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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Sixteen

February 9, 2012February 9, 2012 Joseph Dewey

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

Chapter Sixteen

Gathering Reflections 2012

As I stated earlier I wrote this treatise back in 1979 when I had quite a different mindset than I do today. I have been hesitant to publish it because it is not very representative of my writings today. My later treatise, The Gathering of Lights comes much closer to reflecting my thinking of today.

Even so I decided to post it for several reasons:

(1) It represents my thinking during a turning point in my life.

(2) It is written in a language and with authoritative quotes that speaks to the LDS.

(3) It reveals a doctrine that is currently suppressed in the LDS church and may cause some to start thinking out of the box.

There are a number of ways that my thinking is different today than when I wrote this treatise:

(1) My manner of expression. My style of writing was very religious in tone. This was partly due to the fact that I was writing to the LDS who use this manner of expression. Another part of the reason is that from 1958-1978 I was very immersed in the church and had spent a lot of time studying the scriptures and writings of the early LDS leaders.

(2) I no longer connected in any way with the LDS church and neither do its doctrines define my philosophy. There are many enlightened teachings throughout the planet and I seek to incorporate the best of them all as well as learning through inner communion.

(3) In 1979 I was very concerned about an approaching destruction. There were two reasons for this. The first was the many warnings in the scriptures as well as the early leaders of the church. The second was that I received an internal warning that there was a danger of great destruction by the year 1985. Whether or not there was destruction would be determined by the choices humanity made. This gave me a strong sense of urgency in putting together the treatise, sounding the warning voice and attempting to set up a place of refuge. I did all in my power to sound the warning voice to the LDS for about two years with very little results.

Then, after Reagan was elected, shortly after the failed assassination attempt, I received another message telling me that circumstances had changed and the destruction was going to be avoided. I wasn’t told the details but had the impression it had something to do with Reagan. If Reagan hadn’t been elected or would have been killed by an assassin I believe our history would have taken a much different turn for the worse.

For 120 years every president elected in a year ending with zero was killed in office. It seemed to be a curse of some kind. The interesting thing is that Reagan, who was elected in 1980, came extremely close to getting killed. If the trajectory of the bullet was just a couple millimeters different Reagan would not have lived. As it is, few realize how close he did come.

I am wondering if the Hierarchy itself did not know for sure if Reagan would be killed. If this was the case and Reagan was going to do something to prevent the destruction then this would explain the conditional warning I received.

When there is great eminent destruction the Hierarchy will normally prepare a refuge for the pure in heart to escape. I think it is probable that because no such refuge was going to be available in 1985 that they preserved Reagan’s life and used him to buy us some time.

As it is, I have not felt an urgency concerning future destruction since 1982. Of course, over the years I have felt concern over economic swings, terrorist threats, war etc but nothing has occurred to trouble me in spirit the way I was for the two years after I received that message.

One thing that is the same between the me of 1979 and 2012 is an understanding of the gathering principle. This principle of gathering can move human kind forward into spiritual progression. When the most enlightened souls gather together they create a better society than the one left behind. For instance, the discovery of America caused the more intelligent and freedom loving people to gather here and once gathered they created a better government than had existed in recorded history.

The gathering of the early Mormons drew some very intelligent souls and had the makings of creating a better society. I believe the benefits were limited because of the early death of Joseph Smith. Brigham started a much more authoritarian rule to the extent that anyone who openly challenged him was in danger for their lives. This limitation on the freedom of the human spirit probably doomed the LDS gathering more than any other thing.

There will be other gatherings in the future that will push mankind toward a higher spiritual level so long as the leaders encourage freedom rather than suffocate it. These gatherings will be fairly self-sufficient and thus provide a place of refuge from future calamities. Blessed are those pure in heart who live to see the hand of God separate the wheat from the tares.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Fifteen

February 8, 2012February 8, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 15 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Fifteen

A Roar From Zion

After Zion is established in her strength we are told that “The Lord will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn.” Amos 1:2

Which shepherds shall mourn? They will not only be the shepherds in the Mormon Church, but all other churches for they will see that the light of truth will cause their foundation of sand to crumble away. Also the shepherds in the governments of the world will mourn for their people will demand more freedoms like unto Zion and the leaders will no longer be able to leech off the people. All other shepherds shall also mourn: shepherds in education, finance, science, industry – even all departments of human life which have their growth restricted by Babylon.

The day will soon come when “the saints of the Most high shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever… And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Dan 7:18&27

Of Zion the Lord said: “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee I will destroy kingdoms.” Jer 51:20 Then of Babylon he said: “Behold, I am against thee O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.” Jer 51:25 In other words, the kingdom of God will destroy those that destroy the earth in order to prevent the end of all flesh as Jesus mentioned. But remember, it is the system that will be destroyed arid not necessarily all the members thereof.

“But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for behold, I will save thee from afar off (America is far from the land of Israel), and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. (Such is not the case with the present inhabitants of Israel.) Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee; for I will make a FULL END OF ALL THE NATIONS WITHER I HAVE DRIVEN THEE: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.” Jer 46:27-28

During the building of Zion we are told that Babylon will fall and in this time John said: “The cities of the nations fell.” Rev 16:19 After the fall of these cities the Lord commands: “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them (The inhabitants of Zion) stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and MAKE THE DESOLATE CITIES TO BE INHABITED.” Isa 54:2-3

Isaiah also tells us that the righteous are not the only ones who gather together, but that the wicked will gather together for the purpose of destroying Zion: “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake… No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isa 54: 15&17 “The Lord of Hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.” Amos 5:15 “And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick the dust of thy feet; and thou shall know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.” Isa 49:23

Isaiah also tells us that the ruined cities will be rebuilt: “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, AND THEY SHALL REPAIR THE WASTE the desolations of many generations. And stranger shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the priests of’ the Lord: Men shall call you the ministers of our God: YE SHALL EAT THE RICHES OF THE GENTILES, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” Isa 61:4-6

Ezekiel speaks in a similar vein: “And the cities shall be inhabited and the wastes shall be builded: And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase arid bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings… Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness arid from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh, And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land I gave to your fathers… And they shall say, this land that was desolate is become like the Garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced and are inhabited.” Eze 36:10-11,25-27, 36

It is interesting that after the destruction of the wicked Ezekiel says: “And they that dwell in tile cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire (use them for fuel) SEVEN YEARS.” Eze 39:9

These scriptures all appear to refer to a time near the beginning of the millennium. We will cease here as far as the future goes for most of us are familiar with the prophesies of the thousand years of peace.

SUMMARY

It is hoped this treatise gives the reader an idea of the importance of the gathering in the Lord’s eyes. It is hoped that he will grasp that Zion is more than just church members scattered throughout the world. After all John Taylor said: “I repeat, our mission is to preach the Gospel, and to gather the people who embrace it. And why’? That there might be a nucleus formed, a people gathered who would be under the inspiration of the Almighty, and who would be willing to listen to the voice of God, a people who would receive and obey his word when it was made known to them. AND THIS PEOPLE IN THEIR GATHERED CONDITION ARE CALLED ZION, or the pure in heart.” J.D. 23:262

Orson Pratt said that the gathering is so essential that it would be a sign of a false prophet if the principle were left out of his teachings: “Now supposing that Joseph Smith had all these proofs that I have named to testify concerning the divinity of this book, and had said nothing about the gathering, what then? Why you and I could go to our homes and say ‘Good bye Joseph Smith, we do not believe you to be a prophet.’ Why? Because the latter day dispensation was to be characterized by the gathering together of all things in one that are in Christ, and you have said nothing about it, and therefore we reject you.” J.D. 17:275

Using Orson Pratt’s logic then it looks as if we must reject the Mormon leaders today, but he not only includes the leaders with this principle, but angels: “Now if this angel who brought this gospel from the heavens, and commanded this church to be organized, HAD LEFT OUT THIS GATHERING TOGETHER IN ONE, we would have reason to suppose him TO BE AN IMPOSTER. why? Because the great essential feature of the latter day dispensation was a gathering together in one of all things in Christ.” J.D. 18:45

We have also indicated that the gathering, that is a literal gathering, will be essential to our physical survival. This is nowhere more vividly portrayed than by Joseph F. Smith “In the days of Noah, when he preached the gospel to the antediluvian world, he was given a special commandment, to build an ark, that in case the people would reject him and the message sent unto them, that himself and all who believed on him might be saved from the destruction that awaited them. In this dispensation there is a principle or COMMANDMENT PECULIAR TO IT. WHAT IS THAT? IT IS THE GATHERING THE PEOPLE UNTO ONE PLACE. The gathering of the people is as necessary to be observed by believers as faith, repentance, baptism, or any other ordinance. It is an essential part of the gospel of this dispensation, AS MUCH SO, AS THE NECESIITY OF BUILDING AN ARK BY NOAH, for his deliverance, was a part of the gospel of his dispensation. Then the world was destroyed by a flood, now it is to be destroyed by war, pestilence, famine, earthquakes, storms, and tempests and the sea rolling beyond its bounds, malicious vapors, vermin, disease, and by fire and lightenings of God’s wrath poured out for destruction upon Babylon. The cry of the angel unto the righteous, of this dispensation is, Come out of her my people, that ye partake not of her sins, and that ye receive riot of her plagues.” J.D. 19:192

This statement by Joseph F. Smith when he was a young man was made during his finest hour. If he had the stamina to follow through with this conviction in later life he would go down in the history books of the millennium as a great man, but unfortunately, later in life he seemed to lose his zeal for the gathering.

We were told that to fulfill the commandment to gather we are to build cities unto the lord. Sidney Rigden said that the gathering together “into cities appointed” was “the object for which the saints are gathered together.” Elders Journal I Pg 53

Yea, the time will again soon come when actual cities of light will be raised to the Most High and the pure in heart will gather there and a modern Noah’s ark will be established.

Many will ask where these cities are to be and when they will be built. When a significant number respond to the gathering message the places of gathering will be made known.

“And the spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev 22:17

The invitation is out for the pure in heart to gather and Joseph Smith’s words still apply to us today: “Some may have cried peace, but the saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the stakes (Cities); for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, one here, and another there. There (in the cities) your children shall be blessed, and you in the midst of friends where you may be blessed.” TPJS Pg 160

Up to now the church has been blessed with a degree of the Lord’s Spirit even though it has been out of order, but now the invitation to the wedding feast is going out; those who reject it will be disturbed in spirit and there will be will be a noticeable change in the spirit of the members of the church in the next few years.

The time is verily approaching when the saints are to gather anew. Is it not obvious that the final days of this age are upon us and that great desolations await the wicked and the time of the next gathering is at hand? Come, then, out of Babylon, my friends that ye receive not of her plagues for great will be the physical and spiritual suffering of those who do not heed the commandment. Will you not drop to your knees my brethren after having read this with a prayerful heart and then ask God in the Name of Christ if this principle of gathering still applies to us today as outlined here? Do this really wanting to know and He will manifest the truth to you by the power of the Holy Ghost accompanied with the peace that passeth all understanding. Others have received this witness, and God is no respecter of persons. Will he not answer you? Verily, yes.

My desire is that all who wish to call themselves Latter-Day Saints will heed the words of Brigham Young who pleaded: “O ye saints in the United States, will you listen to the voice of the good Shepherd? WILL YOU GATHER? Will you be OBEDIENT to the heavenly commandments?” Mill Star 14:22

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Fourteen

February 7, 2012February 7, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 14 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Fourteen

Zion – The Salvation Of Israel

When we speak of the gathering of Israel we include not only those who are descendants of Jacob who will build Zion, but also of the Jews who are to return to Jerusalem, and of the Lamanite or Indian people who are called a “remnant” of the Jews. D&C 19:27 Finally, we also include the Lost Ten Tribes as well as all people who are pure in heart.

We find evidence in the scriptures that there will be several gatherings: “The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, YET I WILL GATHER OTHERS to him BESIDES those that are Fathered unto him.” Isa 56:8

The Moffatt version renders this a bit clearer: “Here is what the Lord, the Eternal, says who gathers Israel’s outcasts in: I will yet gather others in, besides those I have gathered.” Isa 56:8

Here we have an indication that there will be more than one gathering but few realize that all the spiritual gatherings depend upon the building up of Zion which will come to pass according to David’s prayer: “O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people (When God gathers his captive people), Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.” Psalms 53:6 There is one important word here that is mistranslated and that is the word “salvation” should be “salvations” or plural. Obviously it did not make any sense to the translators to render it plural, but is makes a lot of sense when we consider that there will be several major groups of Israelites who are saved or delivered and all of their salvation will “come out of Zion.”

