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Visions of the End

Apocalyptic Visions received by Ancient Prophets, Latter-day Prophets and Latter-day Saints By Caroline Larson Chinle, Arizona, August 2010

"These are sobering times ...you won’t survive spiritually unless you know how to receive revelation ... I don’t know whether you know how to receive revelation, but you won’t survivor without it." (Boyd K. Packer: BYU Hawaii Commencement Address – December 17, 2005.) “And I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions .” (Joel 2:28)

“Therefore, if ye will ask me you shall receive… putyour trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good --- yea, to do justly, to walk humbly,to judge righteously, this ismy Spirit. Verily…I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind … And then shall ye know, or by this shall ye know, all things whatsoever you desire of me which are pertaining unto the things of righteousness…deny not the spirit of revelation nor the spirit of prophecy, for woe unto him that denieth these things. ”

(D&C 11:5, 11-25)

Acknowledgements So many people need to be thanked for production of this book it’s hard to know where to begin. But I must begin with my supportive and righteous husband, who has ever been an encouragement and support. Next, the Lord, who inspired me and supported me with his spirit, and sustained me with answers daily. Next, family and friends, teachers and helpers, prophets of old, and latter-day prophets, artists who put their work on-line and made it available to all to enjoy; and all who took the time to record their dreams and visions and were courageous enough to share them with others. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. And to those who read this book from cover to cover, just because…. Thank You. We love you, and pray your life will be good. God Bless You.

The Prophet Enoch

Note: Photos used in this document are there for visual interest, and are not necessarily what was seen by those who received the visions of The End Note: Although the writings and teachings of many LDS authors have been included in this book, responsibility for the organization of the content is the author’s. Views that have been expressed are personal to the person who had the vision, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author; of all LDS members, or even of current Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint Leaders. As one Bishop told me years ago, Sister Larson, you have a very unique perspective about things. Therefore, as you read, it is hoped that you will ask the Lord for spiritual confirmation and further light and knowledge about what you read, that you might gain your own testimony of these things. If I have written

something here that offends you, I apologize, as it was certainly not my intent; my sole intent is to present this information for the further spiritual growth and preparation of close family and friends, to whom the book will be given, and for whom it was written. God Bless you all in your pursuit to this end.

Self published by C.R. Larson, P.O. Box 3564, Chinle, AZ 86503 for extremely limited circulation among my family and friends, August 2010. All Rights Are Reserved. The book may be copied to share with friends or family for non-commercial use only. The author retains all rights of publication for commercial use.

Table of Contents Chapter 1 – PROPHETIC VISIONSOF BIBLICAL PROPHETS 10 Words of the Prophet Isaiah................................ .............................................................................................. 10 Daniel’s Vision of the End................................ ................................................................................................ 23 Zephaniah’s Vision of the End.......................................................................................................................... 27 John the Revelator’s Visions of the End ............................................................................................................ 29 The Olivet Prophecy......................................................................................................................................... 46 Chapter 2 - LATTER-DAY PROPHETIC VISIONS 52 Joseph Smith’s Dreams & Visions .................................................................................................................... 52 President Harold B. Lee felt there was cause for optimism about our country’s future........................................ 64 Bruce R. McConkie stated that the United States would still be here at the Lord’s return ................................... 65 John Taylor taught that the nation would be shaken, and many would flee to Zion for safety.............................. 65 Wilford Woodruff taught that the acts of 1862-1879 caused the United States to be weak .................................. 66 Erastus Snow taught that the undermining of the Constitution would cause the nation to fall.............................. 66 Orson Pratt’s Teachings about the End.............................................................................................................. 68 Elder William J. Critchlow Jr, taught about God’s Plan or Great Act ................................................................. 72 Joseph Smith teachings about Gathering Places................................................................................................. 76 President Heber C. Kimball – on Building Storehouses ..................................................................................... 77

President Ezra Taft Benson asked us to prepare in 1980 .................................................................................... 78 President Wilford Woodruff’s teachings about Visions and Prophecy ................................................................ 81 John Taylor’s Vision of Devastation in various US places, including Salt Lake.................................................. 82 The David Whitmer Interview .......................................................................................................................... 85 Orson Pratt taught that the Saints would definitely be leaving Utah, not eastward directly.................................. 86 President John Taylor saw in vision that the saints of Salt Lake will need to exit to the South ............................ 87 Bishop Keith B. McMullin gave instruction in preparing for the times ahead in 2007......................................... 89 Joseph B. Wirthlin encouraged us to do our best in 2000. .................................................................................. 91 Chapter 3 – THE LAMANITES IN PROPHECY 92 President Spencer W. Kimball announced the time of the Gentiles is over in 1977 ............................................. 92 Joseph Smith’s and Brigham Young’s Teachings about the Native American People ......................................... 92 Several Early Pioneers were called as full-time missionaries to the Lamanites ................................................... 94 Many Church members have always felt as if they belonged with the Lamanite people ...................................... 96 The Lamanites are the srcinal children of Abraham ......................................................................................... 96 Before the Lord’s Second Coming, the Lamanites must blossom. ...................................................................... 97 The LDS Church has consistently proclaimed their solemn duty to teach the Lamanite People........................... 99 Faithful LDS Saints will help Native Americans Build the Temple in Zion................................ ...................... 102 President Wilford Woodruff’s teachings about the Lamanites.......................................................................... 102

President Kimball’s valiant efforts toward improving the lot of the Native American peoples .......................... 103 Chapter 4 - PROPHETIC WORDS AND VISIONS ABOUT HEAVENLY ZION 106 Henry B. Eyring encouraged the saints to become deeply converted ................................................................ 106 President Joseph F. Smith saw the Heavenly Hosts.......................................................................................... 109

Keys of knowledge about the Heavenly City of Enoch .................................................................................... 110 Chapter 5 – LDS MEMBER VISIONS OF END-TIME DESTRUCTION 128 A Vision of LDS Member, Chris.......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Yohani Wolfgramm 1989 dream of the future of America as told to a close friend ........................................... 128 Our Visions about the Future ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Sister Smith’s Dream: resident of NW Area of the United States .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. A Rexburg, ID Resident Dream of a Tent City ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Sarah Menet's vision of the near future................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. The Charles D. Evans Vision ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. The Dream of the Plagues.................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Dream of the Invasion ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. New World Order Cities to suddenly emerge after the chaos ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Las Vegas will Burn ............................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Traveling North through the Desert to get to safety .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Invasion of the West coast by the Chinese............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Lands South of Utah (now desert) will blossom as a garden.................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. A Valuable Resource for those LDS Saints who want to be better prepared........... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Error! Bookmark not defined. Chapter 6 – NON-MEMBER VISIONS OF THE END George Washington’s Vision of 1777................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Cardston Temple Vision………………………………………………………………………………………….183 Chapter 7 – LOOKING POLITICALLY AT THE FUTURE Error! Bookmark not defined. The Prophet Moroni gave a strong warning.......................................................... Error! Bookmark President George Albert Smith saw World War III............................................... Error! Bookmark President Obama; a Greek President?................................................................... Error! Bookmark David H. Horne discussed George Albert Smith’s Vision ..................................... Error! Bookmark Chapter 7 - A VOICE OF WARNING TO THE CURRENT LATTER-DAY SAINTS

not not not not

defined. defined. defined. defined.

139

The Savior gave a strong warning to all........................................................................................................... 139 George Albert Smith asked us to get our houses in order ................................................................................. 139 President Thomas S. Monson gave us good advice about how to deal with change........................................... 140 The People of Zion will be lulled into a sense of security and peace that isn’t real............................................ 140

Introduction The greatest of all the spiritual gifts God can bestow upon one of his children is to be a seer and revelator; a gift which the Lord bestows upon those he will choose to become the head of his Church (in his adult years). Joseph Smith the Prophet was one who was thus chosen. There are many instances ofthe spiritual gifts he was endowed with. One day, after reading Foxe’sBook of Martyrs , Joseph Smith said that he “had seen those martyrs, and they were honest, devoted followers of Christ, and they will be saved.” He also saw many things before they happened. He saw the young men who had died in Clay County, Missouri during the march of Zion’s Camp, and he said “Brethren, I have seen those men who died of cholera in our camp; and the Lord knows, if I get a mansion as bright as theirs, I ask no more.” The Prophet Joseph foresaw the upcoming struggles of the early saints – as they left Missouri, were cast of other places, slowly making their way across the plains to the Rocky Mountains; and he saw them became a very large group of people; prosperous and rich, just as weare today. Of his visions and spiritual manifestations, he stated: “It is my meditation all the day… to know how I shall make the saints of God to comprehendthe visions that roll like an overflowing surge, before my mind.” Joseph Smith was a man of dreams and visions; a direct relative of our ancient forefather, Joseph of Egypt; who was also a visionary man who exhibited extreme faith in the things shown to him by the Lord. As a young man, Joseph of Egypt endured chastisement from family members for his dreams; and later endured being cast out of his family for sharing the dream of the sun, moon, and stars, which bowed before him. When it later was fulfilled, with great humility he made peace with his brethren, establishing forever the legacy of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh as the ruling and proper governing tribes of Israel. His blood - that of Ephraim and Manasseh, now residesin many faithful latter-day saints. Is it any wonder, then, that we also experience dreams and visions?That we pray for them, and faithfully seek answers through them? Church History documents that many events which helped the LDS Church to be what it is today were of a visionary nature. Consider the testimony of oneof the three witness of theBook of Mormon, for instance: After having a strong visionary experience, seeing the plates he cried out: "Tis enough, tis enough; mine eyes have beheld; mine eyes have beheld;" (Ibid, p. 55). Later, he stated: "I never saw the gold plates, only in a visionary or entranced state. ...In about three days I went into the woods to pray that I might see the plates. While praying I passed into a state of entrancement, and in that state I saw the angel and the plates.1" Brigham Young related that Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith walked right into the Hill Cumorah with the gold plates of the Book of Mormon and put them back on a table. In this huge cave were piles of gold 2 plates and a sword with writing on it. This experience was also ofa deeply visionary nature, and was called having “the gift of second sight," or "seeing with the eyes of understanding”. 3

Oliver Cowdery saw the gold plates in a vision before becoming Joseph's scribeand Martin Harris told Joseph Smith, "Joseph, I know all about it. The Lordhas showed me ten times more about it than you 4 know", even before he had his experience as one of the three witnesses . From the histories of the founding fathers of the Church, it is clear they were men of vision and dreams.

1 2

Anthony Metcalf, Ten Years Before the Mast, n.d., microfilm copy, p. 70-71.

Journal of Discourses, Vol. 19, p. 38. 3 Dean C. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 8. 4 Interview with Martin Harris in Tiffany's Monthly, 1859, p. 166.

Nephi, who was ofthe tribe of Manasseh, experienced many dreams and visions. In the Book of Mormon, he lets us know of his visions and dreams from the very beginning of the record (he was still a 5 young man then). He stated that he ‘had a great knowledge of the goodness andmysteries of God’; and 6 that his father was a man of dreams and visions; and that he was like his father . As soon as Nephi prayed to know of his father’s visions, the Lord sent him one that was more explanatory in nature, which made him believe all the words of this father. His brothers did not seek understanding through the spirit and 7 therefore, they had hard hearts, and unbelieving minds, and eventually they strongly rebelled . Jacob, his younger brother, knew the Lord from his youth. Many of the ancient prophets and kings of the Bible were also very young men when they had their first encounters Lord. King David young showing shepherdhim boy;things; Samuel theProphet waswife onlyamong a lad; his Joshua was with but athe young man when the was Lordabegan Jacob sought his father’s people because of a vision, and later fought in combat with an angel as a young married man; Jeremiah was told as a very young man that he would ever marry, as he was to serve the Lord as his prophet all of his days; and that he would dieyoung (which he did). Mary, the Lord’s mother, was just 14 when the Lord came to her and blessed her with child; and her child, the Lord and Savior was visited of his Father from inception; and we know there were many others. An understanding of these historical documents helps us understand that a person does not need to hold the Priesthood; be a leader in the Church; the head of a family; or someone of importance before they are entitled to have communication with our Lord. It lets us know that everyone, young and old, areentitled and encouraged to develop a very personal relationship with their Lord and their Heavenly Father. Today, we live in an age when humble followers of Christ, who receive visions, and courageously tell others of their dreams and visions are often made fun of, and the visions discounted as being false; a time when there is a fear of people who have dreams and visions (a psycho-phobic age). This is the state of being ‘hard-hearted, close-minded, prideful, and haughty’, as Moroni ad h described of our age. When a person is hard-hearted it means he has closed off his feelings against things of the spirit – has become an apostate-in-action when it comes to listening and obeying the promptings of the Lord, and then goes about his daily life doing only the things that his own thoughts, thoughts that his ‘own will’ tells him to do; believing that his vain imaginations and thoughts were given him by spirit of God, but it simply isn’t true or right. We have entered the age of the ‘Modern man’, who is an atheist, who believes that mankind it progressing steadily towards becoming an ‘Omega Man’, and that he needs freedom to explore and do all things he warrants necessary, and that he can do so without the influence and direction of the holy spirit, without the ‘restrictive’ rules of religion, nor does a ‘modern man’ have need of God or conversely belief in the Dark One. These teachings are nowprevalent in many non-LDS schools, colleges and institutions; and thus are prevalent in our society. The idea of A One World Government is based uponthese same atheist beliefs; with only one leader at the head of a corrupt/atheist society, he will quickly become the prophesied Anti-Christ. While they plan to form a one-world religion which supposedly encompasses all religions, true worship and belief, as directed by the spirit, will be against the law. Early pioneers came to America to obtain religious freedom from the same oppressive church that was killing people for hundreds of years for not worshiping according to their acceptable practices (inquisition). The same church that oppressed our forefathers has now positioned itself tosit comfortably 5 6 7

1 Nephi 1:1 1 Nephi 1:16; 1 Nephi 3:8 1 Nephi 2:16-17; 1 Nephi 1-22

at the head of the new World Order: the One World Church. Therefore, I believe we should systematically fight against the rise of both a New World Order; and a One-World Church. How can we best do this? By becoming aware of theprophesies, preparing in the manner theprophets have given us advice to do so; and then drawing closer to the Lord; eliminating as much as possible; worldly things from our lives. The Lord has made it clear. He has asked us to ‘come unto Him’, and ‘turn our lives over to him’, and ‘let His will be done’. Have we done these things? Can we possible do them if we continually ignore our own spiritual promptings? No, for we must learn one thing at atime; by obeying one prompting at a time: ‘line upon line, and precept upon precept’, for it is theway the Lord as made us to be. As we seek to do this, at first, it will not be easy to discern between the promptings wereceive. For we can receive them from sources, Dark One (which causes us to from be uptight, fearful, dark, angry, hurtful, intent do harm,three murder, death,The abortion, divorce, unhappiness); Ourselves (vain imaginations that lead to to long hard days of work, and pain, much overwork and anxiety; always seeking for money, wealth, prestige, good looks, always trying to have and be more than we are); or from the Lord (which fills us with a sense of happiness, joy, excitement, peace, calm, love, helpfulness, warmth, friendliness, settled, thankful, prayerful, and kindness). As Latter-day saints it seems clear to me also that we must not discount the things we are shown by the Lord in our dreams and visions, for they are valuable sources of information, showing us the truth of things; foretelling events; and helping us make better choices. They can tell us important things about ourselves and our family members. It is the right and privilege of every faithful LDS saint to receive spiritual information about his life,and the lives of his loved ones. I believe it is also the duty and privilege of each faithful Latter-day Saint to seek information through dreams and visions about upcoming events in our lives; and have sought this spirit to help me understand the words of the prophets. I also believe that when a person is close to the spirit, the Lord can give them a visual representation about things that are written. Have you ever been reading something in thescriptures, and suddenly, you are drawn into it – as if your mind and spirit were whisked very suddenly into the middle of the scene written about? Well I have many times, and so has my husband. Specifically, it has been when we studied the Book of Mormon and Isaiah.

Visions of the End is about things written in the scriptures by prophets; things we have seen in visions, things that were seen byothers. These visions and dreams are ofa very sacred nature, and should be treated with respect. Those who have shared them with usare anxious that we should knowtheir contents, but state they are very sacred. I gathered as many as I could, and added those I felt toshare; but I leave the contents of each up to your personal discretion - the truth of each of them can only be known through the spirit. Gift of the Spirit of Prophecy

Many ancient prophets wrote about what will happen in the End-times; just before the Lord appears for the second time. The problem is that multiple interpretations are possible from some fotheir writings, making the future seem about as clear as mud. Nephi, Book of Mormon Prophet promised “the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless, they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of 8 prophecy. ” Daniel H. Ludlow stated: “The only definite way the future can be illuminated is through the 9 spirit of prophecy, and this gift of the Holy Spirit should always be evident in the true church .” Therefore, to understand the writings of Isaiah and other prophets, we must pray for the spirit of 8 9

2nd Nephi 25:4 “The Future of the Holy Land”, Daniel H. Ludlow,Ensign, May 1972, 96.

prophecy. Isaiah’s writings are full of many events, themes, andlessons; but which ones,specifically prophecy about the last days?

Interpretation of Passages in the Book of Isaiah Much can be learned by studying the writings of latter-day scholars: Hugh Nibley, and Avraham Gileadi, and several others. Both Nibley and Gileadi wrote much about ‘the learning of the Jews’, and howto interpret the passages in Isaiah. I used many of their directives and keys when deciphering Isaiah - a few of which I will share here. Jewish prophets understood that all Hebrew prophecies were written to have a lesser and greater fulfillment, reading a prophecy, weusmust not asay – ‘Oh, that happened when…’ and a dismiss the therefore, statement when as though itdoesn’t apply to or have future fulfillment. Rather, when reading prophecy, let us seek to discover the lesser fulfillment (which most likely, has happened) and then identify portions of the prophecy that has yet to happen (the greater, more complete fulfillment) in our time. Also, they understood that when Isaiah was writing, heused events in Israel’s past and near future to prophecy about the latter-days; and he described latter-day events using ancient terminology. Thus, one must consider various aspects of the event or subject he is discussing to discover their latter-day counterpart. Everything that he used has a likeness in the latter-days, for instance, the city Jerusalem, capital city of Israel and Judah, headquarters of Zion, and the resting place of The House of the Lord, has a likeness in the latter-day Zion, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also used composite ideas to form a complete idea – for instance the Latter-day Prophet when the Lord Returns (a powerful End-Time Prophet) will have characteristics of all prophets represented in Isaiah, including Isaiah, and the Lord himself. A last-days Arch-tyrant is represented in composites of wicked, conquering Assyrian, Persian, Babylon, and Egyptian Kings (the Assyrian); and their countries are also part of a composite latter-day evil empire (Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Persia). Isaiah also used words to represent people; for instance Isaiah is the Mouth of the Lord; and the Lord himself is the Word; the Light; the Salvation, Redeemer, Savior, Creator, Father, Prince ofPeace etc. The power End-times Prophet is represented as The Lord’s Hand or Arm, and also called the Rod, Staff, Scepter, Etc. The Lord’s army is called The Sword of theLord, or The Lord’s Hosts, but theArchTyrant’s and his army are also called the Rod, Staff of the Lord’s Anger, Axe, Razor, River, Arm, Hand, etc. Hugh Nibley explained that Isaiah’s writings are much like bullets of information, with meaning packed into every word, andtherefore, must be expanded to gain full understanding. For instance, when Isaiah refers to the light that will break forth suddenly upon Zion, it is the Lord’s light (and presence) will appear suddenly before the people of Zion, and when he calls Isaiah a light of the people, he is referring to a prophet who shows them howto find the light of the Lord. When Isaiah wrote: ‘for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it’, he means that as the Prophet of the Lord (he who has spoken for and on behalf of the Lord), the Lord will honor every word, and not one word that is written will fall unfulfilled before the world ends. When Isaiah writes about what hesaw or about the vision, he is declaring that they were visions/dreams sent to him by the Lord, and he as the receiver is one whose eyes are open, the Lord’s chosen prophet/servant upon the earth. Consider this passage, for instance: ‘Awake, and put on thy strength, O arm of the Lord, awaken, as in the ancient day, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?’(Isaiah 51:9) This is a classic example of howIsaiah hid, inside of his writings,

references to a specific individual; in this case, the arm of the Lord being a specific right arm (powerful servant) of the Lord. It was this same servant that formerly ‘cut Rahab, wounded the dragon, dried up the seas, and made a path in sea for the ransomed of Israel to pass over’ (at the direction of the Lord, and using the Lord’s power). Through the prophet Isaiah, theLord is calling a powerful End-Time Servant, one who sat at His right arm (a former archangel), to arise; take on strength; and deliver all of Jacob/Israel once again. Who will come, and what will Hedo when he comes? Another thing Isaiah did was touse word-links to combine ideas. For instance, in oneplace, The Light of the Lord will burn every thing up; and in another place, the Light of the Lord is in Heavenly Mount Zion, where he lights up the temple – from this composite usage of the description, we get the idea that he is quite capable of doing both: cleansing the earth, and at the same time - sitting on the throne in Mount Zion. Isaiah’s betweenand benedict ionideas and that malediction, seem to follow a smooth flow, so I listedwritings them inalternate Outline Format linked I feel fit and welldon’t together. We have seen some of the things that the powerful end-time servant will do; in dreams and visions, and believe me, there are many clues given bythe prophets about his mission. It is your privilege and duty to familiarize yourself with the events that will happen just before the Lord appears – that ye may be prepared. As you read these things, pray and ask the Lord if the vision that was received is of truth and light. I firmly believe that if you are ready to receive the truth, the Lord will bear witness ofthe truthfulness of these things to you. God bless you in your endeavor to findthe truth. It is my fervent hope this book helps you gain a stronger faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ and the delivery that he has prepared for righteous LDS saints. May God Bless You.

Chapter 1 – PROPHETIC VISIONS OF BIBLICAL PROPHETS Words of the Prophet Isaiah

Hear the Lord, Oh Heavens and Earth The Lord asks us to hear Him, at a time when the human race is depleted spiritually; when mankind’s leaders tell their seers and prophets to ‘see not, prophesy nothing correct, but speak only smooth things, peaceable things, andofcause the Holyfall One of Israel to ceaseonly fromspeak before us. 10’ The people Jacob/Israel under condemnation because of this attitude (which is like unto unhealed sores) because they despise his words, trust in oppression and perverseness (iniquity), which will be unto them as a breach ready to fall. (Isa. 1:5-6, 30:1, 9-13) The people of Ephraim have become as drunkards, who will be trodden under feet, as a fading flower (Isa. 28:1,4) Scornful men who reside in Jerusalem are told: Hear the word of the Lord, ye men that rule this people which are in Jerusalem, hear the word of the Lord’, so it will be during a time when they refuse to hear the word of God; having erred in vision, and gone out of correct paths through wine consumption, and all are unclean: the priests, and prophets, and all the people (28:7-14). The Lord has sent the Gospel to all the nations, and this call is to the inhabitants of the whole world to hear and heed it (18:1-3). Then He asks us, whom will the Lord teach, for the children of the Lord, must learn through precept built upon precept (28:16), meaning that if the children haven’t learned the very basics and been weaned from the breasts (28:9), He cannot teach them willtothey be saved). From theserace. words ofwhat Isaiah, we can surmise that terrible things are(nor about happen to us, the human But things, specifically? Since Isaiah lived in Jerusalem, and was of the tribe of Judah, he often felt very concerned about his people, those living in Jerusalem and the immediate surrounding areas, and spoke of them often in his writings. But he also saw those who were not of the tribe of Judah. Therefore, I have made a list of those that seem to pertain mostly to the Jews and things that seem to pertain not only to the Jews, but to all of Israel, which includes all those who have been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Lord’s church), and thus have become of the House of Israel through adoption. There are also prophecies that pertain specifically to those who are not of the House of Israel, the wicked, who are sometimes called Gentiles, Aliens, etc.

10

Paraphrased scriptural References: Isaiah 1-2, 18:1-3; 28:14; 30:1-9-13; 33:13:

Predictions that apply to the whole world; all that are living upon it at the time; the Lord is about to s completely empty the earth; scattering its inhabitant

Behold, the Lord will make the earth empty, a waste, turning it upside down; and all the inhabitants thereof will be scattered abroad. And the no one will be exempt – it will be the same with all who are upon it [all people, priests; servants; masters; maids; buyers; sellers; lenders; borrowers]. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled; for the Lord hath spoken it! Isaiah saw that the earth will mourn, languish [loose health, vigor; becoming weak or feeble, exist in a miserable state; become dispirited, suffer neglect] and fade away, the haughty people of the earth languish with it during this time. (24:1-4) [These statements indicate a very thorough cleansing of the earth is necessary before the Lord will return to reside here.] Terrible destruction of the earth will happen as the Lord cleanses it The earth has been defiled [made unclean, impure; corrupted; violated; made physically unclean, especially with something very unpleasant or contaminating] under [because of] the inhabitants thereof. The inhabitants have transgressed the laws [universal laws, designed to keep the earth safe that were set up by the Lord after the flood; i.e. changing DNA, RNA, altering the produce, animals, and people through chemical contamination]. They have changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant [the gospel teaches the covenants

the Lord made with the people; and ordinances are part of those covenants (MD, 529-30) The Gospel teaches that is it wrong to alter basic forces of nature or use chemicals to change natural ways of the earth. It teaches us to have respect for the Lord’s laws, for ourselves, each other, and nature.] (24:5) The earth will be utterly broken down, cleanly dissolved, moved out of her place [in the heavens] exceedingly; she shall reel to and fro like a drunkard; and be removed as a small building in an earthquake; the transgression upon her shall be heavy; and she shall fall and not rise again (24:19-20); and the sun, moon, and stars will not show their face (24:23). Isaiah lamented because of the destruction, saying ‘the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously, very treacherously’; indicating that the cause of this cleansing was because of rich dealers/merchants of the earth which had performed wicked transactions and deeds (24:16). The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days (intensity); and in That Day the Lord will bind up the breach of his people; and heal t he stroke of their wound (30:26) All who are upon the earth that flee, fearing the destruction will die ‘Fear, and the pit (hell), and the snare (Lucifer and his servants) are upon thee, O inhabitants of the earth’, Isaiah said. And it will come to pass that they who try to escape won’t be successful. They who flee from the noise

will fall into the pit; and he that comes up from the pit will be taken into the snare; for the windows from heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth will shake. (24:17-18) And the in That Day the Lord will punish the Host of the High Ones that are On High; and the Kings of the earth, which are upon the earth during that time; and they will be gathered into the pit, and will be shut up in prison; and after many days they shall be visited (by heavenly messenger). (24:21-22) Because of contamination, the earth will be devoured by the curse ‘Therefore, the curse will devour the earth, and they that dwell therein will become desolate; and the inhabitants thereof will be burned with fire, and few men will be left. All joy and celebrations will cease upon the land; the new wine will sit unconsumed; the vines will lie untended, dying; the party-goers will sigh with depression; the sound of revelry will cease, and all they that rejoiced will end’ (24:6-9). Isaiah did not indicate exactly what ‘the curse’ is, but also spoke of ‘the consumption’, which seems to be a terrible sickness, combined with death. Darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people (60:2). The curses that come upon the people are covenant curses [Deut. 28:15] brought on by wickedness – darkness of spirit, mind, and body causes the people to commit terrible acts. Some of these curses are war, slavery, pestilence, plague, disease, famine, poverty, death. A terrible war will happen upon all the earth Isaiah saw that the righteous would be sheltered when ‘the blast of the terrible ones’ is as ‘a storm against the wall’; the Lord will bring down ‘the noise of the strangers’, as the heat in a dry place; even ‘the heat’ with ‘the shadow of a cloud’ (25:4-5). In the desert, sometimes we experience terrible windstorms that pound tons of dirt and sand against our buildings; these types of storms Isaiah also experienced, having grown up in the Jerusalem area. Using terminology of his time, I believe he actually described the result of atomic, nuclear, or EMT blasts.

n A very large city – the City of Confusion will be broken dow Isaiah saw that the ‘city of confusion’ would be broken down; every house would be shut up; and no man was allowed to go therein. [He did not identify which city it was.] He saw ‘in the city’ there was left only desolation, the gates smitten down with destruction. During this time, there is crying in the streets for wine, for all joy is gone, the happiness/mirth of the land is completely gone (indicates terrible destruction/war/illness/death is upon all the land) (24:10-12) The Lord will make of ‘a city’ a heap; of ‘defenced cities’ a ruin; of ‘palace of strangers’ to be no city; and it shall never be rebuilt. The ‘city of terrible nations’ shall fear the Lord’s return, the ‘strong people’ [a very large military] will glorify Him in their destruction of the wicked (25:2-3) I believe the city of terrible nations is the Vatican City. The ‘cities’ and ‘defended cities’ referred to are not be identified, but may mean that ‘all cities upon the earth’ will become targets to the dark one; and especially the ‘larger, more defended ones’ which have large homes/palaces.

When this Destruction happens, the Lord will perform the last gathering of the righteous When ‘thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people’, there will be a gathering ‘as the shaking of an olive tree’, which is done after all the rest of the olives (from the easier to reach branches) have already been picked, and ‘as gleaning of grapes’, which is done by the reapers after the main grape harvest has been done – a final check over of the fields to make sure the entire crop has been harvested; and they who are rescued will lift up their voices, and sing for the majesty of the Lord; their voices will be heard ‘crying aloud

from the sea’;will for be theglorified Lord willinbe during the fires, even the Name of the Lord God Israel (Jehovah) theglorified isles upon the sea, for Isaiah heard, coming from the ‘uttermost part of the earth, the songs of praise and glory’. (24:1416) [This seems to indicate that the righteous will be removed (consider the parable of the two women, where one is taken and the other left; and the two people plowing, where one is taken, and the other left; and the ten virgins, where those who are prepared are allowed to come in to the celebration). Then there will be voices heard singing, crying aloud from the sea (those who have been rescued will rejoice]. The Lord will be a refuge for the poor and needy The Lord has been [and will continue to be] a strength to the poor; to the needy in his distress; a refuge from the storm; a shadow in which to find refuge from the heat; and He will be there when the ‘blast of the terrible ones’ is as a ‘storm against the wall’ (25:4) In these statements, one can easily see that the Lord is primarily focused on saving the poor, needy, homeless, widows, children, fatherless, and humble followers of Him [his sheep]; and has little need or desire for the prideful, haughty, prudent, rich, exalted, drinkers, drug addicted, worshipers of Satan, merchants of the world [the goats]. We are now being measured against how we treat those among us who are poor, fatherless, widows, homeless (we ourselves need not be in these conditions to be judged as being righteous). The Righteous will be brought to Mount Zion and Heavenly Jerusalem During this time, the righteous will be with the Lord, who will reign as King of Israel in Mount Zion, and Jerusalem (indicates two heavenly places of rescue, where the Lord resides); His counsels of old will be with him; Righteousness and Truth [along with all the ancient prophets, including Isaiah], who will exalt him and praise His name forever. (24:23; 25:1) In This Mountain, the Lord of Hosts will make unto all people a great feast; delicious food and drink will be served. He will remove the veil that covers his face, and the presence of the angels from them, so that they will be seen. (25:6-7) The Lord has swallowed up death in victory; and He will wipe away the tears from the faces of all the righteous; the rebuke of his people (death, hell, illness, curses, war) will he remove from off of all the earth. In That Day the people will say; ‘Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us; this is our Lord, we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation’ (25:8-9).

Predictions that seem to be specifically about the Jews, House of Judah

(Includes Judah, Benjamin, and some Levites) during the time of Isaiah (Isaiah’s people). They are a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, children of evildoers and corrupters, who have forsaken the Lord; and have provoked the Holy One of Israel into anger; having gone away from the Lord’s teachings and ways. The dumbest animals know their masters, but they don’t know theirs (the Lord) when he stands among them (1:4). Their leaders are as rulers of Sodom, and the people as the people of Gomorrah (1:10). From thesores, soles and of their feet to heads they sick with putrefying nothing hastheir caused them toare heal, therefore why should the Lord allow them to continue? (1:5-6) The Lord hates their burnt offerings, sacrifices – which he considers to be vain oblations, and their ceremonies to be iniquity (1:11). The rich among them seek after riches, abandoning their needy and poor Once their faithful city (Jerusalem, Ariel, City of David) was full of judgment, and righteousness dwelt in it; now it has become as a harlot (seeking other Gods); and full of murderers. The people, which once were pure as precious metal, or fine wine, and now are so corrupt they are like dross, and of no use. The young men of the rich (princes – future leaders) are rebellious, companions of thieves, everyone loving bribes, following after rewards; caring nothing for the sick, poor, hungry, fatherless and widows among them (1:21-23). Their Country will be Made Desolate Therefore, their country will made desolate, their cities burned with fire, their land used by strangers in their presence, desolate and overthrown by strangers. The people will be left as a broken down building in an empty field, a besieged city; only a small remnant will remain (1:7-8). This has already happened several times. Additionally, the Lord will remove from Judah and Jerusalem their food and water, and all their governmental leaders, and military, and give children to be their leaders; babies to rule over them; and their people will be terribly oppressed – neighbors against one another, children behaving proudly against their parents, and the sexually perverted acting against those who are trying to live correctly. Their Leaders will Fall They who have a few things will be put upon by others who will say to them: come and lead us with good government, for our cities are ruined, our people oppressed; and that person will say, I cannot be a healer, for I can hardly survive (sounds very much like the conditions of Jerusalem

today) (3:1-8).

The Lord hides His face from them

When they spread forth their hands in prayer, the Lord will hide his eyes from them; refusing to hear their prayers, for their hands are full of blood (1:12-15). The Lord will avenge himself of these people, they have become his adversaries, his enemies; so He will turn his Hand upon them – purge away all their dross, and tin (1:24-25). The people will be so wicked it will show upon their faces, which declare their sins to be as Sodom and Gomorrah – they can’t hide it; therefore, their souls will be rewarded unto Evil (3:9). If people help each other, and repent, they will be saved, if not they will be destroyed. The Lord wants us to learn to do well; seek righteous judgment; relieve the oppressed; judge correctly the condition of the fatherless; and plead for protection of the widows among them (those who do this become part of the people of Zion). To the less wicked among them, He states: Come, let us reason together; for even if your sins are red as crimson, I will make them as white as snow – if you will be willing and obedient to my teachings, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured by the sword. (1:16-20) Afterwards, the righteous among them will be able to rebuild their city Afterwards, the Lord will restore unto them righteous judges, as they had at the first; counselors that follow the Lord’s ways, as there was at the beginning (consider Melchizedek, King of Uru Salem, King of Peace). And their new city will be called ‘The City of Righteousness, The Faithful City’. (1:26)

Predictions about the entire House of Israel/Jacob (Includes all the tribes of Israel and all Gentiles which have been baptized into the Lord’s Church). Jacob/Israel is the Lord’s chosen vine that produces wild fruit The people of Jacob/Israel were the Lord’s chosen vine; one that he carefully planted here upon the earth; tended it and expected that it would produce choice fruit; instead, it had produced much wild fruit. Therefore, the Lord took away his protection from them, allowing them to be removed from their homeland and scattered worldwide. He allowed them to suffer among their tormentors. Now, they follow after the ways of Babylon (enemies of the Lord; building house upon house, and becoming drunkards, seeking pleasures constantly. The Lord’s people have gone into captivity unto the Adversary because they have forgotten their Maker; having no correct knowledge of the Lord and his ways, their honorable men are spiritually dead, their multitudes dried up with thirst. The wicked of Jacob/ Israel will be forsaken to death and hell Therefore, Hell has enlarged herself, opening her mouth to receive their souls without measure; and all their glory, their multitudes, pomp, and they that rejoice will descend into it. Those who are mighty and mean will be humbled; the lofty among mankind will be brought down. For only the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and sanctified in righteousness. (5:1-16)

The righteous of Jacob/Israel will be redeemed The people of Zion (those who take care of their poor, needy, homeless) will be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness (1:27). They are the Lord’s lambs, that will feed quietly and in peace (5:17) The Lord’s House will be the hiding place during the earth’s burning In the Last Days, the Lord will establish, in the top of the mountains, the Mountain of the Lord’s house. It will be exalted higher than all hills, and all nations will flow unto it. (Many feel this refers to the Lord’s Church and temples that have been established world-wide today; and I agree that earthly temples are a lesser fulfillment; but I see in this prophecy the greater, more complete fulfillment as being the established Heavenly City of Zion (Enoch’s City) that floats above all the highest mountains in the world, the place of the Lord’s physical residence - his house). And it is to this place that all nations will flow; saying come – let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, the House of the God of Jacob; for there we will learn of His ways, and walk in His paths. And they will go forth unto Zion (the gathering places of all the saints) where the Lord’s law shall go forth; and from Jerusalem (rebuilt city) the word of the Lord shall go forth (2:1-3). See below for more about the awesome power of Temple Covenants. The Lord will cleanse the earth of all the earth, and destroy all weapons of war The Lord will judge among all the nations; rebuke many people, and they will repent or be destroyed. Those who remain will destroy all their weapons of war, and turn them into agricultural tools (2:4). Woes will fall upon all the wicked, for they will receive the reward of their doings. Specific types of sin cause chastisement of the people of Jacob/Israel There are specific things done by the Lord’s people that will cause specific types of chastisement. (1) The men have become weak; their children oppressive; their women rule over them; but this is not the Lord’s ways – they who lead them cause them to error; destroying the correct paths of the Lord’s ways. The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders of his people – the princes and rulers thereof – for they have eaten up His vineyard (all of Jacob), and the spoil of the poor is in their homes; He will ask them: why have ye beaten my people to pieces, and ground the faces of the poor? (3:1115). (2) The daughters of Zion (people of the Lord’s Church) have become haughty, walking pridefully, wearing all types of jewelry and changes of clothing.

