D&C Sections 113, 114, 115 and 116

Section 113
Section 113 is comprised of five questions asked by the brethren and Joseph's inspired answers to them.  They deal with the interpretation of Isaiah. The first three questions ask who is the stem of Jesse, the rod of Jesse and the root of Jesse?  The stem is Christ and the rod and root refer to the prophet of the latter days, who is a descendent of Jesse, who will receive the keys of authority to administer in the restoration and preparations for the second coming of Christ.  This prophet is referring to Joseph Smith.  The next question asks what people are being referred to when the Isaiah says "Put on thy strength O Zion?"  The answer to this is those who hold the power of the priesthood and they are being admonished to obtain the strength of the priesthood.  The last question asks what Isaiah means when he says that Zion must loose herself  from the bands of her neck.  The answer is that Israel must remove those things that caused her to be in bondage to other nations and scattered throughout the world.  The Lord is instructing Israel to do this so that Israel can be gathered again.  One thing I find easy to lose sight of is the fact that there is a far bigger picture of the church that prophets saw regarding Israel and its gathering.  There is so much more involved with the church that tends to get lost in our every living of the gospel.  There are much bigger wheels in motion than we realize.

Section 114
Brigham Young had this section added in 1876.  Church members have rejected David and John Whitmer, and W.W. Phelps as leaders in Missouri.  This revelation regarding David W. Patten is fascinating to me.  The Lord instructs him to settle all of his business, sell his merchandise, in other words, get everything in his life in order, so that he can fill a mission in the spring.  Everyone assumed it was a normal mission, but in reality, the Lord is having him get everything in order prior to his death.  His mission was going to be in the next life because in the spring, he will be killed by the mobs.  I think it behooves all of us to always have our affairs and our lives in order because we have no idea just how long our lives are going to be.

Section 115
Given just over a week after Section 114, this revelation also comes to Joseph in Far West, Missouri. He has been forced by mobs to flee Kirtland.  Mobs have taken over the temple, riding horses through it and destroying much of the interior. It will be used a bit as a church by apostates who try to form their own restored church, but these efforts will quickly fail and eventually the temple will go into disrepair because the saints no longer can control it.  One of the important things in this section is the Lord instructs the church that they should be called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Previously, it had been called the the Church of Christ, the Church of Jesus Christ, the Church of God and the Church of the Latter-day Saints.  I think the Lord doesn't want any ambiguity regarding his church's name.  The Lord instructs the saints to consecrate land for the building of a temple and that they should begin building it a year from that day.  At the same time, the Lord indicates that he doesn't want Joseph, Sidney and others to go into debt to build it.  The mobs who will eventually drive the saints from Far West into Missouri are aware of the instruction for the saints to begin construction in a year and vow they will kill anyone who comes near the site to attempt it.  But a year later, the 12 apostles gather at the site and lay the cornerstones prior to going on missions.  They are able to sneak in and back out right underneath the noses of the people in Far West and fulfill the command to start the temple.  If the Lord wants it done, he will find a way and it will be eventually done.

Section 116
This revelation indicates that the land called Spring Hill was named Adam-ondi-Ahman by the Lord because it is the place where Adam will come visit his people, or the people of Zion. Since that time, it has become known that this was the original site of Eden and when the Lord comes again it will be returned to its paradisiacal state.  With this revelation and Section 115, these must have raised questions in Joseph's mind as to how this could possibly be.  He knows the saints will not be allowed to remain in these lands.  While they strive to build a settlement in Far West, they are already beginning to see problems like they had in Independence.  I think the Lord is giving these revelations because he wants Joseph to know that in the end, the Lord's designs will be fulfilled, and that in the Lord's mind, the opposition is but a blink of the eye in time.

D&C Section One Hundred Eleven and One Hundred Twelve

Section 111
The church is in terrible financial condition mostly because of what has happened in Missouri.  Joseph is promised a large amount of money in Salem Mass. and he and some of the brethren go there.  As it turns out, there is no money and the brethren feel it's been a waste of time, resources and energy.  The Lord calls their trip a folly but says he is not displeased with them.  I think that is something important to remember.  There are lots of time we do things that don't turn out well, and maybe were things we should not have been done, but when our heart is in the right place, the Lord doesn't condemn us.  As it turns out, Joseph learned much genealogical information about his ancestors as a result of this trip.  So it was not entirely wasted and this information is one of the treasures that the Lord was referring to when he said there was much treasure in that city, more than one type of treasure.  The Lord encourages them to stay for a time and make acquaintances with the people of the city.  He also promises Joseph that he will be given power to pay their debts.  I can't imagine the pressure that was on Joseph at this difficult time in church history.  There is so much going on in Missouri that is devastating the church there, some of the 12 are leaving for England, the temple has been built, and people are beginning to step up their persecution in Kirtland.  The church is growing so rapidly that it is difficult to keep up with all of the administrative demands that are overwhelming the leadership.  And in the midst of this, the majority of the 12  leave Joseph for England.  This also means that their families must be watched over and provided for when they don't have means for providing for themselves.

Section 112
This revelation was given the day the gospel was first preached in England.  In one year and 14 days, there are between 7 and 8 thousand baptisms, and the church is established in nearly every town and city.  Also during this time, 5,000 Books of Mormon, 3,000 hymnals, 50,000 tracts, and 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star are printed.  One thousand converts immigrate to the U.S.  Nine of the 12 apostles went to England during this time.  In this section, the Lord gives instruction to the Quorum of the 12 after Thomas B. Marsh, who was president of the 12 at that time, asked Joseph for a revelation regarding their duties.  There a number of things the Lord tells him, and all of these things pertain to the members just as they do the 12.  And, they pertain to the members today just as they did then.

1.  Openly work in declaring the gospel.
2.  Be prepared to preach to all nations.
3.  "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers."  Love that one.
4.  Don't be partial with people placing some above others.
5.  Pray for your fellow workers.
6.  Honor the prophet and know that he possesses the keys which were given to him directly from the Lord's prophets
7.  Know you are called of God.
8.  Know that wherever you go, the Lord will be with you.
9. Those who receive the Lord's servants, receive his prophet, and receive the Lord.  You cannot accept one and not another.
10. Know the signs of the times.
11. Know how you stand before the Lord.
12. Understand the power and authority you hold.
13. Be pure.  Cleanse your hearts.

You could write paragraphs or chapters of a book about each one of these.

D&C Section One Hundred Nine and One Hundred Ten

Section 109
I do not know how they were able to build the Kirtland Temple in the condition the church was in at this time, especially when you consider the drain on the church and its members of what was happening in Missouri.  It shows the tremendous dedication they had. I believe that same sense of dedication and sacrifice is in the members today.  In the prayer, the following blessings are asked for and these blessing relate to us in our time and to all temples.  That's what shows the inspiration behind this dedicatory prayer.  It's timeless.  If you have been to the temple lately, or next time you go, think about these and see if one or more of them hasn't been fulfilled in some way in our life.  If you think about it, you'll see that they have.