Many look upon the present gathering of those who are called Jews with great awe and respect and may say that they are gathering without any help from Zion and that they are fulfilling all the prophecies of old. Because of this believers are willing to blindly support any move they make. Is it possible that the gathering in Israel today is merely preparation for a future greater gathering where greater light will be manifest?

Jesus prophesied that the Jews would accept a false teacher or Messiah: “I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his OWN NAME, HIM WILL YE RECEIVE.” John 5:43 This statement alone should make us somewhat cautious of believing that the Jews there are inspired in their every move, but there is another interesting and apparently contradictory statement from the Book of Mormon: “But behold, thus saith the Lord God: ‘When the day cometh that they (The Jews) SHALL BELIEVE IN ME, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh upon the earth, unto the lands of their inheritance.” II Nephi 10:7 This interesting scripture strongly indicates that the Jews will not be gathered until they actually accept the Christ. Nephi speaks of this again: “They (the Jews) shall wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss and a by-word, and be hated among all nations. Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the prophet, that they no more turn aside their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, (Christ),.THEN will he remember the covenants which he made to their fathers.” (The main covenant was to gather them). I Nephi 19:14-15

Nephi again gives us a third indication: “And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of tile land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall also become a delightsome people.” IT Nephi 30:7

It is also written: “And after they hake been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea, even down from generation to generation UNTIL they shall be persuaded to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is infinite for all mankind – AND WHEN THAT DAY SHALL COME THAT THEY SHALL BELIEVE IN CHRIST, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah, then, AT THAT TIME, the day will come that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these things. And the Lord will set his hand again THE SECOND TIME to restore his people from their lost and fallen state.” II Nephi 25:16- 17

Nephi also indicates that the Jews will accept the true church of Christ when they are gathered in: “That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation, until the time comes that they shall be RESTORED TO THE TRUE CHURCH and fold of God; WHEN THEY SHALL BE GATHERED HOME to the lands of their inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.” IT Nephi 9:2

Here Nephi clearly indicates that the Jews will be gathered when they accept Christ and also when they are brought into the true church. On the other hand, we see a great gathering of those who say they are Jews in the land of Israel today, yet they neither accept Christ, neither do they belong to the Church of Christ, yet Nephi said that these two things must take place before GOD WILL GATHER them. Thus, if we take the Book of Mormon seriously we must accept that the gathering that is taking place in Israel today is not in fulfillment of the prophesies of old. It may be paving the way for some of the fulfillment, but it is not the true gathering of the Jews that believe in Christ spoken of by the Book of Mormon.

Actually the situation among the present inhabitants of Israel is quite similar to the situation in the LDS church. In the church we have a few who really believe the scriptures and the same is true among the Jews, there are a few who really have faith in the scriptures that they have, but even most of these are mislead by the craftiness of men. Concerning the church in America the Lord prophecies: ,”And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known.” D&C 64:39

On the other hand, concerning the Jews it is written; “I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Rev. 2:9

In Jeremiah chapter 24 the Lord talks about the dispersed of Judah and compares them to good and bad figs. We are told that the bad figs will eventually be destroyed. (See Jer 24:1-8)

Jeremiah also indicates that the true gathering of the Jews will be in the days of the one often referred to as the Branch. It shall also be in the days of the returning of the ten tribes for other tribes besides Judah will have an inheritance there. We are told that these tribes of Israel “shall dwell in their own land.”

Ezekiel also gives us an insight into the gathering period: “Thus saith the Lord God; when I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, AND SHALL BE SANCTIFIED in them in the sight of the heathen, THEN SHALL THEY DWELL IN THEIR LAND that I have given unto my servant Jacob. Arid they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence.” Eze. 28:25-26

Here we clearly see that they shall dwell in their own land AFTER they are sanctified. When they do possess this land it will be in peace, and not in the state of turmoil Israel is now in.

Ezekiel also says: “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all counties, and will bring you into your own land… Arid ye shall dwell in the land I GAVE TO YOUR FATHERS… Thus saith the LORD GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded. And the desolate land shall be tilled.” EZE 36:24, 28,33-34

We see here that Israel will definitely be gathered back into their own land, but this gathering consists of much more than the kingdom of Judah. The Lord said: “And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: AND THEY SHALL NO MORE BE TWO NATIONS, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more.” Eze 37 :22

The two kingdoms consisted of all twelve tribes of Israel. Thus when the true gathering takes place there will be a gathering of all the tribes of Israel. Even Manasseh and Ephriam will have an inheritance there. For an account of the allotting of land to the tribes of Israel read Joshua chapters 13-18

The scriptures truly indicate that Zion will be the real power behind the gathering of the true Israelites which gathering will begin on the American continent. After peace is obtained on the earth then will the gathering of the righteous be toward the land of Israel which will again become a power for righteousness on the earth. For a correct sequence of events one may read III Nephi chapter 21. First it tells us that the United States will be established as a free country. Then it mentions the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel. Next it warns the Gentiles not to harden their hearts against the gospel. Then it talks about the destruction of our cities and then the building of the New Jerusalem. After that the ten tribes will be taught. After all this Jesus says: “Yea, and then shall the work commence with the Father, among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered HOME TO THE LAND OF THEIR INHERITANCE (Israel) And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.” III Nephi 21: 28-29

The sequence given in this chapter is much different than that expected by the Mormon and other Christian people today, but the true gathering of the Jews is not yet, but by and by. This is again verified in the Book of Mormon by the words of Christ: “And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fullness of my Gospel shall be preached unto them; and they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name. THEN shall their watchmen lift up their voice, and with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye. Then will the Father gather them together again, AND GIVE UNTO THEM JERUSALEM FOR THE LAND OF THEIR INHERITANCE.” III Nephi 20:30-33

Again we see that the true gathering of Israel will be from all the twelve tribes who believe in Christ. The gathering that is in the land of Israel today is most likely a practice run to prepare for the real thing.

Another group to be gathered in are descendants of Lehi or the Indian people and descendants thereof. We are told that they “shall blossom as the rose.” D & C 49:24 we are also told that the Gospel will be declared unto them “and then shall they rejoice; and they shall know that it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes.” II Nephi 30:6

Interestingly the true gathering of the Lamanites is a part of the gathering of the Jews for we are told that “they are descendants of the Jews.” II Nephi 30:4. We are also told that the Book of Mormon is “My word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom THE LAMANITES ARE A REMNANT.” D&C 19:27 Obviously, then, the Indian and the Mexican people will be a part of the true gathering of the Jews and many of them will eventually return to their homeland in Israel. The Book of Mormon also verifies this: “Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have planted in the NETHERMOST parts of my vineyard (American Indian), and let us graft them into the tree FROM WHENCE THEY CAME.” (Israel) Jacob 5:52

Nevertheless, there will be a great work to do among the descendants of Lehi before that day and they as a people will be more receptive to the fullness of the gospel than the American people.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Thirteen

February 6, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 13 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Thirteen

Until This Be Accomplished

On March 27, 1837 when Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland temple we are told that the prayer was given by revelation. See the preface to section 109 and DHC 2:420. In this revealed prayer Joseph said: “And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive their testimony, let thy Peace and thy salvation be upon that city; THAT THEY MAY GATHER OUT OF THAT CITY THE RIGHTEOUS, that they may come forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting joy AND UNTIL THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED LET NOT THY JUDGMENTS FALL UPON THAT CITY.” D&C 109:39040

If the saints had continued the gathering until the present day the act would now be “accomplished” and the great judgments of God would be poured out, but because the righteous are now scattered with the wicked or the wheat mixed with the tares to a greater extent than ever the Lord is withholding His judgments, but he can only withhold them for a limited period as He did with the Nephites. Then comes the entire destruction if the words of God are not heeded. Nevertheless, it is the will of God to gather out the righteous and this will be done at all costs, then cometh the fall of Babylon, but “How can Babylon fall, so long as the saints stay and hold it up?” Mill Star 32:233 You will remember that when the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorra. Abraham was quite upset and he asked the Lord if he would destroy them if there were fifty righteous people in the cities and He said: “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” Gen 18:26 Then Abraham proceeded to bargain with the Lord for the physical salvation of the city and the number decreased from fifty to forty-five to forty, to thirty, to twenty and finally to ten and the Lord said “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” Gen 18:32 Then the angels went to Sodom for the purpose of finding the righteous and gathering them out and all they could find was four souls who would listen, but only three escaped because Lot’s wife disobeyed and looked back. Lot tried to save his relatives, but they laughed at him and only he and his two daughters escaped with their lives, but just before they left one of the angels made an interesting comment to Lot: “Haste thee, escape thither; FOR I CANNOT DO ANYTHING TILL THOU COME THITHER.” Gen 19:22

Here we see that even the presence of FOUR righteous souls prevented the angels from carrying on the work of destruction.

And what was the main criteria that determined a righteous man in Sodom? He was judged to be righteous if he would listen to the warning voice of either Lot or the angels and flee for their lives. Of course, only those who had done other works of righteousness had the Holy Spirit to the degree necessary to know that the warning voice came from God.

Finally when three righteous souls escaped “The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorra brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.” Gen 19:24

Just as the story of Joseph and others from the Old Testament foreshadows greater events in the Latter days so does the story of Lot for another cycle of destruction will come and only those who listen to the warning voice will escape, and again the numbers will be few just as they were in the days of Lot.

Listen to the words of Nephi: “Behold, my brethren I say unto you, that these things must shortly come; yea, even blood and fire, and vapor of smoke must come; and it must needs be upon the face of this earth; and it cometh unto men ACCORDING TO THE FLESH if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Holy One of Israel. For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off… AND ALL THAT FIGHT AGAINST ZION SHALL BE” DESTROYED.” I Nephi 22:18-19, 14

How do you fight against Zion? One way is to fight against the gathering by not participating in it.

Joseph told the Elders “You must faithfully warn all and bind up the testimony, and seal up the law, and the destroying angel will follow close at your heels, and exercise his tremendous mission upon the children of disobedience; and destroy the workers of iniquity, WHILE THE SAINTS WILL BE GATHERED OUT FROM AMONG THEM, and stand in holy places ready to meet the bridegroom when he comes.” DHC 2:309

He also said: “The servants of God will not have gone over the nations of the Gentiles with a warning voice until the destroying angel will commence to waste the inhabitants of the earth.” DHC 2:263

The Lord also indicates that the destruction will be after the similitude of ‘Sodom and Gomorra: “Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon. But verily, thus saith the Lord, let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you; and he that goeth, LET HIM NOT LOOK BACK LEST SUDDEN DESTRUCTION SHALL COME UPON HIM.” D&C 133:14-15

We can well understand why the early leaders wrote: “If we throw overboard the principle of the gathering, we cast away one of the most important principles connected with the work of God and salvation of humanity.” Mill Star 33:326

We are also told: “Israel shall be gathered: the seed of Jacob shall be gathered from their long dispersion. There will be a feast to Israel, the elect of God. It is a sorrowful tale, but the Gospel must be preached and God’s ministers rejected: but where can Israel be found and receive your testimony and not rejoice? Nowhere! The prophecies are full of great things to take place in the last days. AFTER THE ELECT ARE GATHERED OUT, DESTRUCTIONS SHALL COME on the inhabitants of the earth; the nations shall feel the wrath of God, AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN WARNED BY THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. IF YOU DO NOT WARN THEM, OTHERS WILL, AND YOU WILL LOUSE YOUR CROWNS.” DHC 2:197

We see here more evidence that God will held back the destruction until the inhabitants of the earth are warned and if those who were called do not warn the children of men, then others will. Verily, the church is called to warn the people of the earth, but they are not even warning their own people, thus God is calling anyone who has a listening ear to participate and share the crown of glory.

