribes (2)
Elder David A. Bednar
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Ten Lost Tribes
Elder David A. Bednar
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Ten Lost Tribes
President Russell M. Nelson
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Signs of the Times
Joseph Smith
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Signs of the Times
Elder John Longden
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The Second Coming of Christ (9)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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We should watch for the signs and read the meaning of the seasons, we should live as faithfully as we possibly can, and we should share the gospel with everyone so that blessings and protections will be available to all. But we cannot and must not be paralyzed just because that event and the events surrounding it are out there ahead of us somewhere. We cannot stop living life. Indeed, we should live life more fully than we have ever lived it before. After all, this is the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
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In that day He will not come “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger,” but He will appear “in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels.” We will hear “the voice of the archangel, and … the trump of God.” The sun and the moon will be transformed, and “stars [will] be hurled from their places.” You and I, or those who follow us, “the saints … from [every quarter] of the earth,” “shall be quickened and … caught up to meet him,” and those who have died in righteousness, they too will “be caught up to meet him in the midst … of heaven.” Then, a seemingly impossible experience: “All flesh,” the Lord says, “shall see me together.” How will it happen? We do not know. But I testify it will happen—exactly as prophesied. We will kneel in reverence, “and the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it.” “It shall be … as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder.” “[Then] the Lord, … the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people.” There will be unforgettable reunions with the angels of heaven and the Saints upon the earth. In that day the skeptics will be silent, “for every ear shall hear … , and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess” that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Today is Easter. We rejoice with Christians all over the world in His glorious Resurrection and in our own promised resurrection. May we prepare for His coming by rehearsing these glorious events over and over in our own minds and with those we love, and may His prayer be our prayer: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” I testify that He lives. “Come, O thou King of Kings.” In the name of
Elder Neil L. Andersen
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Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles As we review the happenings of the past few years, we realize the most dreadful wars of all time have been fought in this dispensation, and the end is not yet. There are uprisings in many, many countries today. We have signs in the heavens and in the earth. Have they become so common we fail to recognize them? In recent years, around the world, we have had some of the most destructive earthquakes of history. Distress in and among nations is increasing daily. Will anyone say that men's hearts are not failing them? Today, millions of people sit and tremble in fear of what may happen. The wickedness of the world increases. Nations are preparing more earnestly than ever before for the final great struggle. Among the wonderful signs which would be given to indicate the near approach of his advent, there would not only be wars but also earthquakes in divers places, distress among nations, elements in commotion in tornados and hurricanes, the sea heaving itself beyond its bounds. There would be signs in the heavens as well as in the earth of unusual proportions. To impress his disciples that these events would surely come, the Savior said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only". Today weapons are being made more dreadful than ever known before, and fear enters into the hearts of all people. Is it so that we are able to see that the sky is red in the morning or in the evening and yet fail to see the signs in the heavens or in the earth? Surely there will be signs among the heavenly bodies before the end shall come. The earth will reel, the sun be darkened, the moon not give its light.
Elder John Longden
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And then he gave to his disciples what we read in the twenty-fourth chapter of the Book of Matthew, what may be better understood from the Inspired Version, which is found in the Pearl of Great Price. He said, when the fig tree “begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand.” (JS—M 1:39.) He gave them certain signs by which they might know that his coming was nigh, even at their very doors. There will be great tribulation upon the Jews and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “such as was not before sent upon Israel, of God, since the beginning of their kingdom until this time; no, nor ever shall be sent again upon Israel.” (JS—M 1:18.) “And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened. “Behold, these things I have spoken unto you concerning the Jews; and again, after the tribulations of those days which shall come upon Jerusalem, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe him not; “For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.” [That means the members of this Church.] “Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth; Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not; “For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west, … so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” (JS—H 1:20–22, 25–26.) Then he speaks of the wars that shall come: “… for nations shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. “And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; but he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved. “And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked; “And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. “Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled. “But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only. “But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man; “For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage; “And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. “Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left; “Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left; “And what I say unto one, I say unto all men; watch, therefore, for you know not at what hour your Lord doth come. “Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” (JS—M 1:29–31, 33–34, 40–46.) Brothers and sisters, this is the day the Lord is speaking of. You see the signs are here. Be ye therefore ready. The Brethren have told you in this conference how to prepare to be ready. We have never had a conference where there has been so much direct instruction, so much admonition; when the problems have been defined and also the solution to the problem has been suggested.