1.  That all who enter the temple will feel the Lord's power and know it is a place of holiness.
2.  That it will be a house of learning.
3.  That the people will receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.
4.  That it will be a house of prayer, organized and prepared in every way.
5.  That the Lord's servants will be able to go forth from the temple armed with the power of God to bear the truth to the whole world.
6.  That no weapon formed against the church or its people will be successful.
7.  That wickedness will have power or prevail over the church's people.
8.  That the Lord's servants will have the testimony of the covenant and be able to prepare the hearts of the saints for the judgments of God that will come upon the earth's wicked.
9.  That the people of the world will receive the Lord's servants and their testimony.
10. That the Lord will have mercy on the House of Israel and gather them to the lands of their inheritance.
11. That the Lord's people will be pure and worthy of the highest blessings after this life.

Section 110
The members were rewarded for the tremendous sacrifice they made in building the temple during the dedication ceremonies.  They had to hold several sessions of the dedication because only so many members could fit in the building.  Most everyone some type of miracle.  Even non-members in the area saw and reported things such as hearing heavenly choirs, an unusually bright light coming from the temple, or angels seen around or above it.  The greatest miracle was the appearance of the Savior as well as Moses, Elias (Noah) and Elijah.  The Savior accepted the temple and promised that he would continue to manifest himself in the temple if the people remained righteous and did not allow anything to pollute the purity of it.  The appearance of the three prophets fulfilled one of the main purposes of the temple being built.  Moses bestowed the keys of authority for the spiritual gathering of Israel.  Elias restored the keys of authority for the patriarchal priesthood making eternal marriage possible.  And Elijah returned the power to seal or ratify all ordinances.  This made possible the bestowing of all spiritual blessings in the church.  Without the keys, no one would have been able to act with authority.

D&C Section One Hundred Eight

Lyman Sherman is one of the seven presidents of the Quorum of Seventy and he has come to Joseph Smith in hopes of receiving a revelation through the prophet that will tell him if he is in good standing with the Lord.  I think we all would like to receive our own personal revelation through the prophet from the Lord telling us that things are fine, that the Lord is pleased with us and to just continue on the path we are on.  Unless we had a major unconfessed sin, and we were going about things as we should, I think the Lord would tell us that he's pleased with us and we're doing just fine.  I think he is tell us that through the Spirit but we let too many things interfere with the message, especially our own needless guilt that we're not perfect.  That is what the Lord has been telling Lyman through the Holy Ghost and Lyman wasn't accepting it. The Lord says, "Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing and resist no more my voice."  The Lord then instructs Lyman on some things he can do:  1) be more careful in observing his vows, 2) be patient. 3) continue faithful, 4) strengthen your brethren through your conversations, prayers, prayers, preaching, and in everything you do. Isn't that interesting?  It isn't go out and convert the world, or be the most spiritual person on the block, or repent because you're really falling short.  It's a simple message that says be more concerned for those around you.

It reminds me of the counsel Alma gave his son Helaman in Alma 37, "Teach them to to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly of heart; for such shall find rest to their souls... Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings and he will direct thee for good."

D&C Section One Hundred Seven

Six weeks before this revelation was given, the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was organized.  They were about to leave on their first mission to the east and came to Joseph, telling him that they felt they had not been equal to their calling, that they had done many things wrong, and had been light minded and vain.  As they were preparing to leave and not knowing when they would return, they tell Joseph they have sought forgiveness from the Lord and desire a revelation.  As a result, Joseph receives this great revelation on the priesthood.  This revelation has been the foundation for the organization and function of the church.  It's inspiration can be seen in how efficiently the church works, and especially in how amongst the 1st presidency and 12, there can be no seeking of power or office.  The way the priesthood is organized guarantees that the relationship of the quorums and their own responsibilities do not impede each other and also guarantee a smooth succession of leadership.  For example, the 1st Presidency is the highest quorum of the church. The next highest is the quorum of the the 12, and the next is the 1st quorum of the seventy.  When members of these quorums are ordained, they all receive the same keys of authority making them equal to each other.  However the 1st presidency presides over them all.  The 12 preside over the seventy.  The reason they are considered equal is, when the prophet dies, the quorum of the 1st presidency is dissolved and the 12 then preside over the church.  If the 1st presidency and the 12 were killed or no longer existed for some reason, then the seventy would preside and be able to reorganize those quorums.  Each quorum has a presiding officer.  

In this revelation, the Lord indicates that the 1st presidency, the 12 and 70 are responsible for all of the spiritual matters of the church and the teaching and preaching of the gospel.  The 12 have the responsibility of bearing witness of the name of Christ throughout the world.  Bishoprics are the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood and fall under the direction of the presiding officers of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  The Aaronic Priesthood is responsible for all of the temporal affairs.  So at the general authority level of the church, the presiding bishopric is responsible for handling the tithes and offerings, the building of churches and temples, the grounds, etc.  At the local level, the stake president presides over the wards, being the local president of the Melchizedek Priesthood, while the Bishops preside over the wards and are the presidents of the Aaronic Priesthood in their ward.  

All of the decisions of these quorums must be unanimous, and can only be successful if they are are "made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity."  

Also in this revelation, the duties of elders, priests, teachers and deacons are given.  It is a remarkable revelation.  It doesn't seem likely to me that Joseph Smith would have been able to just write this out in one sitting and come up with so remarkable an organization, one that would work regardless of whether the church had a few thousand members like it did at the time, or the millions it does now.

D&C Section One Hundred Six

Warren A. Cowdery, Oliver Cowdery's brother, is appointed to a full time position as a presiding high priest where he acts as an assistant  Joseph Smith.  This revelation instructs the church to compensate him because he will not be able to work provide for his family (he and his wife will eventually have 11 children).  He would later serve as one of the scribes for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, and be an editor of the Messenger and Advocate, a church publication and newspaper.  In 1837, he wrote a letter in the newspaper condemning the 12 apostles for not doing there duty.  Later, he would write an apology.  In 1838, he left the church and when all of the saints left Kirtland for Missouri, he stayed back.  At one point he started his own church, called the Church of Christ, and took possession of the temple.  Neither of these things lasted.  He stayed in Kirtland the rest of his life having nothing to do with the church.

The revelation states there was joy in heaven when Cowdery accepted this calling, but did not prove himself worthy of this hire, as the revelation stated he needed to be. He was praised in this revelation for being able to separate himself from the crafts of men, but this did not last.  Verse 8 promises that he would have received grace and assurance and a crown had been prepared for him, if he remained faithful.  The crown is symbolic of receiving the highest glory in the Celestial Kingdom.  You have to wonder how much influence Oliver's apostasy had on Warren.  It was Oliver who influenced Warren into joining the church.

