Literal Gathering – Page 2

The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Six

January 28, 2012January 28, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 6 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Six

How Can Zion Be Established Today?

For the average member today the building of the New Jerusalem seems far away and when we speak of the literal gathering of Israel this is what his mind reflects on. It is an amazing thing the commandment to gather the Saints saturates the scriptures more than any other doctrine, yet it is the most greatly ignored. It is truly the irony of the age. Still the leaders today must find some way to rationalize away the fact that they are not keeping this commandment which is so important that the earth would be “utterly wasted” without it.

In the scriptures when the Lord talks about Zion he speaks of coming “out of Babylon” but today when Zion is spoken of… what comes to mind? Let us quote Spencer W. Kimball: “As we speak of Zion, WE THINK OF THE WORLD, since this has become a worldwide church.” (Taken from Stockholm Area Conference Report, Page 5 Reprinted in 1979 Church History Sunday School Manual – MY KINGDOM, page 163)).

The authorities dare not come straight out and declare that we no longer believe in the literal gathering of Israel, for this would upset too many people. A much better idea is to change the meaning of the literal gathering of Israel. Today President Kimball equates Zion with the world so the members can live anywhere On the earth and still be literally gathered. This broad interpretation is nice and comfortable; for it erases all responsibility to live in harmony with the scriptures we have been given.

Bruce R. McConkie gives us a very comfortable definition of the gathering of Israel: “The gathering of Israel consists of joining the true church; of coming to a knowledge of the true God and of his saving truths; and of worshipping him in the congregations of the Saints IN ALL NATIONS AND AMONG ALL PEOPLES.” (Mexico City Area Conference August 1972)

According to this nebulous definition you can be “among” any other group of people and still be gathered. That may be a metaphysical gathering of sorts, but only the most foolish of the “workmen” could call it a literal gathering. When I used to discuss faith and works with individuals of different religions I thought that their definitions of “salvation” and “faith” was quite nebulous, but I must now admit that the current Latter-Day belief on a literal gathering takes the cake. I have come to understand the warning that if we are not faithful that we will lose the little we have. We have lost the entire concept which is the springboard to the kingdom of God… The literal gathering of Israel.

When one reads the scriptures and sees plainly that the commandment to literally gather is not being obeyed today one may find himself in somewhat of a dilemma. How can one literally gather when the Church does not even believe in it at present? Do LDS people even have authority to gather together without the sanction of the church? If then, the brethren are astray, are members therefore released from responsibility because it was originally placed upon the brethren?

Let us put it this way. Moroni said that if the promises (the gathering) made to the fathers is not planted “in the hearts of the children (you and me)… the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” D&C 2:2-3 If you knew that the earth would be wasted if this commandment is not lived do you suppose that God would be happy to see you placing all the responsibility upon others and doing nothing yourself? Since God cannot interfere with man’s free agency don’t you suppose he would be happy to see some of his children step forth and attempt to do his will? Doesn’t it seem logical that he would lend his support to such a righteous endeavor?

“But,” says one, “We have no authority to gather God would not be pleased if we attempted it!”

On the contrary, I ask where do you get such an idea? It is true that Joseph Smith had the keys of the gathering of Israel delivered to him, but where does it say that you have to have the keys to be obedient to a commandment of God.

O ye of little faith! Can you not consider the words of Nephi that “the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” I Nephi 3:7. Has not the Lord commanded the literal gathering of Israel? If he has then has not the way been prepared?

The best way to figure out what to do in a certain circumstance in the present is to examine a similar circumstance in the past and see there how the prophets handled the situation. Thus if we proceed on our present circumstance according to the same pattern that God inspired in a similar circumstance in the past, then we will not go astray or be out of order.

When the Kingdom went astray in the days of Saul and Saul was the “anointed of the Lord” what did David do? He gathered out the righteous from among them and prepared for the day when the Lord’s house would be set in order.

When the kingdom was astray in the days of wicked King Noah what did Alma do when he was converted by the testimony of Abinidi? Did he wait around for King Noah, who was supposed to hold the keys of power in that area, to tell him what to do? No! If he did that he would still be waiting. Instead he received personal revelation to teach the righteous among them and then gather them out for the Lord had told his people that except they repent he “will lead away the righteous from among you.” Jacob 3:4.

In the days of the restoration of the Gospel there were several groups of people who had received revelation that the Lord was going to do a great work and they gathered together to prepare for such an event and they were in no way held under any condemnation. In one such instance Wilford Woodruff received a revelation to go and visit one such group of three hundred individuals and all of them save one accepted his message. All of the leaders acknowledged the hand of God in preparing groups such as these and not even the least of the saints considered them out of order because they did not have the keys.

But on the other hand, in a sense, they did have the keys as they are defined in the doctrine and covenants: “And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, WHICH CONSISTS IN THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE.” D&C 128:14

Isn’t this interesting? In a sense the keys of the kingdom consists of “the key of knowledge.” This is why that even though the Jews had the right to the keys of the kingdom by ordination they had lost the “key of knowledge.” which key of knowledge John the Baptist had. Joseph Smith said that this was why John the Baptist was considered the greatest prophet – because he “wrested the KEYS, the kingdom, power, the glory FROM THE JEWS.” TPJS Pg 276 Why was John able to take the keys away from the Jews? Because he had the keys of knowledge.

When Joseph Smith imparted knowledge as to how to detect a true Spirit he said: “These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.” D&C 129:9 These “grand keys” consisted of knowledge only.

The only keys we have on record that Alma possessed is that he received knowledge or keys by revelation from God that enabled him to gather out the righteous.

Do we not have the key of knowledge of the literal gathering of Israel given to us by God today by revelation? God has appointed to us areas which will be places of refuge and this knowledge in itself is a “key” to survival. Can there then be any condemnation in gathering together in places that the Lord has appointed and being as the faithful workmen and building the strange structures the Master Builder has commanded, which structures are symbolic of the gathering places of the Lord. If we are then faithful workmen we will be blessed by our Lord and if a literal ordination of some kind is needed he will then take away the talent from the unfaithful servant and give it unto him who was faithful.

A question now naturally arises: “How are we to gather today? Circumstances are much different now than in the days of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. It was practical then to gather together, but not today.”

This may be what the authorities today would have you believe, but it is not true. In many ways it was just as impractical from the standpoint of the world to gather in the days of Joseph as it is today. We forget that this was the main reason the world fought against the Saints of that day. In that time the saints gathered by selling all they had and buying new lands all in the same area and built cities to the Lord. Many had to leave their homes and travel thousands of miles to Nauvoo and later to Salt Lake, and their transportation was not nearly as convenient as it is today. How then can you say that it was more practical in the days of Joseph Smith? How can one say this when many groups are successfully gathering today? The Amish, the Mennonites, and many Indian tribes are successfully gathered today, not to mention the gathering of millions of Jews in Israel. With all of this evidence in view how can the saints claim that it cannot be done today? In actuality the gathering of the saints in the early days was as much of an anomaly as it would be today. The whole world wondered at them at that day and they would wonder anew at a gathering today.

The big question is how are we to gather today when there is no place to flee to? Again that is answered from the scriptures: “Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will DO MY WILL AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS CONCERNING THEM, LET THEM GATHER THEMSELVES TOGETHER UNTO THE PLACES WHICH I SHALL APPOINT UNTO THEM BY MY SERVANT JOSEPH (And others) AND BUILD UP CITIES UNTO MY NAME,. that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come.” D&C 125:2

As mentioned earlier these cities were to be called stakes and were to reach a population of from 15-20,000 and were to be presided over temporally by a stake Bishop. In the meeting in which the city of Nauvoo was contemplated and presided over by Joseph Smith they “wanted to know the views of the brethren, whether they wished to appoint this a stake of Zion or not; stating that he believed it to be a good place, and suited for the saints. It was then unanimously agreed upon that it should be appointed a stake and A PLACE OF GATHERING FOR THE SAINTS.” DHC 4:12

One will notice as he reads church history that the early stakes were appointed when there were virtually no saints living there yet. Today this process has been reversed whereas there has to be several thousand saints living in an area before the stake is created. This would not be done if the saints realized exactly what a stake is. A stake as taught by Joseph Smith is created by marking off a section of land for the building of a city of Zion by the gathering of the Saints. When the stake is designated it may at that time have zero inhabitants as Salt Lake Stake did, but from that time forth the Saints were to gather upon it until such time as it reaches a maximum population of 20,000. When this population limit is reached the excess leave and plot out another stake and gather there.

This is what the Lord was referring to when he said: “And behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints Until the day cometh WHEN THERE IS FOUND NO MORE ROOM FOR THEM; and then I have OTHER PLACES which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called STAKES, for the curtains or the strength of Zion. Behold it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, Should gather together and STAND IN HOLY PLACES.” D&C 101:20-22

God is commanding here as clear as the word can be to physically (not metaphysically as is taught today) gather together on Holy Places which are the Stakes of Zion. We are to create the first stake and when there is found no more room, or in other words, the population limit is reached, then the Lord will have us gather in other stakes. Stakes were not designed to be congregations of Saints blended in and living with Babylon, but Stakes were designed to be the method by which the Saints were to “come out of Babylon.” The stakes are to be for the “curtains or the strength of Zion.”