Therefore, the Lord will ‘smite with a scab the crown of the head’ and ‘discover their secret parts’; which may mean personal, forceful inspections and forced subjection to the mark of the beast (which will be put upon the foreheads of they who really don’t want it); ‘discovering their secret parts’ seem be refer to being subjected to strip-searches; beatings; or molestations that are abusive and in-

humane. Using harlot analogy (women that have all types of jewelry on their bodies, and various types of beautiful clothing to attract and beguile, as harlots do; indicate a people who are obsessed about how their look; wealth; belongings), the Lord indicates that many LDS saints will be serving many other masters: using their sex, looks, clothing, and jewelry as harlots do to pursue beauty, wealth, or power; and that these actions cause them to be punished; in a way that is directly opposite of what they hoped to gain through their disobedience to the Lord’s commandments. Their bodies will stink; their clothing will be turned into rags; and they will experience burning instead of beauty; their men will fall by the sword - their mighty will fall in the war; and Zion’s gates will laments and mourn; and the people, being desolate will sit upon the ground. (3:16-26) Many righteous women will remain, and need to take righteous husbands After Zion’s people have been chastised (during which many of their men will die in the war) then seven women will take hold of one righteous man; saying let us take care of our own support, and raise our children; only let us be called by thy name – to take away our reproach. After this the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, the fruit of the earth (children born during the Millennium) will be excellent and comely. Then all they who are left in Zion, even everyone written among the living will be called Holy; for the Lord will have washed away the filth of all the daughters of Zion, and the blood of Jerusalem will be purged from among them through the spirit of judgment and burning. (4:1-5) Jacob/Israel must learn to walk in the L ord’s ways The House of Jacob (all Israel) is warned – ‘come, let us walk in the Light of the Lord’; for Jacob will be forsaken if they continue to please themselves with the things of the Gentiles; for their land is full of silver, gold, treasures, vehicles, idols, things made with their own hands (things that cause them to be distracted from serving the Lord); and as a result there are many among them that do things that offend the Lord; who don’t repent; humbling themselves not before the Lord – these won’t be forgiven, even if they are born with Israel’s blood in them; they will be treated as the other wicked of the world. (2:5-9) The Lord’s anger has been kindled against his people, and he will stretch out his hand against them and smite them several times in an attempt to get them to self-correct before destroying them. (5:25) The Gospel of Jesus Christ will be established unto Jacob/Israel For the House of Israel, the Lord has sent an Ensign (the Gospel of Jesus Christ restored in the Last Days), that will go to all nations, and call to them from the ends of the earth. And they who hear the call will respond and come forth unto Zion with speed swiftly. None will be weary, nor will any stumble among them, none will sleep or slumber, nor will their clothing be loosened, or their shoes removed. (5:26-27)

Predictions specifically about the most Righteous of the World The Righteous will be saved It will be well for the Righteous; for they will eat the fruit of their doings (3:10). When thy (the Lord’s) judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness (26:9). From the uttermost part of the earth we have heard songs, even glory to the righteous. (24:16) Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou hast wrought all our works in us (26:12). In that day a song will be sung in the land of Judah: we have a strong city, Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks; open ye the gates, that the righteous nation, which keeps the truth may enter in; for thou (the Lord) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon thee; because he trusts in thee. Trust ye, therefore, in the Lord for ever; for the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength (26:1-4).

The sinners in Zion will be afraid, saying who among us will dwell with the devouring fire? The Lord tells us who: they who that walk righteously; and speak uprightly; they who despise the gain of oppression; that refuse to take bribes; that stops their ears from hearing of blood; and shuts their eyes from seeing Evil. These are they who will dwell on high; for their place of defense will be the munitions of rocks; they will receive bread and water. These are they whose eyes shall see the King in his beauty; and shall behold the Land that is very far off. These shall not see a fierce people, whose speech is deeper than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou cannot understand (invaders that will come upon the land?). For the righteous shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; and they will weep (because of sickness, death, sorrow) no more; for the Lord will be very gracious unto them; when they cry He will hear them, and answer them. And though they have tasted the bread of adversity and the waters of affliction, yet their teachers (heavenly angels) will no longer be hidden in a corner, but their eyes will behold them. And their ears will hear them, giving directions saying; this is the way, walk ye in it (30:19-21). The Lord has prepared places of Safety for the Righteous And my people shall dwell in peaceable habitations, in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; when it shall hail, coming down upon the forest, and the city shall be low in a low place. (32:18-19). These are they whose eyes will look upon Zion; city of our solemnities; they shall see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall never be taken down. Unto them, the Lord shall be a place of pure waters; He shall be their judge, lawgiver, their king; and he will save them. These are they who will never again suffer sickness, or death; for they will be forgiven of their iniquity. (30:14-24)

Zion will be established and protected The barren wife (dispersed Israel) is told to sing, for she will have more children than the married or covenant wife. The Lord said ‘with great mercy he will gather thee’; and though they have been chastised, yet he will ‘no more be wroth with her’; his kindness ‘will remain with her’. He calls her ‘thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted’, a woman that was forsaken, that will inherit the Gentiles. This means that the end-time Zion (the bride whose maker and husband is the Lord) will include all nations, kindreds, and people, not just Israel (the covenant wife). The Lord has promised safety, peace, protection. He will make her windows, gates, borders beautiful, decorated with beautiful stones. Her children will be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of her children. She will be established in righteousness, and not fear or have as they shall be ‘for they shall notfall come thee’. for Yet‘no theweapon wickedthat willis‘surely gatherterror, together against her’, but he they ‘will fornear her sake’; formed against her shall prosper’ and ‘every tongue that rises up to condemn her shall she condemn in judgment’. Zion is the heritage of the servants of the Lord; and their righteousness is of him (54:1-17). These statements indicate that a strong protection/redemption has been prepared for the righteous. Some of the Saints will remain in their mortal state to repopulate the earth And the saints shall receive the rain of their seed (thousands of children), and they shall sow the ground with them (replant the human race upon the earth); and the bread of them shall increase in the earth, and the crops thereof (food, necessary for survival) shall be healthy, plenteous, and strong; and in that day their domesticated animals also will feed in large and beautiful pastures (30:23-24). During the time of ‘the great slaughter’ the righteous will be safe upon ‘every high mountain’ and upon ‘every high hill’ (may indicated heavenly cities), and there they will receive pure water (spiritual food, as well as physical) (30:25). Several powerful End-time Servants will arise to serve the Lord The Lord will redeem the people of Zion with Judgment, and her converts with Righteousness (1:27). Judgment will I (the Lord) lay to the line (vertical alignment through a prophet of the lord; means that heavenly things will be put in order upon the earth through a powerful end-time prophet), and Righteousness to the plummet (earthly things will be set in order through another powerful end-time servant/prophet); and the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies (28:17).

The Lord will be exalted (elevated in rank, or status) in Judgment, and sanctified (made holy; made spiritually productive) in Righteousness; then the Lambs will feed quietly after their manner (protected by the Lord) (5:17). The Lord will judge with Righteousness the poor, and reprove with Equity the meek of the earth; for Righteousness will be the girdle of his loins, and Faithfulness the girdle of his reins. (11:4-5). In Mercy shall the throne be established, and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking Judgment, and hasting Righteousness (16:5). The spirit will be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness will be a fruitful field; then Judgment will dwell in the wilderness; and Righteousness will remain in the fruitful field. And the work of Righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of Righteousness quietness and assurance forever. (32:15-17)

These statements seem to indicate specific powerful End-time Servants or Prophets, whose characteristics cause them to be identified thus: Righteousness; Judgment; Faithfulness; Equity; Mercy, and Truth. The Tabernacle of David is the new temple of rebuilt Jerusalem. The Gospel Ensign will protect the saints In that day, there will be a root of Jesse, that will stand as an Ensign to the people (the prophet Joseph Smith); and his rest is glorious (11:10) In that day the Lord will establish an Ensign (the Gospel of Jesus Christ); and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel (refugees world-wide); and gather together the dispersed of Judah (bring to safety); then the envy of Ephraim will depart;

and Judah and Ephraim will be friends (11:12-13). The Lord will lift up the Ensign to the nations from far, and call unto all from the end of the earth; and they will come with speed swiftly; none of them will stumble, nor sleep, nor shall they loosed the garments around their bodies; nor will they remove their shoes. [Sounds like they have been transformed or resurrected.] Their arrows will be sharps, their bows will be bent, t heir horses hooves will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind; and they will roar, like a lion; and shall lay hold of the prey, and carry it away safely, and none shall deliver it. (5:26-30) Through the Gospel, or Ensign, the Lord will raise up a group of elders that will protect the saints. And their defense will be very strong, at a time when there is darkness and terrible sorrow; if one looks up during this time, they see that the light of the heavens has been darkened. During that time, a thousand shall fall at the rebuke of one, at the rebuke of five shall all flee; until the saints are left as a beacon upon the top of the mountain; as an Ensign upon a hill; therefore the Lord will wait, that he may be gracious unto you; for he is a God of judgment; blessed are all they that wait for him; for the people shall dwell safely in Zion at Jerusalem; and the strong princes shall fear and be very afraid of the Ensign, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace is in Jerusalem. (30:17-19; 31:9).

Predictions specifically about the L ord Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. The Lord is very real and very much alive. Isaiah gave his testimony that God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ are very much alive. He described the Father’s throne, and the place where the Lord sits. As righteous as Isaiah was, he experienced a great fear of the Lord, because of personal wickedness; saying ‘I am a man of unclean lips, woe is me!, for I have seen the Lord, the King, the LORD of Hosts, believing the he would need to be destroyed because of wickedness (6:1-7) I believe each person who was born upon the earth has this experience ahead of us. Certainly, the Lord will have each of his prophets and leaders stand personally before him, and give t hem a complete life-review, in which

nothing is hidden. I believe each of us needs to personally prepare for that overwhelming moment in our existence, when we will stand before the Lord, and nothing will be hidden from him; and we will be judged by what we did here. Isaiah witnessed the tremendous power, love, strength, and presence of the Lord, and let us know that this experience was incredibly real in his writings. The Lord is the one who allows Jacob/Israel to be chastised – for our own progression The Lord told Isaiah to go forth and ‘make the hearts of the people fat, and their ears heavy, lest they hear, see, and understand, and convert and be healed. And this curse was to last until all the people experienced tremendous losses; until the Lord removed them far away from their homeland, and there was a great forsaking in the land (which has happened and is about to be completed); after that only a tenth of the people will return to help rebuild the new holy city of Jerusalem. (6:8-13) In the times of trial, many people will say, come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, the house of the God of Jacob; … and He will judge among many nations; and shall rebuke many people; and afterward all people will beat their swords in to agricultural tools; and none shall learn the art of war anymore (2:3-4).

Seems to indicate that some will try to hide their true intentions when attending temple ceremonies, but it won’t work; and after they have been rebuked, they will happily turn to do what they are told to do. The Lord will swallow up death in victory; and wipe away the tears from all faces (remove death, sin, illness); and the rebuke of his people will he remove from all the earth; and in that day it shall be said: behold and lo, here is our God, the one that we waited for; and He will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him; and we will rejoice in his salvation and glory (25:8-9). The righteous will know the Lord and walk with him and talk with him My people shall know my name (the Lord’s); and they shall know in that day that I am he that speaks; behold it is I. ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publishes salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!’ The watchmen of Zion will lift up their voices, and together they shall sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord brings Zion again. Break forth into singing, ye waste places of Jerusalem for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem; he has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (52:6-10) These statements seem to indicate a lesser fulfillment, which has happened; and a greater fulfillment; in which the Lord makes his arm bare in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth see the salvation that awaits the righteous.

Predictions about the wicked people of th e world (Includes wicked Church members, wicked of those who are pure-blood of the House of Israel, Gentiles of all nations, who have rejected the Gospel) All the sinners and transgressors will die - be consumed Woe unto the multitude of many people, which make a noise, like the noise of the seas; the rushing of nations; that make a rushing sound like the rushing of mighty waters! For the nations will rush forward, but God shall rebuke them; and they shall flee off; and chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind; like a rolling thing before the whirlwind; and behold at evening tide there will be trouble; and before the morning; he is not. That is the portion of them that spoil us; the lot of they that rob us (17:12-14). For the destruction of the transgressors and sinners shall happen all together, all they that forsake the Lord, Jesus Christ will be consumed. They will become desperately ashamed of the false Gods, false worship practices (pagan ways), and leaders they followed after. These will become as an oak whose leaf fades that has no water (faint away). And the strong (men of war) among them will be as tow (small twigs that burn easily), and the maker of it as a spark (Lucifer and his armies will cast the first spark to light everything on-fire), and then all will burn up together, and nothing will quench the destruction (sounds like atomic warfare) (1:28-31). Those who live in Zion but are addicted to Babylon’s ways will die The wicked among Zion are they who are addicted to Babylon’s ways, drunkards of Ephraim, prideful, boastful, mighty, mean; they who draw out their iniquity with vanity, happily showing all how long they can lengthen it (cords of vanity); and sinning continuously, without any thought of repentance or change; who pridefully say, I wish the Lord would hurry up and come, so that we can quit talking about it; believing they have no further need of chastisement or time for repentance. These are they who call darkness light, and evil good, and put bitterness for sweetness; they who are wise in their own eyes, prudent in their own opinion. (5:13-15; 18-21) In this same classification are the mighty, and strong (enlisted soldiers) who frequently drink and take drugs; justifying wickedness (of a sexual nature) for their reward, and trying to remove all righteousness from the righteous (recruits) among them (5:22-23). The roots and blossom of the wicked will be consumed as well As fire devours stubble and flame consumes chaff, so the roots of the wicked will be rotten, their blossom go up into dust; for they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the words of the Holy One of Israel. (5:24) I believe this means that the

genealogy will not be done for them - their dead will not be redeemed; nor will any posterity be given to them. They will simply vanish from all history as though they were always ashes, having never been trees at all.

The wicked will try to hide in rocks and caves to no avail The wicked are told – be afraid of the Lord’s coming! Enter into the rocks, and hide yourselves in the dust! Hide yourselves from the glory (burning light, energy) of His Majesty! The Day of the Lord (the day of his second coming) will be upon all the proud and lofty (they who are lifted up and seem to be mighty); it will fall upon every mountain, hill, tower, fenced place, all ships and all pleasant places. And the loftiness of the wicked will be made low – for only the Lord will be exalted in That Day. And they will go into holes of the

rocks, caves the their earth,most because they collections fear the Lord’s return – they theexpensive glory of his majesty. And they willofcast precious (idols of silver andfear gold, art) into caves, clefts of rocks, and tops of ragged rocks; for the Lord will arise and TERRIBLY shake the earth. In spite of all their professed power, they are still mortals – and not to be trusted or believed Jacob/Israel is told to ‘cease ye from man’ (not believe or trust in their plans, for it will not help them, for these are men), whose breathe is in their nostrils (weak, mortal, humans); and cannot be trusted to keep you safe. (2:10-22) Two great nations will gather together in wickedness and come upon Zion’s land to destroy Isaiah lived during a time when two great nations were about to invade and take over Jerusalem, wherein resided the King and Prophet of God. These two nations were relatives of the Jews (Damascus and Syria). As Israel’s king began to fear, Isaiah was sent to tell him, don’t worry, their plan will be thwarted; for a much larger force will come and remove them. I believe Isaiah used this story to help us understand what is about to happen to us. Two very large nations are about to invade the US (China and Russia). We have seen in dreams and visions them coming up on the east and west coast and working their way inwards, killing, raping, and taking over as they go. They will be stopped just before entering into Salt Lake City; and the Navajo Reservation on the West, and in the East just before they get to Missouri. There are others who have seen similar things.

Note: Many of Isaiah’s Prophecies are discussed in greater detail in another book: Finding Christ Through the Study of Isaiah, written by the same author. * * * * * * * * * * * Daniel’s Vision of the End The Prophet Daniel saw much about our times. - He appropriately identified the various nations that were part of a large beast, or servant of Lucifer. a. The head of fine gold was Nebuchadnezzar’s empire; and it was he to whom the dream was given, that Daniel correctly interpreted. (Dan. 2:28; 37-38). b. He saw the kingdoms that would arise afterwards (gold (Babylon), silver (Persia), brass (Macedonia), and iron

(Rome) (7:3); which have already risen to power and then collapsed (2:39-44) c. He saw the last kingdom that arose from legs of iron; a kingdom that was part iron, part clay. As clay doesn’t bond with iron, so the kingdom will be partly strong, and partly weak, the iron kingdom will mingle themselves with clay (the seed of men); but they will not cleave one to another and are thus a divided kingdom; yet with the strength of iron (2:40-43). It was this last kingdom that the church and kingdom of God (a stone cut out without hands) that will arise and smite; and break them into pieces. After this there was iron, clay, brass, silver and gold; all broken into pieces together that became like the chaff of summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, and no place was found for them ever upon the earth again; stone that(2:33-35; smote them to become a great mountain, filled the whole and earththe thereafter. 44) arose As part of the kingdom of clay andwhich iron, Daniel saw that ten horns (like ten toes), representing ten kings symbolized the kingdoms that succeeded the Roman Empire (7:7); but it seems clear they are all part of the beast that serves Lucifer, and in need of destruction. d. The little horn that had great power over the other ten most assuredly is the Papal office held by the current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. John the Revelator gave great detailed description of the fall of ‘the great city’ (Vatican) that corrupts all other nations, and sits upon many waters, and upon all nations; and corrupts them. e. The prophecy of the seventy weeks during which the apostles had time to ‘finish the transgression; make and end of sins; and make reconciliation for iniquity; and to bring in everlasting righteousness; to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy’ spoken of fall in Daniel 9:24-26atsuggests the70 New Testament Church would into apostasy the end that of the weeks; and may symbolize the period between the Jew’s return to Jerusalem (537 B.C.) and the coming of Jesus as their messiah, who atoned and was ‘cut off’ for his people. Daniel 9:27 prophesied that the Lord would ‘confirm the covenant with many for one week’ during which time ‘the sacrifice and oblation would cease’, and afterward ‘Jerusalem would be made desolate’, ‘until the consummation was poured upon the desolate’. In a lesser fulfillment; this seventh day week may represent the decades seven decades that the Church (which was established by the Lord when upon the earth) would endure, led by living apostles and prophets, which ended shortly after A.D. 100, following the ministry of John the Apostle. The prophecy also notes that Jerusalem and its temple would be destroyed in the ‘midst of the week’, which it was in A.D. 70 (Mark 13:14). It is also possible that it is speaking of a future fulfillment; a time when a document is signed for seven years; a new temple erected, after which a terrible consumption comes upon Jerusalem; and then all are destroyed, including the new temple. f.

Daniel Chapter 11 prophesies about the Anti-Christ that will rise to power in the last days. He began the prophecy (1-4) by speaking of three kings in Persia that would arise (Camyses,

Smerdes, and Darius) and a fourth that would be richer (Xerxes); and then a strong king that would rule with great power (Alexander); after which his kingdom would be broken up and rent in pieces. Next, he speaks of several more kings that would arise (5-11): The king of the south (Ptolemeus, son of Lagus, king of Egypt); and a prince that would prevail (Seleucus Nicator, king of Asia and Syria); whose successors were called kings of the north (because their dominions lay north of Jerusalem). After the end of year, the league was made (the daughter of the king of the south, that is, Berenice, of Ptolemeus was in marriage AntiochusEvergetes, Theos, grandson Seleucus);daughter and the plant of the bud of given her roots stood up to (Ptolemeus son of of Philadelphus); and he came with an army, and entered into the province of the king of the north; and abused them, and prevailed. And he carried away captive their gods, and precious vessels; and then returned to his own land; and his sons (Selecus Ceraunius, and Antiochus the Great) were provoked, and joined with him in battle against the king of the north; a great multitude were given into his hands. Next there is a continuing cycle of war (12-15): The king of the north (Antiochus) returned with a great army; and with him many rose up against the king of the south, and they fell. And the king of the north came upon him, cast up a mount, and took the best fenced cities; the arms of the south were not able to withstand, not having enough strength; the northern king came and stood in the glorious land (Judea), and it was consumed by his hand (16). Then he set his face to come and possess all his kingdom (Ptolemeus Ephiphanes), and made conditions with him, gave him a daughter of women to overthrow it; and she was not for (his Cleopatra) (17). After committing acts of war; willhim stand updaughter, in his place that is despised (Antiochus Ephiphanes); andone he will break down the fighter; and also the prince of the covenant (the king of Egypt, was prince of the league/covenant/ his most powerful adversary). (21-22) After becoming friends, the King of the North dealt deceitfully with the Southern King and then went up, and overcome them with a small group of soldiers. Then his heart was stirred up against the king of the south (Ptoplemeus Philometor) and with a great army, the south was stirred up to battle with many, and did not stand. (24-25); and many fell down slain. The heart of both kings were set to do evil; and they spoke lies at one table; and did not prosper; because the end is not yet (26-27). Then he returned to his own land with great wealth, and his heart was strongly set against the covenant; and later returned to fight against the South (27-28) Then they returned, and with strong indignation against the covenant of the sanctuary, he planned destruction of all they that had forsaken the covenant of the sanctuary; and they defiled the sanctuary of strength; and took away the continual sacrifice; and placed there the ‘abomination unto desolation’. Antiochus ordered the idol of Jupiter Olympus was set up in the sanctuary of the temple; which is called ‘the sanctuary of strength’, removing the worship of the Almighty God, that had once been there (29-31).

(32-35) And they that dealt wickedly against the covenant deceitfully dissembled (broke up) many nations (but they that know their God prevail and succeed); and they that are educated then taught many; and they fell by the sword, by fire, and by captivity, and by spoil for many days; and they were joined to many deceitfully. This statement seems to reflect that these devious men continue for some time; during which time alliances and deceitful covenants are made. (36-39) And a powerful king (of the North) will do according to his will, and he will be lifted up; and shall magnify himself against every god; and he shall great things against the of gods, and shall prosper, until the wrathspeak of God be accomplished; for God the determination has been made. And he shall not speak of the God of his fathers; but will follow after the lust of women; and shall not regard any gods; but shall instead rise up against all things. He will worship the god Maozim (the God of forces or strong holds) in his place (and a god whom his fathers knew not); and he will increase in glory, and give them power over many, and shall divide the land as he wishes; he bestows honors, riches and lands, upon they that worship his god. (Note: Prince Bernard, a German Prince of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; which is located far to the North - whose kingdom includes Belgium, Luxembourg, Antilles, and several Caribbean Islands; was one of the srcinal developers of the Jesuit/Knight of the Malta Freemason Group; which later became the Bilderberg Group and later the Council for Foreign Relations, which is a group of men who are powerful, and independently wealthy, and who now run the world as part of the shadow government. He is also comes from a long line of very powerful kings that have played a part in the world economy and events.)

(40-45) At a time that has been predetermined, the king of the south will arise, and fight against the king of the north; who will retaliate against him like a tempest, with chariots, horsemen, and a great and strong navy, and he shall enter into countries, and shall destroy and pass through; and shall enter into the glorious land (Jerusalem) and many shall fall; and only they of Edom, Moab and Ammon (the Arabs) will be saved out of his hand (most likely because they are partners to the slaughter). And he will lay his hand upon lands; and Egypt shall not escape. He will control all treasures of gold, silver, and all the precious things of Egypt; and shall pass through Libya, and Ethiopia. And there will be news out of the east and out of the north that will trouble him; and he will come with a great multitude to destroy and slay many. The King of the North will fix his tabernacle, Apadno, between the seas, upon a glorious and holy mountains of Zabi, and he shall come to the top thereof, and none shall help him. Apadno seems to be a proper name, or perhaps a description of his home. A careful Hebrew 11

transcriptionist informed his readers that the two words Apadno, and Zabi are not found in 11

th The Little Book , or A Close and Brief Elucidation of the 13 through the 18 Chapters of Revelation, by EdenEzer, High Peak, Derbyshire, England, 1881, Printed byC. Stower, London. Google Books on line. The name hand-written next to the author’s name: Aldred Great Hackdon, Derbyshire.

ancient geography, having no comparison in Hebrew. He stated the Zabi may mean ‘the mountain of the seas’ alluding to the other part of the verse, the mountain between the seas. He also explained that there is considerable similarity in the names Apadno and Abadon, and may actually mean the same person referred to by John the Revelator; Abaddon and Apollyon both mean ‘destroyer’. He also stated that the words ‘none will help him’ when read in Hebrew should be translated ‘not then being helped by any other power’. It should also be noted that Prince Bernard and Wilhelm are Masons of the Highest ranking; their castle sits high upon a hill between the seas, on an island far to the north, Saba. In the 1800’s Albert Pike, an illuminated Freemason nd+

(32 degree) wrote a bookthe called “The Book of Apadno ”, which ‘contains prophecies concerning the reign of the Anti-Christ from the Satanic point of view.’ In the book, Lucifer is represented as being a young man wearing a red bow, and a seal with the number ‘666’. From this book, and many other documents discussing the rise of various powers through the ages and the organizations of Free Masonry and the Illuminati, it soon becomes apparent that Daniel saw the r ise of the AntiChrist and the outcome of his administration; similar to John the Revelator who saw him as a beast that gives power to the Dragon (Lucifer). John the Revelator (9:1-11) saw that depraved ‘demons and fallen angels that were bound in everlasting chains under darkness’ would be released from the Abyss, and that their king would be Abaddon or Apollyon. So there is the connection. * * * * * * * * * * *

Zephaniah’s Vision of the End The Prophet Zephaniah also saw the coming of the great and terrible Day of the Lord. Consider these statements that reflect his vision: "The day of the Lord is at hand," (1:7) "the day of the Lord's sacrifice," (1:8) "the great day of the Lord is near," (1:14) "that day is a day of wrath . . . trouble and distress . . . waste and desolation . . . etc.," (1:15) "He will make an end, yea, a terrible end," (1:18) "the day when one passeth as the chaff," (2:2) "the day that I rise up to testify." (3:8). While his writings can be difficult to understand, his writings carry much prophetic insight about our time. His concept of the Day of the Lord is very similar to other prophetic writings, Isaiah, Joel, Obadiah, Malachi, who understood that the Day of Lord is his second coming in the last days, with its accompanying scenes of judgment and desolation. Malachi made known that Elijah was to precede the ‘great and terrible day of the Lord’ (Mal 4:5), and that the Lord will purify the sons of Levi (Mal. 3:3).

Zephaniah explained that that destruction of many people during the Day of the Lord is brought about by the wickedness of the people of Jacob/Israel and Judah. Their behavior will cause stern rebuke. In his prophecy we learn that the Lord plans to ‘utterly sweep away all things from off of the face of the earth, including all men and beasts, fowls of the heavens, fishes of the sea, and the offences with the wicked – man will be cut off from the face of the earth (Zaph 1:2-3). The Lord will stretch out his hand upon Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and cut off the remnant of Baal from this place – their idol-priests, they who bow down upon roofs, and swear by Malkam (Molech/Baal), who apostatized from the Lord; who no longer seek the Lord, nor inquire of him. They are told to be ‘silent before the Lord Jehovah, for the day of the Lord is near’; and he has prepared a sacrifice, and has consecrated his guests. And in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, the Lord will punish the princes, king’s sons, all who wear foreign apparel, and they who leap over the threshold (national boundaries) in that day, who fill the house of their Lord with violence and deceit (Zaph. 1:4-9) During the Day of the Lord, mighty men will cry bitterly, it will be a day of anguish and stress, destruction and desolation, darkness and gloom, clouds and obscurity, trumpets sounding and battle-cries, a day when fortified cities and high battlements will fail.

Men’s blood will be poured out like dust; their flesh like dung And the Lord will bring great distress upon men, and they shall walk like the blind, theirof blood poured outwill like save dust,them. their flesh likethe dung – and no and amount money or gold During day of the Lord’s wrath, the fire of His Zeal will consume the whole earth, and he will make and end, yea terrible destruction, of all the inhabitants of the earth (Zaph. 1:14-18). Zephaniah named all the cities of the Philistines that will be forsaken, desolated, rooted up and destroyed, which will become meadows and flocks for fields, to be inherited by the remnant of Jacob/Israel after their return (2:4-7). Only a few of people (the more righteous) will be saved taken to refuge before the land is cleansed. He named all the land surrounding Jerusalem, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Assyria, and others that will be cleansed. For the Lord of hosts will be terrible to them, he will thin out all the gods of the earths, and then all the isles of the nations will worship Him – everyone from it’s own place (2:8-12) Next, he focused on what will happen in Jerusalem, saying ‘woe unto her that is rebellious and polluted, the oppressed city! She harkened not to the voice of God, did not receive correction, trusted not in the Lord, nor drew near to her God. Her princes act as roaring lions in the midst of her (destroying their own people); and her judges are as evening wolves, who strip off the bones in the morning; her prophets are immoral and treacherous men, her priests have profaned that which is

holy, and have done violence to the laws of God. The Lord who is righteous, is in the midst of her, and he will bring his purpose to pass. The unrighteous will die, but feel no shame, and they will be cut off, all nations. Their corners will be desolate, their streets laid to waste, so that none passes by; their cities destroyed, so there is no man, and no inhabitant. (3:1-7) The meek have been warned; gather before the decree is executed! Then Zephaniah gave strict warning to the meek of the earth: ‘gather yourselves together, before the decree is executed (for the day will pass like chaff); before the burning anger of the Lord’s wrath comes upon you’ (2:1,2). ‘Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, ye who have wrought his judgment. Seek righteousness, and humility, and possibly you shall be hidden in the day of the Lord’s wrath’ (2:3). The Lord himself spoke through Zephaniah saying to the righteous: ‘therefore, wait ye for me, saith the Lord, until the Day that I rise up to testify. The Lord’s wrath is about to fall upon all nations; the whole earth consumed. For my determination is to gather all nations, assemble all kingdoms, to pour out upon them Mine indignation, all the heat of my Wrath. For with the Fire of My Zeal the whole earth shall be consumed (3:8). Zephaniah gave strong consolation to the righteous (Ch 3:8-20), and includes a better world in which ‘the King of Israel, even Jehovah’, will reign. He described what will happen to the righteous remnant: the Lord will give the people a pure language that they may call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him as one; bringing before him his suppliants – the daughter of Zion (young converts to the Church from among the dispersed peoples of the earth), as a righteous offering. Then the daughter of Zion will sing, and shout, and rejoice with exultant heart. For the Lord is finished – he has taken away all his judgments, cast out his enemies, and come into the midst of his people, and they shall no longer fear evil.

* * * * * * * * * * * John the Revelator’s Visions of the End

The Prophet Nephi saw that the Lord would reveal to John the Revelator what was going to happen to us in the end.12 The Prophet Ether warned us when we removed our veil of unbelief, and called upon the Father with a broken heart and contrite spirit that we will realize that the Lord remembers the covenant that he made to our ancient father, Enoch, and then the revelations of John the Revelator be unfolded in the eyes of all the people, and when we saw the things John revealed, then we would know that the time of the Lord’s return is about to happen. 13

12 13

1 Nephi 14:19-27 Ether 4:15-16

Some people in our day have begun to question John’s revelations, saying that perhaps they won’t happen literally, or he spoke rhetorically, poetically, or meant something else. The Prophet Joseph Smith stated: “The plagues named in John’s revelations will take place literally – ‘The Lord will curse the waters of the great deep, and they shall be turned into blood’; The sea will become as the blood of a dead man and every living thing in the sea shall be destroyed; and the time will come, when ‘the seven angels having seven last trumps will sound their trumps literally, and the sound thereof will be heard among the nations, just preparatory to the coming of the Son of man’; and all the judgments foretold by John, which are to succeed the sound of each of the seven trumpets, will be fulfilled literally upon the earth in their times and seasons. “And thepain. wicked willare gnaw peace, curse God, wishing to die and because of their These theytheir whotongues repentedfor not whenand thewill gospel was preached to them, who became hardened in their iniquities, which are overflowing, in order that God might visit them according to all that had been spoken of by the mouths of his ancient Prophets’.14” What John Saw about our Days John revealed the true Nature of our LORD, and what He will do (Rev. 120) (Rev. 1:8) Jesus Christ is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the LORD Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; (1:13) The Son of Man is the first and the last, he holds the keys to heaven and hell. (2:20) The Lord will search all people's desires and thoughts and give each according to their works. (3:7) The Lord is holy and true, he has the Key of David; and what he opens no man shuts; what he shuts no man opens. (3:12) God's holy city is in heaven and is called the New Jerusalem; and it will come down out of heaven; and it is where the righteous will be taken. (4:2) John saw that the Lord sat on a throne in heaven; four seraphim stood close by the Lord’s throne; there were beast like a lion, calf, man, and eagle, and an immense host of righteous stood before him. (4:11) The LORD created all things, for his pleasure they are, and were created. (5:5) The Lion of the tribe of Judah; the Root of David; the Lamb of God prevailed to open the Book and loose the 7 seals thereof. (5:6-10) Christ has redeemed us and made us kings and priests who will reign on the earth. (22:16) Jesus is the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. (1:7) Every eye will see Christ at his second return, and all will wail. What will happen to the Righteous Saints? (2:7) Those who overcome will be given to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. (2:10) They will be given a crown of life; and shall not be hurt by the second death; (2:17) They will be given hidden manna to eat, and given a white stone with a new secret name written on it; (2:26) He who overcomes and keeps the Lord's works to the end; to him will God give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and the Lord will give him 14

Prophecies of Joseph Smith, Discourse by Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, Volume 18, pg 227.

the morning star; (3:12) Those who overcome will be made as pillars in God's temple, and not go out; the Lord's name will be written upon them; the name of God's city with is New Jerusalem will be upon him; and they will be given a new name; and they will be allowed to sit with him in his throne, which is in his house in heaven.