D&C Section One Hundred Five

There is a lot of historical background to this section.  It was received in Missouri after Zion's Camp had come the nearly 1,000 miles to redeem the saints, put them back on their lands, and see the establishment of Zion.  The people in both Jackson and Clay counties now want the saints to leave.  Zion's camp is not going to effect any change in their situation and the members who came will have to return to Kirtland.  The reason Zion's Camp was unsuccessful is summed up in verse 3.  "But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them."  Because of all the bickering and fighting within the camp, nearly all of them, including the prophet became very ill.  Some died.  It was in that situation that those who could have provided some help, didn't.  For example, they pleaded with one of the men who had chickens to allow them to kill a chicken and make some broth to feed to the sick, but the man refused saying he would need it later.  Many men complained and rebelled against the prophet because the trip had been hard.  And from the beginning, the members in Kirtland did not send enough men or donate money to support and help the members in Missouri. There were a number of members who left the church after Zion's Camp and what it did do successfully was show who would be faithful in spite the difficulties.  Nearly all of the original 12 apostles came out of this group.  

In this section, there are six things the saints must learn and do if Zion is to be redeemed.  1. (v. 3, 6) They must learn obedience.  2.  (v. 4-5)  They must be united.  3. (v. 10)  They must be taught more perfectly.  4. (v. 10)  They need experience and must know more perfectly concerning their duty.  5. (v. 11-12)  They must be endowed with power.  6. (v. 31)  They must be sanctified.  We are still not there yet or Zion would be redeemed.  But I believe we have come a long way.  When you consider the number of temples now, that indicates the level of righteousness within the church.  The welfare program is the most successful in the world.  The missionary program continues to grow.   There are a number of things you can point to for improvement, but if there is probably one thing that we need more than anything, I would guess it is to be sanctified as a people.  I have no doubt we will get there and wonder how close we are.  I don't know the exact statistics, but the church averages around 60% for sacrament meeting attendance.  Is that an indicator?  About 40% pay tithing.  Is that an indication of our level of obedience?  I don't know the percentage that hold temple recommends, but how many attend?  I know there is much I can do better.

D&C Section One Hundred Four

One United Order had been established in Missouri and then another one had been established in Kirtland.  With all that was happening in both places, the church was getting into difficult financial conditions making it hard for it to accomplish its spiritual purposes.  In this section, the Lord dissolves the United Orders and re-establishes one in Kirtland and give instructions as to how the church is to handle its debt.  Much of the church's welfare system today is based on the principles that are taught in this revelation.  Here, the Lord promises that the church and its members will eventually have abundance, but it must be done in his way, not the world's.  It's interesting to me because the Lord's way promises that everyone will have abundance.  The poor will not just be provided for, but there is enough in the Lord's creations for everyone and more.  President Kimball said, "The Lord's way builds individual self-esteem and develops and heals the dignity of the individual, whereas the world's way depresses the individual's view of himself and causes deep resentment...  The Lord's way causes the individual to hasten his efforts to become economically independent again.  The world's way deepens the individual's dependency on welfare programs and tends to make him demand more rather than encouraging him to return to economic independence."

This is why I hate the government welfare program.  Vast numbers now depend on and live off the government.  They not only expect the government to provide for them, but feel it is their right to demand that the government take care of them.  Of course it is everyone's responsibility to come in and help each other in times of distress and disaster, but it is also the responsibility of those who suffer to do something too.  The government's program has not only brought dependence, but has brought laziness, broken homes, drugs, prostitution and crime.  Politicians pander to these people by making promises to get themselves elected, but do not keep them and do nothing to raise the individual out of the situation they are in.  It is a terrible game they play.  They keep the people's perception that they are being helped when in actuality, they are being depressed, so the politicians can further their careers, wealth and power while professing to help them.

In this section, the Lord wants everyone to contribute to society, to stand on their own feet and be prosperous.  He says he will provide for the saints, "but it must needs be done in my way."  That and what he says in verse 17 are the key to the whole program, "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves."  He wants all of us to be independent, to be able to determine our own futures, not dependent on someone to determine it for us

D&C Section One Hundred Three

Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight were sent from Missouri to report to Joseph Smith what had happened to the saints after being forced out of Jackson County.  The saints in Missouri were being fed and housed in Clay county in return for work and they were in basically good condition.  However, they were heartbroken over losing their homes and wanted to know what they could to return and reclaim their property.  After Parley and Lyman reported to Joseph and the High Council, Joseph received this revelation.  In it, the Lord explains once again that this has happened because the saints in Missouri did not keep the covenants and commandments they had been given. This tells me that in establishing Zion, the Lord will not expect anything less than a Zion people.  The Lord conditionally promises that they can reclaim Zion, but only if they do those things that are expected of them.  The Lord commands the prophet to gather together and lead a group to go to Missouri and reclaim the land, through force if necessary.  This group became known as Zion's Camp.  The Lord says to gather 500, but not go unless there is at least 100.  In the end, 207 men, 11 women and 11 children make the trip.  I do no know why the women and children went, but it seems reasonable to assume that they planned to stay in Missouri with their husbands and fathers.  The Lord promised them success if they would be obedient.  We will see in Section 105 that this wasn't the case.  The question that is raised in my mind as I read this is; what blessings have I lost out on because of the times I haven't been obedient.  That is obviously a question that all of us can ask ourselves as we never are perfectly obedient.  But the more obedient we are, the more blessings we will experience.  All of us have that nagging feeling that there is more we should be doing, or we what we are doing should be done better.  This is a good thing because it means our hearts our in the right places.  We don't need to make giant changes for the most part.  We just need to be on the path of growing and improving.  It's a lifelong process.

D&C Section One Hundred Two

In this first meeting of the high council, Joseph Smith said that it was the purpose of the high council to decide difficult issues.  But in giving instructions to them, he said something I think is just as apropos as a warning today as it was then.  He said, "No man is capable of judging a matter, in council, unless his own heart is pure; and that we are so frequently filled with prejudice, or have a beam in our own eye, that we are not capable of passing right decisions."  High Councils consist of 15 members, 12 who form a council under the direction of a president of the high council and his counselors.  These are stake level councils, but in reality, the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and the First Presidency are a high council over the whole church.  With any matter brought before a high council, it is even divided to represent both sides of the issue so that each side is given an equal and fair presentation.  Half of the council will represent the church to be sure that is not impugned in any way, and the other half represents the person or group to be sure their side is protected against prejudice and fairly presented.  When both sides are done presenting, the president, after consulting with his counselors, renders a decision.  His decision is final unless an error is found or an appeal has been made.  If an appeal is not upheld at the stake level, either party can appeal to First Presidency.