The original twelve apostles in the church declared: “For the time is rapidly approaching when the saints will have occasion to regret that they have so long neglected to assemble themselves to ‘ together and stand in holy places, awaiting those tremendous events which are so rapidly approaching the nations of the earth.” DHC, 4:410

Brother Joseph said: “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 on the world.” DHC 6:184

How often is this principle repeated by the prophets. Again the Prophet Joseph said: “If they do not do this in all humility, making preparation from this time forth, like Joseph in Egypt… and if we do not exert ourselves to the uttermost in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house that this thing may be accomplished, behold there remaineth A SCOURGE FOR THE CHURCH.” DHC 2:145 How plain can the word be? Let us quote the Prophet Joseph further: “Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none; for without Zion, and a place of deliverance, WE MUST FALL; because the time is near when the sun will be darkened, and the moon turned to blood, and the stars fall from heaven, and the earth reel to and fro. Then, if this is the case, and if we are not sanctified and gathered to the places God has appointed, with all our former professions and out, great love for the Bible, WE MUST FALL, WE CANNOT STAND; WE CANNOT BE SAVED; for God WILL gather out his saints from the Gentiles, AND THEN COMES THE DESOLATION AND DESTRUCTION, AND NONE CAN ESCAPE except the pure in heart who are gathered… If Zion is not delivered, the time is near when all this church wherever they may be found, will be persecuted and destroyed.” DHC 2:52-53

Is it not obvious that the Latter-Day Saints have fallen from their high and holy calling to gather the elect, especially when you read such statements as: “The place of gathering for the Mexican saints is in Mexico; the place of gathering for the Guatemalan saints is in Guatemala; the place of gathering for the Brazilian saints is in Brazil; and so it goes throughout the length and breadth of the whole earth.” Bruce R. McConkie, Sep 2, 1972 CHURCH NEWS. This would sound feasible if they did actually gather in these countries, but THERE IS NOT ONE gathering place for a future refuge set aside in Mexico, Brazil, or any country on the whole planet by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Of course, we must remember Brother McConkie’s definition of the gathering as previously quoted. He said that the gathering consisted of worshipping in the congregations of the saints all over the world. In other words, he believes in a figurative gathering, but listen to the early brethren on this: “Why do the saints gather to America? Why can they not be saved in their own land? These are questions often asked BY THOSE WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Neither have they read or studied the scriptures much. If they have, they have been void of the Spirit of God to guide them.” Mill Star 21:648

Clearly the early brethren believed that Zion is the American continent and this is the place where we must gather. The church cannot use the excuse that there is no room left here for there is plenty of room in the United States alone for every Latter-Day Saint many times over. The only legitimate objection people have today is the difficulties in immigrating, but even with this obstacle the church could still effect a great gathering using the great pull it has today. It could re-establish the perpetual immigration fund set up by Brigham Young to help the saints immigrate and eventually when they become the wealthiest of all people they would be able to buy immigration favors legally with gold if necessary.

As it is there is little hope for the church to do this in it’s present spiritual stale so the job will be left to the faithful few workmen who want to do the Master’s bidding. The time will come when all will have an opportunity to come to Zion. Joseph Smith said: “There will be here and there a Stake for the gathering of the saints. Some may have cried peace, but the saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the stakes; for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, one here and another there. There (in the stakes) your children shall be blessed, and you in the midst of friends where you may be blessed. The Gospel net gathers of every kind.

“I prophesy that THAT MAN WHO TARRIES AFTER HE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY OF GOING WILL BE AFFLICTED BY THE DEVIL… We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come we shall have to flee to Zion.” J.D 6:239

In the near future there will be here and there a stake or city of Zion for the gathering of the Saints. Those who have the Spirit will feel the impulse to gather and those who do not will be against it, with many openly fighting against the principle.

“I’ll follow the prophet, right or wrong” attitude does not wash in the courts of heaven. We are responsible for our own actions, not the prophet. Is that not our second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins…” If the prophet is wrong you cannot blame him for your sins at the last day. You are required to find out for yourself. We are commanded to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” I Thess 5:21 1 hereby offer a challenge: Prove the truth of the gathering, or if I am wrong, prove it. God has commanded you to. He does not expect you to walk in blindness, even if you are right.

O Lord, let the light from Thy presence shine forth upon thy people, many of whom are trying their best to live thy commandments, but are deceived by the craftiness of men. Let the light be as seven times the strength of the sun that the black shield over the eyes of thy people may be penetrated. Let thy voice be as the sound of the seven thunders that their ears may be pierced, let Thy Spirit reverberate as the many waters that Thy influence may be felt above the influence of men that Thy people may be gathered in one that the great Zion dreamed of by the prophets may finally gain a foothold on the earth that all nations will be one under the Ensign Thou shalt establish!

One important aspect of the gathering that is often overlooked is that it is an eternal Principle. The basic reason that the Celestial Kingdom is such a good place to live is that the gathering principle is applied to make it such. The Celestial Kingdom is merely a gathering together of the righteous on the other side. That is the reason the city of Enoch was taken up – because through the principle of the gathering they created a kingdom that was higher than the telestial earth. We are told clearly in the scriptures: “And he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered UNTO ME IN TIME AND IN ETERNITY.” D&C 39:22 IF we do not want to gather unto the Lord in time here on this earth, then how can we ever expect to be gathered unto Him in eternity? This principle is made clear in the scriptures for the Lord said that those who go to the telestial kingdom are “they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the church of Firtstborn.” D&C 76:102

It is clear that John Taylor understood this principle of eternal gathering. He said the Lord would “gather together his elect from the four quarters of the globe; through whom he could introduce upon the earth the principles that exist in the heavens, that we might be taught to do the will of God on the earth as it is in the heavens.” J.D. 24:198. Obviously the gathering is one of the principles that exist in the heavens.

Think a moment. If you love this telestial earth here and want to stay in it and build it up and receive the glory thereof, and have no desire to gather with the saints what makes you think your desires will be any different in the next world? If you love the telestial conglomeration here then that is what you will naturally seek in the next world. If one will not gather to create a higher kingdom on this earth then why should he want or be given one in the next world? Many of the church members who testify loudest of going to the celestial kingdom would resist it if it was handed to them on a platter. Many are lucky if their spirits are prepared to be a telestial bright star at best, for their minds are not prepared for the glories to be revealed. Like the children of Israel in the days of Moses they would ask God to withdraw His presence if he should come.

Let us remember the words of the scriptures: “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because YOU HAVE TREATED LIGHTLY THE THINGS YOU HAVE RECEIVED.” D&C 84:54 Have we not received the gathering in the scriptures? Does the church treat this principle lightly? Verily, they do not consider it at all.

Let us continue with the scripture: “Which vanity and unbelief have brought THE WHOLE CHURCH under condemnation.” Verse 55 Do we really believe the scriptures today? Is the church still under condemnation?

“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all. And they shall REMAIN UNDER THIS CONDEMNATION UNTIL they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Rook of Mormon (Which covenants to gather Israel) and the FORMER COMMANDMENTS which I have given them, (Such as the gathering), not only to say, BUT TO DO according to that which I HAVE WRITTEN. (The Lord has written time and time again about the gathering). That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there REMAINETH A SCOURGE and judgement to be poured out upon the children of Zion. For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay.” D&C 84:56-59

Such scriptures as the above should give one a desire to gather with the elect, even if the whole world, including church leaders should take an opposite course.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Twelve

February 4, 2012February 4, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 12 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Twelve

A Pure People

In a word the Lord gave us the basic reason for the gathering of His people: “For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness.” D&C 100:16 the gathered are to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, AN HOLY NATION, a peculiar people; that-, ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you cut of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past WERE NOT A PEOPLE but are now the people of God.” I Peter 2:9-10

Right now the people who will compose Zion are not a people, but soon will be “an holy nation.” The fact that Peter hoped to see a holy nation established in his day indicates that he expected, or at least hoped to see the Kingdom of God established in his day.

This is also indicated in the Book of Revelation “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she BEING WITH CHILD cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” Rev 12:1-2

The scriptures clearly tell us that the woman is the church, but what is the child? Most believe it is Christ, but we are told that the woman, that is the church, delivered the child, so Christ alone does not exactly correspond, but what does correspond exactly is Christ and the kingdom of God together. It is the church which is the stepping-stone to the kingdom and gives it birth. In the previous dispensations the church “cried” as it was about to give birth to the kingdom because there was great “pain” or persecution.

Each time this persecution was directed at the best of the saints and the kingdom was not delivered. Even in this dispensation, after the constitution of the kingdom was given by revelation, the church again “cried” because of the pain of delivery and gave up the labor for the moment. But the labor pains can only be held back so long and then the child must be delivered as written: “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a red of iron: and her child was caught up. unto God, and to his throne.” Verse 5. The time is at hand when there will be gathered out of the church a nucleus of people who will give birth to the kingdom of God which will rule all nations. But to successfully give birth to the kingdom there must be a people prepared who are sanctified. Joseph Smith said: “If we are not sanctified and gathered to the places ‘God has appointed, with all our former professions and our great love for the Bible WE MUST FALL.” DHC 2:52.

God gave a further qualification: “And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.” D & C 12: 8

It only makes sense that for a people to0 be sanctified they must be gathered out and cleanse themselves in the righteousness of the saints for how can one swim in the dark ink of unholiness and remain unspotted himself? Church leaders today complain over and over about how wicked the world is today and its disastrous effect on the youth and they use every stretch of the imagination to devise programs to keep the saints unspotted, but to little avail for each succeeding generation becomes more entrenched in Babylon than the one before. The words of Alma still apply today: “And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to, follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, AND ‘BE, YE SEPARATE and touch not their unclean things.” Alma 5:57 Brigham Young, indicated the spiritual purpose of the gathering. He said: “neither forget to pray for the Holy Spirit to rest down upon them (the saints), and upon these who speak to them, that each and all may be directed to act at all times by that Spirit that is able to guide into all truth. This is certainly the object for which we are gathered out from the nations of the earth.” JD 2:335

George Q. Cannon said: “We ‘ should become a distinct people, a peculiar people, a people whom He could use according to his mind and will, and through whom he could accomplish his mighty, His marvelous, and His wondrous purposes. THIS IS THE OBJECT He has had in view in bringing us together, to SEPARATE US FROM BABYLON.” JD 25:300

This is further verified by George A. Smith: “A great many people have wondered why it was that it was necessary for the saints to gather together. The fact is, the human mind is so weak – so susceptible of false impressions, that while the people of God were scattered in the nations of the earth, to come in contact with all the corruptions, prejudices, and traditions of the world, IT WAS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE HUMAN MIND TO RESIST THESE PRESSURES.” JD 6:161

We are also told: “The time has never been when the people of God dwelt in harmony, and in the bonds of fellowship, with the wicked and ungodly, AND IT NEVER WILL BE THE CASE as long as the earth revolves on its axis.” Millennial Star 36:171

“There is no Latter-Day Saint enjoying the light of the Spirit, but what realizes the difficulty of living in Babylon WITHOUT- PARTAKING IN SOME DEGREE UP HER SINS. As well think of handling pitch without being soiled, as to think of joining with the corrupt nations of modern Babylon without being contaminated by the abominations and wickedness that abound on every side.” Mill Star 47:251

Brigham Young observed: “You, no doubt, discover that you are very much inclined to mingle with and participate in the feelings and exercises of the society in which you are.” JD 7:267

Another wise statement: “How can Zion be built up, unless the saints gather and build it up? And how can Babylon fall, so long as the Saints STAY AND HOLD IT UP?” Mill Star 32:233

The references to this doctrine are numerous, but the point is so important that I will risk belaboring it. Wilford Woodruff said: “The question is often asked by sectarian ministers, why could you not live in New York, Liverpool, or London, as well as going to Zion? Because we should be in the midst of sin and wickedness and abomination, and it would be very difficult, while so situated, to keep from being polluted by the evils which reign upon the face of the earth.” JD 12:280

Brigham Young said: “We are gathered together to sanctify these bodies, to deal, act, transact and do everything we do in the love of God.” J.D. 11:288 He also said: “Do they keep the faith and stay in the midst of the wicked? No they do not.” J.D. 11:101

Then this observation was made: “If all Israel will not be sanctified by the law which their Moses FIRST OFFERS THEM, they will peradventure receive a LAW OF ORDINANCES administered to them, NOT ACCORDING TO THE POWER OF ENDLESS LIFE.” F.D. Richards J.D. 1:321

Taking these things in consideration what does it all mean? It means that if we omit the principle of the literal gathering we will be comparable to the Israelites who rejected the higher laws that Moses brought. We are clearly told that we cannot be a holy people while living in the world. Now, today the church is following the admonition of John A. Widtsoe: “The time of gathering is past. We now live in the time of scattering. We want to scatter our people over the face of the earth that we might leaven the whole lump.” Truth Sep 1952 pg 103 Mr. Widtsoe was merely reiterating the advice of Heber J. Grant who said: “Many of the saints, who come here, could be far more useful-in assisting to strengthen and build up the church in their native lands, than by making sacrifices to come to Zion.” Messages of the First Pres., Clark, 5:269