Heber C. Kimball said: “We have witnessed the flowing of the saints towards Zion; the stream has begun, and we expect to see it continue running until it shall have DRAINED THE SALT. OR THE LIGHT FROM BABYLON.” DHC 4:132 Thus the salt, the light, or the wheat is to be separated from the tares and gathered into barns (or stakes) whereas the wicked are bound in bundles to be burned. We are to gather upon a land “upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts.” D&C 38:18- 19. Where is there a land today that the Saints possess upon which there is no curse? There is none because we have not obeyed the commandment to gather the saints. The Lord’s advice to the Saints after they were expelled from Jackson County is still applicable today: “Carefully gather together, AS MUCH IN ONE REGION AS CAN BE, consistently with the feelings of the people. And behold I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the people: Execute judgment and justice for us according to the law, and redress us of our wrongs. Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes very great.” D&C 105;24-26

This was the advice the saints tried to follow after they were expelled; however, we must admit that their gathering places were not always consistent with the feelings of the people, for Babylon has no love for the saints.

If then, we are to obey the commandment to gather what are we to do? Can the commandment be obeyed today? The answer is solidly yes. There is no law of the church, the scriptures or man that prohibits any group from buying lands and gathering upon them. And since all are entitled to revelation all one has to do is to get an inner confirmation through payer that the gathering place is approve by the Spirit.

New places of refuge will be created until the central stake in Missouri can be redeemed. Today it is just as practical to buy “lands and gathering together upon them” and build cities to the name of the Lord as it was in the days of Joseph Smith. All that needs done is to find a group of people favorable to the idea. Once new cities or stakes are brought into existence there will be at last places of safety for the saints of the Most High God.

The Lord will bless these stakes or cities with an abundance of wealth so that the saints can gather up the wheat of the world and then when the desolation and the famine hits and wheat becomes worth its weight in gold the Saints will then be given dominion and people will be converted to the cause of Zion by the multitudes, and “they who have laughed will see their folly.” All of this was in Joseph Smith’s mind as evidenced in the words of Brigham Young while Joseph was yet alive: “Yet he (Joseph) will lay a plan to speculate as large as ancient Joseph did; he will have power to buy up all the rest of the world.” DHC 6:16

The time will come when the dollar will collapse and their will be famines and great tribulation and since we know these things in advance we have a chance to prepare as ancient Joseph did for when the famine came in his day he was given power over all his enemies because he had seven years supply of food. It is interesting to note that almost every story in the old Testament is a type or symbol of events which will transpire in the latter-days and the story of Joseph of Egypt will be repeated on a grand scale.

This final gathering is prophesied of in the scriptures: “Turn O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you ONE OF A CITY AND TWO OF A FAMILY, and will bring you unto Zion: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jer 3:14-15 The Saints are so blinded by the craftiness of men today that very few will see the light and gather to places of refuge.

The gathering will not be for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ only, but for all lovers of freedom for all true lovers of freedom have the laws of God written in their hearts. Joseph Smith invited “all lovers of truth and correct principles to gather as well as the saints.” DHC 4:178. This type of people will be the inhabitants of the kingdom of God for the kingdom of God does not belong to any one church, but the saints of God will bring the kingdom.

Today numerous small groups are attempting to gather, some of them motivated by the Holy Ghost, but Joseph Smith said the gathering “has to be done by the council of Jehovah, by the revelations of heaven.” DHC 5:65. One of the reasons the gathering has to be done by the revelations of heaven is that great tribulation is going to be poured out and the only way to gain a knowledge of the safe locations is by revelation. Also, it will take the spirit of revelation and the approval of God to cause the Holy Ghost to motivate a large enough group of people to make the gathering successful.

Through the still small voice we have learned that the parable of the leaven will be fulfilled: “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” Matt 13:33. Joseph Smith said that the parable referred to the last days when there would be little faith upon the earth. These people with this little faith are the leaven that will leaven the whole loaf after the period of tribulation. The grain which is to be leavened is the wheat which will be separated from the tares through the gathering of Israel.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Five

January 27, 2012January 27, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 5 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Five

The New Jerusalem

In the Hebrew the word Jerusalem is written or sounded YeRUWSHALAYIM. This is a word created from two other Hebrew words. The first part is derived from the prim root YARA which means “to instruct or point the way.” The second half of the word is derived from SHALEM which is translated “Salem” and the meaning of this word is peace or “to make safe.” The literal meaning of the name then is “to instruct in peace” or “to show the way to peace.” In other words, Jerusalem is to be an ensign to the nations. The first ensign to show the way to peace was set up by Melchizedek who was called a “prince of peace.” Even though the city he built only bore the last half of the name it was in reality the first Jerusalem. We are told that his people “sought for the city of Enoch” and “obtained heaven.” Gen 14:34 Inspired Version. Thus the righteous gathering he effected produced the entire translation of the first city.

The Lord desired similar results with the second Jerusalem occupied by the Israelites for it was intended to be an Ensign to point the way of peace to all the nations, but it failed to do this because the people, and more especially the leaders did not obey all the commandments. Thus in the days of Lehi and Jeremiah Jerusalem was conquered and the Israelites were taken away captive to Babylon with a promise that the Lord would gather them again in some future period. Some of the Jews did return to Jerusalem, however, most of Israel remained scattered.

In the days of Jesus many Jews had returned to Jerusalem, but it was controlled by many “which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie.” Rev 3:9. Finally in 70 AD it was completely destroyed by the Romans under Titus. Finally, again in our day, the nation of Israel is again re-established, but just as a people will be gathered out of the LDS people to build Zion here so will a righteous remnant establish Zion on that side of the world, but before Zion is built there the prophecy of Jesus must be fulfilled: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, HIM YE WILL RECEIVE.” John 5:43 That other that shall come will be a false Messiahs appearing to the Jews as well as other peoples of the earth.

We are definitely told that Old Jerusalem “after it should be destroyed it should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord.” Ether 13:5 However, it will not be the holy city spoken of until Zion is established and there is a cleansing among the Jews as well as the rest of the world.

Concerning the rebuilding of old Jerusalem Ether said: “It could not be a New Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old.” In other words, it would be a restored Jerusalem and not a new one, but he said: “A New Jerusalem should be built upon this land, (America) unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph… and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old.” Ether 13:5&8

Concerning this New Jerusalem the Lord said: “Righteousness 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.” Moses 1:62.

Is it not plain that the New Jerusalem must be built by the gathering of the saints? The Lord also said: “When the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that YE MAY BE GATHERED IN ONE, that ye may be my people and I will be your God.” D&C 42:9

It is also written: “And. even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be converted to FLEE TO THE WEST, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations… Ye shall observe the laws which YE HAVE RECEIVED, and be faithful. And ye shall hereafter receive church covenants, SUCH AS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT to establish you, both here and in the New Jerusalem.” D&C 42:64, 66-67

Has this commandment ever been revoked by the Lord? Verily no. Therefore we should still receive covenants “such as shall be sufficient to establish you here AND IN THE NEW JERUSALEM.” Are we doing this? No. The Latter-Day Saints claim to be waiting on the Lord for the command to establish the New Jerusalem, but the command has already been given and the waiting period is long over. This is supposed to be the working period.

The average Latter-Day Saint has been “deceived by the craftiness of men” to the extent that in their craftiness certain men in the history of the church have changed the direction of their sights from a great good to numerous lesser goods. Instead of building the New Jerusalem their sights have been lowered to building the Mormon image in the world which thing means nothing to God for the world as we know it is a temporary state.

This is best illustrated with a parable:

(Author’s note: If I wrote this parable today instead of 1979 I would change some things but this still gives good food for thought.)

There once lived a Master Builder whose knowledge exceeded that of anyone else on the earth and he commanded a small force of men to come before him. He commanded his men to purchase a lot and build for him a house and after that is done he commanded them’ to build other houses of similar design. He left the foreman and all of the workmen with a list of written instructions including all things necessary to fulfill his commandment.

The men did as they were commanded and purchased the lot and began building the house. Unfortunately other speculators discovered the master’s plan and saw that there would be great value in obtaining the lot for themselves so by an illegal means they obtained a deed for the lot for themselves and convinced the authorities that it was legal and they drove the Master’s crew from the area.

The master returned and when faced with the situation he was disappointed with his crew for they should have been more aware, but with some he was well pleased for their efforts. To them he said: “You shall not cease striving until you obtain the lot which is legally mine and a house is built on it. Until that time you shall obtain other lots and build to me other houses on the like order of the first.” Upon leaving these instructions the Master Builder left his men for an indefinite period of time.

To begin with the workmen strived diligently to obtain the lot that they had lost, but without avail. In the meantime they purchased other lots and built on them as the master commanded them. The structures they built were much different than those of their neighbors, for they could not see the wisdom of the Master Builder; therefore they did complain exceedingly to the authorities that the structures did not match up to the covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood and they did complain of building code violations and safety violations.