President Harold B. Lee
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The Second Coming of Christ
Elder Robert D. Hales
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We cannot afford to be complacent. We live in perilous times; the signs are all around us.
President Thomas S. Monson
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Signs of the Times
Elder Robert C. Oaks
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If anyone has any doubt concerning the terrible things that can and will afflict mankind, let him read the 24th chapter of Matthew. Among other things the Lord says: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. … “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. “All these are the beginning of sorrows. … “And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! … “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matt. 24:6–8, 19, 21–22). In the Book of Mormon we read of unimaginable destruction in the Western Hemisphere at the time of the Savior’s death in Jerusalem. Again I quote: “And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. “And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder. “And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. “And the city of Zarahemla did take fire. “And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned. “And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain. … “… The whole face of the land was changed, because of the tempest and the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and the lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth; “And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled, and many smooth places became rough. “And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left desolate” (3 Ne. 8:5–10, 12–14). What a terrible catastrophe that must have been. The plague or Black Death of the fourteenth century took millions of lives. Other pandemic diseases, such as smallpox, have brought untold suffering and death through the centuries. In the year a.d. 79 the great city of Pompeii was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Chicago was ravaged by a terrible fire. Tidal waves have swamped areas of Hawaii. The San Francisco earthquake in 1906 ruined the city and took some 3,000 lives. The hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900 killed 8,000. And more recently, as you know, has been the terrible tsunami of Southeast Asia, where thousands of lives were lost and where relief efforts are still needed. How portentous are the words of revelation found in the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants concerning the calamities that should befall after the testimonies of the elders. The Lord says: “For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand. “And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. “And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people” (D&C 88:89–91). How interesting are descriptions of the tsunami and the recent hurricanes in terms of the language of this revelation, which says, “The voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.”
President Gordon B. Hinckley
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Signs of the Times
Elder Henry B. Eyring
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Signs of the Times
President Henry B. Eyring
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REFUGE FROM THE STORM Again, in 1838, the Lord gave a further reason for the gathering: Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth D&C 115:5-6 Why was this to be called a "place of refuge" and a "place of safety"? D&C 45:66 Said the Lord in another revelation, . . . the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion D&C 45:67 The time when these things shall be would be as the Lord said, when: . . . the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man; And the saints also shall hardly escape; nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire D&C 63:33-34 Another and further reason for the gathering is given us with this revelation: Wherefore, seeing that I, the Lord, have decreed all these things upon the face of the earth, I will that my saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion; And that every man should take righteousness in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins, and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word and by flight that desolation shall come upon the wicked D&C 63:36-37 As we sit here today, we should be mindful of the fact that we are those of whom these revelations have spoken. We are those who have been gathered from out of spiritual Babylon D&C 133:14 or perhaps we represent the second or third or even the fourth or fifth generation of those who heeded the call and felt the spirit of gathering. Just as was the case in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, so in our day the leaders of the Church have told us that "Satan has been lying in wait to deceive, and seeking whom he might devour"
Elder Harold B. Lee
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The work we are engaged in is worthy of all our attention, for it isthe work and kingdom of God, that was spoken of by the Prophets long ago; that great kingdom spoken of by the Prophet Daniel, that is to break in pieces and subdue all other kingdoms, and stand forever, is actually being built up in our day, right in the face and eyes of the whole world. Who understands it? Does the outside world? No, and it seems sometimes as if scarcely half the Saints do to the extent they should. I am satisfied that neither I nor anybody else comprehends this work to the fullest extent. A great many can see the kingdom, some do not; some of those who profess to be Saints, judging by the course they take, do not see the kingdom. But it is here all the same, whether you see it or not, and it is actually transpiring; and the course and history of the Latter-day Saints are a testimony to the world from the Lord of the building up of his kingdom, the bringing to pass of his purposes, and the fulfillment of prophecies uttered thousands of years ago. But they cannot see it. One of the signs of the times to be given when the kingdom of God should be built up, was the heaving of the sea beyond its bounds. Has anybody heard of any such thing in these days? Everybody that reads the newspapers knows that events of this kind have been common during the past few years; but this generation pay no more regard to them than they would to the shaking of a straw in the wind, so far as being a sign of the coming of the Son of Man, or of the accomplishment of the work of the Lord in the last days. Talk to people generally, in the world, about such things, and they say—“Oh, they are accounted for upon some natural principle.” It is so with all of the signs that the Lord has given, or that he will give, that have been prophesied about—they can all be accounted for upon some natural principle. They are nevertheless coming to pass in the time that the Lord, through his Prophets, has said they would come. Many things prophesied of in ages past and gone are actually transpiring today, yet the people generally do not comprehend them. But the majority of the Latter-day Saints do, and they know that the time of the second coming of the Savior is approaching.