Joseph Fielding Smith said: “Our building of foreign temples is to encourage the saints to stay in their own countries.” Oct 17, 1936 Deseret News. Bruce McConkie said: “We are becoming a world church… every nation is the gathering place for its own people.” Church News Sep 2, 1972

It indeed sounds like the original concept of the gathering was lost as a new generation of Mormons took the helm. The early leaders understood well their responsibility “How could His children escape if they are SCATTERED OVER THE FACE OF THE EARTH? Foreseeing these dangers, the Lord instituted the gathering of his people from all lands, that they might ‘stand in holy places, and NOT BE MOVED” Mill Star 60:350

Here’s another interesting comment from the early brethren: “The subject and practice of gathering is a great stumbling block to many who make but a partial investigation of the gospel as revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith; for, they say, ‘Cannot God save me as well in my native land, as in the land of America? Why is it necessary for me to leave the lands of my fathers, and take my journey to the wilds of a distant continent? Nothing is impossible with God, and He can save me just as well in one place as another!” With these consoling reflections they quiet any feelings of uneasiness which may arise in their minds, caused by the signs of the times, or by the declarations of the servants of God. Doubtless the Lord could do many things which he never will, and there is one thing for certain HE NEVER INTENDS DOING – THAT IS, TO SAVE A MAN WHO WILL NOT STRIVE TO SAVE HIMSELF, by rendering obedience to the principles laid down in the Gospel. The doctrine of the gathering has been taught to a greater or lesser extent in every dispensation given to man.” Eli B. Kelsey, April 1850, Mill Star 39:212

The very fact that none of the Latter-Day Saints today are in a gathered state is in itself strong evidence that the church is out of order and contaminated with Babylon for even the leaders themselves are not gathered and therefore according to the words of the prophets they are not without spot. Furthermore, they have no inclination whatsoever to follow the admonition of Brigham Young: “Our business is to build up the Zion of God on the earth. Do you think you will do it and go hand in band with the wicked? No, never.” J.D. 12:231 Or how about the words of Heber C. Kimball: “You have heard brother Brigham preach it here time and time again, and other men, that A SCATTERING SPIRIT WAS NOT THE SPIRIT OF GOD; AND I KNOW IT IS NOT.” J.D. 4:362

Orson Spencer said: “If men have not the spirit of gathering they are blind and cannot see afar off, and are nigh unto burning. The gathering is one great test of faith, BY WHICH YOU WILL KNOW WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE.” Mill Star 9:310

How else will the Lord cause the great division between the righteous and the wicked except by the gathering for Nephi said: “For ‘the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people, AND THE WICKED ‘WILL HE DESTROY; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire.” II Nephi 30:10

Just as the five foolish virgins were too late a last ditch attempt to gather the people will be too late. A lot of people seem to think that if a future gathering is necessary then it can be done at the immediate call of the prophet, but the scriptures say: “Let the work of the gathering BE NOT IN HASTE.” D&C 58:56 Believe me if any gathering is in the mind of the authorities today it is not one of haste, but would turn to one in a calamity. We are told not to gather “in haste, lest there should be confusion, WHICH BRINGETH PESTILENCE’.” D&C 63:24 Those who wait for the last ditch attempt to gather to escape the calamities will suffer pestilence according to the scripture.

The leaders today should think as Orson Pratt did: “My view on the subject is this – TO GATHER AND STAY GATHERED, to be organized into the government of God.” J.D. 1:134 Because they have not stayed gathered, the saints have lost the Spirit to a large degree and they are not sanctified. Many would lose their lives in a calamity because they trust in the arm of flesh and seek not for the Spirit. Let us be like Nephi of old: “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that CURSED IS HE that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.” II Nephi 4:34

If we accept the advice of any prophet, priest or king without seeking verification from the Holy Ghost then we are cursed. In this case would it not be better to pray and find out what the Lord says about the gathering of Israel? The early and the later authorities disagree on the matter. They cannot both be right, but the Spirit will always lead correctly. Do not the Latter-Day Saints today really have enough faith to receive an answer from God for themselves? Let us hope for the best.

It is ironical today to go to the Mormon Church and listen to the sermons there about the corruptions in the world, and how difficult it is to live in the world and how it is much harder to be righteous today than it was in years gone by. It seems as if the Latter-Day Saints do nothing but complain about the results of their breaking the commandment to gather Israel. It is like the Bank robber who complains of his jail sentence. Even though he has the punishment coming he still complains.

Mormons complain of the movies today, yet they still go to them. They complain of what comes over their television, but are the first to call their repairman. They complain about the magazines available to their youth. They complain about the pot and drugs available in the schools and the liberal teachers. They complain that their children’s friends are spaced out and leading their kids astray, but even though they complain of all of these things they seem to have no desire to live the law that will neutralize all of these evils.

John Taylor summed it up when he said that the purpose of the gathering was “that we might be taught to do the will of God, on earth as it is in the heavens, that we might be a pure people, a virtuous people, a holy people, FREE FROM THE VICES AND CORRUPTIONS OF THE WORLD, and that we might learn the laws of light, truth and intelligence from the fountain of all intelligence for we are told the glory of God is intelligence. THIS IS WHY WE BEEN GATHERED TOGETHER.” J.D. 24:198

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Eleven

February 2, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 11 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Eleven

The Kingdom of God

It is not planned at this time to enter into a full treatise on the kingdom of God yet certain things need to be covered. First of all it needs to be understood that the church is not the Kingdom of God prophesied of by Daniel. Joseph Smith prophesied, as has been pointed out, that this will be set up beginning in the Rocky Mountains and then eventually moving to the center stake. The church is sometimes called the Kingdom merely because it is a part of the kingdom. Actually, it was designed to be an auxiliary of the kingdom, just as the Sunday School is an auxiliary of the church, yet when we go to Sunday School we often say that we are going to church.

The Kingdom of God, as organized by Joseph Smith was first called a “special Council.” It was created March 11, 1844 just a few short months before the prophet’s death. It was generally referred to as “The Council of Fifty” but was officially called “THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS LAWS, WITH KEYS AND POWERS THEREOF AND JUDGMENT IN THE HANDS OF HIS SERVANTS.” (See DHC 6:260-1 for partial account of the organization.)

The whole purpose of the gathering of the saints was to the end that this kingdom prophesied of by Daniel could be set up, and that end was realized by the prophet Joseph just before he died. For fear of greater persecution from the world the kingdom continued in semi secrecy for decades, but was discontinued about the same time the saints lost interest in the gathering.

It is no secret that the Lord had the idea of an independent state in mind for the saints for he clearly said: “Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and YE SHALL HAVE NO LAWS BUT MY LAWS WHEN I COME.” 7 D&C 38:22 The gathered saints were also promised that they would “stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world.” D&C 78:14 We are also told that “out of Zion shall go forth the law” Isa 2:3. How can all of this be without the organization of a political kingdom?

Brigham Young pointed out that members are in the habit of calling the church the Kingdom of God “but there are further organizations. The Prophet gave a full and complete organization of this kingdom before he was killed… The Kingdom of God will protect every person, every sect and all people upon the face of the whole earth in their legal rights; I shall not tell you the names of the members of this kingdom, neither shall I read to you ITS CONSTITUTION, BUT THE CONSTITUTION WAS GIVEN BY REVELATION The day will come when it will be organized in strength and power.” JD 17:156-157

In speaking further of this political kingdom Brigham said: “This kingdom is the kingdom that Daniel spoke of, which was to be set up in the last days; it is the kingdom that is not given to another people; It is the kingdom that is not given to another people; it is kingdom that is to be held by the servants of God, TO RULE THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH.” JD 17:156

This is all in perfect harmony with the scriptures. We are told: “In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44 The word for “kingdom” comes from the Hebrew Malkuw which means “dominion.” The church today has no dominion whatsoever over the kingdoms of the world, nor is it designed to have dominion, but the Kingdom of God is. Joseph Smith organized this kingdom it is true, but it is not yet set up as Daniel prophesied. Daniel says that “In the days of THESE KINGS shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom…” Who are these kings We are told that they are ten kings symbolized by the ten toes of the image. These are the same ten kings as spoken of in the Book of Revelation where the ten kings are symbolized as ten horns “which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the beast. These SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB and the lamb shall overcome them… Rev 17:12-14

It is somewhat of a mystery as to what these ten kings will be be but the scriptures indicate they will represent ten kingdoms that will dominate the earth after the fall of the Roman Empire. Some believe they will be ten European nations that will unite under an antichrist but any union there does not seem to be represented by the number ten. I tend to believe the ten kings represent the ten current political divisions of the entire planet which are:

(1) North America

(2) Central and South America

(3) United Kingdom, including Australia and New Zealand

(4) Europe

(5) Russia and neighboring countries

(6) Africa

(7) India

(8) China and Taiwan

(9) Japan and Korea

(10) The Middle East

The scripture says these will have one mind and unite to fight against the Kingdom of God. Thus the kingdom could not have been set up for the days of the ten kings uniting as one and receiving power has not yet arrived. It is possible the world will become as one super nation and have one money system for the whole. Since this day is may not be far off we may safely assume that God also is making plans for the setting up of his kingdom in power to fulfill the prophecy of Daniel.

“In that day it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion… and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven. And the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it.” Amen.’ D&C 64:38, 42-43

The inhabitants of Zion will be able to judge all things pertaining to Zion because they will have their own government ruled by the Council of Fifty that Joseph started. Even though Joseph created the seed organization the kingdom yet awaits the setting up as mentioned by Daniel.

It may sound fairly far-fetched to talk of setting up a kingdom in this day and age. How could it possibly be done? It is true that in the present conditions it would be extremely difficult and the present rule of other governments would make a kingdom here in the Rocky Mountains well neigh impossible, but remember the prophecies previously quoted. That is there will be great tribulation which will overtake this and other countries which will cause the collapse of many governments. At that time many people will be forced to group together for their protection and try and form governments of their own. It will be at this point that the Kingdom of God will be set up in power. On the other hand, many smaller governments set up by individual efforts will be created that will initially compete with the government of God, but in the end the government of God will bear rule. In that day the words of Isaiah will be fulfilled: “A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in its time.” Isa 60:22 “And they shall call them, the Holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and thou shall be called, SOUGHT OUT, a city not forsaken.” Isa 62:12 The Lord repeats this prophecy in our day: “The little one to become A STRONG NATION, two shall put their tens of thousands to flight.” D&C 133: 58

What is the little one that is to become a strong nation? It nothing less than the stone which Daniel saw that was cut out of the mountain without hands. It will begin as the smallest of nations. That stone shall begin as a little one but shall become a strong nation. The Kingdom of God will begin as a mustard seed, but eventually grow to be the greatest of nations and just as the fowls rest on the branches of the mustard tree so will other nations rest secure under the protection of the Kingdom of God,

There can be no doubt that the Kingdom of God consists of both the spiritual and the political government. Since the political government, then, is a major portion of the Kingdom of God, it would only he logical that the Council of Fifty would share the keys of the kingdom. This was verified by Joseph Smith: We are told that “he stood before that association of his, select friends, including all of the Twelve, and with great feeling and animation he graphically reviewed his life of persecution, labor and sacrifice for the church and THE KINGDOM OF GOD BOTH of which he declared were now organized AND THE KINGDOM upon the earth, the burden of which had became too great for him longer to carry, that he was weary and tired with the weight he had so long borne, and he then said, with great vehemence: ‘And in the name of the Lord, I now shake from my shoulders the responsibility of bearing off the kingdom of God to all the world, and here and now I place that responsibility, WITH ALL THE KEYS powers and privileges pertaining thereto, upon the shoulders of you the Twelve Apostles IN CONNECTION WITH THIS COUNCIL; and if you will accept this, to do it, God shall bless you mightily and shall open your way; and if you do not do it you will be damned.’” Johnson to ‘Tibbs, Page 10.

Here we see that Joseph Smith gave the keys of the kingdom to not only the twelve, but to all members of the Council of Fifty, and interestingly, some of the members of that council were not even members of the church. This indicates strongly that since the keys were given to non members then the priesthood was given to them also, for one does not have to be a member of the church to have the priesthood. it is common knowledge that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Priesthood before they became members of the church.

