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gdm Digest          Saturday, August 2 1997          Volume 01 : Number 018



In this issue:

    ---> Lesson 25
    ---> Lesson 26

See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the gdm
or gdm-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 18:52:43 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Lesson 25

Doctrine and Covenants 86-87; 88:86-1 1 6; 1 33
lesson 25

Scriptural Highlights

1. Interpretation of the parable of the wheat and tares
2. The American Civil War and other wars foretold
3. Events surrounding the Lord's second coming

Invite one or two class members to tell how these revelations strengthen
their testimony of Joseph
Smith's prophetic calling.

Discussion and Application Questions

* Ask a class member to review the parable of the wheat and tares. (Matthew
13:24-30, 36-43.) What insights does D&C 86 give into this parable? Why is
it important that the sequence of gathering the wheat (righteous) and tares
(wicked) is changed in D&C 86:5-7? What applications does this parable have
for us today?

* What did the Lord reveal about war in D&C 87? What evidence is there that
war has been "poured out upon all nations"? (D&C 87:3). What can we do to
enhance the cause of peace?

* What can we do to obey the Lord's command to "stand in holy places, and
be not moved"? (D&C 87:8; see D&C 45:32 and the quotation from President
Benson in lesson 14).

* What calamities will occur before the Lord's second coming? (D&C
88:87-94.) In what order will the dead be resurrected? (See D&C 88:95-102
and the additional idea for this lesson.)

* In D&C 133 the Lord emphasizes that we must prepare ourselves for his
second coming. (D&C 133:4 10-11, 17-19.) How can we do this? (D&C 88:86.)

* In D&C 133 the Lord-repeatedly commands, "Go ye out from Babylon" (D&C
133:5, 7 14). What does Babylon represent? (See D&C 1:16 and the quotation
from the Guide to the Scriptures.) What aspects of the world are especially
enticing to people today? How can we forsake the enticements of the world?

* The Lord revealed that in preparation for his second coming, we must make
a great missionary effort. (D&C 133:8-9 36-39, 58-59.) How has the Lord
prepared the way for the gospel to be taken to all nations? How can we
prepare to do our part? (See the quotation from President Kimball.)

* In D&C 133, what did the Lord reveal about his second coming? (D&C
133:17-35, 46-51, 56, 62-64.) How can information about the events
surrounding the Savior's second coming be useful to us today?

* What color will the Savior's clothing be when he appears at his second
coming? (D&C 133:46-51; Isaiah 63:1-4.) What will this color symbolize?

Quotations

Guide to the Scriptures ("Babel, Babylon"): "Babel was founded by Nimrod
and was one of the oldest cities in the land of Mesopotamia.... Babylon
became a very wicked city and has since come to symbolize the wickedness of
the world."

President Spencer W. Kimball: "I wonder if we are doing all we can. Are we
complacent in our approach to teaching all the world? . . . Are we prepared
to lengthen our stride? To enlarge our vision? . . .
"When I read Church history, l am amazed at the boldness of the early
brethren as they went out into the world. They seemed to find a way. Even
in persecution and hardship, they went and opened doors which evidently
have been allowed to sag on their hinges and many of them to close. l
remember that these fearless men were teaching the gospel in Indian lands
before the Church was even fully organized. As early as 1837 the Twelve
were in England fighting Satan, in Tahiti in 1844, Australia in 1851,
Iceland 1853, Italy 1850, and also in Switzerland, Germany, Tonga, Turkey,
Mexico, Japan, Czechoslovakia, China, Samoa, New Zealand, South America,
France, and Hawaii in 1850.... Much of this early proselyting was done
while the leaders were climbing the Rockies and planting the sod and
starting their homes. It is faith and super faith....

"Somehow, brethren, l feel that when we have done all in our power that the
Lord will find a way to open doors. That is my faith" (Ensign, Oct. 1974,
pp. 5-7).

Additional Idea

You might refer to the following explanation to help clarify the order of
the Resurrection:
The First Resurrection, or the resurrection of the just, will begin at the
Savior's second coming. Those who will receive a celestial inheritance will
come forth when the first trump sounds (see D&C 88:98). This is sometimes
called the morning of the First Resurrection. Those who will receive a
terrestrial reward will come forth when the second trump sounds (see D&C
88:99). This is the afternoon of the First
Resurrection.