President Daniel H. Wells
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I will read a portion of a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, previous to the organization of the Church, dated April, 1829: “Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit. Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.” The point I wish to call your attention to is contained in the second and third verses of this revelation. The Latter-day Saints are in many respects like other people who are not Latter-day Saints. We are apt to entertain views which are not very correct, and which may be the result of our traditions and preconceived ideas. This is a peculiarity that pertains to mankind generally, that whenever they deal with the things of God, or speak about them, or contemplate them, and especially when they read the predictions made by the servants of God concerning future events, or events that may transpire right before their eyes, they are apt to get, sometimes, erroneous ideas, or, at least, exaggerated ideas, in relation to them. The prophets have foretold the events that should take place in connection with this work. There is one prophecy that comes to my mind, recorded by Isaiah and Micah, respecting the building of the house of God in the top of the mountains and the gathering of the people there, and the object for which they should gather, that they should come up and be taught of the Lord, etc. Now it might be supposed that when that prediction would be fulfilled it would be so prominent and remarkable in the midst of the nations of the earth, that all the inhabitants thereof who should witness it would say, “This is the fulfillment of the predictions of Isaiah and Micah.” And it might be thought that all the inhabitants of the earth who witnessed it would be convinced of the truth of it, and would say, “We have no further opposition to this work, because we behold the fulfillment of the predictions of those holy prophets whom we have been taught to regard, and whose writings we have read as authority from God.” And, doubtless, there are many of the Latter-day Saints who have thought, in the early days of their experience in this Church, when they have heard the elders predict concerning the great events that should take place in connection with this work—they have thought and felt in their hearts that when the wicked and those who oppose this work should see the fulfillment of these predictions they would be constrained to acknowledge that this is the work of God, and would cease from hostility and opposition, and would say they had been mistaken. For instance, the elders in the early days of this Church, predicted concerning calamities and wars and troubles of various kinds that would come upon the inhabitants of the earth. There was a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, in December, 1832, concerning the war that should take place between the Southern States and the Northern States. This was a definite prediction, stating the exact point where a certain trouble or rebellion or division in the nation should take place. Most of us who have been brought up in the Church knew about this revelation from early days. It has been published so that all the members of the Church, and the world also, could have it, and it was but reasonable to expect that so definite a prophecy as this, which stated the exact character of the difficulty that should take place between the South and the North, and that also stated with such definiteness the exact point where the division should occur—I say it was but reasonable to expect that when it should be fulfilled, it would have the effect of convincing unbelievers of the truth of the mission of Joseph Smith, and that he really was a man inspired of the Lord to speak the word of God to the people. In 1860, Brothers Orson Pratt, Erastus Snow, myself, and others, were going on missions, and we arrived at Omaha in the month of November of that year. A deputation of the leading citizens of that city came to our camp and tendered to us the use of the Court House, as they wished to hear our principles. The invitation was accepted, and Elder Pratt preached to them. During the service, there was read the revelation to which I have referred—the revelation concerning the division between the South and the North. The reason probably, for reading it was that when we reached Omaha, the news came that trouble was already brewing, and several States were threatening to secede from the Union. Its reading made considerable impression upon the people. A good many had never heard of it before, and quite a number were struck with the remarkable character of the prophecy. It might have been expected, naturally speaking and looking at it as men naturally do, that the reading of such a revelation, at such a time, when the crisis was approaching, would have had the effect to direct men's attention to it, and they would be led to investigate its truth and the doctrines of the Church and the foundation we had for our belief. But if there were any converted in that audience I am not aware of it. Good seed was sown, but we did not remain to see what effect it produced. The revelation being so remarkable, and the events then transpiring being so corroborative of its truth, one might naturally think, as there were present on that occasion the leading and thinking portion of that community, that