Every government agency did condemn the crew until they were driven away into a wilderness where the crew did again make a valiant effort to obey the Master’s command. For a short time they were able to build without interruption according to the Master’s command until their community began to be desirable to those who believed in all of the restrictive laws. Finally many of these people began to move in and demand restrictive covenants as before, and they also demanded building codes that would restrict the structures that the crew was building.

The foreman and the crew made many compromises and changed the direction of the building according to the desires of the world. They decided to use smaller more economical studs and weaker frames for they would save money and would work just as well they thought Then with their trusses they decided to take out some of the braces, this would also save money and surely the support would be sufficient. Many other things did they change. They decided on cheap synthetic carpet instead of fine expensive wool and for plumbing they planned on plastic pipes and for wiring they used an inferior cheaper grade, but their plans did conform to all the codes and laws and their neighbors did praise them. They enjoyed the praise of their neighbors so much that they did even join with them in strengthening the laws which made their original plan illegal and they did take many of their plans and they did hold them up before the world as a light, and it was accepted by them as praiseworthy.

There were a small number of reliable workmen among the crew that carefully studied the Master’s original commandments and plans and they were dismayed at the changes and one of them called the Master Builder and told him the situation and asked him what to do. The Master was alarmed and sent instructions with the worker to the current foreman to get back to the original plans and continue working at redeeming the original lot.

The workman took the instructions to the foreman, but the foreman rebuked the workman saying: “Surely the Master Builder would contact me and not you, besides we are doing work, that is pleasing to him. Why would he be angry with us?”

Therefore, the crew did not heed the words of the Master Builder for they believed them not. Even so, the Master sent instructions through the humble workman numerous times for the workman asked of the Masters advice according to his will whereas the foreman did not, but asked of his own will. Finally, the Master said through the workman: “Except you heed to my commandments and instructions as I have written you shall be cast out and others shall take your place.” The foreman and the bosses smiled lightly at this for they did not believe the warning, but deep within they felt unsettled. Finally, the faithful workmen gathered to-ether and sent out the warning to the other workmen who were deceived and a small number believed the warning and gathered together with them. The foreman and the bosses were angry at this and tried to discredit their testimony and did all within their power to make the faithful workmen appear as fools and to hinder them.

Now the faithful workmen did want to heed all of the instructions of the Master Builder so they did again buy lots and build the strange structures as before, but in many ways the laws were more relaxed than before, so they were not greatly hindered by their neighbors and the government, but instead their greatest enemy was their fellow workmen who were jealous at the beauty of the structures and did all in their power to hinder them until they did openly fight against them in open rebellion against their own masters commandments.

The Master Builder was very wroth with the foreman and his workmen and from that time forth ignored them and communicated with the faithful workmen.

After that the original plan of buying lots and building the strange structures on them and also the method of redeeming the original lot was presented to them. The plan was contrary to anything this generation of workmen had ever believed and only the most humble and faithful among the remainder were able to accept them which number was between ten to twenty per cent. The rest of them murmured and left and the original bosses gathered them together saying the new builders were deceived and that they should work at the plans that are accepted by the world, and they did all they could to build a company on their own plans and designs.

Now that the Faithful Workmen were at the head of the Master builders company again they did proceed with great diligence toward the original goal until, to their amazement, they obtained the original lot for no fee at all save their labor, and there they perfected the Master’s grand architecture and they built the greatest structure on the earth. At the completion of the building (of the city Zion – not the temple) the eyes of the world were opened and they realized their previous ignorance for the building was only strange because the principles incorporated therein were so advanced beyond any other buildings. The building became an Ensign for all others to look to and to use the beneficial designs for themselves and great was the glory of those faithful workmen who had followed the Masters original commandments.

At this time those unfaithful workmen who had followed their bosses began to see that only the Master Builder could be behind the work of the faithful workmen and a few of them were ashamed for their unbelief and came in great humility asking for their old jobs. Their old jobs were not available, but they were glad to start as apprentices. Eventually, the stubborn workmen that were left working on their own plans saw for themselves that they could never materialize and their foolishness made them a hiss and a byword throughout the whole world, and when their folly was made obvious there was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth among them. And they were never heard of again among the children of men.

The Master Builder looked upon the work of his faithful workmen and he was pleased to the extent that he left his other businesses which occupied his time and came and personally assisted his workmen and they rebuilt the whole world.

Most of the interpretation here should be obvious. The Master Builder is Christ and the workmen are the members of the church. The Foreman is the President and the bosses are the General Authorities. The original lot is tot the temple lot only, but the entire city plot for Zion in Missouri. The building they were to create was the Central city of Zion and the other buildings are other gathering places. When they ceased to buy lots signifies the time they ceased to gather. The changes in the building plan signifies the changes made in the Priesthood and the church. The workmen who called the Master Builder to repentance are various inspired members who sened something was wrong and the other workman who was given full authority is the one Mighty and Strong.

Are we not clearly told that “the city New Jerusalem shall be built BY THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS.” D&C 84:4 Let us not be then as the unfaithful workmen and wait for the Lord to do it all, but let us go forward with an eye single to his glory and do the work for remember that “The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” I Nephi 3:7

We may be impressed with the glory of the New Jerusalem which is to be built here in America, but it is just a type or symbol of the New Jerusalem – which is to descend out of heaven, which, according to the Book of Revelations is to take place after the Millennium. This is to take place when there “is a new heaven and a new earth.” Rev 21:1 The city has “the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a Jasper stone, clear as crystal… And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth AND THE HEIGHT OF IT ARE EQUAL.” Rev 21:1 &16

One may be led to Inquire: How long is twelve thousand furlongs Believe it or not it is 1500 miles and the amazing thing is that the city will be as high as it is long and deep. Can you imagine a city 1500 miles high? Most people assume that it will be a square city, but most do not realize that it could be in the shape of a pyramid and match the description given in the Bible. We are also told that the city is “clear as crystal” and “like unto clear glass” Rev 21:18. Can you imagine a more beautiful structure? But this will not be for thousands of years to come. In the meantime we must concentrate on the earthly New Jerusalem which will be a foreshadowing of the heavenly one.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Four

January 26, 2012January 26, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 4 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Author’s note: Some are saying this treatise on the gathering does not sound like me and this may be true as I wrote this back in 1979 when my thinking was focused on religious lines. I was attempting to wake the LDS up to the fact that if the writings of the prophets are true then all is not well within their kingdom.

As always I recommend the reader study this treatise in the light of the soul. Accept that which registers as being true and ignore the rest.

Chapter Four

Zion, The Pure in Heart

The actual meaning of Zion is -probably misunderstood more than any other by the latter-Day Saints, partially due to the misunderstanding of the following scripture: “Let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion – THE PURE IN HEART.” D&C 97:21

If all of a person’s accumulated knowledge of the scriptures concerning Zion can be summed up in that sentence then we may be assured that such a narrow viewpoint will lead to erroneous conclusions. And what erroneous conclusion does it lead to? The Latter-Day Saint authorities conclude that the gathering is not necessary to establish Zion because if you are pure in heart you are already in Zion no matter where you are. Such individuals then believe that since they are in Zion, as they suppose, then they are safe no matter where they are as long as they follow the prophet.

The prophet will tell them what to do. In other words, they lean on the arm of flesh and do not depend on the Spirit. They feel that “all is well” with the authorities in the church, “and thus the devil cheateth their souls and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” II Nephi 28:21 1 can think of no more destructive doctrine to the kingdom of God than that its members thinking that they are in Zion no matter where they are and that God will protect them. On the contrary, we find that the righteous must be separated according to the parable of the wheat and the tares for if the wheat is mixed with the tares during the burning then it will be burned also. “And until that hour there will be foolish virgins among the wise; and at that hour cometh AN ENTIRE SEPARATION of the righteous and the wicked.” D&C 63:54

This entire separation has to take place for “the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion. And also the Lord shall have power over his saints.” D&C 1:36-37

If the devil has power over his dominion and you are residing in that dominion then where will your physical salvation be? The adversary will have such power over his own dominion that he will command all to worship an image and “as many as would not worship the image of the beast SHOULD BE KILLED. And he causeth ALL, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: AND THAT NO MAN MIGHT BUY OR SELL, save he that had the mark.” Rev. 13:15-17 If you think you are pure in heart and will be safe even though you are dwelling within Satan’s dominion you will have a chance to test that purity when you are commanded to worship the image of the beast or be killed. You will also be tested when you are commanded to receive the mark of the beast which will signify that you belong to him and not God. Without this mark you and your family will not be able to buy or sell, and just how long do you suppose you could stomach seeing your little ones going hungry before you would give in?

The prophet Joseph saw a vision wherein he saw the events in the devil’s dominion: he saw “the father shed the blood of the son and the son the blood of the father; the mother put to death the daughter, and the daughter the mother; and natural affection forsook the hearts of the wicked; for he saw that the Spirit of God should be withdrawn from the inhabitants of the earth, in consequence of which there should be blood upon the face of the whole earth EXCEPT AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE MOST HIGH. The prophet gazed upon the scene his vision presented, until his heart sickened, and he besought the Lord to close it up again.” Jedediah M. Grant, THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, Feb 1915, Pg 286-7.