In church disciplinary councils, the stake, because it is the presiding authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, generally conducts councils involving Melchizedek Priesthood holders and the ward handles all others.  The only exceptions to this is in the case of a bishop who has been charged with transgression.  Then First Presidency conducts the council.  Or, if a ward case is felt to be difficult, then it can be referred to the stake.  The advantage of this is having 12 more voices to help clarify and be sure that everything is covered thoroughly and fairly.  In a stake disciplinary council, lots are drawn from one to twelve.  The high counselors who draw even numbers sit on one side of the room and those with odd numbers sit on the other.  Each group has a spokesman appointed who speaks for their group, however, any councilman can speak during the course of the proceedings.  I have found that these are never brief meetings, but last several hours.  Sometimes, they are recessed and continued again later. Anyone who has taken part in these as a councilman or presidency member knows how spiritual these proceedings are and how the love for all involved, especially the accused, is very evident.  Everyone on a council comes fasting.  The purposes of a disciplinary council are to help bring about repentance, protect the innocence, and protect the integrity of the church.  In the cases of proven transgression, appropriate consequences are determined which have the sole purpose of helping the individual to repent.  As President Kimball once said, the band-aid has to be large enough to fit the sore or the sore might become infected.  My own experience with these has been one that has always increased my testimony of the atonement and of the inspiration behind the whole process.  They really are remarkable meetings

D&C Section One Hundred One

This section is all about Zion, what it is and what a Zion people are.  The saints in Jackson County, starting on Oct. 31st and through the next four or five weeks, are attacked by mobs who destroy their homes and furnishing, beat the men, and drive the women and children out of the settlements.  Of the three surrounding counties, only the people in Clay County are somewhat sympathetic in receiving them but this will not last.  By November 7th, the shores of the river are lined with hundreds of displaced families who are forced to live out in the open under a cold driving rain.  Joseph eventually hears of this and writes them a letter on December 1st.  In the letter, he confesses that he has received no inspiration regarding what has happened.  I personally think a false prophet would have been quick to relay some type of revelation.  But it wasn't until the 16th of December that he received Section 101.  

In this section, the Lord explains why this has happened to the saints, what they should do, and teaches more of what Zion is and when it will be redeemed.  The reason this has happened is disobedience.  The people were covetous, contentious, and had set aside the Lord's counsel.  In one of the three parables the Lord gives in the section, the longest (verses 43 to 64) specifically states that the saints expulsion was also a result of their failing to move forward in building the temple.  Had they done this and lived according to the Lord's commandments, they would have been protected.  When you read the parable, the Nobleman is Christ, the vineyard is the earth, the choice piece of land is Jackson County, the servants are the church members, the olive trees are the settlements of the saints, the watchmen are the officers of the church, the tower is the temple, and the servant is Joseph Smith.

The Lord promises that he will redeem Zion but it will be "when I will."  In the meantime, the Lord counsels the saints to build up the church and continue gathering.  He instructs them to seek redress from the authorities from the lowest to the highest levels.  Joseph will eventually go to Washington but assistance and justice will never come at any level.  It is in verse 80 that the Lord states that he established the Constitution by the hands of wise men who he raised up.  He says that he established the constitution for the purpose that all men would be able to be free, have rights and protection, have the ability to act according to their own moral agency, and that there would be no bondage of one man to another.  While the Lord promises he will not abandon the saints, they are left with no doubt that there will still be consequences for their disobedience.

D&C Section Ninety Nine

This is a section about one of the typical, faith-filled members of the church at that time. John Murdock, whose wife had recently died, has been left with five young children, two of whom are newborn twins. On the same date those twins were born, the prophet's wife also gave birth to a set of twins. Emma's twins only lived three hours and when Sister Murdock passed away not long after the birth of her twins, Joseph and Emma took in the Murdock twins. Brother Murdock would have had no choice as to giving the twins up to someone who could nurse them. During the mobbing of Joseph when he is tarred and feathered, one of the adopted twins passed away due to exposure.

Now, four months later, Brother Murdock is called on a mission. But he is told he is not to go until his remaining children are provided for. They will stay with Bishop Partridge. I admire Brother Murdock's obedience to the priesthood in serving his mission, but I also believe that the mission was something that probably helped deal with his grief and move on. Brother Murdock fulfilled his mission and held many important church callings after this. One thing I can't imagine is the grief Emma felt in losing her twins, and then losing another baby who they had named Joseph Smith jr. shortly thereafter. The toughness of these people always inspires me.

D&C Section One Hundred

It is amazing to me that in spite of the great problems in Missouri and some in Kirtland, the Lord still sends Sydney Rigdon and Joseph Smith on a mission to the eastern states and Canada. No matter what problems the world brings upon the church, the work of the Lord has always gone forward. No matter what persecution there is, no matter what the opposition is, the Lord's work has always progressed. Even after the pioneers arrived in Salt Lake, which wasn't even a part of the United States at that time, almost from the moment they arrived, they prospered and grew. In the midst of the great migration west, missionary work still continued and converts continued to come.

I like one word that the Lord uses in this section. He promises that as they bear testimony that is solemn and in the spirit of meekness, the Holy Ghost will be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever they will say. The word shed in this usages means to effusively be present. To pervade everything or envelope everything. Missionaries find his to be true. No matter what the reaction of the people may be, the Holy Ghost accompanies each testimony they bear. Those who hear usually feel something, but don't always act on what they feel because their mind fights it. Their traditions keep them from being open to something new. Earlier, in Section 93, the Lord said that two things keep people from accepting truth, Satan and the traditions of men.

Another promise in this section is Sidney would be strong in expounding the scriptures while Joseph would be strong in bearing testimony. There is an account of when the two of them were preaching to a large crowd in New York. Sidney spoke first and using the Bible taught all around the restoration of the gospel without mentioning it, teaching gospel principles that he thought the crowd would accept, but it was all to no effect. Joseph then stood and said that if Sidney was not going to bear witness of the restoration he would. He then bore witness of the the first vision, of the Moroni and the Book of Mormon and the restoration of priesthood keys. After he was finished, large numbers of people came forward wanting to be baptized..

D&C Section Ninety Eight

At this time, Joseph knew there were problems in Missouri, but he would have had no idea of the seriousness of the situation the Saints were in. So it is interesting that he receives this revelation dealing with how to respond when you are attacked by your enemies. I personally think he sensed by the Spirit, or by revelation, that things were much more dire than people in Kirtland realized. There are three important principles in this revelation. First, freedom comes from the Lord, but governmental laws affect that freedom. The Lord teaches that we have a divinely inspired constitution and as long as we elect good and wise men to represent us, we will be fine. But when our elected officials fall short, evil will come of it. We can certainly see that in today's world.

The second principle deals with how we (the church) are to respond when attacked, and how we as a nation are supposed to respond in situations of war. First we are not to fear our enemies. If they come upon the church a first time, we are to bear it patiently and not seek revenge. The Lord promises that if we do this, we will be rewarded. If they come upon us a second time and we bear it patiently and don't seek revenge, we will be rewarded a hundred fold. If they come a third time and we again bear it patiently and not seek revenge, the hundred fold blessings are doubled four times and these three times will stand as a testimony against those who seek to do harm. However, after the third time, if the Lord has not taken vengeance, we can warn our enemies that we will not stand idly by, and the Lord will bless us in our efforts to protect ourselves. The Lord will deliver them into our hands and not hold us accountable. If we still do not seek revenges, we have the promise that the blessings will be extended to our children to the third and fourth generations. As a nation, any time another nation or people proclaim war against us, we should raise the standard of peace three times. If they don't respond, our nation is justified in going to war and the Lord promises that he will fight our battles.