a great number would have been impressed with the probability of its truth, and would have investigated and joined the Church. You doubtless remember it was for a good while doubtful whether the rebellion should commence at South Carolina or not. I was in England at the time, and was engaged in publishing the Millennial Star, and took a great deal of notice of the American papers, and I well remember that to all human appearances it seemed for a while as though the trouble would break out at Fort Pickens, Florida. But the word of God had been spoken concerning that event, and consequently it had to be fulfilled as predicted, and the war did commence at South Carolina. It was fulfilled, as you all know, to the very letter, Fort Sumter being the place where the rebellion broke out. Now, I allude to that, in connection with this subject, to show you that not only is the world mistaken in its views respecting the fulfillment of the predictions of the prophets, but even Latter-day Saints have doubtless, in many instances, entertained erroneous views respecting the fulfillment of revelation and prophecies of the Bible. I have no doubt there are many here tonight, who have had some experience in this, and can look back at times in their own lives, when they have thought: “Surely when these things which the prophets have foretold are brought to pass, the people will be convinced. My friends who now ridicule me will then be convinced, and they will be forced to confess that I did right in embracing the Gospel.” No doubt there are some in this audience tonight who have had these ideas, and certainly there are good reasons for entertaining them. But experience has taught us that, while there may be a few who, when they have seen the predictions fulfilled, have acknowledged that our course is right, in the majority of cases throughout the earth where the Gospel has been preached, the fulfillment of the predictions of the prophets has not had the effect to convince the people of the truth of the ministry God has given unto us. Even with this experience in the past, the Latter-day Saints themselves are not entirely divested of extravagant views respecting the effects which are likely to follow the fulfillment of predictions yet in the future. Are we not all inclined to look forward to many events which have been predicted by the servants of God as being of so great and wonderful, and I may say so supernatural a character, that when they shall be fulfilled they will even startle us, who believe they are coming, and will compel the unbelieving inhabitants of the earth to accept them as evidences of the truth? In our thoughts this seems to be the natural tendency. I notice it in myself; I notice it in others. When we read respecting the great events which are to take place in connection with this work, as predicted in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, are we not inclined to think that, surely, when these things shall come to pass all the earth, as well as ourselves, will be constrained to acknowledge this to be the work of God, and these events to be indeed those which have been predicted by the prophets? Now I would not, for the world, say one word to lessen in the minds of my brethren and sisters the importance of these events; I would not say one word to weaken your proper expectations; but my experience has taught me that the Lord works in the midst of this people by natural means, and that the greatest events that have been spoken of by the holy prophets will come along so naturally as the consequence of certain causes, that unless our eyes are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and the spirit of revelation rests us, we will fail to see that these are the events predicted by the holy prophets. I refer you again to that prophecy of Isaiah and Micah, respecting the gathering together of the Israel of God from the various nations to Zion. As we read of that in the Bible, we might think when that was fulfilled it would be done with such supernatural manifestations that the people would be constrained to acknowledge it was the work of God. Yet we see it every day. Our people are gathering, and men and women who emigrate bear testimony to the friends they leave behind, in almost the exact language that the prophets said they would, and yet it is not thought very extraordinary. Why is this? Because it has come along so naturally. And so with the great events that will take place in the future; they will come along in so natural a manner, the Lord will bring them to pass in such a way that they will not be accepted by the people, except by those who can comprehend the truth, as the fulfillment of the predictions of the prophets. It requires the Spirit of God to enable men and women to understand the things of God; it requires the Spirit of God to enable the people to comprehend the work of God and to perceive his movements and providences among the children of men. The man who is destitute of the Spirit of God cannot comprehend the work of God. A woman whose mind has not been enlightened by that Spirit, cannot see or comprehend any of these events that take place in fulfillment of the prophecies of the holy prophets. You take two persons, one who has the Spirit of God, whose mind is enlightened by that Spirit—the spirit of revelation, the same spirit, that rested upon the prophets who wrote the revelations and prophecies