? Who is Babylon, and her assistants, and what will happen to her (2:14) The Doctrine of Balaam who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the Children of Israel; to commit fornication and eat unclean things; the Lord hates those who follow this way – they are Babylon; (2:20) The woman Jezebel [King Ahab's wife] caused many to commit andcommit eat unclean things; theher Lord cast tribulation; her into a bed; andfornication cause all who adultery with intowill a great (3:10) The Hour of Temptation will come upon all the inhabitants of the world; to try them who dwell therein. Those who built the ancient tower of Babel caused the language of man to be changed because of improper worship practices; and this has been a symbol for all who worship and act according to the ways of Lucifer ever since. A War In Heaven C ontinues on Earth There was a war in heaven, wherein Michael and his angels fought the Dragon and his angels. Michael won, and caused the Dragon and his angels to be cast into the earth. The Dragon is called the Devil, and Satan, and it is he, and his angels, who deceive the whole world. (12:7-9)

John saw Christ being born of his mother Mary. She had Lucifer, who is called ’a Great Red Dragon’ fighting against her, who tried to devour her child as soon as he was born, but was unsuccessful. It is the Dragon that caused the woman, and all who were like her, to hide in the wilderness. (12:1-6) He described the Dragon has being ‘a Great Red Dragon, who has 7 heads, and 10 horns, and 7 crowns upon his head, and his tail drew one-third of the spirits of heaven, and cast them upon the earth’. The Dragon (Lucifer/his Church) stood before the woman (Mary, mother of Christ), who was ready to be delivered to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron (word of God), and her child (the Lord Jesus Christ) was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Then the woman (Mary, and the Church) fled into the wilderness, where a place was prepared of God for her to stay, and they feed her there for 1260 days (3.45 years or 1260 years?). The Lord Jehovah (Salvation and Strength) and his Kingdom will rise to power. The Lord’s power comes from the sacrifice he made as our Savior (for it paid for all the sins of mankind - it satisfied the eternal laws of justice). His prophets arose and testified and helped him. (12:10) The inhabitants of the earth are under a dark curse of Lucifer. He will make war with the woman and all her remaining remnant. Those who worship Christ, keep the commandments, and have a testimony of Christ are they who will be persecuted. (12:12-17)

A kingdom of clay (man) and iron (?) will arise in our day John saw the last kingdom of the beast which rose up out of the sea (consisting of 7 heads; 10 horns which have 10 crowns) of clay and iron arise out of the sea: and the Beast’s name was Blasphemy (13:1- 8). The beast had a body like unto a leopard, feet as the feet of a bear, mouth as the mouth of a lion, [represents three large earthly powers/nations] and the dragon gave him his andand his all authority. One of his heads gets wounded, andpower, is healed, the world worshipped the beast, saying: “Who is like unto the beast?” And there was given to him to speak great things and power was given to him to continue for 42 months (3.5 years). During this time, the two prophets will testify against him in Jerusalem. Out of the Beast’s name proceeds great things and blasphemies against God, his name, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, tongues, and nations. And they that dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names are not written in the Lamb’s book of Life. Then the Last Destruction is brought by Horsemen; which ride upon four horses. They come at the Beginning of the End after seals are broken. Seal One: (6:1-2) A man on a white horse who had a crown given to

him, went forth conquering and to conquer; carried a bow and arrow. Seal Two: (6:3-4) A man on a red horse went forth who was given power to take peace from the earth; carried a great sword. Seal Three: (5-6) A man on a black horse, he had balances thereon. Seal Four: (6:7-8) A Pale Horse went forth, and the name of he that sat on the horse was Death; and Hell followed with him; power was given over a fourth part of the earth; they killed with the sword; hunger; death; and with the beasts of the earth. (Lucifer (Death; he that controls Hell) and his powerful servants. Seal Five: (6:9) The Righteous, where were slain for their testimony of Christ will then be raised up and given white robes. Seal Six: (6:12) Next, a Great and terrible earthquake will take place, after which the sun will become black, the moon red as blood, the stars from heaven will fall down to the earth; the heavens will depart as a scroll; all mountains and islands will be moved out of their places. (6:14) The rich, great, and powerful men of the earth; mighty men, and bondsmen, freemen will hide themselves in caves and rocks of the earth and in their terror, say to the rocks, fall

on us and hide us from the Lord that sits upon the throne - from His wrath, for the Great Day of his Wrath is come, and who among us will be able to stand? This is an indication that hiding in the rocks is NOT what the righteous should do. I believe this will happen when a dark Star (called Planet X) will approach the earth, and begin to pass between the earth and Saturn. (7:3) Next, the Servants of God will be sealed upon their foreheads: 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel; (12,000 each) mentioned: Judah, Rueben; Gad; Asher; Nephtali; Manasseh; Simeon; Levi; Isachar; Zebulon; Joseph; and Benjamin. are High Priests(Rev. sent forth to gather living righteous These (see D&C 77:9-11) 7:9) After the the righteous are sealed, John saw a great multitude, which no man could number, standing before the throne clothed in white robes and crying unto Him: Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb! (7:14) These are they of great tribulation who have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb; they serve day and night in his temple; and the Lord will dwell among them. (7:16) These are they who will hunger no more; neither will sun light or heat be upon them; for the Lamb will feed them with living fountains of waters; and wipe away all tears from their eyes. So, it is at this point that the righteous who are still alive will be sealed up to the Lord, and will be brought before the Lamb who sits on a throne in heaven. They will receive changed bodies, for they will no longer hunger, or be affected by the heat or cold, and all tears will be wiped from time, their eyes, this in early judgment and sealing there and will during be silence heaven for about half an hour. Seal Seven: (8:1) And there will be silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour, the Lord’s day of Rest. If one day is a 1000 years to the Lord and if there are 24 hours in a day (41.6 year per hour), then ½ an hour in the Lord’s time is about 21 years. This is while the Elect who are living are being gathered, and settled into Heavenly Zion (off earth).

Next Seven more terrible things happen on the earth Earth’s inhabitants will experience terrible upheaval. Hail and fire, a great mountain, and then a Great Star all fall from heaven. This sounds like smaller asteroids falling, then a huge asteroid, and then a burning comet fall and hit the earth. I believe this is when a dark star (Planet X) enters the atmosphere between the earth and Saturn, knocking other asteroids towards the earth. Preparation: (8:2-6) Seven angels who stand before God

(archangels) will be given seven trumpets; and another angel will offer up the prayers of all the saints upon an altar (an archangel) before the throne of God, and the smoke of the incense will come up before God. The archangel places the prayer offering before the Lord of Hosts that those remaining Saints might not be hurt. Then an angel will take the censor, and filled it with some of the fire of the altar of God, and cast it to the earth; and there were voices, thunderings, lightnings and an earthquake, and the seven angels with seven trumpets prepared to sound. First Angel: (8:7) Sounds of a trumpet are heard; and then falling upon the earth, John saw hail and fire, mingled with blood. (Seems like smaller asteroids (hail and fire) burning bright red

with entering theallatmosphere.) These third part of thechemicals, trees to burn up, and green grass will be cause burneda up (causes the earth to start on fire in various places). Second Angel: (8:8) Sounds a trumpet, and a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea; and a third part of the sea became blood, and a t hird part of the sea creatures died; and a third part of the ships on the sea were destroyed. Third Angel: (8:10) Sounds a trumpet, and a Great Star fell from heaven, burning as it were a lamp; and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; and the name of the star was called Wormwood; and a third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. After the sound of a trumpet is heard a small planet (a great star) will fall from heaven, burning as a lamp, falling upon a third of the rivers,

fountainsand of many water.people And the be called Wormwood (bitter), willstar diewill because of the poisoned waters. The use of the name wormwood, an herbal plant useful in expelling worms, parasites, pests, and insects; as well as being a powerful healing agent for the bowels of the human body may mean that it has a secondary purpose (to cleanse the inner bowels of the earth). (The Prophet Jeremiah stated: “Who is the wise man, that may understand this?... for the land perisheth and is burned up like a wilderness… Because they have forsaken my law… walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim…; Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink…: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them. -Jer. 9:12-16) Fourth Angel: (8:12) Sounds a trumpet, and a third part of the sun was smitten; and a third part of the moon, and a third part of the stars; so as the their part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. Then an angel flew through heaven, warning the inhabitants of the earth: woe, woe, woe to those who inhabit the earth because of the next three

trumpets of the angels which are yet to sound! (The sun gets hit with asteroids, and also the moon, and many of the stars are no longer seen, so that the days and nights are darkened. And an angel flew over the earth warning all who could hear: Woe, woe, woe to those who are still inhabitants of the earth, because of the next three woes. Fifth Angel: Next, comes the bottomless pit dwellers upon the land. First, locust-looking creatures, are given power to harm mankind for five months, if they don’t have the mark of the Lord on their foreheads (9:1). The sound of a trumpet is again heard, and a star (heavenly spirit) shot down from heaven, and to him was given the key to the bottomless pit, and he opened it, and a smoke arose out of the pit, and the sun and air were darkened because of the

smoke from the And out of the smoke upon earth; and to them given power (as pit. scorpions of the earth havelocusts power)came to sting thethe sons of mankind; andwas they were commanded to not hurt any green thing, trees or grass; but to hurt only those who have not the seal of God on their foreheads. To them it was given to torment mankind for five months. And they will sting with poison, striking mankind. And in those days men will seek death, and not find it; desiring to die, and yet death will flee from them. The locusts are strong, large, and prepared into battle, large like horses; and their faces were as the faces of men. They have long hair, and strong, sharp teeth - as the teeth of lions; they have on breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of many horses running into battle. They have tails like unto scorpions, and they sting with their tails, and they had a king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit: Abaddon (Hebrew) or Apollyon (Greek).

(Note: me, in this seems to indicate a genetically altered creature now residingTodeep thedescription center of our earth. Since they are told not to harm those who who in have the mark of the Lord, there must be some righteous saints still upon the earth. Perhaps they were not taken at first because they weren‘t ready, but due to the stinging of mankind and fear of the Lord, they repented, and have since have become ready, but will have to live through this much of the tribulations. But since the next plague brings a greater misery, and those who are living refuse to repent, we can assume that those who are righteous, who weren’t rescued before, will be taken up into Zion at this point.) Next, Strangers with horses or beasts of a mechanical nature will invade the world Sixth Angel: Fourteen months later, another type of being invades [200 million of them], and destroys upon the earth. They are led by four destructive angels, which are now bound. They succeed in killing one-third of the people who are still alive (9:13). These killing agents, prepare for 396 days and then go forth. They display inhuman characteristics: their horses have breastplates of fire, jacinth, and brimstone (bullets/gunpowder?), and the

heads of the horses were as heads of lions (large, powerful beasts/tanks?), and out of their mouths will issue fire, and brimstone, and smoke, for their power is in their mouths; and their tails, which were like unto serpents (long slender objects that strike out, kill, poison), have heads, and with them they hurt mankind. And the rest of mankind which had not been killed will NOT repent of their wickedness, even with the plagues sent upon them by God. Instead, they continue to worship devils, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood; nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, fornications or thefts. (Note: This destructive force that comes from the center of the earth is very strong; and their horses are terrible in their power and abilities. This seems to indicate that only the wicked remain upon the earth after this, since they are not given instructions as to whom they cannot harm; therefore they kill everyone they come in contact with.)

The end of Time; and completion of the Lord’s work will be declared

After that, an angel comes down and declares the end of time, and the mystery of the Lord’s work will be finished (10:1-11). This mighty angel will be clothed with a cloud, will have a rainbow radiating from his head; his face will shine like the sun; his feet willbe as pillars of fire. And in his hand will be little book, which he will open, and setting one foot upon the earth, and one upon the sea, he will cry with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and seven thunders will utter their voices, and he will swear by him who lives forever and ever (who created heaven, earth, and sea and all that are therein), that there should be time no more. And when the seventh angel begins to sound, then the mystery of God will be finished, as he declared to his prophets. Two prophets testify at the Jerusalem Temple. Next, the two prophets are empowered to testify to the masses at the temple in Jerusalem. They testify for 3.45 years and then are killed. Their bodies lay in the street for three days, then they arise to heaven (11:1-12). And if any man tries to hurt the prophets before their testimony is completed, fire will proceed out of their mouths, and devour t heir enemies, who must be killed in this manner. They will be given power to shut heaven, that it rain not, and power over waters to turn

them into blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascended out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, and overcome them, and kill them. Then their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city, Jerusalem, where also our Lord was crucified. The people of all nations see

their dead bodies lie there for 3.5 days, and then they will arise, and great fear will fall upon all who saw them. And they will ascend up to heaven in a cloud, as their enemies beheld them. (I think this is the very last effort on the part of the Lord to rescue those who are willing to listen to truth.) A Terrible Earthquake happens

In the same hour as when the two prophets arise into heaven, there is a great earthquake, and a tenth part of the city fell down, and the slain of mankind were 7,000, and the remnant were scared, and gave glory to the God of heaven (11:13). Note: the Great Earthquake may also be an indication that the Dark Star is passing near to the earth, prepare to leave our atmosphere at that time.

Next, all kingdoms of the earth become kingdoms of the Lord Seventh Angel: Sounds of a trumpet, and great voices will be heard in heaven saying: The Kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. And twenty-four apostles who sit before God, will fall and worship God. Saying, ‘we give thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which are, was, and is to come; because thou has taken to thee thy great power, and has reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath has come, and the time of dread, that they should be judged, and that thou should give reward to thy servants, the prophets, and to the saints, and all them that

fearearth’. thy name, great; and should which and destroy the Andsmall then and the temple of God wasdestroy openedthem in heaven, the ark of the covenant was seen therein. Then there will be lightenings, voices, thundering, and an earthquake, and great hail upon the earth (11:15-19). I think this indicates asteroid showers falling upon the earth.

John saw the leader of the Beast’s Kingdom arise at the end. The Beast causes all to worship Lucifer, and kills any who won’t. All remaining people are forced to receive the mark upon their foreheads, and in their right hands. (13:11-18) Then John saw another beast, the False Prophet, come out of the earth; who had two small horns, and spake as a Dragon. He exercised all the power of the first beast before him, and caused the earth, and all which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he did great wonders (miracles), so that he made fire come down from heaven on the earth, in the sight of mankind. And he deceived all those who dwell on the earth by those miracles, saying that they should make an image of the beast, and he gave life to the image of the beast, that it should both speak, and also cause those who would not worship it to be killed. [Sounds like our television monitors, wherein the images are put out, become two-way viewing stations so that they can monitor whether we actually do the worship services or not.]

And the False Prophet caused all who lived, small and great, rich and poor, bond and free to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads; and after that, no man is able to buy or sell, save those who have the mark, or the name or number of the beast on them. The number of the beast was 666. The last battle begins, starting with the Lord rising up With his heavenly military force in Mount Zion. (14:1-5) Then the Lord stood upon Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 men who are warriors, who have the Father’s name written in their foreheads, who were redeemed by the Lord. And a great voice was heard in heaven, as the voice of many

waters, or to of them. a greatThese thunder assemble, and a harpwho sang a new song arethat theycalled who them never to knew women; virgins follow the Lamb wherever he goes; they were raised during the first resurrection unto God and to the Lamb. In their mouths was found no guile, and they are without fault before the throne of God. Then an angel tells all the inhabitants to worship the Lord, and come into the gospel of Christ. (14:6-7) Then another angel flew in the midst of heaven, who had the everlasting gospel of Christ to preach to them that dwell upon the earth. John saw that is will be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And a loud voice declared: fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; worship him that made heaven, the earth, the sea, and all fountains of waters. Next, Babylon will fall, and all who receive the mark of the beast will be tormented. (14:8-11) Then another angel followed saying: Babylon is fallen, that great city, which made all nations of the earth drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed saying with a loud voice: If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or hand, the same will drink of the wrath of God, which will be poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and he will be tormented with fire, and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will ascend up for ever and ever: and they will have no rest day or night.

Then the patience of the saints will be tested greatly as those who keep the commandments of God, and faith in Jesus will be persecuted horribly. (14:12-13) They who keep the commandments of God, and faith in Jesus will be tested unto death. But the Lord promised them: blessed are they which die in the Lord from henceforth forward. For they will rest from their labors, and their works will follow them. Four destroying angels go forth. Two reap while the other two monitor All the rest of the wicked among mankind are destroyed. (14:14-20)

And a white cloud arose, and upon the cloud one sat one who was like unto the Son of man, and he had on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, and cried to him on the cloud with a loud voice saying: Thrust in thy sickle

and reap; for the time is come, the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he (one who was like unto the Lord) thrust in his sickle and reaped. And another angel came out of the temple, and he also had a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the altar of God having power over fire, and cried to him with the second sickle saying: Thrust in thy sharp sickle and reap, for the grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and cast it upon the winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden, and blood came out, and laid upon the earth unto the horse bridles, for the space of 6600 furlongs. A world of celestial form is for the most righteous (15:1-4) John also saw ‘another sign’ in heaven - a ‘sea

of glassover mingled with fire’, andimage, those who had gotten victory the beast, and his and over his mark, and his number, stand upon the sea of glass, having the harps of God given to them. And they sing the song of Moses, and of the Lamb, saying Great and Marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify they name, for thou only are holy; for all nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgments are made manifest. The resurrected Saints (those who gained victory over Lucifer, his image, mark, and number) will be placed in a celestialized place (sea of glass mingled with fire) (Kolob?); and will have harps and will sing praises to the Lord.

Next, the last seven plagues will be administered upon the earth Preparation: (15:5-8) And after that, John saw that the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened and seven angels came out having the last seven plagues; which carry the wrath of God in them. And one of the four beasts gave the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power, and no man was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. And the Lord uttered his voice out of the temple, saying to the 7 angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. First Vial: (16:2) And the first angel went forth and poured his vial out upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon all who worshipped his image. Second Vial: (16:3) And the second angel poured his vial out upon the sea, and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea. Third Vial: (16:4) And the third poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And the angel of the waters glorified the Lord, which is,

was, and shall be, for his righteous judgment. And another angel of the altar said, even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. For those who remained upon the earth are they who have shed the blood of the saints and prophets, and it is right they should have blood to drink, for they have earned it. Fourth Vial: (16:8) And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And mankind was scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, and repented not, nor gave him glory. Fifth Vial: (16:10) And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his

Kingdom was full ofrepented darkness,not. and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of Heaven, and Sixth Vial: (16:12) And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates, and the water was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And three unclean spirits came out of the mouth of the dragon, and the beast, and false prophet. They are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which gather the kings of the earth to the battle of that Great Day of God Almighty.

The Lord stated then: Behold, I come as a thief in the night. Blessed is he that watches for me, and keeps his garments clean, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And He gathered them together into a place which in Hebrew is called Armageddon [i.e., the plain of Estralon or Megiddo is located near the Sea of Galilee]. Seventh Vial: (16:17) Then the seventh angel poured out his

vialheaven, into thesaying: air; andIt there came a great of the temple of is done. And therevoice wereout voices, thunders, lightenings; and a great earthquake, such as there was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty and great. And the great city was divided into three parts; and the cities of the nations fell; and great Babylon came into remembrance before God, as she was given the cup of the wine of his wrath. And every island ‘fled away’, and the mountains ‘were not found’. And there fell a great hail out of heaven, every stone the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for it was exceedingly great. Babylon will be judged and destroyed

(17:1-7) John saw the entity, Babylon, being judged. The angel calls her: ‘the great whore that sits upon many waters, with whom all kings of the earth have committed fornication, and all the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’ John saw the woman/entity sitting upon a scarlet colored beast [the red dragon], full of names of blasphemy [false gods], having seven heads, and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold, and precious gems.

In her hand was a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. Upon her head was the name: Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth. And the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints who were martyrs for Christ. Then John marveled, and the angel asked, why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast which carries her. The Beast will ascend out of the Bottomless Pit and make war with The Lord (17:8-14) The beast thou saw, was, and is not; will ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition, and the wicked will wonder, when t hey behold the beast who was, and is not, and yet is. The seven heads are seven mountains on whom the woman sits. And there are seven kings; five are fallen, and one is and the other is not yet come, and when he comes, he will continue for a short time. And the beast is of the seven, and goes into perdition. The ten horns are ten kings, which have received no kingdom yet; but receive power as kings for one hour with the beast. These will have one mind, and give their power and strength to the beast. They will make war with the Lamb, and he will overcome them: for he is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, chosen and faithful.

(17:15-18) And the waters which John saw where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten kings who sit upon the beast, will hate the whore, and make her desolate and naked, and eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom to the beast, until his words shall all be fulfilled. And the woman which John saw is that Great City, which reigns over the kings of the earth. (18:1-3) After these things, John saw another angel come down from heaven have great power, and the earth was lightened by his glory. And he cried with a loud voice saying: Babylon is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of devils, the holding place of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. All nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have sinned with her, and the merchants of the earth are rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (18:4-7) Then John heard another voice calling from heaven: Come out of her, my people, partake not of her sins, that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. She will be rewarded even as she rewarded the saints, and her punishment will be doubled according to her works. She has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, and so will receive much torment and sorrow. For she says in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (18:8-36) Babylon’s plagues will come to her in One Day: death, mourning, famine, she will be utterly burned with fire: the Lord God is against her. And the kings of the earth will mourn for her, when they see the burnings. And merchants of the earth will weep and mourn her loss, for none buys her merchandise anymore: gold,

silver, precious gems, linen and silks, scarlet, and precious wood, and ivory, and all manner of vessels, and brass, iron, and marble, etc. Merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, will stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping, wailing; saying alas, alas that Great City, that was clothed in fine linen, purple, scarlet, and bedecked with gold, precious stones, and pearls! In one hour so great riches have come to naught; what city was like unto her! And heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets will rejoice over her destruction, for God hath avenged them. And a mighty angel took up a giant millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying; Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all! And the voice of musicians more and be heard in thee; noincraftsman, of whatsoever be, shall found any shall more no in thee; no light shall and shine thee; nor shall the voice craft of thehethose who be are being married be heard; for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; and by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. In her is found the blood of the prophets, of all the saints, and all that were slain upon the earth. Then a vast multitude of Saints will praise the Lord (19:1-4) After these things happened, then John heard a great voice in heaven, of many people saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, honor, and power, unto the Lord our God; for his judgments are true and righteous; he hath avenged the great whore (Babylon); which corrupted the earth; he had avenged the blood of the saints at her hand; and again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the 24 elders and four beasts (cherubim) fell down and worshipped God that sat upon the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

(19:5-6) And John heard a voice come out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants! And he heard the voice of a great multitude, as a voice of thunderous waters or mighty thunders, saying (as one voice): Alleluia, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! The Marriage of the Lord and His Bride, the Elect of God (19:7-10) Next, The angel said, ‘Let us be glad for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.’ And to her (the Saints) was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And the angel said unto John: “Write, Bless are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And John fell at his feet to worship, and he said, “See that thou do it not, John, for I am thy fellow servant, and one of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; Worship the Lord your God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The Elect have the testimony of Christ, and are therefore, a part of the Bride of the Lamb or Church of God.

(19:11-16) Then the Lord was revealed to John in his glory. John saw the heavens opened, and the Lord sitting upon a white horse. And he was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war. His eyes were as flames of fire, on his head were many crowns, and he had a name written that no man knew, but he himself. He was clothed with vesture dipped in blood, and his name was called ‘The Word of God’. The armies of heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, and with it, he smites the nations, and will rule them with a rod of iron; and He the winepress of the and wrath of treads the Almighty God. On his fierceness vesture and his thigh are written the name: KING of KINGS, and LORD of LORDS. The Lord Goes Forth to Finish The Cleansing of the Earth (19:17-18) And John saw an angel standing in the sun, crying with loud voice to all the fowls in heaven, saying, come, gather yourselves together to the supper of the Great God; for you will eat the (dead) flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, and horses, and they that sat upon them, and all men, both free and bond, small and great.

(19:19-21) And John saw the Beast, his False Prophet, and his armies, with the Kings of the earth, gathered together to make war upon the Lord, and his heavenly hosts. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that had wrought miracles before him, with whom he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, and who had worshipped the image. These were both cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant of the people was slain with the sword of the Lord, which sword proceeded out of his mouth; and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. John Saw Lucifer being Bound for a T housand Years (20:1-3) John saw an angel come out of heaven, who had the key to the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand. And the angel laid hold of the dragon, the Devil, Lucifer, and bound him for a thousand years. He was cast into a bottomless pit, and shut up, and a seal set upon him that he should deceive the nations no more, till the 1000 years be fulfilled, and after that he must be loosed for a little season. The Reward of the Elect is magnificent (20:4-5) John saw the souls of they that suffered for their testimony of the Lord, who had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their forehead, or in their hand, were awakened, and rose to sit upon thrones and reign with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the souls did not rise until after the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. And John blessed they who had part in the first resurrection; for upon them the second death hath no

power, but they will be priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with him for a thousand years in peace. The Last Deception of Lucifer

(20:7-11) When the thousand years are expired, then Satan will be loosed out of his prison for a short season. This happens about the same time the rest of the spirits have been released to arise for the second judgment. And Lucifer will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle - the number of them is as the sands of the sea (an innumerable host of dark entities go forth, to destroy those living upon the earth). And they go up forth to conquer upon the breadth of the earth, and compass the camp of the saints round about, and the beloved city; and then fire came down out of heaven from God, and devoured them. And the Devil that deceived them will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the false prophet and beast are, and they shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. The Current Heaven and Earth Will Disappear While All are Judged (20:12-15) And John saw a Great White Throne, and the Lord sat upon it, and from Him the earth and heavens fled away, and there was found no place for them. And he saw the dead, small and great, stand before the Lord; for the books were opened, and the Book of Life was opened; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. The dead were raised from the earth and the sea, from death and hell, and all souls came before Him to be judged. And Death and Hell were destroyed; cast into a lake of fire; or the second death. And whomsoever names were not written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (21:8) The fearful, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, have their part in the second death. A New Heaven and Earth Are for the Saints of God (21:1-3) And John saw a new heaven, and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. Then John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem come down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bird adorned for her husband. And he heard a voice say: Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

(21:4-5) And God will heal the Elect, and there will be nor more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain; for all former things shall pass away. And the Lord said, Behold I make all things new. And he told John to write the words, declaring that the vision was finished, and that the Lord is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

(21:6-7, 22:17) The Lord will give those who thirst to drink of the fountain of the water of life freely, and he that overcomes will inherit all things, and the Lord will be their God, and they his Sons. (22:1-5) John saw the River of Water of Life, which is clear as crystal, which proceeds from the throne of God and the Lamb. In the midst of the street of the river, and on either side of the river, grows the Tree of Life, which bears twelve types of fruits, and yields her fruit every month; and the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. And he saw that there will be no curse (death, sickness) in the holy city of God; but the throne of God and the Lamb are in their it, and his servants serve him; and theyand shall face, and his name be written upon foreheads. Andwill there is no night there, nosee onehis uses artificial light; forwill the Lord God gives them light. And the righteous shall reign there forever and ever. (22:14-15) John blessed they who keep the Lord’s commandments, for they will have the right to the Tree of Life, and will enter into the gates of the holy city. God’s Holy City – New Jerusalem

(21:9-10) And John was taken by one of the seven archangels to see the bride, the Lambs wife. And the angel carried John away in spirit to a Great and High Mountain, and shewed him that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. (21:11-15) The city of New Jerusalem has the glory of God upon it, with brilliant light coming from it, like a precious stone, clear as crystal. And it has a great and high wall with twelve gates, and at each gate, an angel/guardian; and the names of each of the twelve tribes of the children written upon each gate. On each side are three gates (to the north, south, west and east). And the walls of the city have 12 foundations, and upon the foundations are written the names of the 12 apostles. (21:16-17) Heavenly New Jerusalem City lies foursquare (the length is as long as the breadth); and the angel showed that it is 12,000 furlongs squared. And the wall thereof was 144 cubits. (A furlong is about 1/8 th of a mile; the earth is about 200,000 furlongs; so the heavenly city is about 16% the size of the earth is right now; but the new heaven and earth may be smaller since there is no water/sea upon it). (21:18-21) The walls of New Jerusalem are of jasper, the city itself was pure gold – like unto clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city was garnished with all manner of precious stones; jasper, sapphires, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, bergyl, topax, chrysoprasus, jacinth, amethyst. And the gates were twelve pearls, the streets of the city was pure gold – as transparent glass. (21:22-27) The Heavenly City has no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. The city needs no sun, neither moon to shine in it; for the glory of God lights it.

And nations of Elect, who have been saved, walk in the light of it; and kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor it. And the gates of the city are shut at all by day; and there is no night there. And the glory and honor of all nations will be brought into it. And no unwise thing enters into it; neither anything that defiles; neither they who work abomination, or make a lie; but only they whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. * * * * * * * * The Olivet Prophecy - The Lord’s Teachings found in Matthew, Luke, and D&C 45.

Much can21, also be JST gained by studying chapter -25; Mark 13, Luke and Matthew 1:1 as Mathew well as D&C 45.24These are the prophecies given by the Lord specifically for us, the Latter-day Saints, often called ‘The Olivet Prophecy’. When the Lord was working with the Prophet Joseph (D&C 45), he gave only a portion of the prophecy, leaving further information that was to come forth after the New Testament had been translated, and in it all these things will be made known (45:60). This means that the inspired revision of the New Testament was to be a means of restoring sacred knowledge to the people in the latter-days; to whom the prophetic material in Matthew 24 was of particular worth. The apostles who were in the Lord’s presence as he uttered the prophetic words were stunned by two new revelations. One, that their newly restored temple would be torn down; the other was that the Lord planned to return to the earth. In private, they questioned the Lord about these new revelations, and his answers were later carefully recorded. He spent the night on the Mount of Olives, and the next morning taught a large crowd many things. This is what the Lord taught, and the keys to his words hidden therein.

The Olivet Prophecy The disciples asked, ‘tell us, Lord, when will these thing be; and what will be the sign of thy return; and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered them saying, Take heed that no man deceive you, for many will come in my name and deceive many (Matthew (M) 24:3-5). Key 1 And there will be wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famine and pestilences, and earthquakes in many places. These are the beginning of sorrows (M 24:6-8). Key 2 And you will be delivered up and afflicted, and killed, and hated of all nations for my names sake; and many will take offense; and betray one another; of and hate one love of endure mankind become cold because iniquity andanother. sin, butThe those who to will the end will be saved (M 24:9-12). Key 3

The gospel of the kingdom will be preached unto the entire world for a witness unto all nations, and then the end shall come. When we see the abomination of desolation, as described by Daniel the Prophet (the rise of the beast to power, and wars), then we are to stand in holy places. (M 24:14-15) Key 4 When war comes to their country, let they who are in Judea flee and hide in the mountains, taking only the bare necessities with them; nor should they who are in the fields (away from home) return to collect his belongings. And they who are expecting child or nursing during that time will suffer winter; the most; andthe they are to for pray thatshall theirbeflight not during or on sabbath; then the is greatest tribulation; such as has not happened since the beginning of the world, nor will there ever be such tribulations again. Except those days are shortened, no flesh will be saved, but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (M24:16-22) Luke recorded that all the suffering that is endured for the Lord’s sake will be for their testimony of Christ (Luke 21:12-13). Key 5 During that time, many will come saying Look there is Christ, or here is Christ; believe it not! For there will arise many false Christs, and false prophets, and they will shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that if it is possible, they will deceive the very elect. As a said before, be aware; for they will say behold, he is in the desert; but go not forth; or behold, he is found in a certain place in secret chambers; but believe it not! For as lightening comes from the east and shines to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of man be. And as eagles gather where a carcass is, so let my people gather in places of refuge to await my arrival (M24:23-28). Key 6 Immediately afterthe the moon tribulation of those days, the and sun will be darkened, will not give her light, many stars will fall from heaven; and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the Sign of the Son of man will appear in the heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they shall se the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And the Lord will send his angels who with the sound of a great trumpet will gather all the elect from the earth, from one end of heaven to the other (M24:2931) D&C 43:40 states that signs and wonders will be shown forth in the heavens above and the earth below; blood, fire, vapors of smoke, darkened moon and sun, and stars falling from heaven. The Lord also taught that He will utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth will hear it, and then the nations will mourn, and they that have mocked will see their folly; and calamity will cover the mocker/scorners and consume them; and they will be cast into the fire; and the Jews will look at the wounds in the Savior’s hands and feet and weep. (D&C 45:49-53) Key 7

Parable of the Fig Tree Next, the Lord gave the parable of the fig tree. He stated: as a farmer knows that summer is near when he sees a branch begin to put forth leaves; so also when you see all these things happening, know that the time of my second coming is near, even knocking at the door. ‘And I say unto you that that generation will not pass until all these things have been fulfilled. For heaven and earth will pass away but my words will stand’ (M24:32-35; see also Luke 21; D&C 45:36) Key 8 Of that and knows. hour no But manas knoweth, do thewere, angels heaven, only myday Father the daysnor of Noah soinshall it be during my second coming; for as in the days of the flood people were doing normal things until Noah entered the ark and the did not know about their destruction until the flood came, so will it be during the second coming. Then two people will be in a field, and one will be taken and the other left; two woman will be grinding at the mill; and one will be taken and the other left. Watch ye therefore; for ye will not know the hour that your Lord will come (M36-42) Key 9

Be watchful Know this, if the caretaker of the home had known when the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not suffered his house to be broken up. Be ye therefore ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man will come. The wise steward, whom the Lord has made ruler of his household, will prepare meat in due season; blessed is that servant, whom thewill lord,make when he ruler comesover findall him doing.But Verily, the Lord him his so goods. if that evil servant says in his heart, the Lord delays his coming, therefore I will do as I please, he will be cast down. (M 24:43-51) Luke also recorded that the Lord taught that his kingdom was nigh at hand when we saw these things; and that this generation will not pass away until all is fulfilled. (Luke 21:31-38) The Lord also taught that the heathen nations (they that do not know the law) will be redeemed, taking part in the first resurrection; for it will be tolerable for them. (D&C 45:54) Key 10

Parable of the Ten Virgins In those days the Kingdom of heaven will be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom; and five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The five that were wise took extra oil for their lamps; the five that were foolish took only enough to burn for a short while (M 25:113). At that day the parable of the ten virgins will happen; for they that are wise, who received the truth; who have taken the Holy Spirit to be their guide; and have not been deceived; will abide the

day. (D&C 45:55-57)

Key 11

After the Lord’s return, Satan will be bound, and find no place in the hearts of man. The earth will be given to the elect for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children will grow up without sin unto salvation; and the Lord will be in their midst, his glory will be upon them, and he will be their lawgiver and king. And the land given to them will be called the New Jerusalem and Zion, a land of peace, city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of God. And no man will take up his sword against his neighbor. (D&C 45:58-59; 66-69) Key 12

Parable of the of Talents The Kingdom heaven is like unto a man (the Lord), who traveled into a far country (the earth) and called his servants (children of Israel) to him and delivered goods unto them (God-given gifts, abilities, resources). And several servants doubled the things that were given, but some were slothful, and instead buried their talent in the ground. The Lord returned to check on his servants, and discovering what they had done, blessed each one according to that which he had done; but the slothful servant was chastised and his gifts removed from him. (M 25:14-30) Key 13 Sheep and Goat Separation determined by Charity After the Son of God comes in glory, with his angels: he will sit upon the throne of his glory and gather all nations unto him; he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from his goats; and the sheep (those who were obedient and hardworking) he will set on his right hand; and the goats (those who were rebellious, and lazy) will go to his left. Then the Lord willand sayinherit to those the rightthat hand: ye who are blessed; theon kingdom wascome, prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for when I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, and in prison you helped me. And they will answer him saying, Lord, when did we help thee? And he will say to them, ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’. And those on his left will be told to depart, and proceed to everlasting fire prepared for Lucifer and his angels. And they will say, when did we not serve you Lord. And he will tell them ‘Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these, the least of my brethren, ye did it not unto me’. He further taught ‘he that is greatest among you shall be your servant; and whosever exalts himself will be thrown down, and he that humbles himself will be exalted. (M25:31-46; 23:11) Key 14

From the Savior’s teachings we learned these key things:

Key 1: We must take care not to be deceived by false teachers who declare themselves to represent the Lord. Key 2: We must ‘be not troubled’, although there will be war and rumor of war, for the end is not yet. We will witness famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in many places, and these are the beginning of the sorrows. Key 3: The righteous will be delivered up to their enemies, afflicted, and some killed because they believe in Lord’s words and prophecies. But these things cannot truly harm us, for if we stay faithful, wethe will be saved. Key 4: We are to stand in holy places as taught by the Gospel; and most especially as the beast rises to power and causes many wars and rumors of wars. Key 5: When the war comes to Judea, there are terrible times ahead of us, we can watch for this signal and make sure we are ready. Key 6: We must be prepared to gather to places of refuge and safety to await the Lord’s return. We must pray that we will not be deceived by false prophets who will show great signs. Key 7: Shortly after the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars fall from heaven, and heaven is shaken, the Lord will appear, and with a loud trumpet sound collect the Elect from the four quarters of the and after wicked will be destroyed. We need to earth; prepare for, andthat, makethe ourselves ready for this amazing and wonderful event. Key 8: We must pay attention to the things that are happening around us, to recognize that the Lord’s return in near; the events of our times are the indicator. Key 9: When the Lord returns those who are ready and righteous will mysteriously disappear (taken to be with the Savior in Zion). Key 10: The watchman of the house of the Lord are the living prophets, and to be ready as saints, we must follow their example; draw closer to the Lord. Key 11 They who reject Lucifer, and take the Holy Spirit to be their companion and guide will abide the day; they who seem prepared, but only partially prepare, won’t make it to the Lamb’s supper; when he appears to the Elect or the Church of Christ, who represent the bride. This seems to indicate physical as well as spiritual preparation is needed for a long waiting period.