The third principle in this revelation deals with forgiveness. In this, the Lord says that if we are wronged by someone, we should forgive them up to three times, even if they don't repent of the wrong they have done. However, the fourth time, we do not have to forgive them, but should take the matter to the Lord and allow him to deal with it. If they seeks forgiveness, then we should still forgive them. But whether it be through forgiving or turning the matter over to the Lord, it is done so that we remove any bitterness or hate in our hearts. Otherwise, the wounds will fester and harm us more than the damage that was done to us.

D&C Section Ninety Seven

As you can see in the heading, the saints in Missouri had been forced to sign an agreement about 10 days before this revelation to leave Missouri. They had been under severe persecution and literally had no choice. It's interesting that the Lord now commands that a temple be built there, but more interesting that there are certain conditions for the people to meet in order to see it built. The Lord warns that there will be a scourge that will vex all the people and the saints will not escape it unless the observe what the Lord commands. So on one hand, you have the Lord promising a temple if the saints will meet the Lord's standards, or the promise of further problems if they do not. What's most interesting is that Joseph would not have received word of the persecution and its results yet in Kirtland.

The Lord's conditions for a temple to be built would not be easy to achieve. They must be a Zion people. A Zion people are united, are pure in heart, they observe and keep the covenants they have made with the Lord, and are they willing to sacrifice for the Lord's kingdom. I believe this sacrifice is meant to be inward and outward. Inward, unrighteousness is sacrificed. Outwardly, earthly things are sacrificed When a person is willing to sacrifice outwardly, it removes selfishness.

Should the temple be built, the Lord promises that his presence will be there, but also states that no unclean thing can enter it or his presence will not be there. Through the temple, the Lord promises that the people will be perfected in their understanding of doctrine, and receive power. Whenever the Lord builds a temple, he promises that his people will be endowed with power. I believe this is the power of righteousness. If this is the case, it's no wonder that every time a temple is proposed, Satan unleashes his power to oppose it and tries to prevent its construction.
I love the final promise of the Lord, "I will bless her (the church) with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her , and upon her generations forever and ever."

D&C Section Ninety Six

The Lord had commanded that Kirtland be built up as a stake in Zion. To fulfill this command, and the building of the temple is at the center of this, the brethren decided they should purchase three farms. Men were assigned to find out how much each of these farms would cost. When the cost was known and the decision to buy them was made, the brethren were undecided how to divide the Peter French farm which they were going to buy for five thousand dollars. Since the farm was going to be divided into lots for church buildings and for members to live on, the Lord appointed the bishop to make that decision remembering that those who lived on those lots were to be members who sought to live by celestial standards. The Lord indicates that the purpose behind all of this was the teaching and spreading of the gospel. If you think about it, every aspect of the church, every organization, has the ultimate responsibility of teaching the Lord's words and gospel.

D&C Section Ninety Five

A year and a half before this revelation was given, the Lord had commanded the saints to build a temple (in Section 88). For some reason, this command was forgotten, overlooked, or maybe postponed. I tend to think it was the latter since it would take a lot of revenue to build a temple and having spent all they had just to get to Kirtland, they did not have the resources. The temple was needed so that the missionaries could be endowed with power as they went out to the nations of the earth. This would not be the temple endowment as we know it today, but it would be an endowment of priesthood keys and authority. Because they haven't started, the Lord chastises them in the manner a parent should chastise. Three times he tells them he loves them, that he is chastising them because he loves them. The chastisement is followed by two important things, one is the promise that if they keep the commandments they can accomplish building the temple because he will help them, and the second is instruction about how to go about it. The saints began four days later with George A. Smith bringing the first load of stone and Hyrum Smith and Reynolds Cahoon digging the trench for the walls.

D&C Section Ninety Four

In three years, the church in Kirtland will grow from 150 members to to 1300 members in 1833 when this revelation is given. At this time, there are no buildings owned by the church. They are renting rooms for their meetings and so a building committee is established. The building committee continues to function today. This revelation instructs that buildings be built, one for the presidency of the church and one for printing church materials. These are not large, basically big enough to for one room. The Lord also instructs that lots for home be planned for members that spread out from this point in the community. I feel the Lord is setting a precedence for the church, one that continues today, in having a room for the first presidency to meet, carry out business, and greet officials who come to visit. Back in the 1970's, for example, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale visited the First Presidency and described the room and their meeting in these words:

"I met with these men of God in the room which [President] Woodrow Wilson said was the most beautiful room in the United States - and it is indeed magnificent.... I said to the president, because I felt that he was so deeply spiritual, "PresidentKimball, will you bless me?" He replied, "You mean you want me to give you a blessing such as I give our people?" I said, "Yes." So he came around behind me with the two other presidents and they put their hands on my head and President kimball in his quiet, sincere, loving manner prayed for me by name. As he prayed, I began to be very broken up and touched, and then of a sudden I had a wondrous feeling of the Presence and I said to him, "Sir, He is here; I feel His presence."

Verse eight promises that if no unclean thing comes into this room, "my presence shall be there."

D&C Section Ninety Three Continued

Beginning in verse 19, the Lord is speaking directly to Joseph Smith rather than quoting the apostle John. After learning from John's quotation that the Lord grew from grace to grace until he received a fulness of the Father's glory, the Lord tells Joseph that if we keep the commandments, we will grow from grace to grace and through Christ, receive a fulness of the Father's glory also. Then he explains how this is possible. There are three or four things he tells Joseph that we need to consider and then I'll tie them all together. Bear with me because this is good stuff!

1. Verse 36, which everyone is familiar with, says: "The glory of God is intelligence,or, in other words, light and truth." You will remember that God's glory is described as that of the sun, much more so. We always stop at the word intelligence and fail notice what God's glory actually is, light and truth.

2. Verse 29: The Lord explains again that "Man was also in the beginning with God." Then he says Intelligence, or light and truth, was not created or made."

3. Verse 28: "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."

4. Verse 31: "Here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man"

Here is what I believe. There is not any official church doctrine regarding some of this, but I think it's true. We have always existed. Our state of being was first as an intelligence. As an intelligence, the first step in our progression was to again a spiritual body, then a mortal body, and in the final step, our spirit will be united with an immortal body. As verse 33 says, when the spirit is connected with an immortal body, that is when it receives a fulness of joy. We become complete and whole as we were meant to.