Orson Pratt said that during this time “there will be too much bloodshed – too much mobocracy – too much going forth in bands and destroying and pillaging the land to suffer people to pursue any local vocation with any degree of safety.” JD 20:151 Elder Pratt also said: “The people will think themselves well off if they can FLEE FROM CITY TO CITY, FROM TOWN TO TOWN AND ESCAPE WITH THEIR LIVES.” JD 12:344

In speaking of the devil’s dominion Brigham Young said: “They will destroy each other, caring not for the blood and lives of their neighbors, or their families, or for their own lives. They will be like the Jaredites…and will destroy each other to the last man, through the anger that the devil will place in their hearts, BECAUSE THEY REJECTED THE WORDS OF LIFE.” (They rejected the gathering principle Which would save their physical lives.) JD 8:123

It is this day that Joel speaks of when he says: “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 2:32 Yes, those who do not reject the “words of life” and call on the name of the Lord in Mount Zion will be physically delivered, but unfortunately, many of the non LDS will be more likely to deliver their lives than the members of the church who put their trust in the arm of flesh.

Tell me my brother… you who believe that you are pure in heart enough to be saved no matter where you are: Is your faith strong enough to live in a community where people care not “for the blood and lives of their neighbors, or their families, or their own lives. They will be like the Jaradites.” Read the story of the Jaradites during the last battles. Would you like to go through something like that? Wouldn’t it be better to obey the law of the gathering as written by the prophets?

Just as we are told that Satan will have power over his dominion we are also told that the Lord will have power over the dominion of the saints in the last days. If the Lord has dominion over his saints then that must mean that the saints are out of reach of the power of the enemy and that they will be a physically separate body. Speaking of this time Joseph Smith was quoted as saying: “Many will come with bundles under their arms to escape the calamities, and there will be no escape except by fleeing to Zion. Those that come to you will try to keep the laws and be one with you, for they will see your unity and the greatness of your organization… During this time the Great White Horse will have gathered strength sending out Elders to gather the honest in heart among the pale horse, or the people of the United States, to stand by the constitution of the United States, as it was given by inspiration of God. In these days God will set up a kingdom, never to be thrown down, for other kingdoms to come unto.” Taken from the White Horse Prophecy, quoted by Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley.

The official doctrine of the church today is that the church itself is the kingdom spoken of by Daniel, but here Joseph tells us that the kingdom will be set up in the days of this second gathering, and that the kingdom will not be a church, but it will be a government patterned after the original constitution of the United States.

In speaking of Zion it is written: “And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs FLEE TO ZION FOR SAFETY. And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.” D&C 45: 68-69

Tell me you who believe you are pure in heart, even though you dwell in Los Angeles, New York, or any other city… How is it that you now dwell in Zion when we are told that to get there you must “flee?” How do you explain the scripture: “Let them, therefore, that are among the Gentiles FLEE -unto Zion.” D&C 133:12 How are you obeying the commandment to “declare by word and by FLIGHT that desolation shall come upon the wicked?” D&C 63:37

Did not the Lord command us: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them SHALL ALL BE FULFILLED.” D&C 1:37. Did not Jesus reprimand his own disciples after his resurrection by saying: “O fools, and slow of heart to believe ALL that the prophets have spoken.” Luke 24:25

We are told Often in the scriptures that Zion has to be “established”. If Zion is merely the pure in heart scattered around the world then why does it need to be “established”? There are always a number of people who are fairly pure in heart scattered abroad. We are told to “buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may ESTABLISH ZION.” D&C 101:74 Do you make people pure in heart by buying lands??? No, but you can create a physical Zion on them where there will be a refuge from the storm. If all there is to Zion is the pure in heart scattered throughout the world then Zion has always been here, even before the church was organized, for there have always been some relatively pure in heart people upon the earth. The scriptures make it clear that Zion has not always been here: “For they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring AGAIN Zion.” III Nephi 16:18. If all Zion is, is the pure in heart, and there is always a few pure in heart scattered around, then why will the Lord “bring again Zion?” Is it not obvious that Zion is a condition or place that has to be created and is not always here?

Unfortunately, many people both within the church and out believe that they are pure in heart enough so that they will be miraculously taken up and snatched away to safety if they are in the midst of tribulation. But please, my brother, seriously ask yourself if this is realistic. After all, the Lord “is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Did the Lord miraculously snatch away the righteous in the days of Noah or did they have to physically remove themselves? Did the Lord miraculously rapture the people who were righteous in Sodom and Gomorra or, again, did they have to physically remove themselves? How about Lehi? Were he and his family removed like men in a Star Trek movie or was it the normal physical method of his day? How about our own day? Were not the righteous bombed along with the wicked in our recent wars?

“But God will save us if we keep all the commandments,” says One. That is true, but remember he is referring to the commandments of God and not men, and one of the commandments is to “gather” and “go out of Babylon.” If you are not obeying this commandment how then do you expect to receive protection?

The Lord tells us bow much faith we need to have if we expect to survive among a people who are not obeying all of the commandments. “Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it. Though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God. If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, THEY SHALL ALL DELIVER NEITHER SONS NOR DAUGHTERS; THEY ONLY SHALL BE DELIVERED but the land shall be desolate.” Eze 14:13-16.

Thus, if you expect to be saved in the midst of fury you must have the faith of a Noah, a Daniel or a Job. Do you have as much faith as they did? Are you one out of a billion like they were? In their day each was the most faithful man on the whole planet. Are you the most faithful person on the planet now? Even if you are the scripture tells us that even with your great faith you will not be able to save your family “neither sons nor daughters.”

Where then is the hope for the average saint? Are we doomed to destruction in these last days? No. We are told that this would be the situation if these three men “were in it,” or, in other words, this would be the situation if these three men stayed in Babylon. One would have to have faith like unto them if he wished to survive the desolations that will be poured out. The hope then for the average saint is to “come out of Babylon” for Ezekiel tells us that the way will be prepared to deliver sons and daughters: “Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be BROUGHT FORTH (or in other words gathered out), both sons and daughters.” Ezekiel 14:22.

The Lord has said that if the promises made to the fathers is not planted in the hearts of the children then “the earth will be utterly wasted at his coming.” Yes, the whole earth would be utterly wasted except for men like Noah, Daniel and Job and how many men such as this do you suppose we have on the earth today? They could probably be counted on the fingers of one hand and what good would their salvation be without their families? When reflecting on the wisdom of the gathering the pure in heart will feel hope and faith and praise for the Lord for preparing the way for our future deliverance along with our families. The spirit leads one to exclaim: “How great are thy ways and how unfathomable is the intent of thy heart, O Father, Thou carest for thy children as a true loving father and savest all that come unto thee and sends servants to those who are lost and in peril! Thou art truly the deliverer of Israel.”

When we consider that Zion is an actual place and condition that needs to be established one may be led to question as to why the Lord called Zion the “Pure in heart.” Can Zion be the pure in heart and yet the scriptures be consistent? Yes, for the scriptures tell us who the pure in heart are by giving us another definition of Zion. After Enoch gathered his people we are told: “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 it came to pass in his days, that he built a CITY that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion.” Moses 7:18- 19

What had to take place here before the Lord called his people Zion? We find that the people were (1) of one heart, (2) and one mind, (3) they “dwelt in righteousness; (4) There was no poor among them, and (5) they gathered together and built a city unto the Lord and the wicked did not come unto it.

This then gives us a good idea of what the Lord means by the “pure in heart”. If one is pure in heart he will not love the world but will want to come out of Babylon and be united with others of like thinking and build communities unto the glory of God. He will be of one heart and one mind with these other righteous individuals. He will dwell in righteousness and consecrate all that he has so that there will be “no poor”. One cannot be one of the pure in heart that dwells in Zion while he is in Babylon. The pure in heart desire to gather with the saints and will do so at the first opportunity. At this point many people are inclined to say: “But doesn’t the scriptures command us to be in the world but not of the world? Therefore we do not need to gather for we are supposed to be in the world at this time.”

The person who uses this quote is like the guy who quotes the Bible as saying that “all men are created equal”. Neither quotation is found anywhere in the scriptures. Nowhere in all the holy writ are we commanded to be in the world, but, on the contrary, we are commanded to “come out”. The only ones that are to be sent out into the world at all are those who are to preach the gospel and they are commanded to be “not of the world”. John 17:16 On the other hand, many sectarians teach from the pulpit to be in the world, but not of the world. However, the motto of Zion should be: “Come out of the world that ye be not of the world that ye be not partakers of her ‘sins.”

Joseph Smith clearly told us that “the whole of America is Zion.” He said this included North and South America and that the mountain of the Lord was to be in the center of the land. (See DHC 6:319) Brigham Young also said- that Zion “is the land that the Lord gave to Jacob, who bequeathed it to his son Joseph, and his posterity, and they inhabit it, and that land is North and South America. JD 2:253

Hyrum Smith told us “The gathering will be FROM THE NATIONS to North and South America which is the land of Zion.” DHC 6:322

Of course we cannot gather to all of North and South America all at one time. Joseph Smith told us to begin this gathering by building stakes or cities of about twenty thousand population each until we fill up the land of Zion and then the world. Right now the land of Zion is possessed by the people of Babylon, but one day Babylon the great will fall and Zion will be redeemed for the people of Zion. Then it will come to pass: “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west.” Isa 59:19. When the center stake or city is established then shall the following scripture be fulfilled: “They shall call thee the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” Isa 60:14 “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities.” Isa 33:20.