Key 12: They who prepared and were thus able to ‘abide the day’ of the Lord will be placed upon the earth where they will produce offspring (as mortals) which will be strong and faithful. The Lord will be in their midst, as their lawgiver and king; and they will abide together in peace and safety. Key 13: The Lord gave each of us our lives, and all that is included in them; and he expects us to put those gifts into his service; instead of using them to slothfully serve ourselves and our own desires. Key 14 We must serving our fellow brethren in the gospel; those who belong to the Lord. If we serve them, it isabilities. the same as serving the Lord; we are to use all of our resources to help them to the best of our

Chapter 2 - LATTER-DAY PROPHETIC VISIONS

Joseph Smith’s Dreams & Visions In the revelation Joseph and Sidney related what they saw, things which were from before the world was, what it is, and what it will be, as well as many other things. When Joseph Smith was upon the earth, he received many prophecies, but one in particular began with “Hear the Word of the Lord!”, and was first published in The Evening and Morning Star in July 1832. This revelation that is now D&C 76 was received in Ohio, Jan. 1832, was related in the Juvenile Instructor by Philo Dibble May 15, 189215, thus: “Joseph and Sidney were in the spirit and saw the heavens open, there were other men in the room, perhaps twelve, among whom I was one during a part of the time—probably two-thirds of the time,—I saw the glory and felt the power, but did not see the vision. The events and conversation, while they were seeing what is written (and many things were seen and related that are not written,) I will relate as minutely as is necessary. “Joseph would, at intervals, say: "What do I see?" as one might say while looking out the

window and beholding what all in the room could not see. Then he would relate what he had seen or what he was looking at. Then Sidney replied, "I see the same." Presently Sidney would say "what do I see?" and would repeat what he had seen or was seeing, and Joseph would reply, "I see the same. 16" “This manner of conversation was repeated at short intervals to the end of the vision, and during the whole time not a word was spoken by any other person. Not a sound nor motion made by anyone but Joseph and Sidney, and it seemed to me that they never moved a joint or limb during the time I was there, which I think was over an hour, and to the end of the vision. Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, "Sidney is not used to it as I am.17"

This description helps us to understand more about the nature of visions. Ten years earlier (1882), "Philo Dibble's Narrative," an autobiographical sketch, was published by the Juvenile Instructor office. Concerning D&C 76 the narrative states:

15 16 17

Juvenile Instructor , vol. 27, pp. 303-4. "Early Scenes in Church History,"Four Faith Promoting Classics (Salt Lake City, Ut.: Bookcraft, 1968), p. 81. Juvenile Instructor , vol. 27, pp. 303-4.

“On a subsequent visit to Hiram, I arrived at Father Johnson's just as Joseph and Sidney were

coming out of the vision alluded to in the book of Doctrine and Covenants, in which mention is made of the three glories. Joseph wore black clothes, but at this time seemed to be dressed in an element of glorious white, and his face shone as if it were transparent, but I did not see the same glory attending Sidney.18" Here is part of the vision: “Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear O earth, and rejoice, ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior; great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out… I the Lord am merciful and gracious unto those that fear mean, and delight to honor those who serve me…, great shall be their reward… ; and unto them will I reveal all mysteries; yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come… even the wonders of eternity…, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations; and their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish… for by my Spirit will I enlighten them… and make known unto them the secrets of my will; yea, even those things which eye has not seen…”

Joseph Smith was one prophet who saw much about the earth, including the end, so we need to study the Doctrine and Covenants, and his other writings and teachings. It is also important to note that the Lord honors those who serve him by revealing things to come. Here are some statements about the end that were made by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith’s Vision about the Earth’s Destruction and the Savior’s Return (Received in Kirtland, Ohio March 7, 1831-D&C 45) “Hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth… hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past….; Hearken, O ye people of my church … hear my voice while it is called today…. (1-2, 6)” “I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto to as many as receive me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the Sons of God; and … the power to obtain eternal life. (8) … Let me show unto you even my wisdom – the wisdom of him who ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren, who were separated from the earth, and were received unto myself – a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come – a day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not… but obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh. (11-12)… And I will show it plainly … concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfill the promises that I have made unto your fathers. (16)” “And … concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations. But shallshall be gathered but rumors they shall until timesearth of the Gentiles fulfilled. And in they that day be heardagain; wars and of remain wars, and thethe whole shall be in be

18

Juvenile Instructor , vol. 27, pp. 303-4.

commotion, and men’s hearts will fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth (24-26).”

When the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled, there are men in that generation that will live to see the overflowing scourge – a desolating sickness that will cover the land. “And the love of men will wax cold, and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fullness of my gospel. But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light… And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men will lift up their voices and curse God and die (27-32).”

Note: In 1977, President Kimball stated, ‘the times of the Gentiles is fulfilled’ (see further description below), which means that many people of our current generation will live to see this terrible sickness come upon the human race. And men will take up arms and go to war, but the righteous are to fear not, for promised things will be fulfilled. “And there shall be earthquakes also in diverse places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts … and they will take up theall sword… and will kill come one another notthat troubled, when these things shall to pass,(war)…. ye mayBe know the for promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled [the righteous will be removed unto places of safety]. And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I shall show you (33-36).”

In that day when they see all these things, they will know that the hour is nigh for the Lord’s return, and they will be looking forth. “… In that day when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh. And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come….And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath. And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke [television/news]. And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened [eclipsed], and the moon be turned into blood [fire burning upon the moon?], and the stars fall down from heaven [asteroid showers] (38-42).”

And the remnant will be gathered to places of safety, and be looking for the Lord, and he will come; and be seen in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory.

“And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place [Zion]. And then they shall look for me and behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off (43-44).”

Before the arm of destruction falls upon the earth, the saint will sound his trump, and all the saints that have slept in the Lord will arise to meet him, and then the Lord will set his foot upon the mount, and cleave it in two, and the earth will tremble, and the heavens shake. And all they upon the earth will mourn. “But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud… and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth [be brought to the safety of Zion]. Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon all nations. And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and heavens also shall shake. And the Lord shall utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it; and then nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly (45-39).” “And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner shall be consumed; and they that have watched for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. And then shall the Jews look upon me and… know that I am the Lord… the Son of God… And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them (50-54)”.

And Lucifer will be bound, and no more find a place in the hearts of mankind; and that day wil l be parable thedown, ten virgins be fulfilled; have taken And the Holy Spiritwas guide will be taken, and not of cast butshall abide thethey daywho of destruction. the earth ill their be theirs. “And Satan shall be bound, that he shall have no place in the hearts of the children of men. And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived … shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver (55-59)”.

Joseph Smith’s Vision/Parable of the Broken Down Vineyard (D&C 101:10-12, 16-17; 43-62; 85-91): “I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass. Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full.

And in that day all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved . . . let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for… Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.” “And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion. A certain nobleman (the Lord) had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive-trees (Israel); And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard. “Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive-trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower? And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace? Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.” “And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord. And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees (apostasy of the Original Church). “Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and - after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof - built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?” “And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer. [Indicates that the early Church wasn’t supposed to fall into apostasy.] “And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle

age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry [those who have been transformed]; And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with payment. Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies [incorrect churches and governments]; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.” “And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land [second coming]. And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be? And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you [they set the gospel upon the earth again restoring it through Joseph Smith]; And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you - a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom. And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled . . .” “Thus will I liken the children of Zion [the parable]. Let them importune at the feet of the judge;… governor; and if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president; And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation; And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers; Even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.”

Joseph Smith’s Visions and S tatements about the Government and World War III (Received July 17, 1831): “Verily, I say unto you, that the day of vexation and vengeance is nigh at the doors of this nation, when wicked, ungodly, and daring men will rise up in wrath and might, and go forth in anger, like as the dust is driven by a terrible wind; and they will be the means of the destruction of the government and cause the death and misery of many souls; but the faithful among my people shall be preserved in holy places during all these tribulations.19” (January 4, 1833): “I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country.20”

19

20

Revelation given to Joseph Smith, July 17, 1831, west of Jackson County, Missouri, contained in a letter from W. W. Phelps to Brigham Young, dated August 12, 1861, Joseph Smith Collection, Church Historian's Office. Documentary History of the Church, Vol.1, p. 315-316, January 4, 1833.

(February 6, 1840): “My heart faints within me when Isee, by the visions of the Almighty, the end of this nation, if she continues to disregard the cries and petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she has done, and is now doing. 21”

(May 18, 1843): “I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left.22” (March 10, 1844): “Even this nation will be on the verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the Constitution is on the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction23.”

The White Horse Prophecy (Prophecy of 1843): When Joseph Smith was standing by his south wicket gate in triangle with Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley in 1843 he spoke his vision for our future24. “I want to tell you something of the future. I will speak in a parable like unto John the Revelator. You will go to the Rocky Mountains and you will be a great and mighty people established there, which I will call the White Horse of peace and safety… I will never go there. Your enemies will continue to follow you… make obnoxious laws against you in Congress to destroy the White Horse, but you will have a friend or two to defend you… so they will not hurt you so much… they will treat you like strangers and aliens, and they will not give you your rights… (this has happened). “You will see the Constitution of the United States hang like a thread as fine as a silk fiber…; and it will be preserved by the efforts of the White Horse, and by the Red Horse who will combine in its defense. The White Horse will find the mountains full of minerals and they will become rich … You will see silver piled up in the streets… gold shoveled up like sand. Gold will be of little value then, even in a mercantile capacity; for the people of the world will have something else to do in seeking for salvation. The time will come when banks of every 21 22 23

Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 4, p. 89. Documentary History of the Church, Vol. 5, p. 394. Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Historical Archives, Box 1, March 10, 1844; D. Michael Stewart, Ensign, Vol. 6, No. 6, June 1976, pp. 64-65.

24

Note: This vision, which and has personal been called ‘The White Horse Prophecy’, not been official doctrine. However, the character integrity of both of the men who has recorded the made prophecy are LDS not inChurch question. The problems with it are these: the srcinal text was never corroborated by the Prophet (for he was dead by the time it was written down, ten years later); the content was taken from the m emories of the two men that were there, andmay have some things incorrectly recorded; it was given to only the two men, and may not be for the knowledge of the entire church . or the world; and it has not gone through the acceptance process by the Church as a whole

nation will fall and only two places will be safe where people can deposit their gold and treasure. This place will be the White Horse and England’s vaults. (This hasn’t happened.)

“A terrible revolution will take place in the land of America, such as has never been seen before; for the land will be left without a Supreme Government, and every species of wickedness will be practices rampantly in the land … The most terrible scenes of bloodshed, murder and rape that have ever been imagined or looked upon will take place. People will be taken from the earth and there will be peace and love only in the Rocky Mountains. This will cause many hundreds of thousands of the honest in heart of the world to gather there, not because they would be Saints, but for safety and because they will so numerous that you will be in danger of famine, but not for want of seed, time and harvest, but because of so many to be fed. Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities for there will be not escape only by … fleeing to Zion. Those that come to you will try to keep the laws to be one with you for they will see your unity and the greatness of your organization. (This hasn’t happened yet – we had a revolution, but the Government didn’t fall). “The Turkish Empire of the Crescent (Iran/Iraq) will be the first power to be disputed, for freedom must be given for the Gospel to be preached in the Holy Land. The Lord took of the best blood of the nations and planted them on the small island now called England and Great Britain and gave them power in the nations for a thousand years, and their power will continue with them that they may keep the balance of power; and that they will keep Russia from sweeping her power over the world. England and France are now bitter enemies, but they will be allied together and be united to keep Russia from conquering the world. (This has happened). “The two popes, Greek and Catholic, will eventually come together in their decline and be united. The Protestant Religions do not know how much they are indebted to Henry VIII for throwing off the Pope’s bill and establishing the Protestant faith. He was the only monarch who could do so at that time and he did it because the nation was at his back to sustain him. (The Roman Catholic Church and Greek Orthodox Church are now working to combine because of reduced numbers and declining monetary support, but once combined plan to form a ‘world religion’ and expect that all will belong to it). “One of the peculiar features in England is the established Red-coat; a uniform making so remarkable a target to shoot at, and yet they have conquered wherever they have gone. The reason for this will be known to them some day as red is seen a different color threading through under all history. The lion and the unicorn of England comes from there being so much blood of Israel in the nation. While the terrible things of which I have mentioned are going on, England will be neutral until it becomes so inhuman that she will interfere to stop the shedding of blood and history will

more properly understood. England and France will unite together to make peace, not to subdue the nations. (This has happened in the formation of the Euro-Union). “She (Euro-Union) will find this nation (America) so broken up and so many claiming government, till there will no reasonable government. Then it will appear to the other nations, or powers, as though England had taken possession of the country. (Merging of the US with Euro-Union hasn’t happened, but we are on the verge of a World Government now.) “The Black Horse (those with dark skins?, or filled with fear and darkness) will flee to the invaders and will join them for they have fear of becoming slaves again; knowing that England did not believe in slavery, they will flee to them that they believe will make them safe. Armed with British bayonets, the doings of the Black Horse will be terrible…” (Indicates that a large group of dark skinned people will defect to the Euro-Union, and use Britain manufactured weapons to destroy many in the US and other places. This hasn’t happened yet.) “During this time the White Horse (LDS Church) will have gathered strength, sending out elders to gather the honest in heart from among the Pale Horse, or people of the United States, to stand by the Constitution of the United States as it was given by the inspiration of the God. In these days which are yet to come, God will set up a Kingdom never to be thrown down, but other Kingdoms to come into it, and those Kingdoms that will not let the Gospel be preached in their lands will be humbled until they will.” (The Church has gathered strength, sent out many elders to teach the people of the US. But they haven’t beenencouraging them to stand by the Constitution. The Kingdom of God was set up (the Church and Priesthood); and other lands have been humbled; so section this has been partially fulfilled). “England, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium have a considerable amount of the blood of Israel among the people which must be gathered out. Those nations will submit to the nations of God. England will be the last of the nations to surrender, but when she does, she will do it as a whole in comparison as she threw off the Catholic power. The nobility knows the gospel is true, but it has not pomp enough, and grandeur and influence for them to yet embrace it. They are proud and will not acknowledge the Kingdom of God or come into it until they see the power it will have. (Many people have gathered out of all those nations to Zion, but the nations haven’t been gathered.) “Peace and safety in the Rocky Mountains will be protected by the Guardians, the White and Red Horses. The coming of the Messiah among his people will be natural that only those who see him will know that he has come, but he will come and give his laws unto Zion and minister unto his people. This will not be his coming in the clouds of Heaven to take vengeance on the wicked of the world.” (These things are yet to happen, although the Lord did appear to the Prophet in the Temple, and has appeared privately to various individuals upon the earth since then.)

“The temple in Jackson county, Missouri, will be built in that generation. The saints will think there is not time to build it, but with all the help you can receive, you can put up a great temple quickly. You will have all the gold, silver, and precious stones you need, for these things will only be for the beautifying of the temple. Also, all the skilled mechanics you want and the Ten Tribes of Israel will help build it. When you see this land bound with iron, you may look forward to Jackson county.” (Our lands are not yet bound in chains of iron, but we do look forward to the new city of Zion in Missouri to be built.) “At this point, he made a pause, and looking up, as though the vision were still in view, he said: “There is a land beyond the Rocky Mountains that will be invaded by the heathen Chinese unless great care and protection be given.” Speaking of the heathen nations, he said: “Where there is no law there is no condemnation: this will apply to them. Power will be given to the White Horse to rebuke the nations afar off, and you obey it, for the laws go forth from Zion.” (We have seen in vision that California will be part of the invasion of the Chinese and Russian army.) “The last great struggle that Zion will ever to have to contend with will be when the whole of America will be made the Zion of God. Those opposing will be called Gog and Magog. The nations of the earth will be led by the Russian Czar and his power will be great, but all opposition will be overcome and this land will be the Zion of our God. Amen.” (Yet to happen; we have seen how it will be saved.) Both Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley were supporters of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They both immigrated to the Salt Lake Valley, and were active supporters of the Church until their respective deaths. The Prophet’s vision was recorded in the journals of both men and passed to their children’s children. This version, which is from John Robert’s diary is remarkably similar to the one in the other family’s diary. John Robert gave these additional clarifications in his entry: - The Great White Horse is the Church and Kingdom of God (LDS Saints) who is established Zion in the Rock Mountains. - The Pale Horse is all the people of the United States (of various races). - The Red Horse is a powerful group that will play a significant role in the last days, the Guardians; may indicate a group of LDS Lamanites who hold the priesthood and use it with much power. - The Black Horse are not identified by race although it seems to indicate African Americans (who were slaves before); they will defect to England that have a strong fear of being enslaved by the invading armies; will be take up arms to defend their country. - These things happen at a time when the Constitution hangs by a thread, a time of war.

James Burgess, LDS Saint who was present in Nauvoo wrote:

“In the month of May 1843, several miles east of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion was on parade and review, at the close of which Joseph Smith made some remarks upon our condition as a people and upon our future prospects, contrasting our present condition with our past trials and persecutions by the hands of our enemies,; also upon the Constitution and government of the United States, stating that the time would come when the Constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread, and would be ready to fall into other hands, but this people, the Latterday Saints, will step forth and save it… I, James Burgess, was present and testify to the above.” (The Words of Joseph Smith, 279).

In General Conference in Oct. 1918 Joseph Fielding Smith publicly denounced that the White Horse Prophecy was church doctrine, stating that all such doctrine should come through the Prophet, be recorded, then read to the congregation and accepted; not recorded by family members of the ones that spoke with the Prophet, and passed around surreptitiously. In the same talk, he confirmed a portion of the prophecy stating: “Joseph Smith… predicted that the time would come when the Constitution of our country would hang as it were, by a thread , and that the Latter-day Saints, above all other people in the world would come to the rescue of that great and glorious palladium of our liberty.25” So we can suppose that at least a portion of the prophecy was recorded correctly, and that it was in fact, a vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s. Because it wasn’t recorded by the official Church Historian, confirmed by the Prophet, or presented to the membership as a whole; as the other revelations were, may mean that a portion of it may be incorrect; and it is also possible, that if the world realized the words of the prophecy as being truth, the Church would be destroyed, simply because it threatens a large, wicked empire; so one can see why it is ‘hidden’ among the documents in the archives of the LDS Church.26 Note: The dreams and visions we have seen of the Salt Lake Area and world-wide conditions in the few moments before the Lord returns have been consistent with all of the things that were recorded in the Prophet Joseph Smith’s vision, listed previously, (and usually much more graphic than he or anyone ever described). That said if you will pray about it, I believe the Lord can tell you of the truth its authenticity or falsehood. The prophecy is coming true before our eyes, if we will but see.

Brigham Young and other LDS Prophets later corroborated the White Horse Prophecy

Brigham Young stated: “The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from 27

the threatened destruction. ” 25

Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Oct 1912, pg. 10.

26

You can read the entire vision and fair comments by George Cababe www.fairlds.org/pubs/whitehorse.pdf at Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 15, July 4, 1854.

27

In 1855, President Brigham Young declared in the Salt Lake Tabernacle that: “When the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the ‘Mormon Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it” (JOD 2:182). In 1868, he again referred to the White Horse Prophecy when he said, “How long will it be before the words of the prophet Joseph will be fulfilled? He said if the Constitution of the United States were saved at all it must be done by this people. It will not be many years before these words come to pass” 28.

Brigham Young recorded that the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “They shall have mobbing to their hearts content, if they do not redress the wrongs of the Latter-day Saints. Mobs will not decrease, but will increase until the whole government becomes a mob, and eventually it will be State against State, city against city, neighborhood against neighborhood.29”

Brigham Young also taught: “Will the constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, “The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction.” It will be so.30”

Brigham Young taught that trading between the righteous and wicked would cease “By and by there will be a gulf between the righteous and the wicked so that they cannot trade with each other and national intercourse will cease31.”

In an October 1942 conference message, J. Reuben Clark, at that time a Mormon apostle, said: “You and I have heard all our lives that the time may come when the Constitution may hang by a thread. I do not know whether it is a thread, or a small rope by which it now hangs, but I do know that whether it shall live or die is now in the balance32”

Speaking in general conference in 1961, Ezra Taft Benson quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith: "We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: 'Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction33".

28 29 30

31 32 33

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 12, pg 204. As quoted by Brigham Young in the Deseret News, Vol II. No. 9, May 1, 1861. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 15, July 4, 1854

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 12:284. Conference Report, October 1942, p.58. Church Historian's Office, Salt Lake City, July 19, 1840) (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 623 - 624

President Benson also stated: “The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith there would be an attempt to overthrow the country by destroying the Constitution… and at that time ‘this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction’ (JOD 7:15). It is my conviction that the elders of Israel, widely spread over the nation, will at that crucial time successfully rally the righteous of our country and provide the necessary balance of strength to save the institutions of constitutional government.34”

In 1963 President Benson again mentioned this prophecy in a conference message: “The Prophet Joseph Smith said the time would come when the Constitution would hang as it were by a thread. Modern-day prophets for the last thirty years have been warning us that we have been rapidly moving in that direction. Fortunately, the Prophet Joseph Smith saw the part the elders of Israel would play in this crisis. Will there be some of us who won't care about saving the Constitution, others who will be blinded by the craftiness of men, and some who will knowingly be working to destroy it? He that has ears to hear and eyes to see can discern by the Spirit and through the words of God's mouthpiece that our liberties are being taken.35” In his bid for the U.S. presidency in 2000, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch made reference to the White Horse prophecy while complaining about the Democrats tolerating everything that is bad. Said Hatch, “I've never seen it worse than this, where the Constitution literally is hanging by a thread” (“Did Hatch Allude To LDS Prophecy?” Salt Lake Tribune, Nov. 11, 1999).

President Harold B. Lee felt there was cause for optimism about our country’s future “Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. . . . This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. We are living in a time of great crisis. The Country is torn with scandal and with criticism, with faultfinding and condemnation. There are those who have downgraded the image of this nation as probably never before in the history of the country. “I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. . . . It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. We must be on the optimistic side. This is a great nation; this is a great country; this is the most favored of all lands. While it is true that there are dangers and difficulties that lie 34 35

Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 618-619. Conference Report, April 1963, p.113.

ahead of us, we must not assume that we are going to stand by and watch the country go to ruin. We should not be heard to predict ills and calamities for the nation. On the contrary, we should be providing optimistic support for the nation. “You must remember . . . that this church is one of the most powerful agencies for the progress of the world, and we should . . . all sound with one voice. We must tell the world how we feel about this land and this nation and should bear our testimonies about the great mission and destiny that it has. If we do this, we will help turn the tide of this great country and lessen the influence of the pessimists… negative, pessimistic comments about the nation that do as much harm as anything tothe country today. We who carry thesesacred responsibilities must preach the gospel of peace, and peace can only come by overcoming the things of the world. Now, we must be the dynamic force that will help turn the tide of fear and pessimism.36”

Bruce R. McConkie stated that the United States would still be here at the Lord’s return

“It is our firm conviction as a people that the stars and stripes will be waving triumphantly in the breeze, as a symbol of the greatness and stability of the United States of America, when the Lord comes. This nation was established to be the Lord’s base of operations in this final gospel dispensation. From it the gospel is to go to every other nation and people. The greater its influence among the nations of the world, the more rapidly the gospel spreads. But the Lord has told us that all nations, the United States included, shall cease to be when he comes” (The Millennial Messiah, 491).

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John Taylor taught that the nation would be shaken, and many would flee to Zion for safety “We have got this kingdom to build up... God expects it at our hands… the day is not far distant when this nation will be shaken from centre to circumference. And now, you may write it down… I will prophesy it in the name of God. And then will be fulfilled the prediction to be found in one of the revelations given through the prophet Joseph Smith. Those who will not take up their sword to fight against their neighbor must needs flee to Zion for safety.” “And they will come, saying, we do not know anything of the principles of your religion, but we perceive that you are an honest community…; but as for your religion we will talk about that

36

Excerpts from a talk given at Ricks College Devotional Assembly, "Have Faith in America," October 26, 1973, and printed in two sources: Ye Are the Light of the World: Selected Sermons and Writings of Harold B. Lee, 340, 350-351, and The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams, 365-366.

some other time. Will we protect such people? Yes, all honorable men. When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations. This is part of the program, and as long as we do what is right and fear God, he will help us and stand by us under all circumstances37.”

Wilford Woodruff taught that the acts of 1862-1879 caused the United States to be weak “The Congress of 1862, and the Supreme Judges of 1879, in their acts and decisions, have taken a dangerous and fearful step; their acts will sap the very foundation of our government, and it will rent asunder, and the God of heaven will hold them responsible for these things, for 'what men sow they will reap, and the measure they mete unto others will be meted unto them', saith the Lord. The Constitution once broken by the rulers of the land, there will be no stopping place until the nation is broken in pieces, and no power beneath the heavens can save this nation from the consequences thereof38.

Erastus Snow taught that the undermining of the Constitution would cause the nation to fall “We were told by the prophet Joseph Smith, that the United States Government and people would undermine one principle of the Constitution after another, until its whole fabric would be torn away, and that it would become the duty of the Latter-day Saints and those in sympathy with them to rescue it from destruction, and to maintain and sustain the principles of human freedom for which our fathers fought and bled. We look for these things to come in quick succession39.”

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Heber C. Kimball taught that LDS Saints would need to endure The Test “I feel to say, brethren and sisters…. [that] there will also be a day when you will be brought to the test--when your very hearts and your inmost souls will melt within you because of the scenes that many of you will witness. Yes, you will be brought tothat test, when you will feel as if everything within you would dissolve. Then will be the time you will be tried whether you will stand the test or fall away. I have not a doubt but there will be hundreds who will leave us and go away to our enemies… for if men turn traitors to God and His servants, their blood will surely be shed, or else they will be damned, and that too according to their covenants. 37 38 39

John Taylor, 1879, Journal of Discourses, 21:8. Wilford Woodruff, The Millennial Star, 41:243 Erastus Snow, Journal of Discourses, vol. 26, p. 226, May 31, 1885.

“Brother Brigham would rather go to battle against the whole world with three hundred men filled with the Holy Ghost, than to have the whole of you, except you are united with us; and I am sure I would. The day is to come when one shall chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. When that day comes, the Lord will make the enemies of His people flee as if there were thousands after them, when there is only one; and that is the way that God will deal with our enemies. The day of God Almighty is at hand, when He will show forth His power, and when He will deliver His people from all their enemies… “Let me say to all of you: Learn to be true and faithful; and, instead of laying out your means for fine bonnets and fine shoes, and for coffee and tea, my advice to you is, if you can five or ten dollars, go and buy a good blanket, a gun, or a sword. And we want you, ladies, to provide yourselves with weapons, and with all that is necessary and be ready to defend yourselves; for you won't always have your husbands to defend you. I have often told you that you would look upon this day, and say it was the best day you had ever seen… And I will say to you 40 that, if you will live you religion … God shall bless you .”

Millions will come to Zion without belongings “I am very thankful that so many of the brethren have come in with handcarts; my soul rejoiced, my heart was filled and grew as big as a two-bushel basket. Two companies have come through safe and sound. Is this the end of it? No; there will be millions on millions that will come much in the same way, only they will not have handcarts, for they will take theirbacks, bundles their arms, and their children on their andunder under their arms and flee41.

Orson F. Whitney wrote in The Life of Heber C. Kimball : “This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not posses this personal knowledge or witness will fall. . .The time will come when no man or woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. . . “You will have all the persecution you want and more too, and all the opportunity to show your integrity to God and truth that you could desire. . . Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, 40 41

Remarks by Heber C. Kimball, Aug. 16, 1857, Delivered in the Bowery, Salt Lake City, Sun. Morning, 4:374 Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, 4:106.

for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand? . . “All true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit; many will apostatize and others will stand still, not knowing what to do. Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people. . . The Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes. The time will come when the government will stop the Saints 42 from holding meetings. When this is done the Lord will pour out His judgments. “

The Saints must prepare or suffer “Lay up your stores, and take your silks and fine things, and exchange them for grain and such things as you need, and the time will come when we will be obliged to depend upon our own resources; for the time is not far distant when the curtain will be dropped between us and the United States. When that time comes, brethren and sisters, you will wish you had commenced sooner to make your own clothing. I tell you, God requires us to go into home manufacture; and prolong it as much as you like, you have got to do it.43” “I will tell you a dream which Brother Kesler had lately. He dreamed that there was a sack of gold and a cat placed before him, and that he had the privilege of taking which he pleased, whereupon he took the cat, and walked off with her. Why did he take the cat in preference to the gold? Because he could eat the cat, but not eat the gold. You may see about such times 44 before you die .

Orson Pratt’s Teachings about the End

In a Sermon delivered at the Tabernacle in General Conference April 7, 1873, SLC, Utah, Orson Pratt taught these things (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 16, pg 1-2; paraphrased): Here in these mountains (Utah) the kingdom of God has been established, not earthly or transient in nature, but a kingdom that is divine; which acknowledge Jesus Christ as it’s King and Lawgiver, and it must endure forever. The saints have not been as faithful in all things as they should have been; have not made the progression that we should have; having been slow to hearken to the counsel of God in all things; having been slow to obey the order of Heaven. We have done well in many things; in teaching faith, repentance, baptism; having made covenants before the Lord that we would keep the commandments according to the best of our abilities. We were faithful in gathering the saints to the west; and we have been faithful in doing work for our dead. But a great reformation is needed among the people of God - the Book of Mormon gives the sample of how we should live. 42 43 44

Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, p.446-451 Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, 5:10. Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, 3:262.

When the Lord came to the Americas he established the highest order and law of the kingdom of God in regard to temporal things; and the ancient Saints upon this continent entered into that order with all their hearts; and they were not a small handful of people like the Latter-day Saints, but were spread over the whole of North and South America. Millions upon millions of people dwelt in large and populous cities in the four quarters of the Western Hemisphere; and they all entered into this heavenly order with God had established, and continued therein for 167 years. The order they entered into was the Law of Consecration; they had all things in common; not just a few individuals, but after the twelve apostles were chosen, they were sent forth upon all the land, and so great were the evidences given of the Lord’s appearance, that the whole people were converted unto the Lord, and they were willingly guided by those servants who were called and ordained by the Lord. Prior to that time, there were rich and poor among the people – some were very prideful because of great wealth, and others bowed down to the dust because of their poverty; and class distinctions prevailed until this new order of things was established. What a blessed people they were! How happy they must have been! There were no poor in North or South America; not a single poor person, no beggars in their great cities; but all things that were calculated to make life happy were in the possession of, and enjoyed by all people; there was no inequality as all things were patterned after heavenly things. Now let me ask you a question - Has God ever revealed to the Latter-day Saints the necessity of entering into this heavenly order in regard to their wealth? He has. When? When we were gathered in Jackson County, Missouri in 1831; the land was consecrated, and set apart by revelation for the erection of a great and glorious city to the Most High God. Not the old Jerusalem, but a new Jerusalem, a city of Zion. The Lord, through his prophet, Joseph, revealed the law of consecration, not the law of tithing, but consecration. Let me repeat, LDS Saints, that this is a law that will come in force at some future period of our history, and it will not be amiss for us to understand its nature and to prepare to approximate to its requirements, so that when it is introduced amongst us we may take hold of it with all our hearts. In 1831, we consecrated all that we had; not just a tenth, but all that we had, including gold, silver, household furniture, clothing, jewelry, horses, cattle, wagons, tools, machinery, or whatever wealth we possessed; it was delivered to the Bishop, the Lord’s Judge in Zion. In those days, we were a small people, and our Bishop in Zion was being guided and inspired by the Holy Ghost to take charge of all the consecrations of the people to the Most High; and this made them all equal, every person stood upon the same platform, possessing nothing to begin with; all property became the common property of the Church. Now how was this property to be used? First the Saints needed land, a means to build habitations; they needed farming implements; flocks and

herds; manufacturing businesses; and mercantile stores; and all kinds of mechanical businesses to be introduced in their midst, just as fast as they procured means sufficient. By whom were the stewardships for the Saints laid out? The Lord’s Bishop in Zion purchased lands from the U.S. and then divided a portion to each man as a stewardship, according to the number of people in his family. Mechanics received mechanics tools; and all were called upon to engage in some healthy enterprise; and were given capital needed to get that started. It was the intention that as common property of the Church; all the people’s property should increase. Perhaps the question may be asked, can this equality be maintained through time and forever? If there had been no law given how this equality could be maintained among the people, before twelve months had passed away there would have been inequality again. Why? Because some people might, through mismanagement; and less talent; have his stewardship decrease; whereas others, possessing good management skills and much talent would have gained more; and in a short time his thousands would have turned to ten-thousands, and then millions; and thus in the course of a year, we would again have rich and poor if God had not provided against it. What provisions were given? He made this provision – that every man should be considered a steward first and prove himself a wise steward before he could be entitled to an everlasting inheritance. Each steward was to render an account to Zion’s judge (see D&C 40:1); and report about that which he was entrusted with. If a person was entrusted with 50,or 1000, or a million dollars, then he must, at the end of the year, render an account of that stewardship. After they made a full accounting of their work, they again consecrated all that they had; and the next year begin again with a new or continued stewardship. Did the people carry out this law? No. Why? Because they had engrained deeply the notions which have prevailed among the people of the whole earth for thousands of years (to get gain, for power and to take glory unto themselves); which order was in direct opposition to the order of heaven. Worldly notions that every man must work for himself, and for their families, that they must labor with all their strength, might, mind to gain all they possibly can, to use it only for themselves and their generations after them, caring nothing for their starving and poor neighbors, are incorrect. Worldly traditions that had been instilled in our minds caused us to be full of covetousness, and false notions about how to properly carry out the law of God, and hence, when many came up to Zion, they looked upon the beautiful, rich soil, excellent timber, and fine prairies and meadows, as they were in Jackson County, and their souls lusted after these things, and the rich man declared: ‘No I will not consecrate all my property to Zion’s Judge, but will go to the Land Office, and purchase a large plot of land that I say sell to my brethren, and speculate upon it, and make a fortune’. This is what some of the people did, and God saw this, and then reproved us by revelation, and said unto the people of Jackson County, that if they didn’t repent he would pluck them up and send

them out of Zion, for said he “The rebellious are not of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they will be plucked up, and sent away out of the land.” Then when the people didn’t repent and change, God fulfilled his promise – He plucked up the people, and cast them away out of the rich, plenteous land in 1833; and he sent us to live in the desert and wilderness of Utah; and it was because of our sins and covetousness that we were sent away.