The Second Resurrection, or the resurrection of the unjust, will begin at
the end of the Millennium. Those who will receive a telestial reward will
come forth when the third trump sounds (see D&C 88:100-101). The sons of
perdition will come forth when the fourth trump sounds (see D&C 88:102).
Next Week's Reading Assignment Doctrine and Covenants 88:1-85, 117-41

Class Member Study Guide
Lesson 25

The Prophet Joseph Smith received D&C 86 while he was working on the
inspired translation of the Bible. This section contains a latter-day
interpretation of the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew
13:24-30, 36-43).

Doctrine and Covenants 87 is a prophecy on war revealed through Joseph
Smith on 25 December 1832. The prophecies in verses 1 and 3 were fulfilled
thirty years later in the United States Civil War. The revelation states
that this civil war would be a prelude to the other conflicts that would be
poured out upon all nations before the Savior's second coming (see D&C
87:1-3).

Verses 86-116 of D&C 88 contain information about the order in which the
righteous and the wicked will be resurrected. These verses also explain
events that will
accompany the Lord's second coming.

Sections 86-88 were given during December 1832. Section 133 had been given
a year earlier when Church leaders decided to publish the Book of
Commandments (see lesson 20). Like the other revelations discussed in this
lesson, D&C 133 contains prophecies of latter-day events.

As you study these sections, consider the following:

* What did the Lord reveal about war in D&C 87? What can we do to enhance
the cause of peace?
* In D&C 133, what did the Lord reveal about his second coming? How can
information about the events surrounding the Savior's second coming be
useful to you today?

A page from the Bible that Joseph Smith used while preparing the Joseph
Smith Translation. Notice the marks by the verses needing revision.
Courtesy Library-Archives, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri.

The manuscript of the Joseph Smith Translation: chapter 1 of Revelation.
Courtesy Library-Archives, Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri.
- ----------------------------------------
A few weeks ago this was posted on the net. Not a scholarly post, but an
different point of veiw.
- ---------------------------
I was just trying to analyze just a bit how John the Beloved and the 3
Nephies work?

The scripture simply state.

John 21:23
 23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple
should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I
will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?

D&C 7:3
Thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before
nations, kindreds, tongues and people.

So how is this suppose to work.

He never dies?  Does he age?  If so at the same rate as us?

If he does not age at the same rate as us, he can not live among the same
set of people for more than 10 or 20 years or people will realize that he
doe not age normally.

Now I can see how you can do this for maybe 30 years, but beyond that, there
would be numerous stories and legends around the world about the ageless
man that lived in our village for 60 years.

Assume he would live in any given village for at lest 30 years without
being detected for aging.  He could have lived in at least 70 villages, fairly
undetected.

This brings up a point, if he has an uncorruptable body, does he have an
uncorruptable mind?

Can John never get sick?  Well he can not die, but he could have had 6000
colds, or the flew 900 times.  What about hey fever every spring for 2000
years?

If he does not get sick he is missing many of lifes experience, if he does
get sick, then he is trapped in a semi-fallible body for 2000 years, Oh how
those 2000 year old bones must ache in the morning.


In the span of history the wheel, so to speak, get's re-invented over and
over every year.  Progress marches forward 3 steps and back 2.

Yet John would not have "Dark ages" with his memory.  He would be able
to be the keeper of all advances, in Science, Medicine and of course Doctrine.

The thing he was suppose to be so knowledgable about and so good at,
he let get so degraded. i.e. "The Great Apostasy".

A lot of good he was, as a teacher, a prophet, an invincible being.

Let's look at what kind of life he would have.

He out lives his wife and children, he would see his great grand children
die of old age, and eventually have to see his posterity loose faith in the
true Christ and stand by and do nothing about it, even though he, himself
knew Jesus.

If he had stepped in and continued to teach the true gospel to his own
descendents, then we would have this unbroken chain of true believes that
have passed on numerous stores about the intervention of a semi-divine being.

Does John have traditional family values?

Did he ever mary again?  If so did he have children? and did these children
have any genetic effects of an immortal father?   Did he raise his children
in the church?  If so where are these children? He could have easily had 50
families, not including plural marriage, before they would have noticed
that he didn't die or age?