The prophet Joseph was not the only one who saw the advantage of establishing a political kingdom. His good friend James Arlington Bennett wrote: “If they are drove farther west, they may set up an independent government, under which they can worship the Almighty as may suit their taste. Indeed, I would recommend to the Prophet to pull up stakes and take possession of the Oregon territory in his own right, and establish AN INDEPENDENT EMPIRE. IN ONE HUNDRED YEARS FROM THIS TIME, NO NATION COULD CONQUER SUCH A PEOPLE. Let not the history of David be forgotten. If the prophet Joseph would do this, MILLIONS WOULD FLOCK TO HIS STANDARD AND JOIN HIS CAUSE. He could then make his own laws by the voice of revelation, and have them executed like the act of one man.” DHC 5:171

This idea was suggested to the prophet Joseph two years before the actual political kingdom was set up.. Some time later the prophet Joseph wrote: “I instructed the twelve apostles to send out a delegation and investigate the locations of’ California and Oregon, and hunt out a good location, where we can remove to after the temple is completed, and where we can build a city in a day, AND HAVE A GOVERNMENT OF OUR OWN, get up into the mountains where the devil cannot dig us out and live in a healthful climate, where we can live as old as we have a mind to.” DHC 6:222

Brigham Young tried to carry out the purposes of the Kingdom which Joseph commenced and attempted to establish the nation of Deseret which was to be much larger than Utah is today. In the short time that he was able to work unhindered by his enemies he ruled the land through members of the Council of Fifty and he did away with all taxes and made preparations to finance the government through the tithing of the people so tithes and offerings would be their only tax. He desired to build the Kingdom envisioned by Joseph Smith, but he was hindered not only by the non members from the outside, but by his own people for they were like Israel of old who wanted to be like the other nations around them so they could be popular in the eyes of the world. The saints began to demand and petition for Statehood, instead of creating their own government. Brigham Young, on the other hand, said: “We have assembled ourselves together to become one, to become the children of God, the children of Zion, the children of light. We are here for the express purpose of separating- ourselves from the world and ESTABLISHING THAT ORDER OF GOVERNMENT THAT WE READ OF IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES; and we desire to see the glory of Zion upon the earth that has been spoken of by the prophets of God.” JD 12:266-7

Heber C. Kimball supported this idea: “He has called us to the work in which we are engaged, and he is educating us, as I said before, in order that by and by HE MAY HAVE A NATION of kings and priests, judges and rulers to help him bear government and RULE OVER THIS EARTH IN RIGHTEOUSNESS when the curse shall be taken from it, and when truth shall prevail from one end of the earth to the other.” JD 26:102-4

How can we deny that the early brethren looked forward to the actual establishment of an independent government in which they themselves would be kings and priests? If they could have only converted their own people to that idea the nation of Deseret would be an independent empire in the Rocky Mountains today. Has anyone stopped to think of what would have happened if Joseph, Brigham and others were successful in setting up such a thing? Mr. Bennett predicted that “in one hundred years from this time, no nation could conquer such a people.”

Although Mr. Bennett was a non member he seemed to speak with the voice of inspiration for even though the nation of Zion, or Deseret, may not have been that attractive to the Gentiles at first, if it had inspired leadership it would have grown much more desirable with time, especially after all the taxes which vex this people and other nations were introduced. Today our nation and all others have a very unstable money system and many investors are glad to trade American dollars for anything with real value that will not be devalued with inflation.

Now if there was a nation of Zion established in the midst of the Rocky Mountains today with a stable money system and no taxes at all, would not the rich of the world who are worried over losing their wealth want to invest such a secure nation? Would not large corporations want to set up manufacturing and headquarters in Zion where they would have no taxes and could make a much larger profit?

Just because the church missed one glorious opportunity to establish such a nation does not mean that all opportunity is lost for such an event is prophesied and the word of the Lord does not fail: “Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to The Holy One of Israel he hath glorified thee. And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces (from the Hebrew CHAYIL, which can also be translated as wealth or power) of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought (More accurately translated “And with the kings leading). For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea those nations shall be utterly wasted… The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despise thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” Isa 60:8-12,14

We are told several interesting things in this scripture. It is written that those who come to Zion will “fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows.” This language describes modern air travel as clearly as language could in the days of Isaiah; moreover it indicates that the Lord knew that the nation Zion would not be built in the days of Joseph Smith, but our own day when we can land in airports as doves on a window.

The second important thing we are told is that they will bring “their silver and gold with them” They will also bring their “forces” which should be translated as wealth or power. When Zion then receives the wealth and power of the nations she will have the power to “rebuke strong nations afar off” as prophesied by Micah.

A third important occurrence is that “the sons of strangers will build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee.” Orson Pratt gave his view as to how this will come to pass: “I will here again prophesy on the strength of former revelation that there are no people on the face of the whole globe, not even excepting London, Paris, New York, or any of the great mercantile cities of the globe, there are no people now upon the face of the earth, so rich as the Latter-Day Saints will be in a few years to come. Having their millions; therefore, they WILL PURCHASE THE LAND, BUILD UP CITIES TOWNS AND VILLAGES, build a great capital city, at headquarters, in Jackson County Missouri.” JD 21:136 Brigham Young also made many promises about the great wealth the people of the Lord will one day have, that the Lord will put much gold in their hands, and with all of this wealth we can hire all the labor and assistance needed from “the sons of strangers.”

The forth thing we are told is that “the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea those nations shall be utterly wasted.” This will not come to pass because Zion will use great physical strength to subdue them and force them to become one, but the unyielding nations shall perish for two reasons: (1) The common man will rebel against their leaders for not yielding to Zion, for when he learns of the glory and freedom there he will demand such privileges for himself. (2) Natural principles of cause and effect which one may term the wrath of God will be poured out upon such nations until they repent or perish. All are promised that God will fight the battles of Zion for a freedom won by blood must by blood be maintained, but if it is won by faith, it may be maintained by faith.

An interesting principle few realize is that the events in the Bible are actually a foreshadowing of a greater event in the last days and one of the greatest foreshadowings is the story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt and eventually spent seven years in prison. But when all looked darkest he was released arid given power over all Egypt second only to the Pharaoh. With this power he bought and stored the wheat of the world and when the famine came the wheat was worth its weight in gold and he was able to buy up the world. This foreshadows a great event not too distant in the future. The present true church, or saints of God are in the wilderness similar to the prison of Joseph. They will soon become spiritually free and gathered out and great wealth will be given into their hands and they will buy up the wheat and supplies of the world as did Joseph.

If this comes to pass in this manner then all the authorities of the world whether they be religious or political would either yield to Zion or try and fight them.

Daniel tells us that the kingdom of God will strike “the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, tire clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the Chaff of the summer threshing floors and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:34-35

One can see how the Kingdom of God can be established in the future after the governments of the world collapse, but many feel as if the hands of freedom are tied at the present and there is nothing much we can do to establish the Kingdom, but this is not so. Unless great preparations are made the next opportunity will also pass us by for even the prophecies in the scriptures are subject to the free will of man, else why did God say that there was a chance that the earth would be wasted at His coming? The question is then what are we to do? We are to prepare for the Kingdom of God by “buying lands and gathering together on them.” Once we are gathered together then such a people can be more fully taught in ways of righteousness and be prepared to become literal kings and priests of the Most High. The Lord does not expect us to upsurge any government ourselves, but to gather unto Him. He will deal with the nations for the benefit of Zion, and the Anti-Christ powers will fall by a natural means. When such a time comes that there is no supreme government in the land then it would be natural for a gathered people to set up one of their own. In the absence of government we would be violating no law for there would be no supreme law of the land, but if a people are unprepared for such an event then they will eventually turn into a mob themselves

We must be a free people and the word of the Lord to Jeremiah applies to us today: “Therefore, thus saith the Lord, Ye have not harkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, everyone to his brother, and every man to his neighbor.” Jer 34:17

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Ten

February 1, 2012February 1, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 10 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Ten

Salvation in Zion

Even if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which is supposed to be Zion does fail to live the commandments there will be those who try their best to live them and these will be looked upon by the Lord as the pure in heart or the Zion of God and among the righteous there is a promise from the Lord of escape or deliverance for He has said: “I will place salvation in Zion FOR ISRAEL” (Meaning many Israelites who did not gather because they were deceived).” Isa 46:13. In other words the pure in heart will save the country.

The escape will be miraculous for we are told that the meek “shall be HID in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph 2:3 “The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalms 9:12 “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. And the hail in descending COMES NOT ON YOU, but the wildwood. And in the low foothills shall the city lie low.” Isa 32:18-19 (Verse 19 is quoted from the CONCORDANT version which follows the Hebrew much more closely than the King James).

Again the Lord commands us to set up a refuge: “And with one heart and one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you. It shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, A CITY OF REFUGE, A PLACE OF SAFETY for the Saints of the Most High God. And the glory of God shall be there, and the terror of the Lord shall also be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion. And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto 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. And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand. And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among ALL nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.” D&C 45: 64-71

In speaking of this period the Prophet Isaiah said: “For thou hast made of a city an heap; of a defenced city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be rebuilt. (This seems to be speaking of the destruction of the cities on this continent.) Therefore, shall the strong people glorify thee, (The New Jerusalem) the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee.” Isa 25:2-3

The ancient Septuagint version indicates that there may have been some word changes here by an ancient scribe for in this we find that the word is “humble” and not “strong.” Both words make a certain amount of sense, but it seems more logical that it would be humble. What does “the city of terrible nations” mean? It could be more literally translated “A city of terrifying nations.” In other words so many other nations that have in the past caused terror will be terrified of Zion and their number will be so great that they will make a city Of nations which mere signifies a large group of nations who would be glorifying God.

Isaiah continues in speaking of the New Jerusalem: “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a REFUGE FROM THE STORM, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.” Isa 25:4

At this point the central stake will be redeemed, but even before this redemption much of the glory of Zion can be reached by the pure in heart gathering and striving to live in true brotherhood. The Lord indicates that this refuge will be more than one city: “And the Lord will create upon EVERY DWELLING PLACE of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:5-6

There is an interesting mistranslation here. “Upon all the glory shall be a defense” should be “Above all the glory is a covering.” In other words, there will be a cloud over Zion in the daytime that will turn bright in the night and covering this “flaming fire” or glory, shall be a canopy of some kind which will protect the inhabitants from the elements. This covering is an interesting point to consider. Apparently, the elements will become so fierce that the cities of Zion will have to be covered with some sort of shelter to physically protect the inhabitants from heat, storms, and rain. Isaiah indicates the reason we may need shelter from heat for he says: “Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be SEVENFOLD, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.” Isa 30:26 In other words, the light from the sun in one day here will be equal to the heat and light of SEVEN days.

Is it any wonder that “the elements will melt with fervent heat” (II Peter 3:10) in the day of the Lord. John also talks about the day of great heat: “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun, and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were SCORCHED WITH GREAT HEAT, and blasphemed the name of God, which had power over these plagues; and they repented not to give him glory.” Rev 16:8-9

If the sun flares up seven times as bright it is then only logical that the moon would also increase in brightness since it is merely a reflector of the sun. All of this merely serves to indicate the future need the saints will have for protection, not only from wicked mobs, but from the elements. Whether the protection will come from inspired inventions or from God himself we do not know, but whatever the case great faith must be exerted to prepare a people for the day. We cannot be like those who failed to build Zion in 1834 who said: “Where is their God? Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up unto Zion, and we will keep our moneys.” D&C 105:8 Most of those who call themselves Latter-Day Saints have this same attitude and say “We do not need to gather today. God will deliver in a time of trouble and there is no need, therefore we will keep our place in the world.” But remember O ye blind that follow the blind. God did not deliver the saints in Missouri and he will not deliver you unless you remember this important advice: “Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.” D&C 105:5 Enoch built Zion by gathering the Saints and so must we.

Has there ever been a time in history when there was a manifestation such as described by Isaiah when he says that Zion will be covered with a cloud by day and a flaming fire by night? The most well known experience was in the time of Moses. We are told that “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.” EX 13:21 This strange cloud which turned bright at night had the Lord’s presence in it for He often spoke out of the cloud. Later the cloud hovered over the tabernacle the Israelites built: “And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the CLOUD COVERED THE TABERNACLE, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.” Numbers 9:15-16

A fire also appeared on the day of Pentecost: “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues LIKE AS OF FIRE, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4.