Did the Lord then forsake us? No. He had compassion upon us, as he did ancient Israel. When he aw that that the traditions of the world had too strong of a hold upon our hearts, he revoked for a time, the Law of Consecration, reducing it to the Law of Tithing. Says one, “What, did God revoke a commandment?” Yes, that is the way he did it in ancient times, and he is the same God still. He did it for our good; for if that law had continued in full force, we as a people would never have complied. and we would have been overcome and ruined; but owing to it being revoked, we were rescued from completed destruction. But let me tell speak of the fullness of the Law of Tithing, although an inferior law, as a people we have not kept it; as the first part of it requires that every person, when they first come into the midst of the people of God, consecrates all his surplus property, retaining only that portion that he needed. Have we kept this inferior law? Have the wealthy among us, when they first came here and numbered themselves among the people of God, consecrated all their surplus property, and afterwards a tenth of all their income? I will tell you what we have done; as a general thing, rich or poor, with only a few exceptions; every person has thought he has no surplus, when he come here. If he had $100,000 dollars or more, he made his calculations, and said or thought, “O I wish to do thus and such, and therefore I will need all this to set me up. I want to make 30, 40, or 50 percent of these poor people, and that will enable me to do what I want to do; and so I don’t think any of the money or things I now have can be called surplus property. I need it all, or I do not think I can set up my merchandising business. Others who have much wealth make their calculations so as to cover up the true value of his property, believing that he need all of it to carry out his branch of business. When they thus do this, where is the man who is honest enough to say, “I think I can spare 50, 20, 10, or 5 thousand dollars as surplus property”? In my opinion, this is wrong; they should not be their own judges; but should submit to the will of the Lord through their Bishop; who has been called and appointed in Zion, and in whom the Holy Ghost resides. They should bring all they have and present it to their Bishop, saying: “Here, I have thus much means, and property; judge ye, how much of this shall be considered to be surplus, and how much I shall retain.” -

“The reason I make these remarks is that I want this people to fully understand that there is a law given, a law inferior to that of full consecration, and for every man to enquire whether he has carried out this law according to the letter thereof. Perhaps the time has not come even for this law to be fulfilled in all its exactness. At any rate we are drifting along in about the same channel that the world does, so far as our property is concerned, with the exception of paying one-tenth of our annual income into the Lord's store-house, and the consequence is, there have become rich and poor in Zion, some possessing their hundreds of thousands, and others digging, in the dust, as it were, from year's end to year's end.” How shall this be remedied? There are many men of wealth: good, honest, upright men who would be willing to do anything that the Lord required of them; while there are others who hug their property close at their hearts, as though it were dearer to them than anything either in this world or in the world to come. There certainly exists now among us a distinction of classes; which may prove to be the overthrow of many. With feelings of class distinction the fellowship that should exist among the people of God does not exist; nor will Zion arise in her glory and power. If we wish to go see Zion arise, then we must be willing to receive and live her laws; for "Zion can not be built up only according to the law of the celestial kingdom, otherwise I can not receive her unto myself." We have got to come to that, and it is well for us in my opinion, that we begin to approximate as fast as possible, that when the time shall come, we shall be prepared for full consecration.

From Elder Orson Pratt’s remarks it seems clear that each of us must carefully consider how we will better fulfill all of our temple covenants, especially as it pertains to the Law of Consecration, that is. if we plan to be part of the building up of the latter-day City of New Jerusalem, or Zion in Jackson County, Missouri that has yet to happen.

Elder William J. Critchlow Jr, taught about God’s Plan or Great Act (Assistant to the Council of the Twelve; gave the talk in conference in 1967). “Yes, the world is truly a huge stage, and upon it the greatest drama ever conceived and produced is still coursing 6,000 years after the curtains were opened to unveil a beautiful scene in Act 1 called the Garden of Eden. In a single sentence the author of this great drama set forth concisely a purpose, a motive, and an objective for his marvelous work. He said: "For behold, this is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.) In that simple sentence, I find a fitting title: "The Eternal Life of Man." You who like brevity may shorten it to Eternal Life. I like it either way. I hope the author will approve.

“The theme of the great drama is free agency, meaning man's agency or freedom to choose. The script is divided into seven acts, each 1,000 years in length. The play has advanced far into the sixth act. Soon the curtain will rise for the seventh or millennial act. To stage and direct the drama, the author needed a director. Bidding for it, a talented and ambitious character known as Lucifer, frequently called Satan, offended and insulted the author. “The author awarded the Directing job to his son Jehovah, who agreed to go down" and prepare the world stage and to direct the play according to the author's script. Lucifer's rebellion escalated into a war in heaven. It spread to earth, a fierce struggle between Lucifer and Jehovah. Battles are still raging on the stage here in the sixth act. Approximately one third of the cast selected for the great drama defected and sided with Lucifer. For so doing, they were dropped from the cast and thus denied physical appearances on the stage. This infuriated them. They vowed to make the play flop, and to that end they have used freedom… One thing we are forced to admit: Despite the fact that Lucifer's spirit followers were eliminated from the cast and thus deprived of physical appearances on the stage, their power to tempt and adversely influence the cast has been tremendous. “God in his infinite wisdom undoubtedly appointed his son Jehovah to be the drama director because of the Son's vast experience in building stages or worlds… By the time the stage was readied, the cast was ready, the leading roles filled by a process or doctrine called foreordination. [Paraphrased] Act 1, Morning Stars sang, and Adam and Eve came to the earth, soon

followed by Cain, Abel, Seth and two daughters. Many others followed after them; and great wickedness came upon the earth. Closing out the scene was Enoch. Act 2, Noah opens the scene resides upon the earth, and builds the ark and

then the flood happen. Ham, Shem, Japheth, and their families spread out upon the earth, and closing the act is wicked king Nehor. Act 3, Began with Abraham played the leading role, with Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses soon appearing. The people of Israel wander in the desert for 40 years, and Jericho falls with Joshua in the Lead. The Judges and then Samuel the Prophet appear, and after a while King Saul arises to power, and began fighting the surrounding nations; and then the act closes. Act 4, Began with King David on the throne, Solomon soon followed to build a

great temple. Then arises his son, Rehoboam, and soon the kingdom of Israel splits into Ten Tribes known as ‘Israel’, and Judah and Benjamin are known as ‘Judah’. Judah and Israel go to war with each other, opening the way for wicked King of Assyria to enter and carry away captive the Ten Tribes, sequestering them on an island far to the north. About 50 years later, Israel is

taken captive to Babylon. After a time period of 80 years they are released, and return to Jerusalem; rebuild their temple, and restore the city and people to power as a nation. Then they ware invaded again, and taken over by Roman Generals and placed into slavery. Act 5, The Director appears upon the scene in the opening as the Son of God, and after his

ministry unto Judah he is killed and then nailed to the cross, and is put into a stone tomb; but isn’t there long as he then appears in the western hemisphere, where he heals many, teaches the people, and then ordains Twelve Lamanite Apostles to carry forth the work; and then he goes and appears to the Ten Lost Tribes and teaches them, restoring the Church among them; and after three days the Director reappears in Jerusalem to finish his work in setting up the church in the Eastern Hemisphere with the srcinal Twelve Apostles. He walks and talks among them as a Resurrected being, but doesn’t stay as a resident upon the stage. The ending of act five shows John the Revelator in Patamos receiving the vision of the Last Great Drama, and recording it; and shortly thereafter the light of the world dims out as the people fall away from the true church. Act 6, The Restoration.

Begins with the world still in darkness; and several valiant people try to bring light forth including Joseph Smith’s parents - Joseph is born and raised up in truth, goes to pray and then the Director and his Father appear briefly to the young man. The Lord’s kingdom is set to arise again shortly thereafter as the Book of Mormon is translated, and the Church is set up and the Priesthood restored. Light appears in the world, and many gather unto it. The closing act of this scene is when the Lord arises for the Second Time; and then Satan will be bound, and there will be peace upon the earth again; temples will dot the land, and no nation will be at war with another nation anymore. Act 7, the Millennial Act

Before these blissful scenes are enacted, Act 6 must run its full course, and spectacular events will be staged upon the earth, some too tragic and distressing to give comfort to us. Already in preparation these events have happened: - The author, with his Director, had made numerous behindthe-scenes appearances; - The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored; - The Kingdom of God has been established to stand forever and ever; - The Great Latter-day Prophet has come forth and sealed his testimony with his life; Still to come in Act 6: - A great and terrible earthquake (as John the Revelator foresaw). - The stars of Heaven must fall unto the earth (Rev. 6:12-13); - The Lord must express his full indignation (D&C 43:26) - The stage must be cleared and cleansed as in Noah’s day; but the cleansing will involve all natural and unnatural elements (atomic bombs included) (Luke 17:26);

- Lucifer may gloat at the confusion on the stage; and his agents will shout: ‘Told you so – Free Agency was doomed before the play started!’ Well, he may think so, but not seriously, I’m sure certain lines in the script worry him greatly; lines that give the saints much comfort, such as ‘O ye people of my church, listen together; I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh… when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion; and the Lord also shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon the world’. (D&C 1:1, 35-36)

[Quote continued] “If man's reckoning of time is accurate, the curtain at the end of Act 6 may fall in less than two score years (40 years) from now. My children -- surely some of my grandchildren - will be involved in this act's closing scenes. I call upon them and all of you to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph. 6:11.) Some of my grandchildren may witness the return of the lost ten tribes; some of them may be around when ancient Enoch and his people return; one might even be bidden to Adam-ondi-Ahman to sit with Adam in another great council. Do I hope for more than I deserve, to hope that I myself might be caught up with the righteous dead to meet the great director when he comes in glory to rule and reign upon the stage? “One other hope I'd like to tuck in -- I hope I haven't offended by calling this world a stage. God never intended his great work to be accepted as a play. Life is not simulated. It is real; the scenes are real; the characters are real; the acting is "for keeps." The drama analogy is mine. I like it. I like the title, "Eternal Life." I like the worthy purpose it serves. It is our Father's way of providing his billions of spirit children with mortal, flesh and bone bodies. It is a course designed to give his children a fullness of joy, like unto our Heavenly Father. “It provides his children with powers of procreation for the first time. It provides a period of probationary testing. It is designed to condition his children forever against rebellion and sedition. It prepares his children for citizenship in a theocratic kingdom, the kingdom of God. I like the author's objective: ". . . this is my work, and my glory -- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.)

“When the drama runs its 7,000-year course, what, at its close, happens to the cast? Will the players be unemployed? How were they employed before the play began? My answer must be brief. This world drama is but a small part, a very brief act, in a great, grandiose drama that has been coursing through time and will continue to course through time for millions of years, without end. It is a drama within a drama, both by the same author. May he pardon me for the liberty I take in calling it Act 2 -- the mortal act --

involving the cast in their mortal, flesh and bone, state. Act 1 I would call the pre-mortal act, involving the cast in their spirit state. The future, Act 3, will later involve the cast in their immortal state. I must call it the postmortal or immortal act.

“In these several acts God's grandiose drama courses on and on and on, everlastingly, eternally. Life is eternal. Faithful members of the cast, after their resurrection, may attain a state of exaltation in God's kingdom in a glory called celestial. That glory holds a promise of eternal life, the power of eternal increase, a continuation of the seeds. “God, the great Author, lives. He is in his heaven dispatching his spirit children to this mortal stage. Jesus Christ is the director, the very Son of God. Joseph Smith was a prophet. He played an important role in the great drama, "Eternal Life." David O. McKay is another prophet, our prophet, in another important role in that great drama. To this I bear my humble witness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.45” - Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr. Assistant to the Council of the Twelve

Joseph Smith teachings about Gathering Places

“For without Zion, and a place of deliverance, we must fall; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the moon turn to blood, and the stars fall from the heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible, we must fall; we cannot stand; we cannot be saved; for God will gather out his Saints from the Gentiles, and then comes desolation and destruction, and none can escape except the pure in heart who are gathered.” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith, p.70)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks clarified where the gathering places are "Another sign of the times is the gathering of the faithful (see D&C 133:4). In the early years of this last dispensation, a gathering to Zion involved various locations in the United States: to Kirtland, to Missouri, to Nauvoo, and to the tops of the mountains. Always these 45

William J. Critchlow, Jr., Conference Report, October 1967, p.85

were gatherings to prospective temples. With the creation of stakes and the construction of temples in most nations with sizeable populations of the faithful, the current commandment is not to gather to one place but to gather in stakes in our own homelands. There the faithful can enjoy the full blessings of eternity in a house of the Lord. There, in their own homelands, they can obey the Lord’s command to enlarge the borders of His people and strengthen her stakes (see D&C 101:21; 133:9,14). In this way, the stakes of Zion are “for a 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 115:6)."46

President Heber C. Kimball – on Building Storehouses In April 1857, Heber C. Kimball instructed the LDS saints to put in food storage, and Pres. Brigham Young agreed with him47: “If we sin, and do not repent, God will chastise us until we do

repent of and forsake all sin; but He never will scourge us so long as we do right. I have said a hundred times that we never shall want for bread, meat, and the comforts of life, worlds without end, if we will only do right. That is my prophecy, and always was; and it is true…. I will now make a few remarks in relation to building storehouses….; in order to lay up grain, you must prepare storehouses. Every man who has a farm needs a storehouse—one made of rock and lime, that will guard your grain against the mice, rats, and all other four-legged vermin; also against the two-legged ones. I have more fears of the two-legged ones than I have of the four-legged ones.

“Plan to build a good storehouse, every man who has a farm, and never cease until you have accomplished it. And do not forget to pay your tithing before you put the grain into the storehouse. Lay up enough for seven years, at a calculation for from five to ten in each family; and then calculate that there will be in your families from five to ten persons to where you now have one, because you are on the increase… “Where a family now requires only a hundred bushels a year, let the head of that family lay up a hundred bushels the first year, two hundred the next, and increase the amount every year in proportion to their probable requirements. When we have stored away our grain we are safe, independent of the world, in case of famine, are we not? Yes, we are; for, in that case, we will have the means for subsistence in our own hands. When the famines begin upon the earth, we shall be very apt to feel them first. “If judgments must need begin at the house of God, and if the righteous scarcely are saved, how will it be with the wicked? Am I looking for famines? Yes, the most terrible and severe that have ever come upon the nations of the earth. These things are right before us, and some of this people are not thinking anything do not hearts. Still of there not of anthe Elder here who read the revelationabout whichthem; says, they Go forth andenter warntheir the inhabitants thisisland sickness, the has death, and 46 47

Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,”Liahona, May 2004, 7–10 Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 5, pg 18.

disasters that are coming upon this nation, but what must be satisfied of the truth of what I am saying. You have done according to the instruction given in that revelation; and now reflect upon the things that I am declaring in your hearing, and lift up your voices unitedly as a people to the God of Heaven that He will be merciful unto us and favour Zion. “Be wise, listen to counsel, and obey the voice of the head, and you will prosper and never want for bread; but, as the Lord liveth, you will feel it, if you do not continue in the line of duty. [President Brigham Young said: That is true.] Yes, it is as true as it is that God ever spake to this generation. I consider that carefully storing our surplus grain against a time of need is of the greatest importance to this people, in connection with building the Temple. You may build that Temple, and at the same time neglect those things that I am speaking of, and you will perish temporally. Do you suppose that God would give revelations and tell us to warn the inhabitants of the earth of things which were coming speedily upon them, if He did not intend that those things should come? He said that they should feel them, and I know that they are bound to feel them; for they will not repent. Let us go to work and prepare for the thousands upon thousands who will come unto us. “Our Carrying Company is only in its infancy, but it will prepare the way; and the day will come when people will gather here by hundreds and by thousands,—yea, fifty thousand in a year; and very many will come trudging along with their bundles under their arms. I have heard brother Joseph, brother Brigham, and several other men say that it will be so; and I know it will, because they have said it. Many of you will venture to say that you believe it; but I know that it is true, and it will surely come to pass.”

President Ezra Taft Benson asked us to prepare in 1980

“For over forty years, in a spirit of love, members of the Church have been counseled to… have sufficient food, clothing, and fuel on hand to last at least one year. Today there are compelling reasons to reemphasize this counsel… More than ever before, we need to learn and apply the principles of economic self-reliance... the Lord has decreed global calamities for the future and has warned and forewarned us to be prepared. For this reason the Brethren have repeatedly stressed a “back to basics” program for temporal and spiritual welfare.

“Today, I emphasize a most basic principle: home production and storage. .. An almost forgotten means of economic self-reliance is the home production of food. We are too accustomed to going to stores and purchasing what we need. By producing some of our food we… learn how to produce our own food and involve all family members in a beneficial project… repeated emphasis to grow our own gardens… “We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly

can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard.”. . . “We encourage you to be more self-reliant so that, as the Lord has declared, “notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, … the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world”. The Lord wants us to be independent and selfreliant because these will be days of tribulation. He has warned and forewarned us of the eventuality. .. how much wisdom can you boast… if you cannot procure for yourselves and save against a day of scarcity those substances designed to sustain your natural lives?” … “From the standpoint of food production… wheat should have high priority… Water, of course, is essential. Other basics could include honey or sugar, legumes, milk products or substitutes, and salt or its equivalent. The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah. … think more in terms of what it would take to keep us alive in case we didn’t have anything else to eat … just enough to keep us alive if we didn’t have anything else to eat. “We wouldn’t get fat on it, but we would live; and if you think in terms of that kind of annual storage rather than a whole year’s supply of everything that you are accustomed to eat which… There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own. “The counsel from Church authorities has been consistent over the years and is well summarized in these words: (1) First, and above and beyond everything else, let us live righteously. … (2) Let us avoid debt as we would avoid a plague; where we are now in debt, let us get out of debt; if not today, then tomorrow. (3) Let us straightly and strictly live within our incomes, and save a little. (4) Let every head of every household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing, and, where possible, fuel also, for at least a year ahead. ..; (5) put your money in foodstuffs and wearing apparel, not in stocks and bonds; (6) Let every head of every household aim to own his own home, free from mortgage. (6) Let every man who has a garden spot, garden it; every man who owns a farm, farm it.” “You do not need to go into debt… to obtain a year’s supply. Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each pay-check. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. If you are saving and planning for a second car or a TV set or some item which merely adds to your comfort or pleasure, you

may need to change your priorities. We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now. “I speak with a feeling of great urgency. I have seen what the days of tribulation can do to people. I have seen hunger stalk the streets of Europe. I have witnessed the appalling, emaciated shadows of human figures. I have seen women and children scavenge army garbage dumps for scraps of food. Those scenes and nameless faces cannot be erased from my memory. …

“Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion. The Lord has warned and forewarned us against a day of great tribulation and given us counsel, through His servants, on how we can be prepared for these difficult times. Have we heeded His counsel? “Be faithful, my brothers and sisters, to this counsel and you will be blessed—yes, the most blessed people in all the earth… May God bless us to be prepared for the days which lie ahead, which may be the most severe yet...”48

President Wilford Woodruff’s teachings about Visions and Prophecy

President Woodruff taught: “What is revelation? The testimony of the Father and Son. How many of you have had revelation? How many of you have had the Spirit of God whisper unto you – the still small voice?... I have had many testimonies since I have been connected with this Church and kingdom. I have been blessed at times with cert ain … revelations and ministrations… it is the principle of revelation from the head of the Church to the Church itself – a principle which in its operation is not confined to one man, or to three men, or to twelve men; but is extended to every individual in the Church, in greater or less degree, as each one chooses to avail himself of it. There is an appointed way, however, in which revelation from the Lord for the government of his church is received. There is but one man on earth, at a time, who holds this power. But every individual member has the privilege of receiving revelation from the Lord for his guidance in his own affairs.” [Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 54]

He recorded several other apostles and prophet’s visions in his journals One vision recorded in Wilford Woodruff’s journal gives a strong warning to America, and the saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most likely it was received by John Taylor, the president of the Church at the time. President Woodruff felt very strongly about the importance of recording prophecies of Church leaders, and often recorded visions that had been received by someone else in priesthood leadership. Wilford Woodruff presided over the Church as President of the Quorum from the 48

Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,”Ensign, Nov 1980, 32

time of President John Taylor’s death on July 25, 1887, until he was sustained as President of the Church on April 7, 1889. By way of explanation, in March 17, 1857, he wrote: “I have never spent any of my time more profitably for the benefit of mankind than in my journal writing… Some of the most glorious gospel sermons, truths, and revelations that were ever given through the mouth of the prophets Joseph, Brigham, Heber and the Twelve could not be found upon the earth on record, only in my journals, and they are compiled in the Church history and transmitted to the Saints of God in all future generations. Does this not pay me for my trouble? It does.” (Wilford Woodruff’s Journal (WWJ), 5:37) He further warned the saints to give heed to these visions in his July 5, 1877 entry:and “God has the inspired to keep atojournal and history of this Church, I warn futureme historians give credence to my history of this Church and kingdom, for my testimony is true, and the truth of its record will be manifest in the world to come. (WWJ, 7:359) In Nov 1, 1891, he stated of the Church leaders: “And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be Scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” [D&C 68:4] I feel that since he thought it was important enough to include it in his journal, it is important enough for us to study.

John Taylor’s Vision of Devastation in various US places, including Salt Lake Here is the vision (recorded Dec 16, 1877) for your review. “I went to bed as usual at about 7:30PM. I had been reading a revelation in the French language. My mind was calm, more so than usual if possible, so I composed myself for sleep, but could not. I felt a strange feeling come over me and apparently became partially unconscious. Still I was not asleep, nor exactly awake, with dreary feeling. The first thing that I recognized was that I was in the tabernacle of Ogden, Utah. I was sitting in the back part of the building for fear they would call on me to preach, which however they did, for after singing the second time they called me to the stand. I arose to speak and said that I didn’t know that I had anything especially to say, except to bear my testimony of the Latter-day work, when all at once it seemed as if I was lifted out of myself and I said, “Yes, I have something to say and that is this: Some of my brethren have been asking, “What is becoming of us? What is the wind blowing?” I will answer you right here what is coming very shortly.” “I was then in a dream, immediately in the city of Salt Lake, and wandering around in the streets and in all parts of the city, and on the doors of the houses I found badges of mourning and I could not find a house but was in mourning. I passed my own house and found the same sign there, and I asked the

question, “Is that me that is dead?” Someone gave me the answer, “No, you will get through it all.” “It seemed strange to me that I saw no person in the streets in all my wandering around the country. They seemed to be in their houses with the sick, but saw no funeral procession, nor anything of the kind, but the city looking still and as though the people were praying. And it seemed that they had controlled the disease, but what the disease was I did not learn; it was not made known to me. I then looked over the country, north, east, south, and west, and the same mourning was in every land and in every place. The next thing I knew I was just this side of Omaha. It seemed though I was above the earth, and looking down upon it. As I passed along upon my way east I saw the road full of people, mostly women, with just what they could carry in bundles on their backs, traveling to the mountains on foot. I wondered how they would get through with such a small pack on their backs. It was remarkable to me that there were so few men among them. It didn’t seem to me as though the cars were running, the rails looked rusty and the roads abandoned; and I have no conception of how I traveled as I looked down upon the people. I continued east by the way of Omaha and Council Bluffs, which were full of disease. There were women everywhere. The state of Illinois and Missouri were in a tumult, men killing one another, women joining the fighting, family against family in the most horrid manner. I imagined next that I was in Washington and I found desolation there. The White House was empty and the Halls of Congress the same, and everything in ruins. The people seemed to have left the city and left it to take care of itself. I was in Baltimore. In the square where the Monument of 1812 stands in front of the Charles Hotel. I saw dead piled up so as to fill the street square. I saw mothers cutting the throats of their own children for their blood. I saw them suck it from their throats to quench their own thirst and then lie down and die. The water of Chesapeake Bay was stagnant, and the stench arising from it on account of their throwing their bodies into it so terrible, that the very smell carried death with it. I saw no man except they were dead or dying in the streets and very few women. Those I saw were crazy and in an ugly condition. Everywhere I went I beheld the same sights all over the city; it was terrible beyond description to look upon.

I thought this must be the end;city butofno, I was seemingly in an instant in the Philadelphia. There everything was still. No living soul was there to greet me. It seemed the whole city was without any inhabitants. In the south of Chestnut

Street and in fact everywhere I went, the putrefaction of the dead caused such a stench that it was impossible for any living thing to breathe, nor did I see any living thing in the city. Next I found myself in Broadway, in the city of New York, and there it seemed the people had done the best they could to overcome the disease, but in wandering down Broadway I saw the bodies of beautiful women lying, some dead and others in a dying condition, on the sidewalks. I saw men come out of cellars and ravish the persons of some that were yet alive and then kill them and rob their bodies of all the valuables they had upon them. Then before they could get back to the cellar they would roll over a time or two and die in agony. In some of the back streets I saw them kill some of their own offspring and eat their raw flesh, and in a few minutes die themselves. Everywhere I went I saw the same scene of horror and destruction and death and rapine. No carriages, buggies, or cars were running; but death and destruction were everywhere. Then I saw fire start and just at that moment a mighty East wind sprang up and carried the flames over the city and it burned until there was not a single building left standing there, even down to the waters edge. Wharves and shipping all seemed to burn and follow in common destruction where the “great city” was a short time ago. The stench from the bodies that were burning was so great that it was carried a long distance cross the Hudson Bay and carried death and destruction wherever it penetrated. I cannot paint in words the horror that seemed to compass me about; it was beyond description of man. I supposed this was the end; but it was not. I was given to understand the same horror was being enacted all over the country, east, west, north, and south. Few were left alive, still there were some. Immediately after I seemed to be standing on the left bank of the Missouri River, opposite e the City of Independence, but there was no city. I saw the whole state of Missouri and Illinois and all of Iowa, a complete desert with no living being there. A short distance from the river however, I saw twelve men dressed in temple robes, standing in a square or nearly so (and I understood it represented the Twelve Gates of the New Jerusalem.) Their hands were uplifted in consecration of the ground and laying the corner stone of the temple. I saw myraids of angels hovering over them, and saw also an immense pillar of clouds over them and heard the angels singing the most heavenly music. The words were “Now is established the Kingdom of God and his Christ, which shall never more be thrown down.” I saw people coming from the river and from the desert places a long way off to help build the temple and it seemed that hosts of angels all helped to get material to build with and I saw some of them who wore temple clothes come and build the temple and the city, and all the time I saw the great pillar of clouds hovering over the place.

Instantly, however, I found myself again in the tabernacle at Ogden. And yet, I could still see the building go on and I got quite animated in calling on the people in the tabernacle to listen to the beautiful music, for the angels were singing the same music I had heard before. “Now is established the Kingdom of God and his Christ, which shall never more be thrown down.” At this I seemed to stagger back from the pulpit and Brother Francis D. Richards and some others caught my arm and prevented me from falling. Then I finished so abruptly. Still even then I had not fainted, but was simply exhausted. Then I rolled over in bed and awoke just as the city clock was striking twelve.”

Isaiah also prophesied of the ‘great consumption’ that the Lord will allow to come upon the land in order to cleanse it of the inhabitants; and of the burning of the earth. Here the Prophet seems to have seen a similar vision as he did, but it was recorded in much greater detail. Brother Packard wrote of the Prophet’s words about a great war that was to commence that would greater than the Civil War of 1861. "My brother, Noah Packard, says that he heard the Prophet Joseph say that the next great (U.S. civil) war after the war of the rebellion (the Civil War of the 1860's between the North and the South) would commence in a little town now called Chicago but at that time it would have grown to be a very large city. And another brother told me that the Prophet said that the cause of the next great trouble of the United States would be the depreciation of the currency of the United States. I believe I have given you all the facts in as short and concise manner as possible." [A. Milton Musser papers, LDS Church Archives, letter from Nephi Packard to A. Milton Musser, July 24, 1896].

The David Whitmer Interview Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulson interviewed David Whitmer, who spoke of a bloodier Civil War that is coming than the Civil War of 1861. Here are some excerpts from the interview he called Remembering Joseph49: After a self introduction to David Whitmer and some general conversation, I remarked to him: Q: You are one of the Three Witnesses? A: I am one of them…. Q: When will the temple be built at Independence? A: Right after the great tribulation is over. Q: What do you mean by that? A: A civil war more bloody and cruel than the rebellion. It will be 49

Interview of David Whitmer,Remembering Joseph , by Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulsen,www.ldsavow.com/forum; also found at: http://www.mormonapologetics.org/index.php?showtopic=41663

a smashing up of this nation, about which time the second great work has to be done, a work like Joseph did, and the translation of the sealed plates, and peace all over.”

[This conversation was mostly written down word for word half an hour after the interview with David Whitmer, Esquire, who will recognize it as his words, and I send it that the public may form a better idea about this truly remarkable man. Yours truly, P. Wilhelm Poulson, M.D.]

Orson Pratt taught that the Saints would definitely be leaving Utah, not eastward directly “These are of the grand events spoken of in this wea are notZion … is required to some go to old Jerusalem, but we are required toBible… build up Zion… to be built up in the mountains in the last days… before that great and terrible day of the Lord Zion is required to get up into the high mountains…. You …. are building up some two hundred towns, cities and villages in the mountains of the great American desert, fulfilling the prophecies of the holy Prophets. “By and by you will leave this country. Says one--"What, are the Mormons going to leave Utah?" Oh yes, most of us; we are going to leave, but we shall disappoint some of you. You want to know which way we are going? We are going by and by eastward. I do not say that we shall go directly from this city eastward, but we shall after a while, be in Jackson County, in the western borders of Missouri… Why are we going there? Because it is the great central gathering place for the Saints of latter days… will be gathered …. in Jackson County, in the State of Missouri… and build up the central city of Zion, and that, too, long before this gathering from the distant nations shall cease. “I do not know how much before the ten tribes will come from the north; but after Zion is built in Jackson County, and after the Temple is built upon that spot of ground where the corner stone was laid in 1831, after the glory of God in the form of a cloud by day shall rest upon that Temple, and by night the shining of a flaming fire will fill the whole heavens round about; after every dwelling place upon Mount Zion shall be clothed upon as with a pillar of fire by night, and a cloud by day, about that period of time, the ten tribes will be heard of, away in the north, a great company, as Jeremiah says, coming down from the northern regions, coming to sing in the height of the latter-day Zion. “Their souls will be as a watered garden, and they will not sorrow any more at all, as they have been doing during the twenty-five hundred long years they have dwelt in the Arctic regions. They will come, and the Lord will be before their camp, he will utter his voice before that great army, and he will lead them forth as he led Israel in ancient days. This long chain Rocky Mountains, that extendswill from the cold regions of theof north away into South America, feel the power of God, and will tremble before the hosts of Israel as they come to sing on the heights of Zion.

In that day the trees of the field will clap like hands, says the Prophet, and in that day the Lord will open waters in the wilderness, and streams in the desert, to give drink to his chosen, his people Israel. And when they come to the height of Zion they shall be crowned with glory under the hands of the servants of God living in those days, the children of Ephraim, crowned with certain blessings that pertain to the Priesthood, that they could not receive in their own lands. In that day will be set apart twelve thousand out of each of these ten tribes--one hundred and twenty thousands persons ordained to the High Priesthood, after the order of the son of God, to go forth to all people, nations, kindreds, and tongues, for the salvation of the remnants of Israel in the four quarters of the earth, to bring as many as will come unto the Church of the firstborn. Thus God will have twelve thousand out of all the tribes of Israel to fulfill his purposes; and when they have completed his work here on earth, they will be called home to Zion, be crowned with glory and stand upon Mount Zion and sing the song of the redeemed, the song of the hundred and forty50 four thousand, and the Father's name will be written in their foreheads. ”

President John Taylor saw in vision that the saints of Salt Lake will need to exit to the South

Recorded by Edward Lund called “A Remarkable Prophecy By President John Taylor As Told by Edward Lunt, An Ordinance Worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple.

50

Journal of Discourses, Vol.18, p.67, Orson Pratt, July 25, 1875.

“The following incident occurred at my father's home in Cedar City, at the time a stake conference was being held in that city, at which President John Taylor and George A. Smith were present. Apostle Smith was asked to conduct the conference, as President Taylor wished to rest after his having held meetings in the different wards and stakes between Salt Lake City and Cedar City. President Taylor asked Elder George A. Smith to start the conference, as he wished to rest until the afternoon meeting. President Taylor, with some of the authorities, was staying at the home of my parents during this conference. President Taylor wished to go to his room and lie down. He asked my mother to awaken him in time for the afternoon conference, as he feared he might oversleep and thus fail to arrive at the conference in time. My mother was busy preparing dinner for the visitors but was surprised to see President Taylor come into the kitchen so soon after retiring for his much needed rest. He immediately started telling mother of a most remarkable vision that he had just had while in his room. “He stated that he saw that Salt Lake City would become a great city with many beautiful paved roads and streets of cement construction, and that the people had become wealthy. He saw that the city extended almost to the point of the mountain south of the new State prison. The people, he saw, had become quite indifferent to the counsel and advice of the authorities of the church, and were more interested in the accumulation of wealth than they were in living their religion. “He told mother that he saw that war had been started, and that so great was the destruction of life within the city that blood ran down the gutter as though it were streams of water, and the violence was such that it would cause the destruction of the beautiful city. The people were fighting among themselves until it became necessary to remove the church records across the Colorado river. “President Taylor said to mother: If you are alive at that time, be sure that you are not behind the Church records, because after the Church records leave and are made secure, the very powers of hell would be turned loose, and there will be such destruction that there will be but little life remain, ---not only in Salt Lake City, but in adjoining cities also. And in Jackson County, Missouri civilization will become entirely extinct, and all means of transportation such as rail roads and highways will be destroyed, and the only means of travel will be on foot. “All means of manufacturing will also be entirely destroyed. Be sure when you see these things come that you have buttons, needles, cloth and things to work with as much as possible, to make yourselves clothing, because all tools and every kind of machinery will be destroyed. It will be such a destructive war that in comparison to the sufferings and the drivings of the people of Nauvoo, it would be only a drop in the bucket.

"One half of the Mormon people will entirely forsake their leaders, and half of the other half, because of their suffering, will leave the church. Many Mormons will die in the struggle, but the Lord will bless those who stick faithfully to the church and will bless them to the extent that they will not be destroyed." “He said that faithful Latter-day Saints would go to the south and would form a circle something like a horseshoe, before they return to Jackson County, Missouri. Said he, “Those only will be privileged to help build Jackson County who will be found willing and glad to obey the counsel and advice of the authorities who will be placed over them, and who will seek counsel that they may be guided and protected from dire want and distress. “President Taylor also said that we will assist the Lamanites in building the New Jerusalem in Jackson county. He said that the vision to him appeared so terrible that he besought the Lord to close it up, but he saw that those who would keep the commandments and adhere to the authorities of the church would be the ones who would survive and not be destroyed. And that the lord would protect them as he did the children of Israel. “The above experience my mother told to me many, many times; and she held this great experience very sacred. Subscribed and sworn to this 28th day of June, 1951.” /signed/ Edward Lunt. (The Social Selection Library at BYU, File No. M184, has the srcinal copy of this document, sometimes called The Horse Shoe Prophecy. It has not been made part of accepted/mainstream Church doctrine.)