The scriptures indicate that there is more than one city in Zion: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My CITIES through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.” Zech 1:17 When the land of America is full then the Lord’s cities will “spread abroad” and fill up the earth as Joseph Smith predicted.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Three

January 25, 2012January 25, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 3 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Three

Was The Gathering Of Israel Suspended?

Those few who do yet believe in a literal gathering of Israel often state that the gathering process is-suspended until we go back to Jackson County. Then they believe we will go back there and again have a great gathering.

The gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion was paramount on the minds of the early church. The Lord has made it clear that we should not cease in this endeavor: “Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning ALL the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation,. That the work of the gathering of my, saints MAY CONTINUE, that I build them up unto my name upon HOLY PLACES, for the TIME OF THE HARVEST IS COME, and my word must needs be fulfilled. Therefore, I MUST GATHER TOGETHER MY PEOPLE, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory…While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire. Therefore, a commandment I give unto ALL the churches, that THEY SHALL CONTINUE TO GATHER TOGETHER unto the places which I have appointed… if they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion.” D&C 101: 63-67, 74

Here we are clearly told that the gathering was to continue and nowhere in the scriptures are we commanded to cease gathering, instead the First Presidency announced in the days of Joseph Smith: “The work of the gathering spoken of in the scriptures WILL BE NECESSARY to bring about the glories of the last dispensation.” DHC 4:186.

In the days of Joseph F. Smith an announcement was made that it was no longer necessary for the saints to gather, but was it done by revelation? If it was done by revelation then it had to be a “Secret” revelation and today the church openly condemns secret revelations as being a sure mark of the devil, yet the church is claimed to be run by revelation and apparently all of them are secret. Thus the church leaders are condemning themselves when they condemn such secret revelations,

Joseph F. Smith was not the first individual to try and stop the work of God in gathering his People for the gathering was one of the main causes of persecution, for most of the persecution came before polygamy was introduced.. And why were they persecuted for gathering? Because when the saints gathered together they formed a medium of power for good and they began talking about the glories of the Kingdom and how Zion would eventually rule the world and such talk put great fears in the hearts of their neighbors for their neighbors feared that they may eventually be ruled over by those “tyrannical” Mormons and thus they tried to destroy them.

When the saints gathered in Ohio they were persecuted, and when they gathered in Missouri and tried to build Zion they were mobbed and Bogg’s famous extermination order was issued. When they were ordered to leave Missouri they were told to scatter abroad – that if they dispersed then no one would bother them and they could live their religion without persecution. This seemed like good advice for them, and some followed this and taught others the same. Hyrum Smith spoke in a general conference on this subject and “made remarks disapproving the course pursued by some elders in counteracting the efforts of the presidency to gather the saints, and in enticing them to stop in places not appointed for the gathering.” DHC 4:424

Unfortunately this spirit of enticing of the saints “to stop in places not appointed for the gathering” has spread to the first presidency of the church and the sheep have followed the shepherds. Today they have told all the saints to stay in their native lands for their native countries are appointed for gathering places, yet the saints in Mexico do not gather in Mexico and the saints in Brazil do not gather in Brazil for there is no gathering places appointed for the members of the church anywhere on the earth. Today there are only figurative gatherings,and no literal ones.

On the contrary Brigham Young said: “Recollect that we are now calling upon the Elders to go and gather up Israel; THIS IS THE MISSION THAT IS GIVEN TO US. It was the first mission given to the Elders in the days of Joseph. The set time is come for God to gather Israel, and for his work to commence upon the face of the whole earth, and the Elders who have arisen in this Church and Kingdom are actually of Israel.” JD 2:268. The Lord said: “I must gather together my people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares.” D&C 101 :65 In the parable of the wheat and the tares the Lord did not instruct his servants to gather the wheat for a while and then throw it back in with the tares, yet this is what the shepherds have done in saying that a literal gathering is no longer necessary, but the Lord said: “And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.” Joseph Smith 1:27

This gathering began with Joseph Smith and the Lord instructed its continuance and he condemns those servants who do not obey the principle of gathering as “hypocrites” (verse 54). The Lord also said: “But know this, if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to have been BROKEN UP, but would have been ready.” Joseph Smith 1:47. Have the shepherds of Israel allowed the house of Israel to again be broken up even after a gathering had begun? Yes. The prophecy is fulfilled and Israel is not gathered today, but broken up. The Lord continues: “Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh, shall find so doing (Gathering Israel and building Zion); verily I say unto you, he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart: My Lord delayeth his coming (That is be delays the building of Zion to some future date and we do not have to worry about it now. Build up Zion wherever you are). And he shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, (This is done today by excommunicating the pure in heart), and to eat and drink with the drunken. (Since Israel is not gathered today then they “eat and drink with the drunken). Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, AND SHALL CUT HIM ASUNDER, AND SHALL APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE HYPOCRITS,” Joseph Smith 1:50-54 (Compare Matt 24)

The general feeling in the church today regarding this scripture is that it applies mainly to the lowly member and home teacher for surely the authorities are being as the wise servant. But NO! The evil servant one who has power enough to allow the Lord’s whole house to be “broken and the lowly member and home teacher has not this power. The evil servant was one, who was supposed to have care for the Lord’s house, one in high authority. The faithful servant is represented by those who do not give up on the gathering and building of Zion.

The evil servants are also referred to in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord compared the gathering Of Israel to a tower and after He commanded its construction “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? (That is persecution has subsided so why gather. It is no longer necessary) Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things. (After all it costs money to gather together and build cities) And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not to the commandments of the Lord. And the enemy came by night and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were afrightened and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees. 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 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 FAR 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.” D&C 101:47-54 Then the Lord tells us he will call a faithful servant to fulfill his will which would be accomplished “after many days”. Verse 62 Then the He speaks clearly a few verses later and said: “They shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.” Verse 7.

One might ask how would the gathering enable us to “have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off?” Verse 54 The reason he would have been seen while he was yet afar off is because the gathering always draws opposition and the enemy would have continued to show himself while he was yet weak or afar off. If the gathering had continued then the Church would be prepared for the enemy today. As it is, with the dissolution of the gathering, the Church does not draw the evil men to oppose them. They appear as friends and the saints eat and drink with the drunken and cannot see the enemy afar off; yea, they cannot see him until it is too late.

Oh, how great is the wisdom of God in commanding his people to gather, yet how great is the folly of man in neglecting this principle because they see no need. Is it not clear that the gathering of Israel is one of the main promises made to the fathers and without it “the earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” D&C 2:3. Nephi elaborates somewhat on this principle “For thus are the covenants of the Lord with our fathers; and it MEANETH US IN THE DAYS TO COME, AND ALSO ALL OUR BRETHREN WHO ARE OF THE HOUSE, OF ISRAEL…

Therefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and THEY SHALL BE GATHERED TOGETHER to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness.” I Nephi 22:6&12.

Jesus tells us when these promises are to be fulfilled: “When the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled… then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel. And then shall the remnants, which shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth BE GATHERED IN from the east and from the west and from the south and from the North; and they shall be brought to the knowledge of the Lord their God who hath redeemed them… And I will gather my people together as a man gathered his sheaves into the floor. For I will make my people with whom the Father hath covenanted, yea, I will make thy horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass. And thou shalt beat in pieces many people…” III Nephi 20: 11-13 &18-19

Concerning the gathering Jesus also said: he “will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer… And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and HARDEN NOT THEIR HEARTS; wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto ONE PLACE UPON THE FACE OF THIS LAND, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.” D&C 29:2, 7-8

Micah makes some interesting prophesies concerning the period when the final gathering will begin: “O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the Lord straightened? Are these his doings? Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly’? Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy (This could be referring to the people of the church when they abandoned the gathering). … Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because IT IS POLLUTED, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction. If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; (That is receiving revelations the world wants to hear) he shall even be the prophet of this people. (The people will have a false prophet) I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I WILL SURELY GATHER THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL; 1 will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men

“And I said, Hear I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the House of Israel (The General Authorities): Is it not for you to know judgment? (That is they should know how to make correct judgments.) Who hate the good, and love the evil… Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them: he will even hide His face from them at that time, (What time? At the time the Lord Gathers out a remnant.), as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. Thus Saith the, Lord concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite their teeth, and cry, Peace; (The Knox version translates this: ‘All is well) and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. (This means that the person who does not go along with those who believe all is well in Zion and raise their voice in protest they, the Authorities prepare war against him.) Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall have not a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips: for there is no answer from God.” Micah 2:7-12; 3:1-7

LDS missionaries use this scripture to substantiate the great apostasy during the dark ages, but there are several facts to indicate that the prophesy pertains to our day and not the dark ages. First of all the church during the dark ages did not believe in prophets, seers and revelators, but here Micah talks about people who will actually claim to be such and will receive false revelations. Secondly, we are told that at the time of these false prophets the Lord “will surely gather the remnant of Israel”. There was no gathering during the dark ages.