we have—you take a man of that kind, and then take another who has none of that spirit, and put the two together, and the one man's eyes will be open to see the hand of God in all these events; he will notice his movements and his providence in everything connected with his work and they will be testimonies to him to strengthen his faith and to furnish his mind with continual reasons for giving thanks to and worshipping God; while the man, who has not the Spirit of God, will see nothing Godlike in the occurrences: nothing which he will view as supernatural (as many suppose everything which exhibits God's power to be), or nothing which he will accept as a fulfillment of prophecies; his eyes will be closed, his heart will be hardened, and to all the evidences of the divinity of these things he will be impenetrable. To those who have mingled with the world, the reasons for this are very plain. Men do not believe in these days in the direct interposition of God in the affairs of men. If they even believe in God, they believe that he governs the universe by great natural laws. When, therefore, a great and wonderful event occurs, they seek for its origin and explanation in some natural law. They ignore the fact that God works through natural laws; but seem to think that if he were to interpose at all, it would be by manifesting his power through the suspension of natural laws, by overriding and violating them, and in such a supernatural manner that mankind would be compelled to acknowledge it was his act, as they would be utterly unable to account for it by any laws known to them, or in any other way than as being through his power. Wars, famines, pestilences, cyclones, earthquakes, and the great variety of calamities which God has said shall be poured out upon the wicked nations, are therefore looked upon by men generally in these days as the results of certain well-defined and easily explained causes. When any of these calamities visit a city or a nation they immediately commence to investigate the laws which govern them, and by the violation of which they assert they are produced; and when they discover what they allege is the cause, they triumphantly point to it, and that is sufficient proof that the Lord has nothing special to do with it; for if it were a visitation from him, it is supposed it would be so supernatural as to be inexplicable. And thus men go on, hardening their hearts and denying God's power, until they will be so completely given over to the evil one, that he will lead them captive according to his will. My reason for calling your attention to the word of the Lord I have read to you is, that I have sometimes thought that our people do not appreciate as they should do the spirit of revelation, the spirit of prophecy, the power of God, that has been poured out upon us as a people. The fact seems to be overlooked that it was in the manner in which the Lord tells Oliver Cowdery that Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. The Lord said to Oliver: “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.” How many of the Latter-day Saints are there who understand that this is the way in which Moses led the children of Israel so miraculously? How many are there who think that if we had a man like Moses among us, the people would be led differently and with greater manifestations of power than they are? How many are there who are dissatisfied with what God is doing at present, and are looking for some one to appear in the future who shall exhibit convincing and overwhelming manifestations of power? How many are there at the present time who are neglecting the precious and inestimable gift of revelation which God has bestowed upon his people, because it does not come to them in the way to suit their preconceived notions and ideas—or who are not suited with the way the Church has been and is led, because there is not that wonderful degree of power exhibited which they imagine should be? Apostates have asserted that there was not the power in the leaders of the Church which there should be. They said so during the life of the Prophet Joseph, asserting that he was a fallen prophet. After his death they made the same statements respecting President Young, his counselors, and the Twelve Apostles. And, if I am not mistaken, there are some members of the Church who have appeared to think that there has been some power lacking, and have manifested a feeling of restlessness, anticipating the rising of someone who should have greater authority than at present exists. While I would not wish to detract from the reasonable expectations of my brethren and sisters upon this or any other point, my view is that the apostleship, now held in this Church, embodies all the authority bestowed by the Lord upon man in the flesh. Yet I believe that the power of God will be increased among us, that we will have manifestations of his power such as we never have before witnessed. For the day of God's power in the redemption of Zion will come. But I do not expect that to come upon us all of a sudden. I expect that it will be the natural result of the natural growth of the people in the things of God. I expect that we will go on step by step from one degree of knowledge, and of power, and of faith to another, until we shall be prepared to receive all the Lord has in store for us and be prepared to enter into that glory promised to the faithful Saints.