Bishop Keith B. McMullin gave instruction in preparing for the times ahead in 2007

“We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life… The doctrine of the Second Coming of the Messiah provides one of the great incentives to prepare and live right. Heavenly Father knows that promised rewards encourage His children to do works of righteousness…. Such are the revelations pertaining to the Second Coming of our Lord. These revelations speak of signs and wonders on earth and in the heavens. They point to troublesome times and pending events vast in scope and duration. And most important, we receive these supernal promises: “The Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” “Through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, … the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world.” And “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” “Priesthood bearers are led by these promises to prepare themselves and their families for the Lord’s appearing. There is no need to be anxious about events leading up to the Second Coming. Let us instead be filled with gratitude for our understanding of what lies ahead. Let us appreciate that we are in charge of our own world, being the Lord’s agents over that which He has entrusted to us. The formula is simple: Be faithful. Unencumber your life. Lay up in store.

“Be faithful. As priesthood bearers, we cultivate a gentle touch and kindly word. We are men who pray, who keep the Sabbath day holy, and who know the word of God. We tithe, fast, and give a generous fast offering. We keep our covenants and consecrate our lives to the building up of God’s kingdom. And, brethren, welay up in store! By doing these things, “the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in [our] midst.” “Unencumber your life. As men of God, we turn from excess to that which edifies, for “that which doth not edify is not of God.” If dealings or involvements or pursuits or schedules detract from putting God first, we must pare back and unencumber our lives. If we have debts, we pay them and live debt freeto the extent possible. And, brethren, welay up in store! Then, “through [the Lord’s] providence, notwithstanding the tribulation … the church [and its people will] stand independent.” Lay up in store. Wives are instrumental in this work, but they need husbands who lead out in family preparedness. Children need parents who instill in them this righteous tradition. They will then do likewise with their children, and their stores will not fail. A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life. Remember these words from Paul: “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” “Seated before us are the three presiding high priests who constitute the First Presidency of the Church. From President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, we hear: “Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency … [and] God will sustain us through our trials.” “From President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, we hear: “Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their year’s supply of food … and were debt-free… From President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Lord’s prophet, we hear: “The best place to have some food set aside is within our homes. … “We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. … I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. “Begin in a small way, … and gradually build toward a reasonable objective.” “Inspired preparation rests on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, obedience, and a provident lifestyle. Members should not go to extremes, but they should begin. We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life. Please see to it that those entrusted to your watch care receive these two pamphlets entitledAll Is Safely Gathered In. Exhort them to prepare now for rainy days ahead. “Priesthood leaders, enlist the Relief Society in promoting family preparedness and homemaking. The women of the Church need your backing and will respond to your leadership. Encourage our members to regularly put into their home storage a few wholesome, basic food items and some water that is safe to drink. They should save some money, if only a few coins

each week. This modest approach will soon enable them to have several months’ reserve. Over time they can expand these modest efforts into a longer-term supply by adding such essentials as grains, legumes, and other staples that will keep them alive in case they do not have anything else to eat. As we do our very best, we can be confident that “the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail.” We shall enjoy greater wisdom, security, peace of mind, and personal well-being. We shall be prepared, and because we are prepared, we “shall not fear.”51

Joseph B. Wirthlin encouraged us to do our best in 2000.

“At times we may be tempted to think the Savior is oblivious to our trials. In fact, the reverse is true; it is we who need to be awakened in our hearts to His teachings. Use your ingenuity, your strength, your might to resolve your 52 challenges. Do all you can do and then leave the rest to the Lord .”

51 52

Keith B. McMullin, “Lay Up in Store,”Ensign, May 2007, 51–53 Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor”, Ensign, May 2000, pg 59.

Chapter 3 – THE LAMANITES IN PROPHECY

President Spencer W. Kimball announced th e time of the Gentiles is over in 1977 According to several witnesses that were in the room at the time, President Spencer W. Kimball announced that the ‘day of the Gentiles was over’ and the ‘day of the Lamanite’ had begun. According to several eye-witness accounts: “He simply came to the podum and said "The day of the Gentile is over! This begins the day of the Lamanite" and turned away and walked back into the office behind him. He didn't answer 53 any questions nor give any other information then simply that. ”

Why was this announcement such a shocking surprise to those who witnessed it? Because it marks the beginning of a series of events; and also gives a clear indication that the end is upon us. "The Doctrine and Covenants says the Lamanites will blossom as a rose, and there is every evidence that this prophecy is being fulfilled today ," Elder Madsen said during the rededication of the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico temple Feb 25, 1992. [Church News, The Church of JC of LDS, Nov 7, 1992] In 1997-98 the LDS Members of the Church from South America outnumbered the member of the Church in North America. Why is the blossoming of the Lamanites such an important part of our End-time prophecies? Why have the prophets and apostles taken such a great interest in their progress, and just who are they anyway?

Joseph Smith’s and Brigham Young’s Teachings about the Native American People In March 1842, the Wentworth Letter [published in the Times and Seasons], the Prophet Smith described how he first learned about the Native Americans of North and South America from Moroni the Lord’s heavenly messenger. “I was also informed concerning the absrcinal inhabitants of this country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their srcin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and 53

Carol MaKetta was one of the reporters there who reported the incident as happening Oct. 1977 newsrelease. He became the Prophet in Dec. 1973. Einer Ericksen mentioned the incident in one of his tapes. He mentioned how significant the announcement was.

the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me…54”

In several sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed through the Prophet how the fate of the Saints lies closely associated with the Lamanites. In various visions he taught these subjects. (1) The saints will take their journey into the west, unto the borders of the Lamanites. (D&C 54:8) According to the Book of Mormon, the Lamanites were relatives of Lehi’s Ishmael’s family (Ephraim/Manasseh); Mulechand (Jewish) and his servants (mixed Israelites); relatives of others who escaped from Jerusalem during the Jewish captivity (Omni 1:14) plus other native tribes they encountered who joined them over the years (mixed – all races) Mosiah . It was a mixed ethnic group of people that were taught by the Lord during his visit (3 Nephi 1:1-3); and relatives of these that remained at the time Columbus arrived and began to claim and explore North and South America. Thus the Native Americans living upon North and South America when Columbus arrive, the Lamanites, were a mixture of all the tribes of Israel, which Alma considered to be ‘wanderers in a strange land’. (Alma 26:36) This is what the European explorers found when they first came here. (2) The saints will go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; ‘and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings thou shalt cause my church to be established among them… behold I say unto you that is it not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city Zion shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say unto you that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites. And thou shall assist to settle all these things… before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites. (28:8-9, 14); to build up my church among the Lamanites (30:6) The Mission to the Lamanites was a very prominent event in early Church history, and therefore it was proper that the labors of the brethren engaged in it should be spoken of more fully than appears anywhere in the Prophet’s narrative. In obedience to the Lord’s commandment, the first official mission of the newly formed Church was four trusted Elders to go to the West to take the gospel to the Lamanites (1842). They first visited the Cattaraugus tribe, near Buffalo, New York; after leaving Kirtland, they journeyed westward and visited with the Wyandot tribe near Sandusky, Ohio. They were well received, wrote Parley P. Pray. They visited the Shawnees, and the Delaware, and met with their head leader, Chief Anderson, a man with influence over 10 nations or tribes. He assembled a council of tribal leaders, and Olive Cowdery delivered a powerful address to them55. They 54 55

Wentworth Letter, [“Church History,” Times and Seasons, 1 Mar. 1842, 706

Annodated History of the Church, Vol. 1, Chapter 15 (June 1831 – Aug 1831) The Important Conference of June 3,-6th; Arrival of the Elders in Western Missouri.

met with three different tribal elders in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, seeking to build a mission there, which was agreed upon, and lumber obtained and the building erected. The men then went to work giving daily missionary lessons, and reported back to the Prophet: “The Lamanites …. [show] great anxiety to receive the Gospel and the Book of Mormon … [saying] give us an understanding of your doctrine and principles, for we perceive that your ways are equal, and your righteousness far exceeds the righteousness of all the missionaries that we have yet become acquainted with… and that your feasts and attendant ceremonies are like ours.56”

Several Early Pioneers were called as full-time missionaries to the Lamanites My Great Great Grandfather, Levi Ward Hancock was converted to the Church during this first missionary attempt. His autobiography gives this account of the first missionaries finding him: When Levi was about two years old his family removed to Massachusetts to Ohio settling in Chagrin Cayahoga county not far from Kirtland. Here Levi grew to manhood, occupied chiefly in farming with his father… in the extreme northeast part of Ohio. He was directly in the pathway of Elders Cowdery, Pratt, Whitmer and Peterson, when journeying westward on their mission to the Lamanites, and shortly after they passed through his neighborhood he followed them to Kirtland where he was baptized on the 16th of November, 1830, by Elder Parley P. Pratt, and was soon afterwards ordained an Elder under the hands of Oliver Cowdery.

As a young man, he heard the Prophet tell about the participation of the Lamanites in the West. He recorded in his journal: “The next day the Prophet came to our home and stopped in our carpenter shop and stood by the turning lathe. I went and got my map for him. "Now", he said, "I will show you the travels of this people". He then showed our travels through Iowa, and said, "Here you will make a place for the winter; and here you will travel west until you come to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. You will build cities to the North and to the South, and to the East and to the West; and you will become a great and wealthy people in that land. But, the United States will not receive you with the laws which God desires you to live, and you will have to go to where the Nephites lost their power. They worked in the United Order for 166 years, and the Saints have got to become proficient in the laws of God before they can meet the Lord Jesus Christ, or even the city of Enoch". He said we will not travel the shape of the horse shoe for there we will await the action of the government.

56

Letter from Lyman Wight to President Joseph Smith, Feb 15, 1844.

“Placing his finger on the map, I should think about where Snowflake, Arizona is situated, or it could have been Mexico, he said, "The government will not receive you with the laws that God designed you to live, and those who are desirous to live the laws of God will have to go South. You will live to see men arise in power in the Church who will seek to put down your friends and the friends of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many will be hoisted because of their money and the worldly learning which they seem to be in possession of; and many who are the true followers of our Lord and Savior will be cast down because of their poverty… “The United States will spend her strength and means warring in foreign lands until other nations will say, "Let's divide up the lands of the United States", then the people of the U. S. will unite and swear by the blood of their fore-fathers, that the land shall not be divided. Then the country will go to war, and they will fight until one half of the U. S. army will give up, and the rest will continue to struggle. They will keep on until they are very ragged and discouraged, and almost ready to give up--when the boys from the mountains will rush forth in time to save the American Army from defeat and ruin. And they will say, 'Brethren, we are glad you have come; give us men, henceforth, who can talk with God'. Then you will have friends, but you will save the country when its liberty hangs by a hair, as it were 57".

Cleon Skousen has put this prophecy of Joseph Smith’s on a video that you can watch on YouTube.com called: Joseph Smith A Prophecy and Vision. Obviously this well known member of the Church felt it was important enough to put into video form. On the same website, he discusses the Vision of John Taylor, recorded by Wilford Woodruff, in his 7th volume (included in this document under prophecies of Wilford Woodruff). Wilford Woodruff didn’t record who the author of the vision was, but at the very beginning of the document (which was studiously copied into the journal); the author (John Taylor) stated that he had been studying the Book of Mormon in French; which John Taylor had worked studiously to translated for some prior to the vision, which lets us know who the author of the vision is (WW did not speak French). I believe these prophetic writings should not be ignored. On the same website at this link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cIA3UEDzAt8, you can listen the testimony of several LDS Prophets. President George Albert Smith stated (0:40-:46) that we have a particular obligation to preach the gospel to our Lamanite brethren. President Hinckley (1910-2008) stated in his Last Testimony, Oct. 2007, that there are now more than 13 million LDS Saints; the Church at 177 years old is the fourth or fifth largest church in America; with churches in most cities of consequence. The Church has reached out across the vast area of Russia; all nations of Asia, India, Indonesia; world-wide, etc.; and we owe it all to the Prophet Joseph Smith; who was able to communicate with the Lord. We must accept the truth of the first vision; and if we do, then we must realize that the work in which we are engaged in is the most important work on the earth.

57

Autobiography of Levi Ward Hancock, Family Possession, copies available from Orson Wells Book Store, SLC.

Shortly after the first missionaries returned in 1834, the Saints headed west, settling in the present state of Iowa; where Joseph and some of the Twelve met with Pottawattamie chiefs in July 1843. Their spokesman stated: “We as a people have long been distressed and oppressed…; and the Great Spirit has told us that he had raised up a Prophet, chief, and friend, who would do us great good and tell us what to do; and the Great Spirit has told us that you are the man (pointing to the Prophet Joseph). We have now come to see you, and hear your words, and to have you tell us what to do…” “Wilford Woodruff then commented: ‘The Spirit of God rested upon the Lamanites, especially the orator. Joseph was much affected and shed tears. He arose and said unto them: ‘I have heard your words. They are true. The Great Spirit has told you the truth. I am your friend and brother, and I wish to do you good.’” (History of the Church 5:480-481)

Many Church members have always felt a s if they belonged with the L amanite people

The History of the Church, Volume 3 states: “The interest of the Saints in the American Indians grows out the knowledge they have of their forefathers, revealed through the Book Mormon… It was a mission to the Lamanites or Indians which first brought several of the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ to western Missouri. When the people of Missouri learned in what esteem the Saints held the forefathers of the Indians…, it was but reasonable that they should conclude there was – as indeed there is – a strong sympathy on the part of the Saints toward the Indians; and there was great reason to believe that this sympathy might become mutual.” This conclusion created a panic on the part of the non-church Missourians, and later their expulsion from the state. It should be remembered that during this time [18291837], the Native Americans residing East of the Missouri river (North & South Carolina, Georgia, Atlanta, etc.) were in the middle of a massive forced relocation to the West. “The treaties given to the Cherokees and other tribes included lands west of Missouri; but the Native people were not at all happy about the relocation, and it was supposed they were ready to follow any leader that would promise regaining of their lost lands, or hope of revenge upon their despoilers. Thus the tender feelings of the early Mormons towards the Native Americans caused them to find themselves on the wrong side of many US citizens; and later to be expelled from Missouri. Part of the charge of extradition from Clay County, Missouri read: “in addition to all this, they are charged… with keeping up a constant communication with our Indian tribes on the frontiers, with declaring, even from the pulpit, that the Indians are a part of God’s chosen people, and are destined by heaven to inherit this land, in common with themselves…” Charges of trying to create a small war were denied by the saints to no avail.

The Lamanites are the srcinal children of Abraham (The srcinal root that the Gentiles are to merge with; according to Jacob, the BOM Prophet who wrote the Olive Tree Allegory, which is happening now). The Book of Mormon shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief … for this very purpose the

plates were preserved… that the Lamanites might come the knowledge of their fathers, and know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name. (D&C 3:18-20) The Prophet gave this explanation to the people: “Much has been said and done of late by the general government in relation to the Indians (Lamanites) within the territorial limits of the United States. One of the most important points in the faith of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, through the fullness of the everlasting Gospel, is the gathering of Israel (of whom the Lamanites constitute a part) that happy time when Jacob shall go up to the house of the Lord, to worship Him in spirit and in truth, . . . when He will turn to them a pure language, and the earth will be filled with sacred knowledge . . . The Book of Mormon has made known who Israel is, upon this continent. And while we behold the government of the United States gathering the Indians, and locating them upon lands to be their own, how sweet it is to think that they may one day be gathered by the Gospel! (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Deseret Book, 1979, pp. 92-93).

Before the Lord’s Second Coming, the Lamanites must blossom.

(3) Before the Great Day of the Lord will come, Jacob (the whole House of Israel) shall flourish in the wilderness, and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose. Zion shall flourish upon the hills and … the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place that I have appointed. (D&C 49:24-25) [This has happened - Zion has been assembled world-wide, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah; next door to the many tribes of Native Americans living in the four-corners area.] After the Saints had settled in Salt Lake City, Brigham Young stated: “We are here in the mountains, with these Lamanites for our neighbors, and ... You may pray as fervently for them… which I have always done; … and seek the redemption of Israel... Who are Israel? They are those who are the seed of Abraham … I long for their salvation, and look forward with a desire full of hope and peace to the day when they will be gathered and saved and… receive great promises and blessings for 58

their posterity… ”

58

Journal of Discourses (JD) 1:106-7 pg 107, Brigham Young, May 8, 1853.

During his lifetime, Brigham Young continued to take a very strong position towards the teaching and fellowshipping of the Lamanite peoples . He "… the Lamanites… theof curse willand be they removed from them before it willstated: be removed from the children Judah; will become 'a white and delightsome people.'… I would rather undertake to convert five thousand Lamanites, than to convert one of those poor miserable creatures whose fathers killed the Savior [Jews], and who say, 'Amen to the deed,' to this day;….[of the missionaries in Europe] let them alone, and come home, and preach to the Lamanites.59"

Joseph Smith called Levi Ward Hancock and Solomon Hancock to go and preach among the Lamanites (D&C 54) and later Brigham Young called to several men to head south and make contact with the Native Americans. Included in this call was Mosiah Lyman Hancock, and Jacob Hamblin, my husband’s ancestor. This account was given of Brigham’s continuing interest in the Native Americans in Mosiah Lyman’s Autobiography: “In the summer of 1862, President Brigham Young came through Dixie. The people were so glad to see him that they took every means in their power to make everything as comfortable for him as possible… The President stopped with us. He sat at the head of the table and had me sit down at his right. The President, when everything was ready, asked a blessing, then all began to eat… “He conversed freely on the situation of the Saints in the mountains, and said that he dreaded the time when the Saints would become popular with the world; for he had seen in sorrow, in a dream, or in dreams, this people clothed in the fashions of Babylon and drinking in the spirit of Babylon until one could hardly tell a Saint from a black-leg. And he felt like shouting, "To your tents, Oh Israel!" because it was the only thing that could keep the people pure. "I know that my families court the ways of the world too much," said he, "And our hope lies in the Lamanites. I hope that you brethren who labor among the Indians will be kind to them. Remember that someday they will take their position as the rightful heir to the principles of life and 59

Brigham Young, Dec. 3, 1854,Journal of Discourses 2:142-3

salvation, for they never will give up the principles of this Gospel. Many of this people for the sake of riches and popularity, will sell themselves for that which will canker their souls and lead them down to misery and despair. It would be better for them to dwell in wigwams among the Indians than to dwell with the gentiles and miss the glories which God wishes them to obtain.

The LDS Church has consistently proclaimed their solemn duty to teach the Lamanite People (4) In May 1831, Oliver Cowdery wrote to the Church Presidency of the Lamanite mission: “I am lately informed of another tribe of Lamanites, who have abundance of flocks of the best kinds of sheep and cattle; and they manufacture blankets of a superior quality. The tribe is very numerous; they live three hundred miles west of Santa Fe (NM), and are called Navahoes (Navajos). .. I feel under obligations to communicate to my brethren any information concerning the Lamanites that I meet with in my labors… believing… that much is expected from me in the cause of our Lord…”60.

During that same year, W.W. Phelps preached to a western audience… wherein were present specimens of all the families of the earth; Shem, Ham and Japheth; several of the Lamanites or Indians – representative of Shem… the balance was made up of citizens of the surrounding country… at this meeting two were baptized… 61” In 1845, the Twelve published an official statement regarding the Native American people. In it we read: “We also bear testimony that the "Indians" (so called) of North and South America are a remnant of the tribes of Israel, as is now made manifest by the discovery and revelation of their ancient oracles and records. And that they are about to be gathered, civilized, and made one nation in this glorious land. . . . For be it known unto them that we now hold the keys of the priesthood and kingdom which is soon to be restored unto them. . . . The city of Zion… will constitute a standard… uniting the … nations, tribes, kindred, tongues, people, and sects of North and South America in one great and common bond of brotherhood. . . . “Let the government of the United States also continue to gather together, and to colonize the tribes and remnants of Israel (the Indians), and also to feed, clothe, succor, and protect them, and endeavor to civilize and unite; and also to bring them to the knowledge of their Israelitish srcin . . . He has given us the Holy Priesthood and Apostleship, and the keys of the kingdom of God, to bring about the restoration of all things as promised by the holy prophets of old - and we know it. He has 60 61

Annodated History of the Church; pg 182. Ibid, pg. 189.

revealed the srcin and the Records of the absrcinal tribes of America, and their future destiny- and we know it62.”

The Lamanites in North and South America have been increasing in numbers, and now represent a large percentage of the LDS members

In the early 1800’s the Native Americans of the West [Navajo, Apache, Hopi, Zuni, Pueblo] were greatly reduced in numbers during The Long Walk (Federal Government ordered expulsion from their lands, and in 1848 their return to them) but have since made a strong come-back. Cherokee Nation members [five tribes] (also had their numbers greatly reduced by the suffering experienced in the early 1800’s; when a complete relocation from lands along the eastern coast to reservations west of the Missouri river was forced upon them); now represent about 16% of all Native American people (the Cherokee Nation includes several tribes); with the Navajos as the second largest Native American tribe in North America (1990 US Census); representing about 12% of the total Native American population of the US. South of Utah lies Arizona, which has the nation’s greatest expanse of Indian lands - now home to 22 federally recognized Native American Tribes - home to over 255,000 Native Americans (2000 Census), or about 6% of the total state population; with Reservation lands now covering more than 19 million acres - comprising over a quarter of the state’s land. It also has the largest single tribe, the Navajo Nation, whose population is over 104,000 (2000); and whose lands extend to southern Utah, lower Colorado, and northern Arizona. Arizona also has a large (legal) Hispanic and Latino population, 25.3% of the state’s total population; the largest ethnic majority. In addition, Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, and other Asians make up 1.8% of the population. The blood of Abraham is mixed in these races also, meaning that about 33% of Arizonans have the blood of Jacob/Israel in them. And Utah, Arizona’s neighbor to the North, has the largest population of LDS Saints of all the states in North America. Zion’s headquarters are near the borders of the Lamanites to the South. The Cherokee Nation lands are centered in Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, etc; making them the eastern neighbors of Zion; therefore, in the US headquarters of Zion are on the borders of the Lamanites, the Prophet Joseph Smith had prophesied. To the South of Arizona, Mexico, the fifth largest country in the Americas, and the 14 th largest nation in the world, with an estimated population of 111 million, the 11 th most populous country, and has the most Hispanic ethnicity on earth. Before Columbus came, the population consisted of the ancestors of Native American tribes known as Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan,

62

( Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day Saints , New York, April 6th, 1845, sixteen

page pamphlet).

Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec. These native peoples became mixed through marriage with their Spanish invaders (after 1521, when Spain conquered and colonized the territory; and about 300 years later, Mexico fought for and won it’s independence from Spain, becoming an independent nation. Today Mexico is a multi-cultural nation with the majority of citizens being Mestizo (meaning of mixed race), specifically Spanish and Native American ancestors. The number of converts in South America are the fastest growing sector of the Church today.

The Dark Green areas show where the Native Americans are living in the United States (2000 US Census) Arizona is by far the largest population center of Native Americans.

Demographics of the Church Today Reflect Considerable Native Peoples Are Now Members Worldwide, there are over 13 million members of the LDS Church; in the US alone are over 5.5 million members. About 12% of all Mormons live in Utah; but more than half of the members of the Ch urch are of an ethnicity that is not Caucasian. After the US, the other populations with a significant number of members is South America (3 Million members); Asia and Mexico (1 million members each); Central America and Europe (about .5million members each). After Catholicism, the LDSChurch is the largest th sect in 10 US states; and is the 15 largest religious alliance in the world; and the fifth most likely to have a meeting place nearby. By percentage of population, the Mormon Church has a profound presence in the South Pacific. About 30% of Tongans, 25% of Samoans, are members of the Church. Growth is the greatest in Latin American, but a high growth rate is very strong in Africa and the former Soviet bloc also. In America, 66% of Utahans aremembers, with Idaho, Arizona, and

California following next. There are over 25,000 LDS congregations, with Church curriculum text available in over 175 languages. It is estimated that there are between 400,000 - 500,000members of the Church with African heritage, though exact numbers are unknown because the church doesn’t keep track of the race of its members. The growth of the Church is the fastest of any denomination on the planet. For the past 15 years, an average of 800 people have joined the LDS Church every day; which is largely due to the work of 50,000 to 60,000 volunteer missionaries worldwide, which are currently serving at any 63 time .

Faithful LDS S aints will help Native Americans Build the Temple in Zion After Zion has been redeemed, and after the time of the Gentiles has been fulfilled. Orson Pratt taught: “Zion must be redeemed before that day; the temple must be built upon the consecrated spot, the cloud and glory of the Lord rest upon it, and the Lamanites, many of them, brought in, and they must build up the New Jerusalem! It is true, so says the Book of Mormon, that inasmuch as the Gentiles receive the Gospel, they shall assist my people the remnant of Jacob, saith the Lord, to build the New Jerusalem. And when they have got it built, then we are told that they shall assist my people who are of Jacob to be gathered in unto the New Jerusalem.” (JOD 3:18-9) “These Lamanites, or American Indians… are to be lifted up by the power of the Almighty when the day shall come for Israel to be restored, for God will not forget them. They are descendants of the tribe of Joseph, and consequently they are numbered with the people of the covenant.” “God will remember the covenant which he made with our ancient fathers. These Lamanites, theseupon American Indians, will come to the knowledge of the covenant, andthe they will arise will build the face of this land a magnificent city called Jerusalem, after pattern andand in the same manner that the Jews will build old Jerusalem. That is what the Lamanites will do, and we will go and help them too, for it is predicted in the Book of Mormon that when this work should come forth, when the time fully arrives for the redemption of this small remnant of the house of Joseph, "As many of the Gentiles as will believe, they shall assist my people, who are a remnant of the house of Israel, that they may build up on the face of this land a city that shall be called the New Jerusalem, and then, behold, the powers of heaven shall come down and be in the midst of this people, and I also will be in your midst." (Journal Of Discourses Vol. 14; pg. 334)

President Wilford Woodruff’s teachings about the Lamanites In 1887-1898 he stated: “The Lamanites will blossom as the rose on the mountains. I am willing to say here that, though I believe this, when I see the power of the nation destroying them from the face of the earth, the fulfillment of that prophecy is perhaps harder for me to believe than any revelation of God that I ever read. It looks as though there would not be enough left to receive the Gospel; but notwithstanding this dark picture, every 63

Obtained from:www.LDS.org/Church Demographics (May 2010).

word that God has ever said of them will have its fulfillment, and they, by and by, will receive the Gospel. It will be a day of God's power among them, and a nation will be born in a day. Their chiefs will be filled with the power of God and receive the Gospel, and they will go forth and build the new Jerusalem, and we shall help them. They are branches of the house of Israel, and when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in and the work ceases among them, then it will go in power to the seed of Abraham.” (Journal Of Discourses 15:283)

President Kimball’s valiant efforts toward improving the lot of th e Native American peoples President Kimball took in theand Native America andin desired they become onegreat withinterest the Church, the Lord. Hepeople, was born Mexico, had lived with a Navajo family, and considered many Navajos in Salt Lake and on the Navajo Reservation, close respected friends. It was clear from his many activities with the Native people that he felt strongly driven to bring as many as possible into the Church. During his Presidency, BYU grew in the number of American Indians attending to be ranked number 1 or 2 in the nation; having between 900 to 1800 American Indians attending each academic year. During his Presidency a formal education became available through the Lamanite Placement Program, where young Native American Church members (8-18) could be sent to live with more prosperous LDS families in Utah, Idaho and Arizona; where they went to school while receiving full boarding privileges, and family relationships with foster families; having the option of returning to their families at Christmas, and summer times, if they desired to.

While it is nowProgram, thought by who participated the Placement thatsome this program failed in (because most of the young recruits returned to their Navajo beliefs after graduation); in the long run, the program served to bring The People (Na Dine’) up to a higher standard of living; better paying jobs; new ways of treating each other; and overall improved their social conditions. About one-half of the Placement participants went on to obtain a College Degree, and many of those have returned to help run the Navajo Nation Government, teach in the schools, work in the Hospital, or Police Department, run self-owned businesses, work with employment, and help in schools. Still others moved off the reservation, forming new business opportunities and job openings for upcoming generations. Since we live and teach at the High School among the Dine’, my husband often gets to meet Placement participants who are now parents of enterprising young men and women, now in high school. He is always amazed at the difference in their demeanor, educational levels, selfconfidence, and determination, and how those differences are often reflected in the habits, behavior, and attitudes of their children, his students. These are things that will continue to

radiate throughout all aspects of the Navajo Nation for many years. Therefore, we consider the Placement Program to be a roaring success. Some of President Kimball’s comments and statements strongly resonate with the directives given by earlier prophets. In General Conference 1960, he stated: ‘The day of the Lamanites is nigh. For years they have been growing delightsome… as they were promised.” In April 1954, he stated: “Do not prate your power of speech or your fearlessness unless you too could stand with the Prophet Samuel on the city wall… The very descendants of this great prophet are with us. They may be Navajos or Cherokee… Mayas or Pimas… Piutes or Mohicans… And in these living descendants… will be redeemed, will rise and become a blessed people. God has said 64

it. ” President Kimball took a strong interest in the Native Americans and visited Chinle, Arizona (Navajo Nation) several times. He was instrumental in appointing the first Navajo to become an Apostle, George P. Lee (1975-1989); and helped several Navajo LDS Elders become strong, immovable leaders. There are some Church members alive today who shared with us their best recollection of visions he saw while here, and shared with them. He saw the Chinle area being filled with people that are delightsome, happy, and well-educated, and he swept his arms wide from side to side. (The small reservation town and surrounding area now supports about 15,000 people, which are very spread out, and very poor. We have only about 125 people who are active in the Chinle Ward.). He also pointed out the mountain upon which the Chinle Stake Temple will be built; and stated that in every town there would be a chapel, and the reservation would need to have stakes. (The areas current entire Navajo Reservation, with several only a few outlying in stake other covers stakes, the but the fully active number of people in each of the nine wards is from 40-90 people each; so there is much room for improvement, and many more people that need to be reached.) Through prayer, we also have seen part of his vision for the area, and as we are part of the Chinle Stake, we pray for this day to come soon, and work diligently to continue his fine efforts. Some of President Kimball’s comments about the Native Americans were recorded in Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, Chapter 22, Redemption of the Lamanites, pg 594-596. “God will redeem the Lamanites. Long ago, an elderly Navajo brother told me something that I have reflected upon many times in the years that have intervened. He said: "This gospel is something we have been trying all our lives to remember; now all at once it comes back. Our fathers used to be with your fathers in the long ago, but then we came to a division in the road with a great stone in the middle. We went one way and you went the other. We went around that big rock for a long time, but now we are back together and we will always walk together from now on." 64

Apostle Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, April 1954, pg. 106-108.

“There is great understanding in this view of the history of the Lord's dealings with his people. Many times I have tried in my mind to span the long centuries that link us to our common fathers, this Lamanite brother and I, and my soul is stirred when I remember that in our veins flows the blood of the Lord's elect-the great patriarchs of the Old Testament, such as Adam, and Enoch, and Noah. I am humbled to know that our common father was Abraham, of whom it is said there were no greater ones and through whose seed the Lord has chosen to carry out his holy purposes on the earth. Isaac, one of the great prophets of all time, and Jacob, the father of all the house of Israel, are our ancestors. Joseph who was sold into Egypt, a man of constant virtue who was in his day a savior to his father's house, is also the father of most members of the Church today, including the descendants of Lehi, Ishmael, and Zoram… “Of immense importance to this work of gathering the scattered branches of the house of Israel is the work of carrying the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to the Lamanites, for the Lord's work in these latter days can in no wise be complete until these children of great promise are brought back into the fold.” “When I was a young man living among the Lamanites more than seventy years ago, the destruction of the Lamanites was a stark reality. It seemed impossible to me that this broken people could ever rise from the destruction and become a mighty people once more, as the Lord had promised. Yet the Lord's promises with regard to the Lamanites began to be fulfilled with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in this dispensation (see Ether 4:17), and I have lived to see them begin to flourish once more and to put on their beautiful garments… “Who are the Lamanites? The term Lamanite includes all Indians and Indian mixtures, such as the Polynesians, the Guatemalans, the Peruvians, as well as the Sioux, the Apache, the Mohawk, the Navajo, and others. It is a large group of great people. There are no blessings, of all the imaginable ones, to which you are not entitled-you, the Lamanites-when you are righteous, You are of royal blood, the children of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Lehi.” “I should like to address my remarks to you, our kinsmen of the isles of the sea and the Americas. Millions of you have blood relatively unmixed with gentile nations. Columbus called you "Indians," thinking he had reached the East Indies. Millions of you are descendants of Spaniards and Indians, and are termed Mestizos, and are called after your countries, for instance: Mexicans in Mexico; Guatemalans in Guatemala; Chilianos in Chile. You Polynesians of the Pacific are called Samoan or Maori, Tahitian or Hawaiian, according to your islands. There are probably sixty million of you on the two continents and on the Pacific Islands, all related by blood ties. “The Lord calls you Lamanites, a name which has a pleasant ring, for many of the grandest people ever to live upon the earth were so called... The name Lamanite

distinguishes you from other peoples. It is not a name of derision or embarrassment, but one of which to be very proud.”

Chapter 4 - PROPHETIC WORDS AND VISIONS ABOUT HEAVENLY ZION I believe the key to seeing the City of Enoch and its people lies in taking upon oneself the gift of prophecy, the gift of second sight, or the gift of beholding and communicating with gifts. Moroni promised this gift would be available to all Latter-day Saints in our time.

Henry B. Eyring encouraged the saints to become deeply converted In order to qualify for the Holy Ghost – and to increase their spiritual abilities; so that these gifts would be made manifest. “Our concern is deepened by what we know it will take to be a missionary and a parent in the days ahead. It will take deep conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will take the companionship of the Holy Ghost. And wickedness is the tool of the enemy against that conversion and that companionship. True conversion, where the gospel of Jesus Christ goes deep into the heart and changes it, brings the companionship of the Holy Ghost. “One of the dangers of the times we are passing into is that we might be tempted to lower our expectations for ourselves and for those young people we serve. As the world darkens, even a partial conversion and a few spiritual experiences may seem more and more remarkable, compared to the world. We might be tempted to expect less. The Lord has given another signal, clear and powerful. It is that we can expect more, not less, of youth. One example is the raising of the bar for the qualification to serve in the mission field… And that is only an example and just a beginning of the Lord's rising expectations for spiritual power. The prophets saw this part of our day… from that prophecy we can see what to do. You have read it and heard it many times. But you may not have recognized that it is for us and in these times and that it is a call to courage… words from Joel. It is a promise of an outpouring of the Spirit. It was quoted by Peter and by Moroni. And these words and this prophecy are before every young person… and they are for you and for me. "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, [and] your old men shall dream dreams, [and] your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. "And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall

come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call" (Joel 2:27–32).