Thirdly, Micah makes another prophecy which is to be fulfilled after this successful gathering: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And MANY NATIONS SHALL COME, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: FOR THE LAW SHALL GO FORTH OUT OF ZION, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:1-2. This famous quote, which is also found in Isaiah, is often used by the church to support the idea that the Church today has Zion established in the tops of the mountains in Utah, and to the casual observer it seems as if this is the logical fulfillment of the prophesy, but is it??? We are told that “the law shall go forth out of Zion”. Does the church have any dominion that they have power to give laws? The next verse says: “And he shall judge among many people, and REBUKE STRONG NATIONS AFAR OFF… And I will make her that halteth a remnant, (the true gathering of the Jews), and her that was CAST FAR OFF A STRONG NATION.” Micah 4:3 & 7. Who was cast afar off? It was the children of Lehi. When they are gathered in the Lord will make Zion a strong nation.

Does the church today have power “to rebuke strong nations afar off? Is the church today a strong nation? No. These prophecies are not yet fulfilled and it may shock some people to learn that the mountain of the Lord’s house is not in Utah among those beautiful mountains. Has not the Church been clearly told that Zion is to be established in Jackson County Missouri and that it is from this spot that the law will go forth that will govern the nations? Joseph Smith made this clear near the end of his life at a time that he was aware that the “Saints would go to the Rocky Mountains and become a mighty people.” He said: “The whole of America is Zion itself from north to south, and is described by the prophets, who declare that it is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be, AND THAT IT SHOULD BE IN THE CENTER OF THE LAND. When the Elders shall take up and examine the old prophesies in the Bible, they will see it.” DHC 6:318-319

If the Church accepts the revelations given through Joseph Smith then they must acknowledge that the mountain of the Lord’s house is not in the Rocky Mountains, but is in Missouri. It is from this place that strong nations will be rebuked and that the law will go forth and that other nations will come forth and want to be governed by the principles of freedom as outlined in the original constitution of the United States which was established “for the rights and protection of ALL flesh.” D&C 101:77

If this is so one might well ask then why the prophecy speaks about the Mountain of the Lord’s house in the tops of the mountains when there are few mountains in Missouri. There are several things to keep in mind here. First recall that the Lord often speaks of his holy mountain as being in Israel, yet there are no high mountains there. A good-sized hill is the highest thing you can find there. Secondly the Lord often refers to his people gathered together as his “holy Mountain” even if there are no mountains around. Thirdly, Missouri is in the center of a land filled with mountain ranges, and Forth, if you demand a literal interpretation we are told that the time will come “for the valleys to be exalted, and for the mountains to be made low.” D&C 49:23. Thus it would hardly do to establish the Central stake in Salt Lake for it would no longer be in the tops of the mountains when they are made low. On the other hand it is possible that the Lord will raise up a great mountain in the central stake in Missouri.

The Lord seemed to be aware that the gathering commenced by Joseph Smith would not be permanent as we have previously indicated by the parable of the servants abandoning the tower. The scriptures say: “Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this I will do when the cup of their iniquity is full. And in that day ALL who are found upon the watchtower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved. AND THEY THAT HAVE BEEN SCATTERED SHALL BE GATHERED.” D&C 101:11-13. This gathering spoken of here has to refer to a second gathering for the first had already started. This second successful gathering will take place when the Lord’s wrath is poured out upon the nations.

This second gathering was sensed by some of the early leaders. Brigham Young said: “God will preserve a PORTION OF’ THIS PEOPLE of the meek and humble, to bear off the kingdom to the inhabitants of the earth.” Contributor 10:362. Also Heber C. Kimball said: “But the time will come when the Lord will choose A PEOPLE OUT OF THIS PEOPLE upon whom he will bestow His choicest blessings.” Deseret News; Nov 9, 1865.

True saints look forward to the true literal gathering Of Israel. A marvelous work and wonder will come forth, a work which shall be so great that the history books will teach that all that has gone on before us including the restoration of the gospel was only preparation for that which is to come. The work of the Lord through Joseph Smith, as great as it was, was only preparation for that which God will yet accomplish through the meek and humble of the earth.

John the Revelator prophesied of the great gathering, or the coming out of Babylon. He said: “And I heard another voice (rev elation) from heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev. 18:4 This revelation that John prophesied of was given to Joseph Smith November 3, 1831 wherein the Lord said: “Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon.” D&C 133:14 Joseph Smith said that this commandment was given “that the people of the Lord MAY LIVE when Babylon the great is fallen.” DHC 4:9

How can one deny that the commandment to come out of Babylon is literal and is yet binding on the Latter-Day Saints? The Lord said: “Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and COME FORTH OUT OF THE FIRE, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.” D&C 36:6.

Jesus also personally prophesied of the coming out of Babylon: “And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, GO YE OUT FROM THENCE, touch not that which is unclean; GO YE OUT OF THE MIDST OF HER. III Nephi 20:41

When Jacob was chastising his people he told them: “And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent… the Lord God will lead away the righteous out from among you.” Jacob 3:4 Is not this the principle that God has used in all ages? Will he not lead forth the righteous from the Latter-Day Saints today except they repent?

Jeremiah speaks extensively concerning the commandment to come out of Babylon: “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place… Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the North country: and they shall set themselves in array against her… Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver ever, man his soul… Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her that ‘have escaped the sword, go away, stand not still: remember the Lord afar off, and let Jerusalem (That is the New Jerusalem) come into your mind.” Jer 50:6,8-9;.51:9,5

Again we are told: “The diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; THEY COMFORT IN VAIN… I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them… And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man… I will hiss for them, and gather them… I will bring them again also out of tile land of Egypt, (That is he will deliver us from oppressive laws and taxation), and gather them out of Assyria (That is the Lord will gather them from among the wicked); and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon;” Zech 10:2,6,7 & 10

What does the Lord mean when he says he will bring them “into the land of Gilead and Lebanon”? If we apply the Hebrew meanings of the words we get an interesting interpretation. Gilead means “many witnesses” and Lebanon means “the center” so we could render it thus: “I will bring you to a land of which you have received many witnesses which is in the center”( of the country). Did not Joseph Smith say that Jackson County, Missouri is the “center” stake in the center of the land? Is not the consistency of all of the prophets amazing?

We must keep in mind here that many of the prophesies concerning Zion will commence in their fulfillment in the Rocky Mountains, but they will not bud forth in all of their glory until the center stake is established. The prophecy that Joseph made about the saints becoming a mighty people in the midst of the rocky mountains has not yet been fulfilled. The Mormon people are now a numerous people, but they are not mighty, but a mighty people will grow up out of their midst.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Two

January 24, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 2 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Two

Babylon – Spiritual Wickedness

Just why did God choose the name “Babylon” to describe spiritual wickedness in the last days? To find the answer to this question we must go back to the beginning of the original Babylon. We find that it was started by Nimrod, the mighty hunter and the great Anti-Christ of his day. (See Gen 10:10). The city of Babel, or Babylon was built in direct opposition to the will of the Lord for He wanted his people to scatter abroad all over the face of the earth and repopulate it after the flood, instead of congesting in one place. For one thing the Lord knew that a great congestion of the population always brings this spiritual wickedness. Because the people built the great city and the tower God had to confuse their language so they could be scattered all over the earth according to his will.

Joseph Smith taught this important principle of limitation. He taught that the great city Zion would “fill up the world,” but that each community or stake in that city would be limited to “fifteen to twenty thousand people”. DHC 1:358

It is obvious that cities below twenty thousand population have much less corruption than the large cities. All of the large cities today are filled with every kind of wickedness one can imagine thus the main concentration of spiritual wickedness in the world today is in the large cities. Thus when the Lord says: “Come out of her (Babylon), my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her PLAGUES.” REV 18:4 He is telling the people to come out of the cities of the world for all of these large concentrations of people are Babylon or confusion in the sight of God.

Not only are the Large cities a part of Babylon but so also are the smaller ones, to a lesser degree, according to the amount of spiritual wickedness therein. The only places that are not a part of Babylon are those places appointed by the Lord. Concerning these gathering places the scriptures commanded: ”Those who call themselves by my name and are essaying to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep my commandments concerning them, let them GATHER THEMSELVES TOGETHER unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph (or another servant), AND BUILD UP CITIES UNTO MY NAME, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come.” D&C 125:2

Thus those who come out of Babylon are those who gather together and build up cities or stakes of Zion unto the Lord not exceeding twenty thousand. Salt Lake was once a city of Zion, but is no longer because of the spiritual wickedness there. It is as much a part of Babylon as any other city and there is no safety there at present.

Joseph Smith verified this doctrine. He said in speaking of Israel that the Lord would “Gather them from the coasts of the earth and as John heard the voice saying ‘Come Out Of her my people’ even so must all be fulfilled: that the PEOPLE OF THE LORD MAY LIVE when Babylon the great is fallen is fallen. There has been quite a number of families gathered up here already and we expect a continuance…” DHC 4:8-9 In speaking of the destruction of Babylon we find: “Therefore, shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. And the kings of the earth who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning. Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, Alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! FOR IN ONE HOUR IS THY JUDGEMENT COME. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; FOR NO MAN BUYETH THEIR MERCHANDISE ANY MORE… The merchants of these things WHICH WERE MADE RICH BY HER, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing… In ONE HOUR so great riches is come to nought… And they cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying what city is like unto this great city!… In one hour is she made desolate. Rejoice over her, thou Heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for GOD HATH AVENGED YOU ON HER. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall the great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” Rev 18:8-11, 15,17-21.