Elder George Q. Cannon
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Counselor in the First Presidency The words of the prophets are rapidly being fulfilled, but it is done on such natural principles that most of us fail to see it. Joel promised that the Lord would pour out his spirit upon all flesh: the sons and daughters should prophesy, old men should dream dreams, and young men should see visions. ... Yet the old world goes on about its business paying very little heed to all the Lord has said and to all the signs and indications that have been given. Men harden their hearts and say ". . . that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth". They are ". . . eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" according to the customs of the world, not of God, without one thought that the end of wickedness is near. Pleasure and the love of the world have captured the hearts of the people. There is no time for such people to worship the Lord or give heed to his warnings; so it will continue until the day of destruction is upon them. At no time in the history of the world has it been more necessary for the children of men to repent. We boast of our advanced civilization, of the great knowledge and wisdom with which we are possessed; but in and through it all, the love of God is forgotten! The Lord, as well as Elijah, gave us warning, as did also Joseph Smith. The Lord said: "For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory. "And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble. "But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked"
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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I want to say to you, brethren, that in the midst of all the troubles, the uncertainties, the tumult and chaos through which the world is passing, almost unnoticed by the majority of the people of the world, there has been set up a kingdom, a kingdom over which God the Father presides, and Jesus the Christ is the King. That kingdom is rolling forward, as I say, partly unnoticed, but it is rolling forward with a power and a force that will stop the enemy in its tracks while some of you live. Hugh B. Brown, in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 115-117. Credit: GiantUniverse
President Hugh B. Brown
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Prophecy cannot be fulfilled unless I am aware of it
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
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It's only a sign if it's supernatural or unexplainable
Elder John Longden
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Prophets
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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Prophets
Elder Allen D. Haynie
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I strongly counsel all who have membership in this church to follow the teachings and counsel of those who now have the keys as prophets, seers, and revelators. They are the ones who will inspire us to deal with the vicissitudes of our time. I plead with all not to try to selectively invoke gospel principles or scripture to wrongly justify spiritual disobedience, or to separate themselves from the responsibilities of covenants and ordinances contrary to the counsel of those who have the prophetic voice in the Church. The scriptures and doctrines of the Church are not, as Peter warned, “of any private interpretation."
Elder James E. Faust
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As any good thing can be misused, a word of warning may be appropriate. The scriptures don't have the answers to every question. Many important truths have yet to be revealed. Preoccupation with the so-called "mysteries" should be avoided. Beware also of private interpretation. Look to the living prophets and official policies for interpretation.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
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This gospel does not come from man. The doctrine of the Church is not someone’s best guess as to the meaning of ancient scripture.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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New Jerusalem (3)
Joseph Smith
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New Jerusalem (2)
Joseph Smith
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New Jerusalem
Joseph Smith
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New Jerusalem
Elder Wilford Woodruff
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New Jerusalem
Elder John Taylor
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New Jerusalem
President Lorenzo Snow
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Missouri Temple
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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New Jerusalem
Elder Alvin R. Dyer
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New Jerusalem
President Alvin R. Dyer
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New Jerusalem
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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New Jerusalem (6)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem
President Marion G. Romney
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New Jerusalem (5)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem (4)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem (3)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem (2)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem
Elder Bruce R. McConkie
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New Jerusalem (4)
Lloyd, R. Scott
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New Jerusalem
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
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New Jerusalem (2)
President Russell M. Nelson
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New Jerusalem
President Russell M. Nelson
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New Jerusalem
President Dallin H. Oaks
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I would inform you that it is not the will of the Lord for you to sell your lands in Zion, if means can possibly be procured for their sustenance without. Every exertion should be made to maintain the cause you have espoused, and to contribute to the necessities of one another, as much as possible, in this your great calamity, and remember not to murmur at the dealings of God with his creatures. You are not as yet brought into as trying circumstances, as were the ancient prophets and apostles. Call to mind Daniel, the three Hebrew children, Jeremiah, Paul, Stephen, and many more, too numerous to mention; who were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, slain with the sword, and wandered about in sheep skins and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and in mountains, and in dens, and in caves of the earth; yet they all obtained a good report through faith; and amidst all their afflictions they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to receive persecution for Christ’s sake. We know not what we shall be called to pass through before Zion is delivered and established; therefore, we have great need to live near to God, and always be in strict obedience to all his commandments, that we may have a conscience void of offence towards God and man. It is your privilege to use every lawful means in your power to seek redress for your grievances of your enemies, and prosecute them to the extent of the law; but it will be impossible for us to render you any assistance in a temporal point of view, as our means are already exhausted, and we are deeply in debt and know of no means whereby we shall be able to extricate ourselves. You will recollect that the Lord has said that Zion should not be removed out of her place; therefore, the land should not be sold, but be held by the saints, until the Lord in his wisdom, opens a way for your return; and until that time, if you can purchase a tract of land in Clay county, for present emergencies, it is right you should do so, if you can do it, and not sell your land in Jackson County. It is not safe for us to send you a written revelation on the subject, but what is written above is according to wisdom. I haste to a close to give room for Brother Oliver, and remain yours in the bonds of the everlasting covenant. Joseph Smith, Jr.