“This is not poetry, nor is it allegory; it is description of reality as it will be. Some of it will happen so gradually that you may not notice it. Some has already begun across the Church and we may not have seen the blessing developing, or at least we may not have done what we must to help the Lord with these miracles. That scripture does not say that your sons and your daughters may claim the gift of prophecy by the Spirit. It says that they will. It doesn't say that your young men may see visions. It says that they will. And it will come because the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. Not only will the youth … have the Spirit poured out on them, but so will the people around them and those who lead them. “The Spirit will be poured out, but it will wash over some and fall to the ground and fail to make a difference. The Spirit will be poured out, but choices must be made in faith to receive spiritual power. That is how we can and must make a difference. Whether or not that outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh brings prophecies and visions and safety to the young people we love will depend upon their choices. And you know the choices they must make that matter most. So you can make it far more likely that they will choose what will let them claim a constant companion-ship of the Spirit. That is what they can have. That is what they must have. “It begins with expectations, yours and theirs. If you expect little, they will feel your lack of faith in them and in the Lord's promised outpouring of the Spirit. If you communicate, by word or action or even by your tone of voice, that you doubt their spiritual capacity, they will doubt it. If you see in them the potential Joel describes, they will at least have the chance to see it in themselves. Your choices of what you expect will have powerful effect on their choices of what to expect of themselves. Here are four choices they will make where you can make a difference by the expectations you raise in them. “The first choice they must make is to pray with faith that the gift of the Spirit will come beyond their human capacities. You will have opportunities, many opportunities, to show them you have not just the hope but the expectation that they can and will pray with that faith and that revelation will come. You will give a child or a student the chance to choose to pray in faith for that inspiration. You will find many opportunities to do that if you try and if you really believe they can do it… “There is a second choice we can help them make which will move them along the path to the companionship of the Spirit. It is to choose to trust the scriptures which speak of spiritual gifts with the simple faith of a child. When we do it, it will set an unspoken expectation that they will read scripture that way, too. If we, on the other hand, qualify and shade the meaning of the words, we will miss the chance to help them… The accounts of remarkable spiritual gifts in the scriptures are almost endless. We can choose to speak of them and teach about them as simple facts, always expressing gratitude, never surprise, and never the need to qualify them. That will communicate to them your expectation that such spiritual experiences are expected when we qualify for them. And that will lift their expectations for themselves.

“The third choice we can help them make is to be obedient to the impressions of the Spirit when they come. When the Spirit confirms eternal truth, there is always something to be done about it. We can show that we always act upon revelation. And they will see that when we go and do, the revelation comes more often and more clearly. And when they see that in us, they will be more likely to be obedient to the inspiration when it comes to them… “The fourth and perhaps most important choice anyone can make to invite the Spirit is to testify of the Savior and His Restoration of His true Church through His prophet Joseph Smith. When we set that example we set an expectation that others will be blessed by. This is how it works. One of the offices of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the Savior and His work. There are many true things you can choose to say to your child or to your student. The Spirit testifies of all truth. And yet the surest way I know to have the Spirit come to verify what you say is to testify of the Savior. So, when the person you love and serve feels the Spirit as you testify of the Savior, it strengthens their faith. They then are more likely to choose to testify of their growing faith in Him and His works. And when they do, the Spirit will confirm what they say to those who hear them. And it will reinforce their own faith… “I am confident that the words from Joel are true. In the days ahead, the Lord will raise the spiritual bar again and again. And our youth will rise higher and higher to more than clear that rising expectation. They will make the choices to receive the promised spiritual outpouring deep in their hearts. Our sons and daughters will prophesy, and our young men shall see visions. The questions for us are these: Will those young people feel by what we have said and done that we expected it? And will the Lord say that we rose to the best we could be and that He expected of us to show them how? I have an assurance that we will rise to that expectation. “I leave you my love, to you and your families… I know that because of our faith in His Beloved Son, the Father can and will grant to us every righteous desire of our hearts. I testify that Joseph had his humble prayer to find the true Church of Jesus Christ answered. The Father and the Son appeared to him. And I know that he rose to their high expectations. And because of that, we and all the children of our Heavenly Father can have the full fruit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to live in eternal life in families forever. I so testify, in gratitude, and in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

President Joseph F. Smith saw the Heavenly Hosts

When President Joseph F. Smith was in a vision he was able to visit the heavenly place that awaits faithful saints. This vision is recorded as D&C 138, Octministry 3, 1918. among He saw the righteous dead assembled in paradise Christ’s them (11-24). He saw that all they who hadand departed from mortal life, firm in the hope of the resurrection, and trust in the Lord were filled with joy and gladness to the Lord’s resurrection; because the

day of their deliverance was at hand; when the Lord appeared their sleeping dust was to be restored to it perfect frame, bone to bone, and the sinews and flesh upon them, the spirit and body to be united again never to be divided that they might receive a fulness of joy. The saints rejoiced in their redemption, and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer; and their countenances shone with radiance from the presence of the Lord, which rested upon them (14-24). He saw how the gospel was preached among the spirits that had not had the gospel while living (38-52). He saw Adam, Eve, and many holy prophets in the spirit world, including the Prophet Joseph Smith, Hyrum, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and many others (38-53). The righteous dead of our day will continue their labors in the world of spirits (57). He saw that the wicked were held in captivity; in a place where darkness reigned (20-22, 28-29).

Keys of knowledge about the Heavenly City of Enoch

Many prophets and writers have spoken of the Heavenly City of Enoch. From them we can obtain much hope in its return and safety. “Before we can discuss the success of Enoch’s mission, we must first consider more closely the marvelous visions which prepared him for it, and which are the most significant part of the Enoch literature; astrological teachings of the stars and planets. In apocalyptic literature the greatest emphasis is placed upon Enoch as the conveyor of cosmic knowledge. Enoch saw in vision, the world from beginning to end – all the works of many generations (there was not a soul which he beheld not, even who had not yet been born, a numberless host of people); and many other creations done by the hand of the Lord – he was shown everything. Abraham also looked and beheld the six heavens and all that is in them, the earth and her people, and her spirit, and the power of men, and the lower regions, the sea, island, animals and fishes. And a mighty host of men, women and children65.”

Key: The Lord teaches his faithful Elect through visions of his works; his great and mighty works. “Enoch: theologians saw in his name both uniqueness and universality. Henoch means ‘the one-and-only’, also ‘Man par excellence’. Enoch was the first vehicle of the genuine gnosis, the consecrated one, from whom authentic solutions are to be expected touching the secrets of this world and the one beyond. Enoch is ‘the great initiator’, the ‘follower who gives prophetic initiation’. The Hebrew book of Enoch bore the title of Hekhalot, referring to the ‘various chambers or stages of initiation’ in the temple. Metatron is the ‘guide, leader, the one with the throne next to God, who arises in a fiery chariot’. He attained the title ‘King of all Kings’, but states firmly that this title is incorrect and that his King, the King of all Kings, calls 65

A Strange Thing in the Land: The Return of the Book of Enoch , Part 10, Hugh Nibley, also The Apocalypse of Abraham 21:1; 1 Enoch 19:1-4.

him Na’ar [the Lad], son of Jared”66.

Key: Enoch, the father of human transformation is able to show us how to obtain transformation for ourselves. The society of Enoch was called Zion “because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor 67 among them .” But Zion is also a place; Enoch and his people built a city that was called “City of Holiness, even Zion”. After the Lord came and dwelt with Zion his people in the city of Zion, they were taken up into heaven that is, they were translated. But Enoch’s people were not the only ones; the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion. Those who achieved purity in their hearts were received into the city of Enoch to enjoy fellowship with other righteous people. After the flood righteous men, sought an inheritance into Enoch’s Zion, but began the process of building their own City of Holiness. Melchizedek and his people were among those who were taken. 68”

Key: When we are pure in heart, and righteous enough, we are ready to be translated, that is, ready to be taken up into the City of Zion. “When Enoch climbed Mount Simeon, he was “clothed upon with glory” and was privileged to see and converse with the Lord face to face. Following that experience, Enoch and the people of God “were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish”. In the ancient world, mountains were associated with sacred space, specifically with temple experiences69. Franklin D. Richards said, I expect that in the city of Enoch, there are temples; and when Enoch and his people come back, they will come back with their city, their temples, blessings, and powers. This order has been passed down to us. If a couple today is true to their temple covenants, taken through the proper authority, they are entitled to the blessings of the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Adam gave us the pattern, and Enoch followed this pattern and brought his people into the presence of God while still living. If we follow the pattern, we too can be taken to the city of Enoch while living, for God does not change70.”

Key: Keeping temple covenants entitles and prepares us to go to the City of Enoch. “And so great was the faith of Enoch that he led the people of God, and their enemies came to battle against them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course; and the roar of the lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all nations feared

66 67

Nibley, Ricks; Enoch the Prophet, pg 19-20 Moses 7:18

68

Melchizedek: Seeking after the Zion of Enoch , Frank F. Judd, Jr.

69 70

Moses 7:3-17 Melchizedek: Seeking after the Zion of Enoch , Frank F. Judd, Jr.

greatly, so powerful was the word of Enoch, and so great was the power of the language which God had given him… And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion… And lo, Zion, in process of time was taken up into heaven71.”

Key – Zion exists; and great is the power of God working through a righteous man. The Book of Hebrews states that Melchizedek ‘offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him (God) that was able to save him (Mel.) from death and was heard’ (Heb 5:7). Melchizedek and his people wanted to enjoy the same blessings Enoch’s society had received. As a result, Melchizedek sought after the Zion of Enoch, and eventually Melchizedek and his society were also translated and received into the heavenly Zion. Melchizedek followed the pattern of righteous living set by Enoch. It is possible that among the plain and precious parts taken from the Bible, the pattern of correct living was laid out. But the Lord promised, in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught, and take away many books that were written, then the Lord will raise up another like unto him; and shall be had again among the children of men – among as many as will believe (Moses 1:41), this man was the Prophet Joseph Smith, who brought forth the restoration of these words through the B of M, the D&C, the P of GP, and the Bible 72.

Key: People who follow the pattern of righteous living, a pattern first given by Enoch, which has been restored, now live upon the earth in preparation for return of Enoch’s city. “Melchizedek, reigning as king and ministering High Priest, having been ordained after the same order of priesthood as Enoch, (JST Gen 14:30) sought to makeUru Salem (Jerusalem, city of peace), into another Zion. He was called the Prince of peace, King of Peace, King of heaven. They sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken. After a time the city was ‘no more’, having been taken up into the bosom of God. After it was taken to heaven, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob sought an inheritance in the City of Zion. Melchizedek was privileged to lead a life remarkably similar to Enoch’s. Both held the higher priesthood, performed similar miracles, received the same temple blessings, established earthly Zion cities, and were, along with their people, eventually translated and then taken up into heaven73.”

Key: by following the example of Enoch and Melchizedek, other too can be taken to heavenly Zion.

71 72 73

Moses 7:13, 18-21 Melchizedek: Seeking after the Zion of Enoch , Frank F. Judd, Jr. Sidney B. Sperry, Thy People Shall be My People, pg 36-7.

“The Melchizedek or higher priesthood provides the means whereby the righteous may “commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn74”. More specifically, those who receive and keep sacred covenants relating to the priesthood of Melchizedek become part of ‘the great assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn’ (D&C 76:67). Thus, the king of Salem, and greater priesthood, which currently bears his name, has a very close connection with Enoch that may go unnoticed. The Lord made a covenant with Enoch that he, as well as everyone who received the greater priesthood would be given power, if faithful, to perform great miracles75. Enoch city was a city of righteous, faithful, peaceful, protected people, as was Melchizedek’s holy city76.”

Key: Bearing the Melchizedek Priesthood worthily is necessary to purify us to become righteous, obtain peace, receive power, and protection, in preparation for communicating with, becoming members of Enoch’s city. “Elder Joseph Young, the second man… called to preside over the Seventy… provided some interesting insights into the taking up of the City of Enoch: "The people, and the city, and the foundations of the earth on which it stood, had partaken of so much of the immortal elements, bestowed upon them by God through the teachings of Enoch, that it became philosophically impossible for them to remain any longer upon the earth; consequently, Enoch and his people, with the city which they occupied, and the foundations on which it stood, with a large piece of earth immediately connected with the foundations and the city, had assumed an aerial position within the limits of our solar system; and this in consequence of their faith 77."

Key – when it becomes philosophically impossible for us to remain here we will be taken up to the City of Enoch. “What does it mean to say that the people of the City of Enoch “were taken up”? Not only were they separated physically from this earth without experiencing death, but they also underwent a physical change in which their bodies were raised to a terrestrial order. They were no longer subject to death or disease and were then in the same status later granted to John the Beloved and the Three 74 75 76 77

D&C 107:19. JST, Gen. 14:30-31 Melchizedek: Seeking after the Zion of Enoch, Frank F. Judd, Jr. Hoyt W. Brewster, Behold I Come Quickly… Return of the City of Enoch, Ch 18, pg 156. [Enoch, Brewster, 165]; see also Deseret News, 1878, p. 11.

Nephites78 .. Enoch and his people are no longer in a state of translation but and resurrection when Jesus Christ rose from the tomb… risen to a resurrected status went through the change of instantaneous death79.”

Key: when we are taken up to the city of Enoch, we will be translated as John the Revelator, and will await instantaneous resurrection at the Lord’s Second Coming. “…The people of the City of Enoch were taken from this earth. These people had raised themselves to a higher order of living that was incompatible with the other residents of this world. In the words of President Joseph Fielding Smith, they "were as … strangers on the earth . . . due to the fact that they were living the celestial law in a telestial world." (CHMR, 1:195.) What does it mean to say that the people of the City of Enoch were "taken up"? Not only were they separated physically from this earth without experiencing death, but they also underwent a physical change in which their bodies were raised to a terrestrial order. They were no longer subject to death or disease [as]… John the Beloved and the Three Nephites80.

Key: When we fully live a celestial law, then we are eligible go to the City, where we will experience physical change [transformation]; no longer subject to death. “According to Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Enoch and his people are no longer in a state of translation but went through the change of instantaneous death and resurrection when Jesus Christ rose from the tomb. They were evidently among the righteous who had lived from the time of Adam and Eve to the time of Christ's resurrection and who were raised to a resurrected status, as mentioned in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon81. Elder McConkie stated, "[Among] those who were with [Christ] in his resurrection [were] those of Enoch's city, a righteous people who first were translated and who then gained full immortality when Christ rose from his tomb82."

Key – The people who visit us from the City of Enoch will be resurrected beings (if they weren’t born there). “And the bow shall be in the cloud… that I may remember the everlasting covenant, which I made unto thy father Enoch; that when men should keep all my commandments, Zion should again come on the earth, the city of Enoch which I have caught up unto myself. And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward,

78 79

80 81 82

See John 21; D&C 7: and Nephi 28. Brewster, Behold, I Come Quickly, pg 166.

See John 21:20-23; D&C 7; 3 Nephi 28:1-10. See Matthew 27:52-53; 3 Nephi 23:9. MM, p. 636. Enoch, Brewster, 166

then shall Zion look downward, and all the heavens rejoice with gladness, and the earth shall tremble with joy; and the general assembly of the church of the first-born shall come down out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy father Enoch83.”

Key: The Lord promised the return of the Holy City, so it will happen, we just need to prepare for it, and look upward. “And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we shall receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other; and there shall be mine abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years, the earth shall rest. And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of the thousand years… the Lord showed Enoch all things, even unto the end of the world, and he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their redemption84.”

Key: The Elect will be redeemed, meet with Enoch’s city residents in a physical experience; and then reside with them, and the Lord. At some point we willreturn to the earth with them, and we and our children will reside upon it in peace for 1000 years. “The Lord declared that the people of Enoch "were separated from the earth, and were received unto myself— a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come 85." A description of this "day of righteousness" is found in the JST of Genesis: And the bow shall be in the cloud… that I may remember the everlasting covenant, which I made unto thy father Enoch; that, when men should keep all my commandments, Zion … should again come on the earth… And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look downward…; And the general assembly of the church of the first-born shall come down out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy father Enoch86.”

Key: Fulfillment of the New & Everlasting Covenant is when Enoch’s City returns to possess the earth. In order for them to appear to us, we must first ook l upward toward them.

83 84 85 86

JST, Genesis 9:21-23. Moses 7:63-65. D&C 45:12. JST Genesis 9:21-23. Brewster, Enoch 167,8

“A hymn to be sung when the Savior returns to earth includes these words: "The Lord hath brought down Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath." (D&C 84:100; see verses 98102.) … President John Taylor, said the following regarding the Zion…: "And Zion that is on the earth will rise, and the Zion above will descend… and we will meet and fall on each other's necks and embrace…" (JD, 21:253.) Elder Orson Pratt suggested that this city of holiness will return to the earth "at the commencement of the Millennium to meet the Zion… here." (JD, 2:103.) In a revelation given anciently to Enoch, the Lord declared that these righteous inhabitants of "Zion, a New Jerusalem," would meet with Enoch and his city in a glorious reunion accompanying the Second Coming87.

Key: Enoch’s City coming to merge with the people of earthly Zion causes the Millennium to begin. “The thing that will make it possible for these two cities of holiness [Zion below, Enoch above] to intermingle… will be their common ground of celestial living. Those who will inhabit the New Jerusalem will be of the same character as those of the ancient City of Zion. Orson Pratt [stated]…: "The Latter-Day Zion will resemble, in most particulars, the Zion of Enoch: it will be established upon the same celestial laws—be built upon the same gospel, and be guided by continued revelation. Its inhabitants, like those of the antediluvian Zion, will be the righteous gathered out from all nations: the glory of God will be seen upon it; and His power will be manifested there, even as in Zion of old. All the blessings and grand characteristics which were exhibited in ancient Zion will be shown forth in the Latter-Day Zion88."

Key – In order to qualify for residence of the City of Enoch, we must live Celestial Laws. “Elder Orson Pratt suggested that this city of holiness (Enoch’s city) will return to the earth “at the commencement of the Millennium to meet the Zion (earthly city of New Jerusalem).” [JD, 2:103]. In a revelation given anciently to Enoch, the Lord declared that these righteous inhabitants of ‘Zion, a New Jerusalem’ would meet with Enoch and his city in a glorious reunion accompanying the Second Coming. Righteousness will be sent down out of heaven, and truth sent forth from the earth, to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out the elect, unto a Holy City, that the Elect may be looking forth for the Lord’s Second Coming, for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem. (Moses 7:62).

87 88

Moses 7:62-65. Enoch, Brewster 168. The Seer, May 1854, p. 265. Brewster, Enoch 168-9.

Key: It is not clear if the city of Elect mortals (New Jerusalem) wherein was the tabernacle of the Lord, would be upon the earth at the time of the return of the Lord, but rather, that there would be a gathering of all the Elect into a righteous city, directed by two powerful latter-day servants, righteousness and truth. “The commencement of the Millennium will not be hastened by the righteousness or the wickedness of the people of this world, for the time is set and is unalterable. However, the building of the City of Holiness, the New Jerusalem, can be hastened by the development of a Z ionlike people. To become a people "pure in heart," a prerequisite for Zion (D&C 97:21), should be a goal towards which we all strive. "Enoch and his city of Zion are powerful symbols among the Latter-day Saints, affirming that 89 supreme righteousness can be attained on earth as it is in heaven ."

Key – The commencement of the Millennium is set, but the building of the city of New Jerusalem can be hastened by the progression of the people living Celestial Laws; we must become ‘pure in heart’, with ‘no poor among us’, and becoming ‘one in heart, mind, and purpose’. “This earth will be a paradisiacal planet during the Millennium, and death—at least as it now exists in our present telestial world—will cease. The Lord revealed: "And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree. And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious." (D&C 101:29-31) The "age of a tree" has been identified as "one hundred years old." (Joseph Fielding Smith; as quoted in DCE p.9) The prophet Isaiah foretold that "the child shall die an hundred years old90."

Key – The earth is now in a telestial state, but will be upgraded to be at least terrestrial, and people will live a lot longer; even the young will die older than 100 years old. President Joseph Fielding Smith spoke of three holy cities: In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the earthly city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on the American continent. Enoch’s description of the union notes the return of Zion before the Millennium is ushered in. After the earth is cleansed, a city of God will descend from heaven to possess it. Ether saw the old city of 89 90

EM, s.v. "Enoch." Brewster, Enoch p.170. Isaiah 65:20 Brewster, Enoch 207.

Jerusalem, and a new city of Jerusalem which had not yet been built. The New Jerusalem would descend down to a new earth. The Lamb’s bride, the holy city Jerusalem will descend from heaven91.”

Key: At least two earthly and two heavenly cities of Zion will exist during the Millennium. “While every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ (see Philippians 2:10-11), according to Brigham Young not all who remain on the millennial earth will be members of His true church: "In the millennium men will have the privilege of being Presbyterians, Methodists or Infidels, but they will not have the privilege of treating the name and character of Deity as they have done heretofore. No, but every knee shall bow and every tongue 92 confess to the glory of God the Father that Jesus is the Christ ."

Key: There will be those who are not members of the LDS Church, but all who live during that time will honor and be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ during the Millennium, or they will be destroyed. “Elder Bruce R. McConkie took a different view regarding the existence of other churches than ‘the only true and living church’ of Jesus Christ during the Millennium: How and in what manner will men worship … during the Millennium? In answer… we know: the Millennium is designed to save souls; Satan will be bound, and sin as we know it will cease; all false religions and every rite and practice that is not of God will go the way of all the earth; and true worship, untainted, unalloyed, unabridged, will fill the hearts of all men. The gospel in its fullness and perfection will fill every heart; all people will be baptized… all men will 93 hold the priesthood and magnify their callings .

Key- Missionary work will be done during the Millennium; and all will repent and make covenants with the Lord. False worship practices will leave. “Two Old Testament prophets foresaw two world capitals during the Millennium: "for out of Zion [the New Jerusalem] shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from [old] Jerusalem.94" Thus, there will be two world capitals during the millennial era, one in the western hemisphere and one in the eastern hemisphere. "There will be no conflict," declared President Joseph Fielding Smith, "for each city shall be headquarters for the Redeemer of the world, and from each he shall send forth his proclamations as occasion may require95."

91

92 93

94 95

Tate, Nyman, From Zion to Destruction, 219. Answers to Gospel Questions 2:105. See also Enoch 4:6-8; Ether 13:2-11; Rev. 21:9-27.

JD, 12:274. Brewster, Enoch 207. D&C 1:30; NWAF, p. 643. Brewster, Enoch 209

Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2 DS, 3:70. Brewster, Enoch 209.

Key – There will be two world capital cities during the millennium, Zion (new Jerusalem) and Old Jerusalem. “When our Savior comes to rule in the millennium, all governments will become subject unto his government, and this has been referred to as the kingdom of God, which it is; but this is the political kingdom which will embrace all people whether they are in the Church or not… When the Savior prayed, "Thy kingdom come," he had reference to the kingdom in heaven which is to come when the millennial reign starts. When Christ comes, the political kingdom will be given to the Church. The Lord is going to make an end to all nations… The kingdom of God is the Church, but during the millennium, the multitudes upon the face of the earth who are not in the Church will have to be governed, and many of their officers, who will be elected, may not be members of the 96 Church .”

Key - the Political Kingdom of God is coming. George Q. Cannon [stated]: ‘We are asked, Is the Church of God and the Kingdom of God the same organization? and we are informed that some of the brethren hold that they are separate. This is the correct view to take. The Kingdom of God is a separate organization from the Church of God. There may be men acting as officers in the Kingdom of God who will not be members of the Church… The Kingdom of God when established will not be for the protection of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alone, but for the protection of all men… Under its rule, no one will 97 be permitted to … interfere with the rights of others ’.

Key – Members of the Church must develop a love for all men; including those nonmembers who are good people of the world. “President Brigham Young further clarified the difference between the Church and the political kingdom of God… he said: "The kingdom grows out of the Church of Jesus Christ…, but it is not the church; for a man may be a legislator… to sustain the inhabitants of the earth in their individual rights and still not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ at all. And further though a man may not even believe in any religion it would be perfectly right… to give him the privilege of holding a seat among that body which will make laws to govern all the nations of the earth and control those who make no profession of religion at all; for that body would be governed, controlled and dictated to acknowledge others in those rights which they wish to enjoy themselves98."

96

97

DS, 1:229-30. Brewster, Enoch 209,10.

Juvenile Instructor, 1 March 1896, p. 140; see also HC, 7:382. Brewster, Enoch 209, 210. 98 HC, 7:382. Brewster, Enoch 211.

Key- The Kingdom of God maintains the rights of all mankind, as the Lord ordained that agency should be given them. “A major effort during the Millennium will be the focus on temple work. This will be "the great work of the millennium," said President Joseph Fielding Smith, who then explained: "The work of the millennium will be largely work for the dead who did not have an opportunity when living to obtain the blessings, but who would have accepted the blessings if they had lived. Justice demands this. We need not worry, therefore, because young men or young women die without being married. All who are worthy will be blessed just the same as if they had lived and obtained the blessings99."

Key- The great work of the Millennium will be to do the work for those who died without obtaining the blessings of the gospel ordinances. “Who will be rescued? 144,000 High Priests will be ordained to bring, as many as will come, to the Church and General Assembly of the Firstborn. Who is the Church of the Firstborn? These are they who received the testimony of Jesus, believed on his name, were baptized, kept the commandments, were washed clean, received the Holy Ghost, overcame all things by faith, and were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all who are just and true. Into their hands all things will be given. They are priests after the order of Melchizedek, sons and daughters of God, having received of the Father’s fullness and glory. All things present, past, or future are theirs, and they are Christ’s. These have overcome all things, and have attained the Celestial Glory. The Church of the Firstborn members will come unto Mount Zion, city of the God, a heavenly place, the holiest of all; wherein is an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and church of Enoch and of the Firstborn. These are they whose names are written in heaven, just men made perfect through Christ. Either Celestial or Terrestrial Glory was obtained100.”

Key: The 144,000 High Priests will be ordained to bring, as many as will come, to the Church and General Assembly of the Firstborn. These are they who received the testimony of Christ, believed on his name, were baptized, kept the commandments, were washed clean, overcome all things, and were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise. “Those who receive patriarchal promises that they shall be raised in the "morning of the first resurrection" are those who are worthy to be "first caught up to meet him" in the heavens prior to His earthly descent. (D&C 88:97-98.) When Christ returns at His second coming, He will be accompanied by a specially designated group of 144,000 High Priests, as well as an innumerable company of resurrected Saints who have qualified for celestial glory. In addition, "the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him 101." 99

DS, 2:167, 177. Brewster, Enoch 211. D&C 77:11; 76:51-69; 77:102 101 Brewster, Enoch 206. See D&C 88:96; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 14:1; D&C 133:18; 76:50-70. 100

Key: There will be those who are alive still upon the earth at the time of the Lord’s Second Coming – they will be caught upto meet him. He will be accompanied by 144,000 worthy High Priests. “While the worthy Saints among the living are "quickened and . . . caught up to meet him," it seems reasonable to believe that not all will pass through death and resurrection at this time. In order for mortal children to be born during the Millennium, they must be begotten by mortal parents. Much is yet to be revealed regarding these matters. Those who are resurrected after the morning of the first resurrection are "those who are Christ's at his coming." President Joseph Fielding Smith explained their status: "In this resurrection will come forth those of the terrestrial order… who are worthy to come forth to enjoy the millennial reign102."

Key: Some worthy saints need to maintain a mortal status in order to bear mortal children during the Millennium. “Only those worthy of celestial or terrestrial glory will inhabit the earth during the Millennium. All others must wait for the resurrection of the unjust when the thousand years of peace will be disrupted for a little season prior to the final judgment. Until then, the wicked and unrepentant remain unressurrected. President Joseph Fielding Smith noted: "It is decreed that the unrighteous shall have to spend their time during this thousand years in the prison house prepared for them where they can repent and cleanse themselves through 103

the things which they shall suffer

."

Key: Only those who are worthy to reside in a celestial or terrestrial glory will inhabit the earth during the Millennium; therefore we must help as many souls as possible ascend to at least the Terrestrial Glory level of progression before the Lord arrives. “The Prophet Joseph provided some insights regarding translated begins: “Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation as a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters - held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the death. President John Taylor wrote that the people of the City of Enoch may be serving as “ministering angels unto many planets104.”

102

103 104

DS, 2:296-97; D&C 88:99.

DS, 3:60. See TPJS, pp. 188-89. Brewster, Enoch 207. Brewster, pg. 167.

Key: The Doctrine of Translation is one of mortals having their bodies and spirits changed, or translated [to no longer suffer death or disease, or temptation by the Devil], to be held as ministering angels to serve according to the Lord’s desires. “With few exceptions, all who have died from the time of Christ to the present await the day when their spirits shall be reunited with the flesh. To the righteous, this resurrection—the resurrection of the just—will come at the beginning of the Millennium. ‘While there was a general resurrection of the righteous at the time Christ arose from the dead’, declared President Joseph Fielding Smith, ‘it is customary for us to speak of the resurrection of the righteous at the Second Coming of Christ as the first resurrection. It is the first to us, for we have little thought or concern over that which is past. The Lord has promised that at the time of his Second Advent the graves will be opened, and the just shall come forth to 105 reign with him on the earth for a thousand years ’. “

Key – Those who have died since Christ await to be resurrected, therefore, the End-time Prophet, [with whom the Lord will make a New and Everlasting Covenant with before he comes] must be either still living or translated prior to his arrival. “Elijah and Moses were preserved from death: because they had a mission to perform, and it had to be performed before the crucifixion of the Son of God, and it could not be done in the spirit. They had to have tangible bodies... The Lord preserved [Moses], so that he could come at the proper time and restore his keys, on the heads of Peter, James, and John, who stood at the head of the dispensation of the meridian of time. He reserved Elijah from death that he might also come and bestow his keys upon the heads of Peter, James, and 106

John and prepare them for their ministry .

Key- Moses and Elijah were reserved with tangible bodies until they had performed earthly ordinances necessary, but were resurrected after Christ was. “Because there was no necessity for Moses and Elijah to remain as translated beings following the resurrection of Christ, they went through death and resurrection in the twinkling of an eye. Thus, when they restored priesthood keys to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1836, they did so as resurrected beings107.

Key – the former prophets, Moses and Elijah have been resurrected, and therefore have taken up residence upon a Celestial planet. So the Elijah that was tocome and prepare a people for the Lord’s return must be acting in the capacity of Elijah as a fore-runner to Christ, but would need to be a person who is still in human form (Terrestrial inhabitant); so that he is able to reside here.

105 106 107

DS, 2:295. Brewster, Enoch 206. DS, 2:110-11. Brewster, Enoch, pg 204. See D&C 110. Brewster, Enoch, 205.

“Since the time of the first resurrection, there have been others who have been granted translated bodies in order to continue their ministry upon this earth, notably the Apostle John (see D&C 7) and the Three Nephite Disciples (see 3 Nephi 28). There have also been individuals resurrected since the time of Christ who had special missions to perform in the flesh, namely Peter, James, and Moroni. The former two joined with the Apostle John in restoring the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. Moroni appeared to the Prophet as a resurrected angel to instruct him regarding the translation of the Book of Mormon108.

Key – there may be no need for people to remain in the earthly form as translated beings, when the resurrected one is just as able to perform earthly ordinance s. “As to where resurrected beings now reside, we turn again to the writings of Elder Parley P. Pratt: "Those raised left the earth and ascended, or were transplanted far on high, with the risen Jesus, to the glorified mansions of His Father, or to some planetary system already redeemed and glorified. The reasons for thus leaving the earth are obvious. Our planet was still in its rudimental state, and therefore subject to the rule of sin and death. It was necessary that it should continue thus, until the full time of redemption should arrive; it was, therefore, entirely unfitted for the residence of immortal man109." Consider the present status of three ancient prophets: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have entered 110

into their exaltation, and sit upon thrones, and are now gods

.

Key – Resurrected beings do not reside in a Terrestrial world, as it is unfitted for the residence of immortal men. “The gospel was preached from the beginning, having been declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost111. And a book of remembrance was kept, in which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration; And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled. Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also… and a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the book of the generations of Adam… and they were preachers of righteousness, and … and faith was taught unto the children of men112.”

108 109 110 111 112

See JS-H 1:27-54. Brewster, Enoch, 204. See D&C 27:12.

Pratt, Key to Theology, p. 139. D&C 132:37. Brewster, Enoch 205. Moses 5:58. Moses 6:5-7, 22-23.

Key – The same Priesthood power and blessings Enoch has is still available to us today.

“The Prophet Joseph Smith provided some insights regarding translated beings: "Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead113."

Key: Those who are translated beings are not taken to reside in the presence of God, but will continue laboring as ministering angels to the people of earths of a terrestrial order, perhaps many planets. They will be resurrected at a later point. “And it came to pass that Enoch journeyed in the land… and as he journeyed, the Spirit of God descended out of heaven, and abode upon him. (Moses 6:26) Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hand, and I will do as seemeth me good. Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee… and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so. And he beheld the spirits that God created;… things which were not visible to the natural eye.. A seer hath the 114 Lord raised up unto his people .”

Key - When the Spirit of God is upon us - when we walk with God - all the blessings of the Priesthood are available – uttering God’s words, commanding the earth & elements, seeing spirits and invisible things. “It would appear that the translated residents of Enoch’s city are under the direction of Jesus who… holding the keys of the government of other worlds, could, in his administrations to them, select the translated people of Enoch’s Zion, if He thought proper, to perform a mission to these various planets, and as death had not passed upon them, they could be prepared by Him, and made use of through the medium of the Holy Priesthood to act as ambassadors, teachers, or messengers to these worlds over which Jesus holds the authority…” 113 114

TPJS, p. 170. Enoch, Brewster 167. Moses 6:35-36.

Key: The City of Enoch’s people nearby, and may appear to us, if needed, to teach, administer ordinances, or bring messages from God to us.We may learn how to do this for others after we are translated. Ministers to other planets: “It would appear that the translated residents of Enoch's city are under the direction of Jesus, who is the Creator of worlds; and that He, holding the keys of the government of other worlds, could… select the translated people of Enoch's Zion… to perform a mission to these various planets, and as death had not passed upon them, they could be prepared by Him and made use of through the medium of the Holy Priesthood to act as ambassadors, teachers, or messengers to these worlds over which Jesus holds the authority ... It is recorded that to Jesus has been given all power in heaven and in earth, and… he evidently had power which he used to commission 115 the citizens of the Zion of Enoch to go to other worlds on missions .

Key: The people of Enoch’s City are familiar with other planetary systems, and in fact may be ministers to them; which we may be called to do also, if transformed early. Ministry of the Three Nephites is happening now, in preparation of the Lord’s Returns

Clyde J. Williams wrote inThe Three Nephites and the Doctrine of Translation, pg 237: “The doctrine of translation is one of those mysteries that has eluded humankind. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this [the Melchizedek] Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the powers of the Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the last times" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 170; hereafter TPJS). Williams goes on to explain these key ideas: -

Joseph Smith taught that the habitation of translated being was a planet of terrestrial order, which place was prepared for those the Lord had held in reserve to be ministering angels. (TPJS 170)

-

The Lord revealed to Joseph that John the Beloved has been permitted to remain on the earth to do ‘a greater work yet among men that what he had before done.’ (D&C 7:5)

-

The account of the Savior’s formal minister among the Lamanites included the appointment of three Nephites (3 Nephi 26:6). In that account, we are told that the Book of Mormon does not contain even 100th part of the ‘greater things’ that would be made known to the believers (v. 8-10).

115

Pres. John Taylor. The Mediation and Atonement, reprint of 1882 edition, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1964, pp. 76-77. Brewster, Enoch 167.