Again in our age on March 27, 1836 at the dedication of the Kirtland temple we find a similar occurrence: “Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy, when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and SEEING A BRIGHT LIGHT LIKE A PILLAR OF FIRE RESTING UPON THE TEMPLE), and were astonished at what was taking place.” DHC 2:428 (Parentheses in the original)

Notice here that the fire was so real that the neighbors who were non members also saw it and were “astonished.” We have another interesting account of this event: “In the morning Father Smith prayed for a Pentecost, in the opening of the meeting. That day the power of God rested mightily upon the saints. There was poured out upon us abundantly the spirit of revelation, prophesying and tongues. The Holy Ghost filled the house; and along in the afternoon a noise was heard. It was the sound of a mighty rushing wind. But at first the congregation was startled, not knowing what it was. TO MANY IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ROOF WAS ALL IN FLAMES. Father Smith exclaimed, ‘Is the house on fire!”‘ WOMEN OF MORMONDOM Pg 208

We are also told that “The angels of the Lord appeared unto them and cloven tongues of FIRE sat upon many of them and they prophesied and spoke in tongues.” ERASTUS SNOW SKETCHBOOK Page 1.

This is just part of what happened. Throngs of angels were seen and Jesus was reported to have sat in the congregation. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw their great vision.

Why is it that these great manifestations occurred at the Kirtland temple and have not reoccurred on the same scale since? There are several reasons for this:

FIRST: The pattern of the temple was given by revelation, which pattern was followed. One witness relates: “About this time Frederick G. Williams, one of President Smith’s counselors, came into the temple, when the following dialogue took place in my presence.

Carpenter Rolph said, Doctor, what do you think of the HOUSE?

He answered, It looks to me like the pattern precisely. Then he related the following:

Joseph received the word of the Lord for him to take his two councilors Williams and Rigdon and come before the Lord, and He would show them the plan or model of the House to be built. We went upon our knees, called on the Lord, and the building appeared within viewing distance: I being the first to discover it. Then all of us viewed together.

After we had taken a good look at the exterior, the building seemed to come right over us, and the makeup of this hall seemed to coincide with what I saw to a minutia.

Joseph was accordingly enabled to dictate to the mechanics, and his counselors stood as witnesses; and this was strictly necessary in order to satisfy the spirit of unbelief in consequence of the weakness or childishness of the Brethren of those days.” Autobiography of Truman O Angell Pg 4-5

Brigham Young affirmed this statement: “Joseph not only received a revelation and commandment to build a temple, but HE RECEIVED A PATTERN. ALSO AS DID MOSES for the tabernacle, and Solomon for his temple; for without a pattern, he could not know what was wanting.” JD 2:31

Thus we see that one of the reasons for the manifestations of the Spirit was that the saints followed the pattern revealed from heaven,

SECOND: The Quorums of the Priesthood were in order. This order was not obtained without difficulty. Joseph said: “I labored with each of these quorums for some time to bring them to the order which God had shown to me… I had considerable trouble to get all the quorums united in this order. I went from room to room REPEATEDLY, and charged each separately, assuring them that it was according to the mind of God, yet notwithstanding all my labor, while I was in the east room with the Bishop’s quorum, I felt, by the spirit, that something was wrong in the quorum of Elders in the West room, and I immediately requested Presidents Oliver Cowdery and Hyrum Smith to go and see what was the matter. The Quorum of Elders had not observed the order which I had given them… This caused the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw… The other quorums were more careful…” 11 DHC 2:391-392 Then through much labor Joseph got the quorums in proper enough order to receive great manifestations, but he said that if certain orders revealed from God are obeyed then certain results will follow. If the correct order is not followed then there will be no results. In the Kirtland Temple they followed the correct order and they obtained the results.

Are the LDS following the correct order today? Since they do not have the results does that not make it obvious that the correct order is not followed? When the temples are dedicated today does a pillar of fire rest upon it? Why not? If they were following the correct order then such results would be automatic, but unfortunately, the temples are weighed in the balance and found wanting. It is true that some of the earlier ones besides the Kirtland Temple had some manifestations, but the order has never been followed closely enough to produce a similar endowment. The Lord said: “Yea I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and DO NOT POLLUTE THIS HOLY HOUSE.” D&C 110:8

Concerning a house to be built for the Presidency of the church the Lord said: “And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; AND MY GLORY SHALL BE THERE, AND MY PRESENCE SHALL BE THERE. But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, MY GLORY SHALL NOT BE THERE; AND MY PRESENCE SHALL NOT COME UNTO IT.” D&C 94:8-9

Now people can say all day long that they feel in their hearts that the glory of God is in our temples today, but so do the Baptists about their buildings, but no one can deny that they do not have manifestations of VISIBLE glory, even to non-members, as they did in Kirtland. If the Lord’s actual glory and presence are there it will produce an effect as it did in the days of Moses and on the day of Pentecost, and in the Kirtland temple. If this glory is not manifest then the correct procedure has NOT been followed.

In speaking of the temple to be built in Jackson County the Lord said “a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord WHICH SHALL FILL THE HOUSE.” D&C 84:5

One of the reasons the Lord allowed the Saints to be driven from there was that if he would have allowed them to stay and build the temple in their unworthy condition his house would have been polluted by some and the Lord would not have been able to fulfill his prophecy for in order to produce the result a certain order must be followed.

Now we come to an interesting point that few people have contemplated, and that is that the glory which the Lord plans to reveal in his temples is merely a type or symbol of the greater glory which will be manifest in His stakes or cities. We can see the correspondence from the microcosm to the macrocosm. An individual human being is inherently a Son of God and God is at times able to manifest his glory through him when the right principles are followed. For instance, we have Moses when he came off the mount; he was so filled with the glory of God the people could not look upon him and they covered him with a veil so as to endure his presence. The same thing to a possible greater extent happened to Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration: “His face did shine as the sun.” Matt 17:2

As we advance up the scale we find that the physical temples we build are merely symbols of the temples we call bodies and must be built after a certain pattern to correspond with certain laws just as our body conforms to laws and when the laws are utilized the glory of God is manifest. But since a temple, which is a physical building, can house numerous smaller temples, or physical bodies, if there is no pollution then much greater glory can be revealed.

On the other hand, the temple building only foreshadows an even greater glory to be manifest through a stake or city of Zion. If such a city or stake is not polluted then the glory which in the past, has only been revealed in a small way, in small areas, will be manifest over a large area which will fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy that a flaming fire will be over Zion. The whole city would be aflame with the glory of God just as the Kirtland temple was on a smaller scale. Never in recorded history do we find such an event, but it would transpire today if there was even ONE stake of Zion built after the order that God has commanded and it was filled with those who would not pollute the holy place which pollution stops the flow of the Spirit and one tiny short circuit can be responsible for shutting down the lights of an entire city.

Exploring further we see that once the glory of God is manifest through a city we again have only a foreshadowing of something greater. The greater goal is to build Zion all over North and South America, and after that the whole world and when this happens then “the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isa 6:3 “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea,” Isa 11:9

Actually, the power and glory of God is not to be created, but it is to be revealed, for God’s glory is always present. The scriptures tell us that we are covered or shielded from it. When the glory of God is revealed we do not create it, but we merely lift the fog of unbelief to reveal the light.

The Lord said: “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; and prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the COVERING OF MY TEMPLE in my tabernacle, WHICH HIDETH THE EARTH SHALL BE TAKEN OFF, and all flesh shall see me together. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of fowls of the heavens: or of the fish of the sea, that dwells upon all the face of the earth shall be consumed; and also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon ALL THE EARTH.” D&C 101:22-25

When man lives God’s laws he rents the veil between heaven and earth. The same thing happens when a building conforms to the laws, and the same for a city, a nation, or a planet. When the planet as a whole then conforms to the law the veil will dissolve, for the veil is only created by man’s ignorance. Then we will have an entirely new heaven before our eyes and the earth will be rearranged and become new making a “new heaven and new earth.” In a future day we are told that the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will have “no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the light thereof… there shall be no night there…” Rev 21:23&25

The principle of covering or uncovering the glory of God was illustrated by Christ when he said: “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matt 6:22-23

The eye of the human race and of the planet are those who are the prophets, seers, and saints of mankind – the true race of Israel. These are to be the “saviors on Mount Zion.” However, if their eye is evil, or set on the glory of the world and not God then they and the rest of mankind will have covered themselves from God and “How great is that darkness!” But if we have a few who go forward with an eye single to the glory of God and not man then the whole of that body of people “shall be full of light” which light will eventually fill the whole world rending the veil fulfilling the promise of God that “Heaven and earth shall come together.”

The process is then repeated on many earths and spheres, all of them eventually revealing the glory of God, so as far as they fulfill the law.

When this glory begins to manifest through individuals then “two shall put their tens of thousands to flight. And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thrash the nations by the power of his Spirit.” D&C, 133: 58-59 “And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.” I Nephi 13:37 The Lord also said: “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you.” Eze 11:19

Joseph Smith also gave an indication as to how the world is to be subdued: “It will not be by sword or gun that the kingdom will roll on; the power of truth is such that all nations will be under the necessity of obeying the gospel.” DHC 6:365.

The church often quotes the following scripture as pertaining to genealogy work only: “And saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” Obadiah verse 21 the LDS believe one may be a savior in doing a saving work for the dead but the Hebrew for savior is YASHA which means “to deliver or bring to safety.” Few realize that the actual intent of Obadiah was NOT intended toward genealogy work, but pertaining to a physical deliverance in this life.

If we read Obadiah in its correct context we see that the Lord is talking about Esau and the world as a whole and is speaking of the final deliverance of Israel and the destruction of Esau and the world, We are told that “all the heathen drink continually; yea, they shall drink (damnation), and they shall swallow down, AND THEY SHALL BE AS THOUGH THEY HAD NOT BEEN. BUT UPON MOUNT ZION SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

“And the house Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be ANY REMAINING of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it.” Obadiah verses 16- 18

We are told that there will be great destruction and again that the Lord “will not spare ANY that remain in Babylon” D&C 64:24, or in this case among the world and Esau, but “upon mount Zion shall be deliverance.” “Deliverance” comes from the Hebrew PeLETAH, which literally means “an escaped remnant.” In other words, there will be an escaped portion that will dwell in Zion. These who escape and help others to be delivered from destruction are call “saviors” or deliverers on mount Zion.

It’s obvious that Orson Hyde did his homework and studied the chapter for himself for he said: “Where is the mount of Esau? It is the world at large, the wickedness of which God hates. YOU ARE A SAVIOR ON MOUNT ZION WHEN YOU HELP YOUR BRETHREN GATHER. When will it be that the angels are sent to gather in the remnant? It will be just at the time when the saints have done ALL that is in their power to do, and can do no more.” JD 2:68 All of this agrees with the prophet Joseph: “There will be here and there a stake (of Zion) for the gathering of the saints … We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object, when wars come, we shall have to FLEE to Zion.” DHC 3:390

Before we can “flee” to Zion there has to be a Zion to flee to, thus it should be our “greatest object” to build it up.

Unfortunately, the church today seems completely unaware of how Zion will be built for they really believe that they are building it today and that the New Jerusalem will be just another stake. A Church News editorial said: “But Jerusalem itself will be a development from the Lord’s kingdom in the mountains. Here the prophets abide. FROM HERE will they establish the central stake AS THEY DO ALL OTHER STAKES.” CHURCH NEWS May 26, 1979

To the contrary, the New Jerusalem will not be just another stake established from Salt Lake, but when it is established it will be the NEW headquarters for the pyre in heart and FROM there will the law go forth not Salt Lake. It will not be a stake established like “all other stakes,” but it will be a city of refuge established in a day of great tribulation When cities are destroyed and communications are broken up then the authorities will not be able to establish it from their ivory towers at their leisure, but the effort will take all the energy of the most Holy of the saints, and such effort will be crucial to the physical survival of the righteous.

In view of all of this evidence I am amazed to hear some people say: “So what if I were to die in the tribulation! We are not supposed to be afraid to die. If we keep the commandments we will go to the celestial kingdom and all will be well.”

Such gross ignorance is nothing new. Brigham Young had to contend with it in his day. He said: “Latter-Day Saints who live merely to get ready to die are not worth much; RATHER GET READY TO LIVE, and be prepared to live to the glory of your Father in heaven, and to do the work he has given you to do. THAT IS OUR DUTY, and then we shall be-ready to receive our blessings.” JD 2:271

I’m sure Lehi had lo also contend with such individuals when he was warning the people of the destruction of Jerusalem. They probably said: “So what if we die? Our God is pleased with us. We live the law of Moses.”