Joseph Smith
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While I am here with you, I want to talk to the Saints. I like to look at them; I like to instruct them, and to be instructed. We pray continually for the redemption of Zion, for the Lord to hasten the time when we can return and establish the Center Stake of Zion, and build up the great temple of the Lord upon which his glory will rest as a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. We pray that we may be sanctified, that we may be made pure in heart; and we pray that the Lord will teach us his will continually, and reveal unto us precisely his mind, so that we may have the mind of Christ, and know precisely what to do. When will Zion be redeemed? When will the Savior make his appearance in the midst of his people? When will the veil be taken away, that we may behold the glory of God? Can any of you answer these questions? Yes, readily, when I tell you. The redemption of Zion is the first step preparatory to the two last-named events. Just as soon as the Latter-day Saints are ready and prepared to return to Independence, Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, North America, just so soon will the voice of the Lord be heard, “Arise now, Israel, and make your way to the Center Stake of Zion.”
President Brigham Young
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The New Jerusalem (4)
Elder Orson Pratt
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The site for the city of Zion was pointed out by the Prophet Joseph Smith as Jackson county, Missouri, and there some of our people settled in 1831, but were subsequently driven from their homes. This event, while it delayed the building of the city, did not change the place of its location. The Latter-day Saints fully expect to return to Jackson county and "build up Zion." Their exodus to the Rocky Mountains, and their sojourn in "the Stakes of Zion"—as the places are called which they now inhabit—they regard as preparatory to that return, and as events that had to be in order to fulfill Scripture, notably these words of Isaiah: "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain." "And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it."
President Lorenzo Snow
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The New Jerusalem (2)
John F. Bowman
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The New Jerusalem (2)
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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City Of Zion And Temple Yet To Be Built
President Joseph Fielding Smith
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Such, then, is the belief of the Latter-day Saints; such are the teachings of the Church. But the plan of building up Zion has not yet been consummated. The saints were not permitted to enter into immediate possession of the land, which was promised them as an everlasting inheritance. Even as years elapsed between the time of the Lord's promise to Israel of old that Canaan should be their inheritance, and the time of their entering into possession thereof — years devoted to the people's toilsome and sorrowful preparation for the fulfilment — so in these latter days the divine purpose is held in abeyance, while the people are being sanctified for the great gift and for the responsibilities associated with it. In the meantime the honest in heart are gathering to the valleys of the Rocky Mountains; and here, in the tops of the mountains, exalted above the hills. Temples have been erected, and all nations are flowing unto this region. But Zion shall yet be established on the chosen site; she "shall not be moved out of her place," and the pure in heart shall return "with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion."
James E. Talmage
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President of the Southwestern States Mission The headquarters of our mission is located in what is termed the land of Zion. We are in Kansas City, ten miles only from Independence, the spot where the temple will yet be erected. I have been very much impressed during the last year with the very favorable sentiment that is exhibited in that land toward our people. It is only a few days ago since I received a letter from the city engineer of Independence, stating to me that a portion of the original temple lot was now for sale, and if our people desired to get hold of that we could do so by paying the purchase price. The original temple lot, according to the plat on the records, contained about 63 acres, and it is now possible for this people, if they desire, to purchase the greater portion of it. I state this by way of encouragement to the Saints — not that I am particularly impressed that the time is here just now to do that work, though it may be, but to show the sentiment in that land, from which our fathers were driven, and where our mothers and sisters were abused so shamefully. There are thousands of people today who would welcome you back with open arms, and do all in their power to assist in the building up of the work of the Lord in that country, from a worldly point of view. One word more before closing. A few days ago I had business to transact in Kansas City with a leading manufacturer. After we had got through our business, the question of our people going back to that country came up, and he said to me, "Mr. Duffin, it appears to me almost improbable that your people will ever accomplish the work that I understand has been predicted." I said to him, calling him by name, "You have done business with my people; you understand their integrity. Now, let your mind go back to the year 1847. The pioneers went into the Salt Lake valley on the 24th of July of that year. A few days after they reached the place where Salt Lake City now stands, Brigham Young struck his cane on a certain spot, and said, 'Here we will build the temple of our God.' Today the Salt Lake temple stands upon that spot. The idea was never lost sight of that that temple would be erected upon that spot; and never has the idea been lost sight of that the City of Zion will be built where Independence now stands, and the temple of our God will be erected there." "Well," said he, "it may be so; but if it is, your people will exert a wonderful influence for hundreds of miles around." This is the sentiment of the people. I want to say that God is preparing the way for His work to be accomplished. The words of our beloved Prophet at the opening of this conference are true. I know that Zion is growing, and her borders are extending. I know that the work of God is established upon this earth, and that it will ultimately prevail.