-

The Savior granted the twelve Nephite disciples the same privilege as that afforded the twelve Apostles in Jerusalem. It stimulates one’s mind to consider the prospect of having the Lord grant us whatever we may desire, but the choices are limited to the Savior’s discretion. The condition of our heart manifests the gift we desire; so the Savior offers it to those whom he knew would not ask amiss. He knew the thoughts of John the Revelator, and the Three Nephites before they asked; as he also knew the thoughts of the others. (3 Nephi 28:6) - The account given of the Three Nephites includes valuable instruction – the capabilities the Three Nephites had after they received the grand gift of translation. They are ten characteristics: (1) they will never taste of death; (2) they will be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; (3) they experience no pain while dwelling in the flesh; (4) they were judged by the Lord, purified and sanctified and sealed up to him; (5) they have knowledge and wisdom given to them that far exceeds human perspective; (6) the were transfigured (short-term change) while in the presence of the God in heaven; and then reverted to being translated (a long-term change) in order to minister until the Savior returns; (7) wicked men and women have no power over them; (8) they have power to show themselves to (or disappear from the view of) whomsoever they desire; (9) They are able through time and space, as the angels do; traveling large distances presents no problem to them; (10) they have unusual abilities, such as passing through solid brick walls, penetrating through the center of the earth; traveling through water; ascending to the moon and other planets, with great ease – as the angels of heaven do; (11) Satan has no power over them, they have no disposition to do evil, but to do good continually; (12) their calling and election has been made sure; (13) they have been assigned to remain to serve upon the earth until the Lord returns for the second time.

-

Mormon identified the five major groups the Three Nephites would minister to. (1) Faithful Nephites and Lamaniteswho remained after the Lord’s appearance in America, as Apostles to their race; (2) The Gentiles; (3) the Jews; (4) the scattered tribes of Israel; and (5) all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. (3 Nephi 28:27-29)

-

For nearly two thousand years the Three Nephites disciples and John the Revelator have been ministering upon this earth. The record of their labors will be one of the most interesting accounts unfolded after the Savior returns. (D&C 88:108-110).

-

The Prophet Joseph taught that many districts were being prepared for the Elders even before they arrived, by these men with power over death. They are able to penetrate even the most war-ridden countries; to reach the most oppressed of the Lord’s people. They work to prepare the hearts of men to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ; just as a farmer works to prepare the soil to receive the good seed.

The Ministry of the Three Nephites Today

Elder John W. Taylor stated that the Three Nephites are now working among the nations of the earth, preparing the hearts of men to receive the Gospel. He stated: “A portion of Israel is now gathered… but in a little while you will find another prophecy will be fulfilled, and that is the prophecy that Jesus made to the three Nephites who… are still living upon this continent. He spoke to them of a time when they would perform a great and mighty work… and that has not yet been fulfilled, but it will be. You will find that many districts where the Elders… cannot read will be penetrated by these men… and when the honest in heart see the power… that is with them they will …[trust them].These three men are going to perform a great work in the program of the last days, as is the beloved disciple John [the Revelator]. My testimony is that these men are going abroad in the nations… before the face of your sons, and they are preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive the Gospel… The Lord has promised that He would send His angels before the face of His servants, and he does so.” John

W. Taylor, Conference Report, October 6, 1902, pg. 75.

Chapter 5 – LDS MEMBER VISIONS OF END-TIME DESTRUCTION Yohani Wolfgramm 1989 dream of the future of America as told to a close friend

“Many of you are familiar with the great Tongan Patriarch Yohani Wolfgramm, who died recently. On a recent trip I talked to someone who was a close friend of brother Wolfgrams and who recounted to me an experience that he had had around 1989. It was apoints dreamthat of the cleansing of America. Here are a few salient he mentioned.

* The Big economic collapse which leads to chaos will occur in the third year of the second term of the son of George Bush who will become president. * There will be a great drought at about this same time all over the country. * Many in the Church will become unrighteous and apostatize * There will be a nuclear bomb or bombs go off in Northern Utah that will affect as far south as the Salt Lake Valley. * Hundreds of millions of foreign troops will invade America. * The main foreign force in the Utah area will be Chinese or Chinese-looking troops mixed with Latin American troops. * Great upheavals all over. In the Wasatch front area a tremendous earthquake will occur. The mountains and the valleys will be rearranged. * The righteous will be spared while the unrighteous will be cleansed from the land by earthquake, flood, and plague. * The rocky mountain area will then become a sacred, fruitful place where the righteous will gather.

The Last Days as Shown to a LDS Saint - Utah resident (As found on-line at http://selfpreparedness.com/ as shared by Reg McDaniel Monday March 2008) “Rarely in the past have I been allowed to share these things but I know now that time is running out and people need to get prepared. That is why I believe I am being allowed to share these things at this time. I have to say how important personal revelation will be during these times. At the beginning of things I did see an economic down spiral. This has already started. Watch for good crops from Utah farms to know the first earthquake is soon to hit. “Next I saw a council meeting of men within the predominant Utah [LDS] religion. They were very concerned about this national ID card…. I saw a big problem when the church becomes split down the middle. [Some] Church leaders were telling the saints to take the mark and some church leaders and some members of the church didn't want to take it. Those who did take the mark remained with the faction of the church in monetary power while those who rejected taking the mark retained the spirit of the Lord and the priesthood power but

were greatly persecuted by those church members that did take it. The government tried taking over the righteous branch of the church, but the Lord kept His key players [The Prophet & 12 Apostles] in their places so the church wasn't destroyed. I feel this is what the scripture means that talks about the church being driven into the wilderness.

First earthquake (8.3 - 8.6) along the Wasatch Front “It begins in Salt Lake City right at the Salt Lake Temple. Oddly, there was little damage to the temple. This reminds me of the scripture where it says: 'And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord..." (D&C 125:l -2) This earthquake causes massive damage and death along the Wasatch Front. I think it happens in the fall, October or November as the lawns are yellow. In Provo I saw that large rocks, behind the temple in Rock canyon, were rolling everywhere. . . I saw that streets were broken up, there were fires all over the city along with broken water pipes and natural gas mains. People died from the large shards of glass from the Nuskin building as its windows broke. I also saw the Jordon River Temple. They quickly got the people out of the temple in an orderly fashion and they gathered outside on the lawn. “Redwood Road was surprisingly one of the safer places to be when things got rough as there were not as many gangs there. In Salt Lake City I saw a massive crack 100 feet across. It ran though the center of SLC from the red brick hospital on the east bench down to Taylorsville. It had other smaller fissures going out from it. The south edge of the main crack dropped several feet and the soil slipped on that edge. It was shown that this is why so many structures along it collapsed. “The entire north wing of a hospital made of red brick on the east bench of SLC collapsed. [prob LDS Hospital] At the Delta center I saw the north end of this structure collapse into rubble. There was a really tall building near Main and Third South, the Wells Fargo Bank building which is almost as big as the church office building that went down. The Church Office Building just swayed really bad. I did see the LDS Conference Center intact after the quake, with just some clean up needed. The Salt Lake Temple had only minor damage. “I saw a crack on one of the walls of the temple which was due to the crack in the ground from the earthquake which went through temple square and that was the extent of the damage I could detect there. At first there was an armed contingent of men surrounding the temple to protect it but later I saw them replaced by an angelic army. I saw the mall across from Temple Square. Gangs were everywhere, with people living in the mall's parking garage with little fires to keep warm. I saw that people were dying in the streets. I saw one doctor with tears in his eyes look up from his work in the street. He was completely overwhelmed at the mass of dead

and dying. On the freeway the west end of the spaghetti bowl went down along with several overpasses.

Great Salt Lake water causes flooding everywhere “The Great Salt Lake was sloshing everywhere causing flooding on the freeways and into the city. There were lots of roads broken up, burning buildings and rubble. I saw a woman in a blue business suit running in the streets and dodging the falling buildings. The quake started with several smaller tremors but few paid attention. When the big one hits it stops for a few minutes, then it really hit hard. Millions were displaced out of their homes. The main states involved were Utah, Arizona, Wyoming and Nevada but the quake was felt all the way back to Missouri. For some reason the South Eastern end of Utah wasn't hit as hard. National Emergency in the West is declared “The president declares a national emergency in the Western states. Power and communications are sporadic. The Government sends in the National Guard to help relocate people with trucks and supplies. I saw bishops announcing to their congregations the need to open their homes and resources to the homeless. There were a lot of miracles at this time as people helped one another. The government set up emergency shelters at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden - Camp Williams near the Point of the Mountain - Micron in Highland - and lots of other places. The relocation camps were offered as shelters right from the start but not many went to them at first. Don't ever go to those as they become death camps. “I watched people get the mark of the beast in these locations. It was just like the old small pox vaccine where they lined people up and used little hand whiteof gun, theyand caused to their line up put the chip in thea right people thenpeople entered personal info into a computer. Then they could just scan it just like at the supermarket and get access to all that persons personal information. In the back comer I saw a small group of dissenters who had on blue jumpsuits. The others were a kind of orange color. I watched them strap the dissenters on a gurney and put the mark in their forehead as a sign to everyone of their rebellion.

Mass Exodus to the South of Wasatch area. “After this first quake I saw a lot of the people on the Wasatch Front evacuate southward to the valley by Manti. It was completely full of mostly green army tents with an odd color mixed in here and there. That area was full of people with some people finding shelter in the turkey barns they have there. The government provided a lot of supplies at that time. The people there were able to have what they needed and it was a safe place. “I saw a young man in the back of a pick up truck in Spanish Fork. He was talking to crowds of people and convinced them to move southward to safety. This young man wasn't a general

authority but truly had the spirit of prophecy. He told several groups of people to move south to safety and a lot of people followed him and went to the Nephi Valley. There they began to settle and got along well. He had an older man helping him that was retired military with grey hair. This man was good at organizing the people. Some families went to Sanpete while others went to Carbon County. The gas stations had long lines where they had power. I saw a long line of military vehicles along with other cars and trucks headed up Spanish Fork canyon.

Martial Law is declared in Utah. “Martial law was declared off and on during this. The Martial law hadn't taken over fully until the people were in the relocation camps and had the mark of the beast. FEMA was a big influence at this time in relocating people and taking control of the situation. Lots of supplies of food and tents were supplied to Sanpete and Carbon Counties by the US Government. The church asked for people to share what they had at this point, food storage and supplies thus living the Law of Consecration. I was told that if I wanted to go to a city of light, this was the time to share what I had. The church was stockpiling food in these places and they provided a way to get it there. At one point I saw the US President sign a secret treaty with Russia and China. I don't know if that has already happened or not. Two men stood behind the president dressed in black. They were representing these two nations. They mocked the president behind his back but there was someone else behind them that was even darker. I knew at that point our country had been sold down the river. I also was told this was part of the plan for the New World Order that the dark ones wanted. A man-made bomb caused the SLC Earthquake. “Just recently I was shown the cause of the first earthquake. I sawbetween an explosion at theand bottom of the ocean Australia Hawaii. I watched the sand implode and being sucked into a large hole. I think this event just happened and I won't say what caused the initial explosion on the oceans floor but I can say it was man made. This caused a chain reaction as a crack opened up following the fault along the "ring of fire" in the Pacific. I could see lava glowing in some of the cracks. This went right up into Alaska then down into Washington. I watched as the area of the ocean floor within the ring of fire all dropped down then the plates began moving towards the center of the ocean. This affected a lot of homes in California on the coast as they start to slip. This also causes a lot of Tsunami waves along the west coast. I was told "this is what awakens Mt. Ranier". I was told Mt. Ranier would be the biggest volcano in the U.S. I also saw a large volcano just above the Bear Lake area in southern Idaho.

Violent Weather in North and South America. “While these things were happening in Utah the rest of the country was having violent weather. I saw a massive hurricane off the south east coast. It was bigger than anything that has ever hit there and was devastating. In the mid-west there was massive flooding. The whole nation soon went to martial law. Near the top of Idaho and in the lower Part of Montana I saw a group that was self-sustaining. These people did well for a long time though I do believe at one point they all migrated eastward. This group was situated somewhat between the two volcanoes, but a bit to the north. I did see some people begin to rebuild after the first earthquake but the second earthquake comes too soon after the first one for things to really get back to normal. “The president called in U.N. forces to take over and keep the peace. We had relatively no government left except for the military and they kind of did things their own way.

U.S. presidential election and the U.S. economic collapse “Next I saw a new US President who is someone very close to Pres. Bush. Bush continued leading our government kind of like a back seat driver. Later on there are few running cars due to so little gasoline being available so you would have to bring your years supply by horse and wagon if possible. A second large earthquake hits California/Nevada desert / F.E.M.A. “The second quake was enormous. A 10.0 in the California-Nevada desert. In Utah we felt it as a 9.3. I did see that many people escaped from the internment camps during one of the earthquakes. I think it was the same earthquake that reshapes the mountains and also helped the people from Nephi escape. I saw the Creek Jordonelle Dams break taking out everything in itsboth path. InDeer Provo, I sawand cars, houses etc. in its path, trees and water, rocks and debris everywhere. The large rocks stacked in the south end of the Great Salt Lake fell, and the big crack in the salt flats opened up. I saw water spewing up in the middle of the lake like a geyser. The people who followed the young man to Nephi Valley felt safe and began to get too comfortable. This young man with prophetic gifts again warned them that trouble was coming and that they needed to leave and go further south.

Independent Group of People try to leave Nephi area. “The officials in charge didn't like this independent group (probably one to two thousand). They considered them to be dissenters and fugitives. This group ignored the young prophet and said they were happy there. That was when I saw airplanes attacking this group from the north east. The airplanes fired what looked like tiny fire-bursts at the people. I think it was napalm. Next I saw a family in their truck ready to go but suddenly all the cars and vehicles quit running. I feel this was when the EMP was used. When the attack came I saw people quickly grab what they could and just start running on foot. I saw the people running on foot, being pursued by the military, going into the entrance of Salt Creek Canyon just off of I-I5 at Nephi, that leads into

Sanpete County.

Nephi roads cleared by the Lord for the righteous. “The first earthquake had ruined the road in the canyon and large boulders and rocks had blocked most of the road to traffic. It was then that the Lords hand was upon Mount Nebo. It was if he were molding it with His own hand. The mountain closed up right behind the righteous group of people who were trying to escape the pursuing army. lt reminded me of the children of Israel going through the Red Sea on dry ground with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. I also saw the Thistle Canyon close up as well. There I saw a lot of water that also blocked the way, closing the Sanpete Valley - I never did see what happened on the south end of that valley but I know it was protected for a long time. Sanpete Valley Tent Cities “Back in Sanpete Valley people did okay for a while as they worked together to survive. I did see a mass grave there in the valley after the first earthquake because so many had come wounded and dying and then they died once they arrived there. Sanpete wasn't prepared to handle all of the medical and shelter needs. FEMA comes and takes everyone’s food. At first it was on a voluntary basis, then it became mandatory. I was told to leave at the first sighting of these trucks. This is time to go into hiding. We went into the mountains. I saw enormous warehouses filled with the food they had taken forcefully from the people. Then I saw the starving people in the death camps. The food in the warehouses remained there and was not used for the starving people. “The people in Sanpete Valley had food and supplies that the military had helped bring in with the first earthquake evacuation but now the military wanted what was left but FEMA had already come around and taken almost everything they could. Now the military set up camp in the Nephi Valley just below the canyon at Nephi and they were planning an attack on the poor righteous people of Sanpete. Now I saw huge boulders flying off the mountain as well as new rock structures come jutting out of the ground. The mouth of the canyon was completely blocked by the debris. “I saw that in the tent cities in Sanpete Valley were many widows because their husbands had been killed for refusing to serve in the military, which at this point had become an enemy of freedom. I saw other military men being ordered to kill the innocent and many refused to do this as they were righteous priesthood holders. I saw several of these good men executed at point blank range. Next I saw a great big earthquake swallow up the tanks, airplanes and all the military equipment that was stationed in Nephi. lt was so dark, and the sky looked black

with storm clouds. When it was all over there wasn't much of Nephi left. Later I saw that the freeway was filled with vehicles. Tires had been stolen and cars stripped by looters and doors left open. The enemy which consisted of the US Military was stationed along this same I - l5 corridor. Back in Salt Lake City I was shown the utter breakdown of order and civility. It was an extremely wicked and dangerous place to be with blood flowing in the streets.

Concentration camps and the mark of beast “I saw concentration camps set up and the mark administered. All people must accept it or become fugitives. Volcanoes increased everywhere while Martial law became permanent. I saw what I thought was Napalm. It looked like fire raining from the sky the size of rain drops. It wasn't like the bigger hail fire that comes later but I know a lot of people died from it. I saw planes shooting it at the people in the streets as they ran away. I saw pockets of small communities of resistance in various places around the west where people had prepared beforehand and were equipped to survive in a communal order on their own. This tyranny lasted for three and a half years. I was shown Missouri and saw that it was nearly completely desolate though I did see a few people there. Russia and China invade from all borders “Next I saw my family hidden in the mountains. I looked down at the valley and saw Chinese soldiers. I saw that they had come from the California coast. At first it was Chinese then later it was also Russian troops. They came from all the borders of the US.

Third big earthquake( magnitude unknown) “I then saw a large fireball in the sky coming from the east. I saw a Chinese soldier look up at it then he had a look of betrayal on his face. I think it came from his own country. I was then shown a place in the middle of the California- Nevada desert. It was a small fenced-in area with a chain link fence about 50'x 50' with posted red warning signs. It was a government facility, but there wasn't anything above ground except the fence. I then asked what the yellow fire ball in the sky was. I was told it was nuclear. It hit in the middle of that fenced-in area where there was another nuke underground. Both went off. I was then pulled away from the picture as if l was looking at the U.S. from a distance. Everything went completely black, then bright red. California falls into the Ocean “Then I saw the western coastline. This one event changed everything. I saw massive tidal waves and enormous changes to the region. I saw very little left standing. Almost all of California was gone. This blast caused earth changes that causes the west coast to sink, leaving only islands from Oregon down into Baja California, with part of Arizona also under water. The ocean actually comes inland to touch the tip of South Western Utah. A lot of Texas was under water, as was a great portion of Canada.

Also at this time I saw the sight of Salt Lake Valley. It was so red. There were no houses. Just stubs of trees and people huddling by little fires to survive. The temple was still standing.

Burning hailstones destroy almost everything. “Soon after the bombs went off l saw massive hail falling on everything across the U.S. the hail was on fire; some the size of a grain of rice up to the size of a car or small house. I saw these hitting everything that was left. It burned up the fields and destroyed most structures that were left standing. To me, this was the worst of all the previous events because it affected everyone and destroyed more. At this point most everything was desolate. All the trees burned, even in the mountains. I also saw a lot of volcanic activity all across what was left of the U.S.A. In other parts of the world things were very much in the same kind of turmoil. We had to learn how to survive from the Native Americans. People tried to grow food but it was very hard as very little was left. To the impoverished Native Americans nothing had changed. They got along just as they always have and then showed the rest of the world how to survive. I did see the entire world at war. Everything was in turmoil. Massive asteroid hits the Pacific Ocean. “Next I saw an enormous yellow ball of fire in the sky. I was told this was a small planet or asteroid. It hit out beyond California in the Pacific Ocean and changed the axis of the earth. I was shown the year 2012. The polar caps melt, and there is massive flooding. I was again pulled back from the view and I saw the entire U .S. lt looked like two small continents. The Mississippi River widens to miles of snow. The U .S. is divided by a mass of water from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The area effected was as wide as the Great Lakes combined. The east U S coast was also mostly islands and was almost all gone as well though I wasn't shown what caused it . Many of the islands, world wide, were underwater at this point. This disruption also causes major storms, high winds, and freezing temperature around the earth. As things settle down, Utah becomes semi-tropical. Later land masses move and the world gangs up against Israel.

Biological Attacks that will happen “There are 4 main biological attacks that will happen. 1. Two are currently in place and spreading world wide. These are the Avian Flu and the SARS epidemic. I believe these two are engineered and are of the same makeup. 2. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopath (By SE) or Mad Cow Disease. Apparently the tests that are being done are causing this in remote areas even in the wild. Our food chain is contaminated even vegetables with bio-engineering.

3. A flu to come. This one is the worst and we will see it coming a little at a time. This is engineered from technology from the Hitler era and is a derivative from the 1918 Spanish Flu. This epidemic will be like the Black plague was in Europe. The current things they are doing is to weaken our immune systems (look to the skies). In fact many people are developing a resistance and we are getting the flu vaccines to speed up the process. That is why there was a shortage this year. Everyone panicked and ran to get one. 4. This just looks like more flu, but is deliberately released in major cities. I feel it has begun and will increase gradually. The main lab involved in this is based in NYC or near there and has other labs involved world wide. I heard the words "Alltech" when I saw these labs. (www.alltech.com )

World Religion; Black Operations; United Nations; National ID Cards “Next I was shown a new "Nicene council" taking place. This was council of very dark men with an unlucky number of them (13) determining what the new world religion would be (Masons). Then it was voted on in the U .N. headquarters. There are so many power-hungry dark factions worldwide. Almost every major government of the world has a shadow government calling the shots (black operations). Next I saw the Oval Office. On the desk in front of the president was a white folder. It said U.N. on the front of it. He signed the document into law. Then I saw most people with the national ID card. It is the step right before the mark of the beast is required for people to have. Return of the City of Enoch; New Jerusalem and Fourth earthquakes. “The next thing I saw was the return of the City of Enoch. It was very brief and I just saw the general area and a great mass with a city return to the area of the New Jerusalem. Then I saw people begin migrating toward that area from all over the U.S. There were tribes from South America coming as well as people from the north who I believe were the ten lost tribes. There were not a lot of people at this point. I did see small groups coming from the west and stopping at little stations along the way. These stations were like little areas of light where the people could get provisions and rest along the way as they traveled east. I saw the march of Saints to the New Jerusalem and many stations along the trek administered to them as they made their way to the New Jerusalem. I saw the gathering of righteous people from all over the world to that place of safety.

The Jews build a new temple where the Dome of the Rock now stands. “The next part that I was shown I have rarely been able to share but with only a handful. I have prayed a lot about it and the Spirit is testifying that I need to share it. Please know this is very sacred to me. I was taken to Jerusalem, there in the land of Israel. I saw the Jews building a temple on the area where the dome of the rock now stands. It was made of a yellowish type of stone and reminded me of the style of Solomon’s Temple. I then saw another temple there, south of the Jerusalem Center, built by the LDS church. This temple was made of grey stone and I think it was where the Orson Hyde Garden’s are.

An Evil C ouncil and Anti-Christ attack Jerusalem “Next I saw a council of men gathered who were very evil. The antiChrist stood at the head of the table. He wore military clothes that were tan and had dark hair and a somewhat stalky build. The group he was talking to represented nations from all over the world and they were planning an attack on Jerusalem. I saw them gather their forces and weaponry in a valley just below the Mount of Olives. I have been told it was the Kidron Valley. I then saw life within the city of Jerusalem. The people had already been under attack and small portions had held their ground and were protected by what looked like domes of clear light over them. A Stone Arch-way and Two Prophets in Jerusalem “I then saw a stone arched gateway into the city it was riddled with bullet holes. A road ran along in front of it, and if you were standing by this gate you could see out over the Kidron Valley. To me it looked as if l was looking out over the southwest toward the desert. The Mount of Olives was to my south I think. I have never been there physically so I can only express what I was shown. Next I saw two young men walk out from the inner part of this gate. They were prophets and their presence had been the Lords way of protecting the city. The people in the city were frightened but remained there. I watched these two young men face the forces of the world alone, but with the Lords power at their command. Two Prophets defend and testify in Jerusalem for a time. “As the forces of evil began their attack I saw these two prophets call down the powers of heaven in defense of the city. First I saw them speak and cause great earthquakes a large storm gathered the forces of darkness. The stormsthen blocked thedust military forces fromover advancing. Then I saw these evil forces plotting again as the two prophets called down all the ancient plagues of Israel upon these evil forces (much as was done in the day of Moses.) These two prophets cast forth judgments in righteous priesthood authority this because they were special witnesses of the Lord with special priesthood power and keys. Next I saw the dark forces aim a missile at these two. “One of the prophets raised his hand and diverted the missiles. They could not be hurt. I then saw a clear dome of protection over the whole city. I again saw all the nations meet with their evil leader, who was being directed expressly by the adversary himself. These dark forces gathered together everything they could at his point in one grand push against these two small men and Jerusalem. It was odd to see the whole world attacking two young men. This time they succeeded.

Two prophets lay dead in Jerusalem streets for three and a half days. “I feel prompted not to say how, but these evil forces killed them both. I saw them lying in the streets among broken stones and rubble. The world rejoiced at this. The evil ones then began to take over the city as little pockets of resistance held out. No one touched

the bodies of these two prophets as I was shown it was because they were still terrified of the power these two held so they just left them there. The area was blocked off by those in charge and to go near the bodies was forbidden. The people would not touch them for God’s promise was upon them. The evil forces now had their guard down and wasted the time they had left. Three and a half days later I saw the bodies of the two prophets begin to stir and then everything was completely silent.

The Lord Appears; Heaven Unfolds; The Righteous arise “There was an enormous earthquake. It was the greatest one yet, then everything was dark and quiet. There appeared a bright light in the sky. It was the Lord. I saw the two prophets completely restored rise up in the sky. Then the sky opened up just like a scroll. It split down the center and was peeled back. I could see a myriad of the host of heaven with the Lord at the front in the center. The two prophets then took their place on both sides of the Lord. There were an innumerable amount of beings with the Savior all singing His praises. “The Lord is wearing red, a deep purplish red like the color of blood. His light is so bright that it fills everything as he is coming in His full glory. Now the people can’t deny His glory any longer. The Lord commands and all obey. I heard Him command for all to repent. It was a great voice of thunder and it shook the entire earth. All people world wide know He is here. I saw every living soul kneel. Many whimpered and cried. They knew they were doomed. Others rejoiced with their arms and eyes held high towards their Lord. I saw the Lord's arm extended and those who were righteous were called up and met him in the cloud of beings and they then stood behind Him. “The Lord then extended his left arm and made a sweeping motion with it over those who were left on the earth. He protected those in the sky behind Him. I watched as all of the forces of destruction were then brought upon the evil ones. The Lord commanded the earth also and it obeyed. The land masses were moved and everything was restored to its former place. “I must tell all who read this I do not know the time or the hour but I do know He is coming in all His glory. He will return. But before he does, this earth will be cleansed and everything upon it. He is the only begotten Son of the Father. It is only by Him and though Him, that we are redeemed. I want all of you to know that I love Him beyond all expression. I know we must prepare now! He atoned for all of us, if we will just accept. He has great Love for each of us.

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Chapter 7 - A VOICE OF WARNING TO THE CURRENT LATTER-DAY SAINTS The Savior gave a strong warning to all “And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and

above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if

they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them. . . But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel. And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel, to go through among

them, and tread them down, saith the Father. But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them, yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel, that they shall go through among them, and shall tread them down, and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of

my people, O house of Israel116.

George Albert Smith asked us to get our houses in order

“Brethren and sisters, let us go to our homes. If our houses are not in order, let us set them in order. Let us renew our determination to honor God and keep his commandments, to love one another, to make our homes the abiding place of peace. Each of us can contribute to that in the homes in which we live. It will not be long until calamities will overtake the human family unless there is speedy repentance. It will not be long before those who are scattered over the face of the earth by millions will die like flies because of what will come 117. “

116

117

3 Nephi 16:10, 13-15

George Albert Smith, Conference Report, April 9, 1950, p. 169.

President Thomas S. Monson gave us good advice about how to deal with change

"... as I speak about those things which have been on my mind and which I have felt impressed to share with you. I begin by mentioning one of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth, and that is change. Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes. "Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed. Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey. In the name of J esus Christ, amen.118"

The People of Zion will be lulled into a sense of security and peace that isn’t real

“And others he (the Devil) will pacify and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well, all is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well – thus the devil cheateth their souls 119 and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. ” Q. Is all really very well in Zion? To me, this scripture suggests that being ‘lulled away into carnal security’ will somehow lead us to believe a ‘ ll is well’ when it really is not. Obviously, it is a trick of the Devil to get us to stray from our real duties. I question however, what the real lesson is, and I also wonder what ‘carnal security’ really means? Let us seek to fully understand the nature and scope of this scripture. A Compendium to your Study of the Book of Mormon (CSBM) pg 150 says: 2 Nephi 28:21: Nephi’s warning in which people say everything is well when actually it is not. President Woodruff warned: “Can we imagine our garments will be clean without lifting our voice before our fellowmen and warning them of thethings that are at their doors? No, we cannot. There never was a stronger obligation to warn this generation, to lift up our voices loud and long, day and night… to declare the words of God unto this generation. We are 120 required to do this. This is our calling. It is our duty. It is our business .”

118

Thomas S. Monson - October 2008 General Conference - Nov 6, 2008.

119

2 Nephi 28:21 Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 21:122.

120

Ezra Taft Benson warned us that ‘all in NOT well in Zion” in his address entitled Stand Up For 121 Freedom in 1966:

“I speak to you as a fellow citizen of the United States of America deeply concerned about the welfare of our beloved country. I am not here to tickle your ears… the message I bring is not a happy one… but it is the truth… I realize that the bearer of bad news is always unpopular… “I’m sorry to say that all is NOT well, in so-called prosperous, wealthy, and powerful America. We have moved a long ways, and are now moving further and more rapidly, down the soul-destroying road of Socialism. The evidence is clear, shockingly clear, for all to see. With our national prestige at, or near, an embarrassing all-time low, we continue to weaken our domestic economy by unsound fiscal, economic, and foreign-aid policies, which corrupt our national currency. With a crass unconstitutional usurpation of power by the executive branch of the federal government; anti-spiritual decisions of the Supreme Court; all apparently approved by a weakly submissive rubber-stamped congress; the days ahead are ominously frightening. “It is imperative that American citizens become alerted and informed regarding the threat to our welfare, happiness, and freedom. No American is worthy of citizenship in ourland, who refuses to take an active interest in these important matters. Stand up for freedom no matter what the cost; it can help to save your soul, and maybe your country. May God give us the wisdom to recognize the danger, the dangers of complacency, the threat to our freedom; and the strength to meet this danger courageously.”

Elder George Albert Smith warned the saints: “The devil cheateth their and it. leadeth them carefully toyou hell;and and that’s exactly the waysouls he does He does notaway come and grab take you into his territory, but he whispers, ‘do this little evil’, and when he succeeds in that, another little evil, and then another. He makes you believe you are gaining something when you are loosing. So every time we fail to observe a law of God, or keep a commandment, we are being cheated, because there is no gain in this world or the world to come, but by obedience to the laws of our Heavenly Father. Men and women in the world today are subject to that influence, and they are being drawn here and there, and they do not understand what the Lord desires them to do, but they continue in the territory of the evil one, subject to his power where the spirit of the Lord will not go122.” Zion: Bible dictionary – “The word is defined in latter-day revelation as those who are ‘pure in heart’. (D&C 97:21); and can also be used to mean a specific location or place as in Enoch’s city called Zion; Solomon’s Mount Zion; Jackson County, MO called Zion where the New Jerusalem will be built. .. In a wider sense all of North and South America are Zion (HC 6:318-19) 121

Stand Up for Freedom, address given to Utah Forum for the American Idea, Ezra Taft Benson, Feb 11, 1966, SLC, Utah. 122

George Albert Smith, Conference Report, April 1918, pg. 40.

Moses 7:18 says: “…and the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” It goes on to say: Enoch built a city of holiness, called Zion; and (27) the holy ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion (after Zion (23) was taken up into heaven; taken up into the bosom of God (31). Enoch said “through faith (37) I am in the bosom of the Father, and Zion is with me.” Bruce R. McConkie in ‘Mormon Doctrine’ (MD) states:Zion

1. Zion is the name given by the Lord to his saints; it is the name by which the Lord’s people are always identified. The Church of Jesus Christ or Latterday Saints is Zion. Joining the Church and becoming a member is becoming a citizen of Zion (on earth). References where Zion is spoken of in this sense are:D&C 66; 11:6; 12:6;14:6; 21:7-8; 24:7; 30:11; and 93:53. 2. After the Lord had called his people Zion, Enoch build a city that was called City of Holiness, even Zion, which was taken up into heaven after 365 years. Between that time and the flood ‘many persons were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion.” It is this city which is to return in the last days, shortly after the ushering in of the millennium era.

Moses 7:53: “Jesus said, I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven. (He is the King of earthly Zion, as well as Heavenly Zion.) In Moses, Zion is defined as a Holy City or New Jerusalem where Enoch, Jesus, and the Heavenly city of Zion will meet the righteous saints, and where his tabernacle will be. (Moses 7:62) “And righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.” (63) “And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, andwe (meaning himself, Enoch, and all the members of his city) will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks and we will kiss each other.” (64) “And there shall be mine abode, and it shall be called Zion… and for the space of a 1000 years the earth shall rest.”

It is safe to assume that in 2 Nephi 28:21, the Lord’s warning is to all the members of the Lord’s earthly church; since the Lord personally walks and talks and interacts with Heavenly Zion.

Let us finish looking by up a few definitions. (OD) appease: v. 1. make calm or quiet, esp. conciliate bymaking suggestions; 2. satisfy; 3. reconcile;make compatible. carnal: adj. 1. of the body of flesh; worldly; 2.sensual; sexual . lull: n & v. 1. to soothe or send to sleepgently; 2. deceive (a person) into confidence lulled ( into a false sense of security. pacify: v. 1. appease; 2. bring to a state of peace: security: n. 1. a secure condition or feeling; 2. a thing that guards. sense: n & v. 1. any of the bodily functions by which sensation is roused; 2. sensitivity to any of these .

Based upon this information and definitions, we can now restate 2 Nephi 28:21 to read: “And others, the devil will bring the saints to a state of peace, (making them calm and compatible to himself), and soothe gently to sleep, and deceive them into his confidence, to the point of obtaining a providing them with worldly possessions and sensual attractions false sense of security about the condition of their lives.And they will say: All is well, all is well

in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; yea the members of the Church prosper, all is well; and thus the devil cheats their souls, and leads them away ; by making them believe that it is okay to sin a little here and a little there, and by making them believe they are gaining something by daily pursuing worldly pleasures and possessions when they are actually loosing their souls and their salvation to the devil and hell.” This warning is powerful. Our focus must not be in obtaining and

maintaining ‘carnal security’, or worldly possessions and pleasures. But rather, our focus must be in daily building up the Kingdom of God upon the earth. The greater portion of our time, energy, money, possessions and talents must be devoted to this, as stated in (and covenanted to by us) the temple. Otherwise, we are ‘asleep at noonday’, and we will not be able to ‘abide His coming’, nor will we qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.

Roger K. Young states in his book Dreams and Visions of the Last Days pg 189 that many LDS saints have ascribed to a false assumption: “The False Assumption which particularly plagues us today is this: many Church members have assumed (or are assuming) that they will never have to flee their current homes; that they are already living in a place of safety, especially those living the Wasatch Front area, and that the wicked will be cleansed from among them while they live in peace. After all, their ancestors had been brought to this place of safety by the hand of the Lord. The problem with this assumption is simple: Nowhere in sacred history does such a scenario ever present itself. In fact, the opposite seems to be true, as outlined previously. The righteous gather to a place of peace and safety and are blessed. After a period of time, the people began to be divided into two groups – those who still keep the commandments, and those who don’t. The longer the time period, the greater the division and the more those who have become wicked dominate the once righteous society. They take over control of the government and pass laws to help them in their quest for

power and riches. While the true humble followers of Christ become the very small (and diminishing) minority of the society.” “It is important to note that in almost all past examples, the once righteous who are now wicked, go around pretending and loudly proclaiming that they are still righteous and still the chosen of the Lord. Many, if not all, of them are still members of the Church. However, upon close scrutiny, their actions point to the fact that they have started to become hypocrites/apostates-in-heart. ‘By their fruits, ye shall know them’, said the Savior.”

These people do not want to hear what is wrong in Zion, only what is right with it. Anyone who spoke of repentance among them was silenced by excommunication or threatened. This principle is taught clearly in the Book of Mormon as being the reason why the Lord’s saints were chastened. Usually, at the bottom of it is a desire to gain more riches. Samuel the Lamanite told the people of Zarahemla, ‘ye will not remember your Lord, but you do always remember your riches!’ (Hel. 13:22). Latter day saints need to liken these things unto themselves.