Because we existed first as an intelligence, light and truth were basic and natural elements of our being. As we progressed in the premortal life, we received more light and truth, we grew in glory, just as the Savior did. We did this by keeping the commandments . We grew to a high enough level that to continue to grow, we needed the mortal experience. Here, I believe the mortal body masks the glory we are gaining to a large degree (However, a righteous person is often described as some one whose countenance glows). You will remember that in Section 88, the Lord said that those who abide a celestial law will receive a body in the resurrection that is celestial in glory. Those who do less, will grow less and in the end, become less.

So in essence, what I believe is that as we keep the commandments, we receive light and truth, or glory. Light and truth are eternal elements that have been a natural part of beings from the beginning. In mortality, this is opposed and we experience the ultimate test of our agency, to choose whether we are going to receive more light and truth or not. If we do, we will eventually receive all the glory the Father has. If we don't, we will have to settle for less. This is why there are so many different levels of kingdoms after this life, why there is a telestial glory, a terrestial, or three levels of celestial glory. In the end, we are what we have chosen to become.

Two last points: Here is why the statement, "Here is the agency of man," is so important. Notice verse 39, "And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth through disobedience." Sin brings darkness. Evil people are dark and have no light in them. On the other hand, darkness cannot abide light. If you are in a perfectly dark room and light a match, the darkness around that match flees. The brighter the light, the more the darkness flees. The question is, how much light do we accept? In the temple endowment, the lights are dimmed to a "telestial" level. I'm always sobered by how used to it I become because when the lights are brightened to a terrestial level, it is very noticeable and I'm reminded how easy it was to become accustomed to only a telestial level. Having entered a terrestial level of light, we then prepared for the symbolism of entering a celestial level of light and glory by entering the celestial room where everything is even brighter. What a great demonstration of our eternal growth that is.

Finally, I find it interesting that the main point of all of this is a chastisement of Joseph and Sidney. The Lord states that children are innocent in their infant state. The Lord says that even though they have been instructed, they have not taught their children light and truth as they should have. This is an important reminder for all of us who are parents because teaching light and truth to our children helps them to grow in their most natural and eternal way. The Lord says, "What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.

D&C Section Ninety Three

This is another one of my favorite sections in the D&C. To me, it is fantastic and has doctrine that is so obviously revelation because we learn things that are found no where else in scripture. It also provides deeper insight into things that are alluded to but not fully explained in scripture. So I'm going to spend a couple of days on this section (maybe three!) before tying it all together. The first 18 verses of this section are part of a revelation that the apostle John received anciently. The purpose of all that we learn in this section is in verse 1 which says, "It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." And the purpose of this section is also contained in verse 19 where the Lord says, "I give you these sayings so you may understand and know how to worship and know what you worship, that you may come unto the father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness." If you think about it, these are two incredible promises.

In verse one, it's important to remember that he doesn't say he that perfectly cometh to me, perfectly calleth on my hame, perfectly obeyeth my voice, and perfectly keep my commandments. What's important is that we are trying to do that, that we're willing to pay a price in effort. The two promises, "shall see my face" and "know that I am" can be fulfilled in at least two ways. One way is to physically see the Lord and know. The other is that we can see and know spiritually. These first 18 verses are also John's testimony of the Savior and how the Savior became equal with the Father in glory. He tells us that the Savior grew from grace to grace until he received a fulness of the Father's glory. The promise is that we can do the same. This promise and the former promise of knowing and seeing the Savior are tied together.

D&C Section Ninety Two

Only two verses long, the revelation is a command for the brethren to receive Frederick G. Williams into the United Order. The order was a group of the brethren in the church who united all of their temporal affairs into a sharing organization to benefit the church. The revelation instructs Williams to be a "lively" member. I always like the story of President Harold B. Lee when he was talking to a group of missionaries. He instructed one of the missionaries to push over a pillar in the building they were in. The missionary responded that he didn't think that he could. When asked why not, the missionary said that weight of the ceiling on the pillar made it impossible. President Lee asked him if the ceiling were removed, would he be able to push it over then? The missionary responded that he thought he could. President Lee then said, "Now, brethren, you and I are like one of those pillars. As long as we have a weight of responsibility in this church, all hell can't push us over, but as soon as that weight is lifted off, most of us are easy marks by the powers that drag us down."

D&C Section Ninety One

The Bible that Joseph Smith was translating from must have been an older one because it contained the apocryphal books of the Greek Septuagint. This is the Old Testament version used by the apostles. The origin of the books is not known and so their veracity has always been in question. The Catholic Church included these books in their Bible. Protestant churches did until the early 19th century. There are about 15 of them. Some apocryphal books of the New Testament have also emerged since the time of Joseph Smith and I think what Joseph learned in this revelation applies to them also. Joseph is told he does not need to translate these books and the Lord told him four things about the apocrypha in this revelation. 1. Many things in the apocrypha are true. 2. It is translated correctly for the most part. 3. There are many things that are not true because of things that men have added. 4. The apocrypha should be read with the Spirit to determine those things which are true and which are not.

D&C Section Ninety

There are two important principles in this revelation. One principle deals with the keys of the kingdom of God. The keys relate to the priesthood and refer to the power to direct the use of priesthood authority. These keys always belong to the First Presidency of the Church. Joseph is told in this revelation that he will always hold these keys, both in this life and in the next, and they will never be taken from him. This is because he stands at the head of this dispensation of the gospel. All prophets after him are subject to him just as he subject to Michael (Adam) who holds the keys for the salvation of all mankind. Michael is subject to the Savior. Wilford Woodruff said that if Joseph would have had his desires, he would have led the Saints to the west and the Rocky Mountains, but it was necessary for him to seal his testimony with his blood and then continue his ministry, particularly directing the temple work for the dead, in the spirit world.

The other principle mentioned in this revelation is the oracles of God. In the scriptures, the term oracles refers to the prophets and the revelations they receive and teach. We're counseled to be mindful concerning how we receive the oracles since they represent the Lord and the Lord's mind and will. I firmly believe in the counsel we have been given that if we follow the brethren we will not be led astray. I have never heard anything from the lips of prophets and apostles that wasn't good counsel, or was contrary to how I feel. My biggest challenge is to keep myself in line with what they teach because when I do is when I am the happiest and my life is the most productive and has the most purpose.

D&C Section Eighty Eight Con't

The next part of this revelation deals with events that will be a part of the last days before the second coming of Christ. There will be seven angels who will sound trumpets with each series of trumps heralding specific events. I don’t know whether the sounding of the trumpets is symbolic or actual, but the first angels will announce the need to prepare for Christ’s coming, that the great and abominable church has been destroyed, and that church represents the tares or evil people and organizations of world. The righteous of the world will be caught up to meet Christ. This trump represents those people who are celestial. The second trump announces the redemption of those who have accepted the gospel in the spirit prison who are of a terrestial nature. The third trump is the redemption of those who were evil and are telestial in nature. The fourth trump is casting into outer darkness the sons of perdition or people who had a perfect knowledge of Christ and his glory but still denied him and fought against him. The fifth trump represents the restoration of the gospel and that all people will come to know Christ and confess his that he is just and fair. The sixth trump announces the fall of Satan and his followers. The seventh announces that Christ’s work is finished.