In reading this chapter many people think that Babylon is only one city since it was called a “great city” but we know that this cannot be the case since we are told that “in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of ALL THAT WERE SLAIN UPON THE EARTH.” Rev 18:24. No one city has even been in existence long enough to slay all the saints that have been on the earth, but “spiritual wickedness” has indeed slain all the saints that have been on the earth and where ever this spiritual wickedness reigns there we have Babylon. The Lord calls Babylon a city just as he calls Zion a city that will “fill the whole earth”. Actually the city Zion which will fill the whole earth in the eyes of man will be composed of many smaller cities. The same is true of the great city Babylon. Yet even taking this into consideration within each prophecy we have many types or shadows of reality. For instance the city Zion is often referred to as the center stake in Jackson County. The central gathering place for Zion is prophesied to be in Missouri and the United States as a whole. Even so, with the city Babylon we have a city and nation today which typifies its-existence. The City is New York City and the Nation is the United States.

Just as in the days of Peter Rome was called Babylon (I Peter 5:13) so also in our day is the great controlling city of New York is called Babylon. New York has several things in common with the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar. First it is the controlling financial city of the world. Second it is surrounded by water. Third, it is the melting pot of the nations. A conglomeration of all types of people always fills the city Babylon. In speaking of Babylon of our day Jeremiah exclaimed: “opulent city, standing beside great waters!” Jer 51:13 New English.

Concerning the city beside the great waters Ezekiel writes: “How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, WHICH WAS STRONG IN THE SEA, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it! Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure. For thus saith the Lord God; when I shall make thee a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I shall BRING UP THE DEEP UPON THEE, AND GREAT WATERS SHALL COVER THEE.” Ezekiel 26:17-19

This coincides with another prophecy of John Taylor when he said that the city of New York would someday be submerged under water.

Jeremiah also speaks of this event: “The sea is come upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves.” Jer 51:42

On the other hand, Jeremiah in the next verse indicates that there are other parts of Babylon that will not be covered with water: “Her CITIES are a desolation, A DRY LAND, and a wilderness, a land where no man dwelleth.” Jer 51:43

This clearly indicates that the main city of Babylon will be sunken under the sea whereas its other cities will become a desolation just as John Taylor saw in his vision.

In addition to the flooding Jeremiah gives us another cause of the desolation: “And a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground. Howl, ye SHEPHERDS, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye PRINCIPAL (From the Hebrew ADDIYR which means the greatest of or the leading men) OF THE FLOCK: for the days of your slaughter and your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel. And the shepherds (the General Authorities) shall have no way to flee, nor the principal (the First Presidency) of the flock, to escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock shall be heard: for the Lord hath spoiled their pasture. (The pasture is Salt Lake City and others where the church is joined with Babylon) And the peaceable habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” Jer 25:32-37

We also have a strong indication that Babylon can refer to a certain country: in the last days: “For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon as assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken.” Jer 50:9

Obviously the nations that come against Babylon here could not be a part of Babylon so Babylon here could only refer to a nation or set of nations in the last days.

Since Babylon refers to “spiritual wickedness” then that nation which possesses this type of wickedness in the world today would be the Babylon that is prophesied. All nations possess wickedness, but they do not all have a great deal of “spiritual wickedness.” The greater the spiritual leanings are in a nation the greater the chance there is for spiritual wickedness for the greater the light the greater is the darkness of those who go against the light.

Not only is the United States the most religious nation on earth, as well as the headquarters of Mormonism but has a greater variety of spiritual teachers of every mold. It is indeed the prime candidate for being the modern Babylon, center of spiritual wickedness. It is not surprising that there are so many references in the scriptures to the apostasy of the shepherds of Israel in the last days.

There are many other indications that the nation Babylon is the United States* For instance we are told that “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” Rev. 18:3 What other nation other than the United States makes the merchants of the earth rich?

The saints of God are commanded: “Come out of her my people.” Rev 18:4 We know that the majority of the Latter-Day Saints are in the United States.

Another indication is given in: “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.” Rev 18:20. Joseph and Hyrum Smith are among these.

Then too, sometimes Babylon refers to the nations of the world. “Go ye Out from among the nations, even from Babylon.” D&C 133:14 All of the nations possess a degree of spiritual wickedness, but the United States exceeds them all and all cities in the United States possess this same wickedness, but New York exceeds them all from a political standpoint and Salt Lake City exceeds them all from a religious standpoint.

A great warning was given by the Lord through Ezekiel to the Watchmen of Israel to warn them about sinning against the light: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, AND GIVE THEM WARNING FROM ME. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, TO SAVE HIS LIFE; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood WILL I REQUIRE AT THINE HAND. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” EZEKIEL 3:17-19

Do not the scriptures make clear that desolation can be our lot and that a warning voice needs to be sounded to save the actual physical lives of the saints? Is there a revelation anywhere that tells us to cease giving the warning voice? Yet where is the warning voice of the shepherds of Israel today telling us to come out of Babylon so we will not be caught in the cities and suffer as John Taylor saw in his vision? When the desolation comes the virgins who are not wise will ask why they were not warned and many members of the church will curse their leaders and then their God in their dying breaths while the wise virgins, the Saints who will gather “shall hardly escape”. D&C 63:34

Is it not clear from what has, been hitherto written that we in need of a “literal” gathering of Israel? That is that the Saints must literally gather to places of refuge to save their physical lives in the day of judgment. Is it not obvious that the church is not sounding the warning voice as commanded in the scriptures, thus the blood of those who perish will be required at the hands of the shepherds of Israel. There is a small handful who understand these things, and understanding the responsibility we must sound the warning no matter what sacrifice or cost that we have to pay,

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter One

January 23, 2012January 23, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 1 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Intro:

I wrote this treatise back in 1979 when I was still strongly influenced by the mindset of the LDS church and its various writings. Since then many of my views have changed and my perspective broadened. My later book – The Gathering of Lights more correctly reflects my current thinking and presentation and is written for the general populace.

This treatise has some excellent material and lots of good quotes for the LDS people. It was written to speak to the LDS using their language and contains many wake up calls and provocative thinking for them to consider. Most important is it does present the true principle of the gathering using their own teachings.

THE LITERAL GATHERING OF ISRAEL

J J. Dewey

Chapter One

The Literal and Figurative Gathering

The tenth article of faith reads: “We believe in the LITERAL gathering of Israel, and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built on this (the American) continent…

Does the Church still believe in this literal gathering of Israel? Is there a literal gathering in the Mormon church today, or is it a figurative gathering?

If there is a literal gathering in the church today then that would have to mean that all there is to the gathering of Israel is the gathering together in meetings and occasional conferences. But if this is so then how are the LDS gathering together any more than the Methodists or the Baptists? If The LDS believe in the “literal” gathering of Israel today then so also do all the other churches in Christendom. If Mormon belief on the gathering is the same as the other churches then why do they pretend that this belief sets them apart?

Actually, until the turn of the twentieth century, the Latter-Day Saints did believe in the literal gathering of Israel, but after a number of compromises, the church decided to cease and desist in its efforts to gather out of Babylon. From that point in time to the present the Saints have become like unto the world and most of the members of the church have become part of Babylon itself.

In speaking of Jesus in his day Joseph Smith said: “Jesus did everything to gather the people, and they would not be gathered, and he therefore poured out curses upon them.” DHC 5:423 Joseph also said: “The Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ is a gathering Spirit. Its tendency is to gather the virtuous and good, the honest and the meek of the earth, and in fine, the Saints of God.” DHC 6:12.

Yes, many are not aware that Jesus did everything possible to literally gather out the pure in heart in his day, but he had such little success that there is nothing recorded in the New Testament of any gathering at all except into meetings. Near the end of his life when he saw that his efforts were futile Jesus painfully declared: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often WOULD I HAVE GATHERED thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matt 23:37-38

Jesus talks about the same principle in our day and he even calls it a mystery which implies that the principle is not understood by the average member: “Therefore I will unfold unto them this great mystery; For behold I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, IF THEY WILL NOT HARDEN THEIR HEARTS.” D&C 10:64-65

It looks as if the saints must have hardened their hearts for there is no gathering of the righteous at all today. Jesus tried to gather the saints in Jerusalem and they “would not”, and he again tried to gather them in our dispensation and again they would not.

Concerning this “mystery” the Lord continues: “Behold this is my doctrine, whosoever repenteth and cometh (gathereth) unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore HE IS NOT OF MY CHURCH.” D&C 10:67-68. Thus even though a person may have a membership in the Church on the earth it is not written in heaven unless he possesses the spirit of gathering.