The people in the days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorra, the Jaredites, the Jews in the days of Jesus… All of them probably said the same thing. However, when destruction came upon them they all found that they were of all people the least prepared to die and fear and terror reigned in their breast much more than would have done in others who try and prepare to live.

What would have happened if men such as Noah, Lot, Abraham, Lehi and others said: “So what if I die?” If they had not made preparations to live where would you and I be? Most importantly where would they be? They would be under great condemnation.

Of course, we should not be afraid to die for what is right, but many forget our responsibility to live, not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Suppose one more soul would have repented and entered the ark with Noah? Today he would probably have about a billion descendants that would praise his name for making the effort to live according to the witness he received. As it is, there is not the name of one person or his children who lived at the time of Noah who is remembered on the earth today. Even Noah is not remembered for his success as a preacher, but his name is great today merely because he obeyed the Lord and physically survived. The same is true today. If we can just survive the desolations which await us, that by itself will be a monument to our wisdom for future generations to praise. On the other hand, even if one has no desire to save his own skin, we have a duty to our posterity to do it. Can you imagine the sorrow of one who through his folly dies in the desolation ahead only to be greeted on the other side by thousands of souls who planned to come through his lineage?

Let us be as wise virgins so our children will be those who share the joys of the world to come.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Nine

January 31, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 9 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Author’s Note: My readers will note that compared with my writings today I had kind of a more black and white Old Testament approach in this treatise. There are two reasons for this difference. The first is that I started this treatise when I was still engulfed in the LDS thoughtform and concentrating on studying the scriptures and historical church writings. Secondly, 1979 was a terrible economic period and many people, religious and non religious, believed an economic collapse was coming. It appeared that the stressful times predicted by the prophets was approaching so the time of a stark warning seemed appropriate.

Great destructions and turbulence come to the earth in cycles and we do not know for sure when the next one will be but a place of refuge, as taught here, makes a lot of sense, especially one that is self sufficient enough to survive a calamity.

Chapter Nine

A Refuge From The Storm

On April 26, 1838 the Lord commanded the saints: “Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and UPON HER STAKES, MAY BE FOR A DEFENSE, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.” 11 D&C 115:5-6

It is the misconception of the age that the saints read this scripture and obtain a sense of security merely because they call their local diocese a stake. The stakes today are not in the least prepared to be a place of refuge since they are all in the middle of Babylon which shall fall, they shall fall also, and in no sense of the imagination can one say that the stakes are prepared to be “for a defense.” The stakes of today are no more prepared than are the diocese of the sectarians. In a last ditch attempt in an emergency they will also make every effort according to the wisdom of man to save themselves. But we are clearly told over and over and over that physical salvation as well as spiritual can only be assured through the gathering.

There is a saying that a rose called by any other name is still a rose. Today we call a diocese a stake, but it is still a diocese, for a diocese consists of congregations of Christians mixed with Babylon, and that is exactly what we have in our stakes today, but it has not always been so. As we have mentioned earlier a Stake was originally designed to be an actual gathering spot which was to be developed into a city of Zion with a maximum population of 20,000 saints. In fact all those gathering places which were designed to be permanent stakes were cities for the first fifty years of church organization. Many of the early stakes in the days of Joseph Smith were established when there was barely a branch there. The following six stakes were all set off in a period covering about two weeks. They were: Lima, Quincy, Mount Hope, Freedom, Geneva, and Springfield. All of these were designed to be cities surrounding Nauvoo and some of them were mere whistle stops at the time. The one thing they had in common was not that they each had several thousand saints as required today, but that each was appointed as a gathering place for the saints to be a future place of refuge.

The scriptures give many indications that the stakes are cities: “A commandment I give unto you that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and foundation of THE CITY OF THE STAKE OF ZION, here in the land of Kirtland.” D&C 94:1

Also the Lord said: “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 BUILD CITIES UNTO MY NAME, that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come. LET THEM BUILD UP A CITY UNTO MY NAME upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.” D&C 125:2-3 Zarahemla is officially listed in the history of the church as the forth stake of Zion officially organized nearly two years before-this revelation on Oct 5, 1839, but since a successful gathering was not yet effected there and a city was not built as the Lord directed he reminded the Saints of their responsibility to build a city there.

In church history we read that the saints were commanded to “go forth and lay off other stakes of Zion, OR PLACES OF GATHERING, so that the poor may have a place of refuge, or places of refuge, in the day of tribulation which is coming swiftly on the earth.” DHC 2:516

Is it not sad that there is not a stake of Zion on the earth today? Yet they have to be built. The physical salvation of the saints depends on it. Listen further to the words of the early brethren:

”How then is the Lord to dwell in Zion if Zion be not built up? This question we leave the saints to answer. The salvation of the saints one and all depends on the building up of Zion, for without this there is no salvation, for deliverance in the last days is found in Zion and in Jerusalem, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call or in other words, IN THE STAKES which he shall appoint (Joel 2:32). It is Zion where the Lord is to create upon every dwelling place and upon her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. It is upon the glory of Zion that there will be a defense. It is in Zion that there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from heat, and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain (Isaiah 4:5-6). It is upon the walls of Zion where the watchmen shall see eye to eye (Isaiah 52:8).

“Whatever is glorious, whatever is desirable, whatever pertains to salvation, either temporal or spiritual, our hopes, our expectations, our glory, and our reward, ALL DEPEND ON OUR BUILDING UP ZION according to the testimony of the prophets, for unless Zion is built our hopes perish, our expectations fail, our prospects are blasted, our salvation withers, and GOD WILL COME AND SMITE THE WHOLE EARTH WITH A CURSE. Hear, then, O ye Saints of the last days! And let this our appeal have a favorable reception among you. Let every Saint consider well the nature of his calling in the last days, and the great responsibility which rests upon him or her, as one to whom God has revealed His will; and make haste not only to the relief of Kirtland, but also to the building up of Zion. Let every man and every woman give heed the very instant they embrace the gospel and exert themselves with energy to send the means to build up Zion, for our God bids us to hasten the building of the city, saying the time has come when the city must be pushed forward with unceasing exertions, for behold the day of calamity draweth neigh, and unless the saints hasten the building of the city they will not escape.

“Be admonished, then, O ye Saints! And let not covetousness, which is idolatry, nor worldly ambition hinder you; but gather up your gold and your silver and all the means you have and send on to the saints who are engaged in this great work of building the Zion of God, that there may be a place of refuge for you and your children in the day of God’s vengeance, when he shall come down on Idumea, or the world, in his fury and stamp them down in His wrath, AND NONE SHALL ESCAPE BUT THE INHABITANTS OF ZION. What we say unto one we say unto all, haste, haste, haste, and delay not! for the hour of desolation does not linger, and with all the power that the saints have, and with all the diligence they can use THEY WILL SCARCELY ESCAPE.

“The time is not far distant when some of those who now deride and mock the saints for devoting their all to build up the Zion of God, WILL BLESS THEIR NAME FOR HAVING PROVIDED A CITY OF REFUGE FOR THEM AND THEIR CHILDREN, regardless of the ravings of ungodly priests, and the mockings of a stupid and ignorant people.” Letter from the Stake Bishopric in Kirtland. DHC 2:516-517

If they were to hasten and build up the cities of Zion in 1837 so that they “will scarcely escape” then how much more – pressed should We feel in this day? Today we have no escape should there be a collapse of the government, or even the dollar. We have no refuge from the mobs of angry men that would be running rampant and worst of all the saints today “are walking in darkness at noon- day.” D&C 95:6 for Joseph warned that if we do not keep the commandments: “I prophesy – I speak the truth, I lie not – God shall take away their talent (The church), and give it to those who have no talent, AND SHALL PREVENT THEM FROM EVER OBTAINING A PLACE OF REFUGE, or an inheritance upon the land of Zion.” DHC 2:48

As usual Joseph’s prophesy has come to pass. Today we have no place of refuge and the finger of blame points at the shepherds of Israel.

“But,” says one, “God would not allow such a thing to happen. If the gathering is this important then God would speak to the leaders and straighten them out. Surely he wouldn’t allow millions of Latter-Day Saints be deceived?”

What makes you think so? After all, if it was that easy why didn’t the Lord just speak to the Pope instead of coming to an insignificant boy like Joseph Smith? Why does he let millions of Baptists go astray? Do not the Latter-Day Saints believe that millions, perhaps billions of people will be destroyed in the latter days because they heed not the word of the prophets? If God governs other people this way then why do we believe that we are an exception?

The Jews in the days of Lehi believed that they were an exception because they were God’s chosen people living in God’s chosen city and they believed that God would not allow them to be destroyed, but many cursed God and died when the destruction came. They were no better than anyone else who did not obey the principles of salvation.

Why does the LDS people today claim to have immunity? Why do they somehow believe it is “different” today?

Behold the commandments and the words of the prophets are already before us and we heed them not, and when the word of God is not heeded they receive not the blessing, and if they are not entitled to the blessing, then why do you suppose it would be wisdom in God to force a revelation upon his people, even a revelation that they have already received? God forces no revelation upon anyone, but each revelation has to be sought for. We must “ask” to receive.

Numerous times from the conference stand we have heard the scripture quoted: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” D&C 38:30. We might mention here that there is a second group of people who do not fear, at least for the present, to them the Lord might have said: “If ye are thoroughly blind and ignorant of the scriptures you will not fear, until it is too late.”

In order to prepare so we will not fear the authorities have admonished members to (1) Get at least a year’s supply of food. (2) Get out of debt. (3) Stay healthy mentally and physically, (4) follow your leaders, (5) Get spiritually prepared by attending meetings, praying and having home evening and (6) Do good in the community.

All of these objectives sound good to the natural man and they even receive the praise of the world, but the saints are like the son whose father commanded him to change a flat tire and instead he polished the car. What kind of praise do you think the son would receive if the father had to take the baby to the hospital in an emergency in the middle of the night with a flat tire? Only a fool would think that the father might beam with joy over the good polish job.

The authorities today have done a good polish job, but they still have not done as commanded, and an emergency is at hand and the Father of lights is greatly displeased.

Let us read the rest of the scripture and see what is really necessary so we will not fear: “I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lost the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. AND THAT YE MAY ESCAPE THE POWER OF THE ENEMY, AND BE GATHERED unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless… And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. AND GO YE OUT FROM AMONG THE WICKED. SAVE YOURSELVES.” D&C 38:30-31,41-42

What then are we clearly commanded to do to prepare ourselves so that we will not fear? The Lord said “Be gathered unto me a righteous people,” for without this the earth will be wasted at his coming.

As it is the LDS people are not prepared and all but the most blinded do fear or are at least concerned about it. Many saints realize that if a famine did come they would have to share their food with others and they would not have enough for themselves. Many realize they could be left without fuel and electricity and their children may freeze to death if they do not have enough money to store up a large supply of wood for themselves or borrow from the neighbor. (Good luck!) Many realize that our economy is in grave danger and believe there is nothing they can do about it.

If Latter-Day Saints will be honest with themselves they will admit that they do fear and are greatly concerned, even if they are doing all they can to follow the brethren But if we would have followed the Lord’s commandment we would have today many self sufficient cities built to the name of the Lord. The workers in these cities would not be subject to strike, or electrical shutdowns, or mob violence and they would even continue to operate if there was a complete collapse of the dollar, for the inhabitants would be working for the glory of God and not self. If the Saints had been faithful and continued the gathering then the inhabitants of such cities would not fear. God would even protect them in their righteousness from natural calamities as he has promised.

Behold! The day is late and the night draweth near, but it is not too late. The Lord has promised that if we go forward with all of our might that he will hold back the storm sufficiently so a righteous gathering can still take place and cities of refuge will yet be built and the inhabitants will not fear, whereas all the preparations of the orthodox Mormons will fail. Their year’s supply will be stolen or confiscated. They are told to get out of debt, but almost all of them are in debt and when the dollar takes a sharp drop in value even those with a regular mortgage will lose their homes. They are told to stay healthy, but I just talked to an individual who was trying to do that and was excommunicated for being a vegetarian. We are told that “a desolating sickness shall cover the land” (D&C 45:31) and those Latter-Day Saints who do not obey the commandments given plainly in the scriptures, the iron rod, will be trodden down by it.