Then each of the seven will sound their trumpets again each one will represent one of the seven thousand years of existence of mankind. I believe that each of these thousand years are actually a long period of man’s existence and not a thousand years exactly. Then it says that after the thousand year reign of Christ, Satan will be let loose for a brief period and then Michael and his army will cast him out for good.

The last part of this revelation instructs the priesthood holders how they can organize and prepare themselves. The most important thing they can do is to build a temple because it is in the temple where our greatest preparations take place. The brethren are also instructed to start the school of the prophets, so they can be united in love, worthiness, doctrine, and be taught in the power of the Spirit.

D&C Section Eighty Nine

What amazing revelation this is. At the time the Word of Wisdom was given, none of this was known by science. Some of it was known by experience, but for the most part, this went counter to what was practiced by everyone in that day. The Word of Wisdom has been pretty much relegated to the big four, coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol. Drugs are now a part of it, and I think you could basically include all addictions at this point. The revelation tells us to eat fruit, berries, grains and herbs. It tells us to eat meat more sparingly. In those days, meat was eaten at every meal. Some take this to an extreme, focusing on one thing like herbs. For the most part, we ignore the overall message of eating healthy. For example, with grains, when I was eating well, including oatmeal and Mom's homemade bread for breakfast, my cholesterol dropped 60 points in just a few months. I felt stronger and had more energy than at anytime that I can remember. I have to confess I don't feel that way at this moment.

The Lord states that this is a principle with promise. The principle is eat healthy and take care of our bodies. They are miraculous gifts that we tend abuse every day. The promise is health, strength and increased intelligence and inspiration, and untimely death. A good verse to relate to this is 88:124, "... cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." That's another one I need to improve on. I have no doubt that if we really applied this, we would be amazed at how much better we would feel, a lot of our excess weight would fall off, and our minds would be more alert.

D&C Section Eighty Eight

At a 141 verses, Section 88 is the longest in the Doctrine and Covenants. So I'm sorry this comment is so long. It is one of the most important sections though and I hope you take the time to read it and also read this and I think you'll see why. I'll do part today and part tomorrow.

There are a number of saints in Missouri who are critical of the prophet and other leaders of the church. When Joseph sent this revelation to W. W. Phelps in Missouri, he sent it saying the revelation was evidence of God's approval and acceptance of those in Kirtland. He also sent it as an olive branch of peace. The revelation is undoubtedly proof of God's approval of Joseph as it contains some of the most sublime and revealing doctrine in all the revelations.

We first learn about the Holy Spirit of Promise. The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost placing his stamp of approval upon every ordinance performed in the church. It is the promise and assurance that the blessings associated with the ordinances will be received IF the proper authority is used in performing the ordinance and the individual receiving the ordinance is worthy and righteous.

Next we learn the four functions of the Light of Christ. The first is, the Light of Christ is the creative power by which all things are created. This gives to me the assurance that there is purpose to all creation, that nothing exists by chance, that there is a God who is in control of the universe. The second function is to enlighten, to give knowledge, and to give us our conscience so that we have a basic understanding of right and wrong, good and evil. The third function is to give life to all things. The Light of Christ is the power that sustains life. Science has never been able to explain why something lives, only that there is some mysterious energy that sustains everything. And the fourth function of the Light of Christ is governing, it is the power by which all things in the universe are governed. We could have a lengthy and deep discussion on that this all implies, but there is so much more in this section.

The next part of Section 88 talks about the resurrection. It is here that we learn that the body and the spirit are the soul of man. We are the only church that believes that we will have a physical body after this life, and yet it is in all the scriptures. In the Old Testament, Job states that though his body will be destroyed, "yet in my flesh will I see God." In Luke 22, the resurrected Christ had the apostles feel his hands and feet, he ate with them, all to prove he wasn't a spirit only, and then did the same with the Nephites in the third Nephi.

To me, one of the most important things we learn in this section about the resurrection also makes the most sense to me. First, there is a sequence to the resurrection of mankind. Everyone will be resurrected, but not in the same order. There is the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust. The sequence is, first those who are celestial in nature will be resurrected, then those who are terrestial, those who are telestial, and lastly those who will be cast into outer darkness. This is all interesting, but the most important thing taught about this is whichever of these natures we are, it is because that is the level of growth we have ultimately achieved. In other words, the higher the law that we choose to live by, the higher the spiritual achievement. We cannot change our nature. We are who we are; we become what we choose to become. So the Lord says if we abide by the law of the celestial kingdom, we become able to abide a celestial glory, and we receive a celestial body. Those who choose less in life, become less, receive a body and lower glory because they have abided by a lower glory. This is true of everything. Those who sacrifice to develop a talent, achieve more and become better at that talent than others who do not. People who choose to gain more education and knowledge are different from those who choose not to be educated. In life, we become what we choose to become by the choices we make and the effort we put forth to become that person.

Everyone has the spiritual potential to become a celestial person. The level of glory we obtain after this life will be the result of the laws we choose to abide by. Those who live by celestial principles become "sanctified from all unrighteousness" through the atonement and are "prepared for celestial glory." Those who can't abide by celestial principles have to settle for something less because they have grown less. To me this makes sense. It would irritate me to no end for someone to come along who never put forth the effort to practice and put in the hours I did at the piano and be able to play and teach at the level I do. It wouldn't be fair. Those who end up with less, do so because, "they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

All of this is based on law. There are principles which have always existed. When we choose to live by those principles, there are natural outcomes. It is when we try to alter those principles and "become a law unto ourselves" that we inhibit our growth, justify our sins or misdeeds, and disqualify ourselves from ultimate benefits of the atonement and the promised sanctification.

D&C Section Eighty Seven

Section 87 is a remarkable prophecy concerning the civil war and the wars that will follow and eventually spread all across the world prior to the second coming. Even though it's more than two decades before the civil war, Joseph correctly prophecies that it will take place following South Carolina's attempt to secede from the union. It perhaps wasn't terribly difficult to predict the civil war as others were also at this time. But what was remarkable was the prediction that the civil war would be the catalyst, the beginning of many wars that would eventually spread over time and fill the earth. This part of the prophecy is remarkable and has been and continues to be fulfilled.

And interesting part of the prophecy is where the part concerning wars in the latter days after the civil war states that slaves are predicted to rise up against the Gentiles and vex them. This is similar to what is in third Nephi where it says, "And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocked sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth and and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver." In this case, we can be considered Gentiles and the Lord admonishes us to "stand in holy places" for our protection. Holy places in this case is are the stakes of the church. A careful reading of 1 Nephi 22 also helps to reassure the need to live righteously to avoid the destruction of war and plagues that will eventually consume the earth. For the saints, the reality of plagues was especially real as cholera was rampant in the major cities of the world at that time.