This is why the Lord calls those who do not possess this desire to gather non members. This is also verified in the Book of Mormon: “Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion (The gathering of Israel) both Jew, and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; FOR THEY ARE THEY WHO ARE THE WHORE OF ALL THE EARTH. II Nephi 10:16. Many members of the church will fight against the establishment of Zion through the gathering of Israel and thus belong to that great and Abominable Church of the Devil for the Adversary desires the dispersion of Israel so that the wheat will be burned along with the tares. We are told that Satan through his secret combinations seeks “the destruction of ALL people.” Ether 8:25. Since the Gathering of Israel will provide a place of “refuge” which would thwart the Adversary’s plan of destruction he, of course, wants to fight against this principle with all of his power.

When Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith he said: “Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children THE PROMISES MADE TO THE FATHERS, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so THE WHOLE EARTH WOULD BE UTTERLY WASTED AT HIS COMING.” D&C 2:1-3.

Notice that Moroni said that the promises (plural) that were made to the fathers must be planted in the hearts of the children or the earth would be “utterly wasted”.

What are the promises made to the Fathers???

The church is, of course, aware of “one” of the promises, and that is the sealing powers, but a full concept of this is not taught. Joseph Smith said: “This is the spirit of Elijah, that we redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven… We cannot be perfect without our fathers. WE MUST HAVE REVELATION FROM THEM.” Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Page 338.

Thus we see that the redemption of the dead is only part of the spirit of Elijah. In addition to this we must be connected with them to the extent that we can receive revelation from them. Part of the redemption of the dead involves freeing our fathers in the Spirit World so they can communicate with us as promised.

Why do we need revelation from our Fathers? Because all of the Fathers in Israel who we read of in the scriptures sought the gathering of Israel and the redemption of Zion and found it not, therefore they are very interested in our accomplishing this today for they do not want to be resurrected on a planet that is “utterly wasted”.

Indeed the literal gathering of Israel is one of the promises made to the fathers and it must be planted in the hearts of the children by revelation or the earth could be wasted at the coming of Christ. Why will the earth be wasted if there is no gathering? Because the Lord said that the gathering was “for a defense and for a refuge from the storm.” D&C 115:6 For this reason he commanded the Saints: “Go ye out of Babylon, gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other… Let them, therefore, who are among the Gentiles flee unto Zion… “D&C 133:7&12 “Declare both by word and by FLIGHT that desolation shall come upon the wicked.” D&C 63:37 “I WILL NOT SPARE ANY THAT REMAIN IN BABYLON.” D&C 64:24

If God will not spare “ANY” that remain in Babylon and all the saints remain there and not gather to form Zion then obviously the earth will be “utterly wasted” at his coming for there would be no men left. Indeed the Lord has warned us: “For a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not (for not establishing Zion by gathering), UNTIL THE EARTH IS EMPTY and the inhabitants thereof are CONSUMED AWAY AND UTTERLY DESTROYED (or wasted) by the brightness of my coming.” D&C 5:19

Joseph Smith illustrates clearly that the sealing powers restored by Elijah and the gathering go hand in hand: “The keys are to be delivered, the Spirit of Elijah is to come, the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God GATHERED, ZION BUILT UP, and the Saints to come up as saviors on Mount Zion The Saints have not too much time to save and redeem their dead and GATHER TOGETHER THEIR LIVING RELATIVES, that they may be saved also, before the earth will be smitten, and the consumption decreed falls upon the world… If the Church should go to with their might to save their dead, seal their posterity and GATHER THEIR LIVING FRIENDS, and spend none of their time in behalf of the world, they would hardly get through before the night would come, when no man could work; and my only trouble at the present time is CONCERNING OURSELVES,THAT THE SAINTS WILL BE DIVIDED, BROKEN UP, AND SCATTERED BEFORE WE GET OUR SALVATION SECURE; for there are so many fools in the world for the devil to operate on.” TOTPJS Pages 330- 331.

We see here that the gathering is necessary to secure our salvation. This is understandable when we consider that Joseph Smith said that “Salvation is nothing more nor less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet.” These enemies he said referred to “this world”. TOTPJS Page 297. In other words it is impossible for the kingdom of God to triumph over its enemies in this world without the gathering of Israel and the establishment of Zion. ‘Without a knowledge of this “mystery” the kingdom of God cannot set up an “ensign” to the nations which will bring peace on the earth.

Before we continue we must successfully define what is meant by the “Literal gathering of Israel” even though the meaning should be as clear as crystal to anyone who has read the Doctrine and Covenants even once.

Unfortunately many Latter-Day Saints actually believe that the missionaries of today-are participating in the gathering of Israel. Many members also believe that they are gathering by simply meeting in wards and stakes. Others who understand what is meant by the “literal gathering of Israel” believe that the gathering was suspended for a time and is to be resumed when they go to Jackson County and that there we will have a literal gathering.

THE MISSIONARIES OF TODAY ARE NOT PARTICIPATING IN THE LITERAL GATHERING OF ISRAEL.

Have you ever wondered why missionaries such as Wilford Woodruff were able to convert over three thousand people in several years of labor? Why is there not a missionary in the church today with the persuasive power of any of the early brethren? Is it because the missionaries of today lack charisma, or perhaps use the wrong brand of mouthwash? No. The reason is simply that today there is a different message with the most vital element deleted. That missing ingredient is the warning voice to all people to gather out from among the nations and come to Zion. Let the wheat be separated from the tares so the tares can be bound in bundles to be burned. Parley P. Pratt wrote his VOICE OF WARNING for this purpose. Also the Lord told us: “Behold, I sent you out to testify and to WARN this people…” D&C 88:81

Why were they to be warned? We are told a few verses later: “That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked.” D&C 88:85

To Sidney Rigdon the Lord commanded: “Let him lift up his voice with the sound of a trump, and WARN the inhabitants of the earth to FLEE THE WRATH TO COME.” D&C 124:106 “Let your preaching be a warning voice.” D&C 38:41 “Lift a WARNING voice to the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word and by FLIGHT that desolation shall come upon the wicked.” D&C 63:37 “This is a day of WARNING…,’ D&C 63:58. “Let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber because of thy speech.” D&C 112:5. We are told that the main purpose of the Doctrine and Covenants is to be a “Voice of warning… unto all people.” D&C 1:4

Where is the Warning voice today?

I am familiar with the last two editions of the missionary lessons and there is not one warning in either of them. The main theme of the current set is to testify of “living prophets.” However, the scriptures plainly tell us that any recognized prophet will warn the people of the wrath to come. Why are those proclaiming to be “special witnesses” not doing this? Why O why are the missionaries not sounding the warning voice when sudden destruction awaits us and the time is coming that even with a gathering the “inhabitants of the earth are burned, and FEW MEN LEFT.” Isa 24:6 thus making “a man more precious than fine gold.” Isa 13:12

In an interesting vision attributed to John Taylor on December 16, 1877 we find a description of some of the desolation we are to warn against:

“I went to bed as usual about 9:30 P.M…. The next I knew I was just this side of Omaha. It seemed as 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 could get through with such a small pack on their back. It was remarkable to me that there were so FEW MEN AMONG THEM It did not seem as though the cars were running. The rails looked rusty and abandoned and I have no conception of how I traveled as I looked down upon the people. I continued east by way of Omaha and Council Bluffs which were full of disease. The states of Illinois and Missouri were in tumult. Men were killing one another and women joined in the fighting. Family were against family in the most horrid manner. I imagined next that I was in Washington and I found desolation there. The whole House was empty and the Halls of Congress the same and everything in ruins. The people seemed to have fled the city and left it to take care of itself. (This would undoubtedly include the Washington temple). I was next 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 squares. 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 waters of the Chesapeake Bay were so stagnant and the stench arising from it on account of their throwing dead bodies in it, so terrible that the very smell carried death with it. I saw no men except they were dead or dying on the streets and very few women. And those I saw were crazy and in an ugly condition.

“Everywhere I went I beheld the same sight all over the city, it was terrible beyond description to look upon. I thought this must be the end, but no, I was seemingly in an instant in the city of 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 breath, nor did I see any living thing in the city.

“Next I found myself in Broadway in 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, some dead and others in a dying condition on the sidewalk. 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 and 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 scenes of horror and destruction and death. No vehicles or cars were running, but death and destruction was everywhere. Then I saw a 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 of the bodies that were burning was so great that it was carried a long distance across the Hudson Bay and carried death and destruction wherever it penetrated. I cannot paint in words the horrors that seemed to compass me about. It was beyond the description of men.

“I supposed this was -the end, but no, I was given to understand, that the same horrors were 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 and Illinois and all of Iowa were 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 consecrating the ground and laying the Corner Stone of the temple.” Source: Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, June 15, 1878, “A Vision, Salt Lake City, Night of Dec 16, 1877

Is it not now obvious why the Lord said: “Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, FROM THE MIDST OF WICKEDNESS, which is SPIRITUAL BABYLON… Let him not look back lest sudden destruction shall come upon him.” D&C 133:14-15.

Here we see that one is in spiritual Babylon when he is in the “midst of wickedness”. We, of course, cannot be in physical Babylon today so it is obvious that the prophesies of Babylon in our day pertain to this “spiritual Babylon” as the scriptures have said.

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