The picture is not pretty. The Lord said: “My blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come upon them; And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets; And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up.” D&C 29:17-20

That’s a good enough reason there for me to gather my family and friends into a place of refuge that the Lord has appointed. The Lord has clearly said “I will not spare ANY that remain in Babylon,” D&C 64:24. Yet in spite of this the Mormon people expect to remain in the world where wickedness reigns and by some miraculous self righteous means stay healthy and well while their next door neighbor who is a non Mormon is covered with flies and maggots and his flesh is falling off his bones. How foolish and blind are the thoughts of man without revelation from God! When Isaiah speaks to “Ephriam” of our day he says “When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then YE SHALL BE TRODDEN DOWN BY IT. From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you; for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night; and IT SHALL BE A VEXATION ONLY TO UNDERSTAND THE REPORT.” Isa 28- 18-19 What report is that? This is part of the report right here, the literal gathering of Israel. The vexation will also give the righteous power to set in order the church.

If we obey all the commandments which includes the gathering of Israel we are told: “He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence… Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee… There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Psalms 91:3, 5-7, 10.

For the wicked the desolation also includes famine. Isaiah says:

“Protect your gardens on the day that you plant them and the next day make your seed sprout. But the crop will be scorched when the wasting disease comes, in the day of incurable pain.” Isaiah 17:11 New English Then to further complicate matters “there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.” D&C 29:16 With all of these troubles in sight does not common sense tell us that the Lord’s commandment to build cities of refuge is wise and must be obeyed or we will be wasted along with the wicked?

Orson Pratt verified the desolation which will come, He said that God will visit America “with judgments that are terribly severe that will cause them to lie by the hundreds and thousands unburied FROM ONE END OF THE LAND TO THE OTHER, to be meat for the fowls of the air and the beasts of the earth. Why? Because the judgments will be swift, giving no time for burial. Inquires one: ‘Do you really believe that such judgments are coming upon our nation?’ I do not merely believe, but I KNOW IT.” JD 17:319

We see here that the judgments of God will be terrible, but there is much more. Many more terrible desolations are portrayed in the Book of Revelation, but to relate them here would be to belabor the point for with the evidence presented all can see that places of refuge will be necessary, and all SHOULD see that as of the moment there is no where to flee to as commanded in the scriptures.

Numerous times in the scriptures there is mentioned a remnant of Israel that will “escape.” It is obvious why the prophets used this word for we see that there will be much to escape from: “For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should NO FLESH BE SAVED.” Matt 24:21-22. Although this scripture seems to apply to the past tribulations of the Jews, it also seems applicable to these latter days.

The Lord said that “the saints also shall hardly escape, nevertheless, I, the Lord, am with them.” D&C 63:34,

“And it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob shall no more again stay (depend) upon him that smote them; but stay (depend) upon the Lord, the Holy one of Israel, in truth.” Isa 10:20

“And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy.” Isa 4:2-3

Ezekiel also talks about this escape: “The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. But they THAT ESCAPE OF THEM shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys.” Eze. 7:15-16 The Lord tells us how Zion can escape: “For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and WHO SHALL ESCAPE IT? The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea it shall not be stayed until the Lord come; For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works. Nevertheless, Zion shall ESCAPE IF she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her (Including the gathering). BUT if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with SORE AFFLICTION, WITH PESTILENCE. WITH PLAGUE. WITH SWORD. WITH VENGEANCE. WITH DEVOURING FIRE.” D&C 97:22-26

We know that the children of Zion have not done all the things they have been commanded, which includes the gathering, so for those who refuse to obey the commandments we “HAVE” (past tense) been given there awaits a harsh visitation. Nevertheless, the Lord still outlined here the way of escape and that way is still opened to anyone who will open the door and do what God has commanded. What has God commanded? “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 101:22 “Gather my saints together unto me; those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalms 50:5 Joseph Smith commanded the Elders “to teach the gathering as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.” DHC 4:109. Are the LDS doing these things? “No,” says one, “The prophet has not commanded us to.” This person is sadly mistaken because the Lord has already given us the way of escape and the reason he doesn’t repeat it over and over is because he said: “Nevertheless, let it be read THIS ONCE to her (Zion’s) ears.” D&C 97:27 He gave a strong warning of the way to escape ONCE and he is not under obligation to repeat it again and again, for we all have it written before us.

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The Literal Gathering of Israel, Chapter Eight

January 30, 2012January 30, 2012 Joseph Dewey

This entry is part 8 of 16 in the series Literal Gathering

Chapter Eight

The Gathering Must Take Place Before The Second Coming

Many people today seem to be getting the idea that Jesus could come most any time, but few realize that among the many events that must take place before he can come – even to a group of people, is the gathering of Israel. The Lord commanded the building of the New Jerusalem “that my covenant people MAY BE GATHERED IN ONE IN THAT DAY WHEN I SHALL COME TO MY TEMPLE. AND THIS I DO FOR THE SALVATION OF MY PEOPLE.” D&C 42:36 Isn’t that interesting that the gathering of the elect at his second coming is “for the salvation of his people?” This is in perfect harmony with a statement by Joseph Smith: “There is no other way for the saints to be saved in these last days, than by the gathering, as the concurrent testimony of all the Holy Prophets clearly proves… It is also the concurrent testimony of all the prophets, that this gathering together of ALL saints, MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE LORD COMES to take vengeance upon the ungodly, and to be glorified and admired by all those who obey the gospel.” DHC 4:272

Again from the scriptures we have more evidence: “Righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place which I shall prepare, a 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 7:62

How could they be looking forth to the time of his coming after Zion is built if he is coming previous to that as many believe? We are plainly told here that the Saints will still be looking for the coming of the Lord even after they are dwelling in the new Jerusalem.

Joseph Smith again verifies this: “BEFORE the tabernacle can be with men, the elect must be gathered from the four quarters of the earth.” And to show further upon this subject of the gathering, Moses, after having pronounced the blessing and cursing upon the children of Israel, for their obedience or disobedience, says thus: ‘And it shall come to pass, when these things shall come upon thee, the blessing and the curse which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind, among the nations whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey his voice, according to all that I command thee, this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thine soul, then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return AND GATHER THEE FROM ALL THE NATIONS whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee. If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will He fetch thee.’” (Deut 30:1-4)” DHC 2:261

As further evidence of this point we quote the presiding Bishopric in Kirtland from the History of the Church; These men were taught directly by Joseph Smith: “Every saint has an equal interest in building up the Zion of our God, for it is AFTER the Lord has built up Zion that he will appear in his glory (Psalm cii:16). We all look for the appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, but we shall look in vain UNTIL ZION IS BUILT, for Zion is to be the dwelling place of our God when he comes.” DHC 2:516.

Few seem to realize that Jesus does not want a repeat performance of his last visit when he comes again this time. If He were to appear now in our unprepared condition the Latter-day Saints would reject him and accuse him of operating by the power of the devil just as the ancient Jews did. The reason is, of course, that be would teach many of the deeper mysteries and concepts which would seem as foolishness to the natural man. “His reward is with him” or, in other words, the great knowledge within him can only be shared with a prepared people. Only those who are “seeking” and “knocking” as they were commanded will appreciate the Lord when he comes.

One of the main reasons for substantiating the fact that the

literal gathering must take place before the second coming is because of the gross misunderstanding of the following scripture: “Then shall two men be, in the field; one is taken and one is left: two women shall be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left. Watch therefore, for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh.” MATT 24:40-42

Often when the gathering concept is presented to the Latter- Day Saints they will quote this scripture and then state their belief that all that is needed is personal righteousness for then he can live in a large city and if he is worthy then the Lord will rapture him away to safety at his coming.

This is a great and dangerous deception by the craftiness of men, and it was never taught by the prophets but many of the saints now believe that because of this future rapture that a gathering is no longer necessary for why do we need to be gathered away from the wicked if we are going to be raptured from them anyway in the future?

Actually, this reasoning would be fairly accurate if this was the correct interpretation of the scripture, but as we shall show this belief is a mere sectarian notion which leads people into a false sense of security, just as the Jews were in before the destruction of Jerusalem.

There are several flaws and contradictions in this belief and the most obvious is the idea that we no longer need a gathering be cause of the future rapture. Have we not clearly shown in the last few pages that this is false by quoting the prophets as saying that Zion must be built and the saints gathered BEFORE the second coming? Yet this supposed rapture is to take place AT the coming of the son of Man. (See Matt 24:39) Moreover Matthew chapter twenty-four itself relates the gathering of the elect before this rapture event. About ten verses previous we find: “They shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt 24:31 Consequently, Matthew and all the other prophets teach that the elect have to be gathered BEFORE the second coming and BEFORE any supposed rapture.

Actually, people read this scripture, and they think that it is merely referring to the separation of the good and evil people throughout the world, but few realize that at the fulfillment of this scripture most of the really evil people will have already been separated from the earth. We have already quoted scriptures showing how desolation will come and cities will lay waste so those who expect to live in a city of Babylon and be raptured will find themselves “utterly burned with fire” long before the second coming transpires.

What then is the true meaning of this rapture scripture? We have several interesting clues: (1) This is event will take place AFTER the literal gathering of Israel. (2) It will happen at the advent of the Son of Man. (3) One half were taken and one half left. (4) These people referred to were all among those who were commanded to “watch” or, in other words, the saints of God.

This is illustrated more fully in the Inspired Version “And then cometh the end of the wicked according to the prophecy of Moses, saying, They should be cut off from among the people.” Matt 24:56 I.V. This scripture indicates that Jesus is referring to a final separation of the sheep from the goats. In other words, there are two separations which must occur. The first separation is to happen in the immediate gathering when the Telestial people will be left behind. In speaking of the Telestial people Joseph Smith said that “these are they who WILL NOT BE GATHERED WITH THE SAINTS, to be caught up.” D&C 76:102. Concerning this first separation we are told that there will be “one of a city and two of a family” Jer 3:14 or a very small percentage of the people. But concerning this second separation, which will separate the Celestial from the Terrestrial people, we are told that a full HALF will be on each side. This is reiterated in the parable of the ten virgins with one half wise and one half foolish, or “deceived by the craftiness of men.”

An examination of the Greek words involved here will shed further light on the interpretation. In the scripture Jesus compares His coming with the days of Noah where the people were unprepared then and adds: “so shall be the coming of the son of Man. then two men shall be in the field; one is taken and one is left…”

Two key words here are “taken” and “left.” Taken here comes from the Greek word PARALAMBANO which literally means “to accept or receive into a close relationship.” The word “left” comes from the Greek APHIEMI which literally means “to send away.” Thus if we translate the scripture according to the true meaning we have: “Then two men shall be in the field; one shall be received into full fellowship (By the Christ) and the other one shall be sent away.” This agrees with the inspired Version which says that the unworthy “should be cut off from among the people” in that day.

We might point out here that those who are cut off may not all be terrestrial people for there may yet be telestial people even gathered with the saints, or perhaps some will have lowered themselves to that state as indicated: “But if my evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him.” Matt 24:48-49 We are told that this individual is a servant of the Lord who will have survived the desolations and will be here when the Lord comes, but he will loose faith and not be received into full fellowship, but will be sent away to dwell with the hypocrites.

This is all reiterated in the parable of the Virgins which follows the rapture scripture: “And then, at that day, before the Son of man comes, the Kingdom of Heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and WENT FORTH (Gathered together) to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five of them were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps (meaning they did all things that were physically necessary they built cities and gathered together) and took no oil with them (they were not spiritually prepared and depended on others for their strength); but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps (these had the Holy Spirit and light within them). While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all these virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out, Stay with us and teach us for without you to lean on we cannot stand. But the wise answered, saying, lest there not be enough for us and you, go ye rather to them that sell and buy for yourselves. (We will retrogress and loose the Spirit if we stay any longer with you. Go and find other teachers to help you prepare). And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; (Notice that he came when only the five wise virgins were gathered) and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not. Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day not the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matt 25:1-12 Inspired Ver.

The Doctrine and Covenants sheds some light upon this parable. We are clearly told: “And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins, for they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived – verily, I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.”

D&C 45:56-57

The scriptures clearly tell us that the five foolish will be AMONG the righteous that are gathered: “And until that hour (the second coming) there will be foolish virgins among the wise.” D&C 63:54

CONCLUSION: Those who do not gather because they expect a rapture are heirs to the Telestial kingdom (D&C 76:102). The supposed rapture scripture will not be fulfilled until AFTER the gathering, at the time of the Second Coming, and even at that time approximately fifty percent of the people will be foolish and unprepared.

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