D&C Section Eighty Six

Joseph had been reviewing and editing his manuscript on the Bible and received this revelation in answer to a question regarding the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew. The revelation explains that the original apostles at the time of Christ were the sowers (planters) of the seed. After their deaths, Satan sowed tares (weeds that commonly appear with and look similar to wheat) that choked the wheat (the church) and drove it into the wilderness, meaning the church was driven into apostasy. Now, at the time of the restoration of the church, the field is being sown again in the last days and the wheat is sending for blades of growth. The angels are waiting for the command to go down and destroy the tares but must wait until the wheat is fully grown and ready for harvest. If the angels were allowed to come down now, much of the wheat would be destroyed along with the tares because the church's faith isn't sufficiently strong enough at this time. A separation of the wheat and tares must take place also. This separation of the righteous and the wicked is happening now in our day as the tares bind themselves together by gravitating to groups that are similar to themselves. Much destruction of the tares will take place within themselves as they seek to destroy each other.

It is through the priesthood that the wheat will be saved. Priesthood holders can be both rightful heirs to the priesthood and legal heirs. A legal heir is one who has claim to the priesthood because of his lineage or ancestry. A rightful heir is a legal heir who can act in the priesthood because of his righteousness. So even though a person is a legal heir, he cannot necessarily act in the priesthood unless he is righteous. According to this revelation, if a person is a righteous heir, through the priesthood he is a savior to Israel or the Lord's the people. All of this will be explained further when we get to Section 121 and the Lord explains that the priesthood can only be used in terms of righteousness.

D&C Section Eighty Five

This is taken from a letter written to W.W. Phelps in Missouri. It's an example of an inspired writing that has been accepted as revelation by the church. Phelps had been appointed to be a clerk for Bishop Edward Partridge in Missouri. Partridge was exceeding his authority in some cases and was not acting in accordance with the instructions he had received from Joseph Smith. So Phelps wrote to Joseph and this Joseph's response. It's important to remember that this did not pertain to the church at large, but to Partridge. Joseph exclaims that the Lord is unhappy with Partridge and if he doesn't repent, the Lord will remove him from his office and send someone mighty and strong to replace him. Partridge did repent, someone mighty and strong was not sent to replace him, and in the future the Lord would declare how pleased he was with him.

The letter also explains to Phelps the importance of his keeping records of those who faithful and those who turn in apostasy, those who keep the law of consecration and those who don't. Now those records pertain to tithing and not consecration along with apostasy. Those who turn to apostasy and do not pay tithing will be cut off from the church, and because of this they cannot receive the ordinances of the temple or any assistance from the church. Without the ordinances of the temple, a person is cut off from being in God's presence after this life.

D&C Section Eighty Four Continued

The second half of Section 84 is filled with wonderful promises to those who preach the gospel. Verses 65 to 73 lists a number of miracles that can be experienced with the instruction that if someone experiences a miracle, it is for their personal benefit and should not be mentioned to others or boasted of. I have no doubt that we are unaware of the countless miracles that have happened in the church. For example, it is rare to hear of someone being raised from the dead for example, but there are recorded instances where apostles have done this is in our day.

Other wonderful blessings are:

1. They shall not be weary in mind, body, limb, or joint and (I like this one) a hair of their head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.
2. They will not go hungry or athirst but will be provided for.
3. If the words of life are treasured up continually (to me, that means consistent scripture study), it will be given them what to say. I experienced this in the MTC at the time I was a first counselor under Tomm Chapman, a CES Institute director I had great respect for. After I had spoken to the missionaries in sacrament meeting one Sunday, he told me it was time to put away the notes and just speak what the Spirit directed me to. I didn't have the same confidence of my gospel knowledge that he had of me, but I followed his instruction and never used notes again. I was amazed at what I experienced when I was assigned to speak, especially amazed at what I learned.
4. The Lord states he will go before our face, be on our right hand and left hand with the angels around us to support us. As we have been taught, I believe that those angels are our ancestors. I firmly believe that they influence our lives far more than we know.

The remainder of the section deals with providing for those who have less or who are weak. The Lord affirms that every person and every calling is equally important, that the system is perfect and will remain that way as long as there is no pride and the Spirit gives life to the body of the church. One of the most difficult challenges for the church as always been imperfect people administering a perfect system. I have to acknowledge how patient the Lord must be to allow us who are so imperfect to conduct his work on earth.

D&C Section Eighty Four

The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations and inspired writings. This section is one of the great revelations in the D&C. It's filled with topics that you could spend pages and pages on. If you study it closely and with the Spirit, you can be taught many things that are deep and filled with multiple meanings and applications to our life. Only a prophet could reveal something like this. This section is known as the great revelation on the priesthood. I'm only going to outline the main points.

1. It has been known by all the prophets from Adam to Abraham to Moses, Enoch and others that the purpose of the priesthood in the latter days is to establish Zion through the preaching of the gospel. All of the ancient prophets knew that the City of Zion would be established on this continent in the latter days. Establishing Zion is at the heart of gospel because it is to Zion that the Lord will come.

2. There are two priesthoods, the lesser or Aaronic and the greater or Melchizedek. The lesser priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels and preparatory gospel of repentance and baptism. It prepares people for the greater priesthood. The greater priesthood administers the ordinances of the church and it is through the ordinances that the power of God is manifest. It is the priesthood ordinances that enable a person to be transfigured and see God without being consumed and destroyed.

3. A person who receives the Melchizedek Priesthood must enter into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. The oath is the Father's promise that he will give the priesthood holder all that he has. The covenant is the agreement the priesthood holder makes with God to magnify his priesthood, to "give diligent heed to the words of eternal life... [to] live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God."

4. Our minds can become darkened when we forget the Book of Mormon and its commandments. It is important that we not only say, but do the commandments contained in it.

5. If we bear testimony to the world of the restored gospel and what the Lord has revealed in the latter days, our sins are forgiven us. The church should go into all the world and bear testimony of the Lord's work.

Tomorrow, I'll go over the promises the Lord gives in this section.

D&C Section Eighty Three

This section instructs the church that they have a responsibility to take care of the widow, children and others who are faithful members of the church but have no father or husband to take care of them. I like the wording that says they have right to make a claim of the church. The revelation uses the word maintenance which means financial support and according to President Kimball means spiritual support also. Enemies of the church who were once members have no claim. I can think of no other organization that takes care of its people like this church does. When I was a bishop, I saw first hand how generous the church was. I never felt restrictions concerning my judgment. The only restriction I had was when the amount I was writing a check for exceeded five thousand dollars I was to confer with the stake president. The best thing about the way the church helps the poor is how much it works to also maintain their dignity. In no way should a member ever feel humiliated or ashamed because they were accepting help. The church expects work in return wherever possible so that the assistance is earned. If you ever want to get an assurance that this church is inspired, do an in depth look at the welfare system.