Elder J. G. Duffin
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Patriarch to the Church In accordance with commandment, the temple in Kirtland was built in which the keys to the sealing blessings were revealed. The keys of the gathering of Israel were restored. The promise made by Malachi was fulfilled, that Elijah the Prophet would come "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" Mal. 4:5-6 I would like to here thank the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for taking good care of that building. It has fulfilled its original purpose, and the last time I saw it I was pleased with its good condition. Land in Independence, Missouri, has been dedicated for a temple to be built sometime in the future, and I would like to thank those who are taking good care of that property. The Lord bless them for so doing. Then the temple in Nauvoo was built with a baptismal font and special rooms for endowments and sealings, for both the living and the dead. This building was destroyed, but since then there have been 13 temples built, all active at present, with three more now getting started in construction. Many more will follow.
Elder Eldred G. Smith
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In the summer of 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation designating Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, as “the center place” of Zion — the promised site for a future temple and holy city (Doctrine and Covenants 57:1–3).
Toone, Trent
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New Jerusalem
Brother Graham Doxey
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New Jerusalem
Elder Erastus Snow
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New Jerusalem (2)
President George Q. Cannon
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New Jerusalem
President George Q. Cannon
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New Jerusalem
Elder John A. Widtsoe
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New Jerusalem (3)
Elder Harold B. Lee
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New Jerusalem (2)
Elder Harold B. Lee
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Elder Harold B. Lee
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New Jerusalem
Elder David R. Stone
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New Jerusalem
President Ezra Taft Benson
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There will be here and there a Stake for the gathering of the Saints. Some may have cried peace, but the Saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the Stakes; for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, one here, and another there. There your children shall be blessed, and you in the midst of friends, where you may be blessed. The Gospel net gathers of every kind. I prophesy that that man, who tarries after he has an opportunity of going will be afflicted by the Devil. Wars are at hand; we must not delay, but are not required to sacrifice. We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come, we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, “Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth, until these things come.” It will come as did the cholera, war, fires, and earthquakes, one pestilence after another, &c., until the Ancient of Days come; then judgment will be given to the Saints. Whatever you may hear about me or Kirtland, take no notice of it; for if it be a place of refuge, the Devil will use his greatest efforts to trap the Saints. You must make yourselves acquainted with those men who, like Daniel, pray three times a day to the house of the Lord. Look to the Presidency and receive instruction. Every man who is afraid, covetous, &c., will be taken in a snare. The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her Stakes.
Joseph Smith
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Afterwards read the parable of the 12 olive trees and said speaking of the Land of Zion that It consisted consists of all N. & S America but that any place where the Saints gather is Zion which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children. Discourse, circa 19 July 1840, as Reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray–B, 9, josephsmithpapers.org.
Joseph Smith
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When Joseph first revealed the land where the Saints should gather, a woman in Canada asked if we thought that Jackson County would be large enough to gather all the people that would want to go to Zion. I will answer the question really as it is. Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. It will all be Zion. I remember that the lady was answered by asking her whether she thought the ark was large enough to hold those that were to go into it in the days of Noah? “Yes,” was the reply. Then of course Zion will be just large enough to receive all that will be prepared to possess it, as the ark was.
President Brigham Young
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We shall go back to Jackson County. Not that all this people will leave these mountains, or all be gathered together in a camp, but when we go back there will be a very large organization consisting of thousands, and tens of thousands, and they will march forward, the glory of God overshadowing their camp by day in the form of a cloud, and a pillar of flaming fire by night, Isa. 4:5 the Lord's voice being uttered forth before his army.
Elder Orson Pratt
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