So if he didn't mary, does that mean he hasn't had sex for 2000 years?

If he can not hang around people long enough to develop relationships,
other than fixing a flat tire, here and there, what kind of life would that
be?

2000 years of life experience and all you can not sit at the dinner table and
discuss what you did this day. He can not lay in bed and discuss what he
would  want to accomplish in life.


If he has any long-term relationships at all, he must lie about his past,
or all relationships must be brief, and shallow, else it creates
complications beyond our imagination. i.e. he would disturb the
time space continum. ;)


John is like Bill Murry, in groundhogs day, except that instead of his
nightmare lasting a few months is lasts thousands of YEARS!!!!

Is the story of John the beLIVEed, or the 3 Neverdies, Probable, Plausible
or even Possible?

Is this a case of divine intervention or oversight?

3 Nephi 28:9
 9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh,

If you have no pain, then it is logical that you would have no pleasure,
how can you know the one without the other.

No pleasure for 2000, what a gift from god?  ???

- ----------------------------
3 Nephi 28:6
 6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired
the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before
that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

3 Nephi 28:7
 7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but
ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of
men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the
Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.

3 Nephi 28:8
 8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in
my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to
immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.

3 Nephi 28:9
 9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh,
neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do
because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that
ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.


VVVVVV-----From: Stephen Ott <[e-mail]>------VVVVVVV
section 84
... parts of it may well have been received in conjunction with
the inspired translation of the Bible.  ... 22-23 September 1832....  It
is difficult to determine which verses were received on which day, but
some evidence suggests that verses 1-41 constitute parts of the revelation
received on 22 September, and that verses 42-120 were received on 23
September.  Whereas verse 1 indicates that the the revelation was received
in the presence of six elders (undoubtedly high priests), and unpublished
note (dated 23 September 1832) that appears in the "Kirtland Revelation
Book " after verse 42 affirms that that verse (42) was specifically
intended for ten high priests, then present.  It is also worthy of note
that there is a change of tense in verse 42 from the third to the first
person.

Verses 1-5 concern themselves with the building of the New
Jerusalem in Jackson County, Missouri (particularly the construction of a
temple).  The divine injunction was rescinded in 1841.  ...

Throughout the remainder of the revelation are found several
variations of biblical and Book of Mormon passages.  (For example, compare
verses 65-73 with Mark 16: 17-18, and compare verses 81-85 with Matthew 6
and 3 Nephi 13).  Verses 99-102 contain prophetic poetry regarding the
Millennium.

Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A
Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants,
(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), p. 176-177.

Verse 42 speaks of those "who are present this day, " and the
"Kirtland Revelation Book " adds, "Viz 23d day of September AD 1832
Eleven High Priests save one "....

Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A
Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants,
(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), p. 316.

Section 8, verses 6-14, gives the genealogy of Moses' priesthood
from Jethro to Melchizedek, indicating that each individual received this
authority "under the hand of "another who possessed it.  Verses 15-16,
however, do not mention each individual in the early portion of this
priesthood line, but simply testify that the priesthood was passed down
"through the lineage of their fathers " ... from dispensation to
dispensation.

... these last verses simply mention certain benchmark individuals
and recognize the position of Abel, who had received the birthright from
his father.  The line of authority given in section 107 serves a different
purpose.  Here the Lord states that the Twelve Apostles were to ordain
patriarchs ... throughout the Church and that anciently "the order of
this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son ... in
the following manner....

Richard O. Cowan, "Why is the priesthood lineage traced through
Abel in D&C 84:16 rather than through Seth, as recorded in D&C 107:42? ",
Ensign, December 1993.

There are a number of scriptures that show one doesn't have to
have the Melchizedek Priesthood or be a recipient of its ordinances in
order to see either the Father or the Son.
...

Apparently, then, the power God uses to quicken men and women
spiritually so that they can see is the priesthood....
...

Thus sanctified by the Spirit and endowed with the gift of the
Holy Ghost, Israel would have entered a heightened spiritual state in
which, through the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood now administere
d in God's holy temples, they could have access to the "mysteries of
the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. "
With that key, they would, in effect, have the key to eternal
life.  Eventually, they might have so risen in spiritual stature, going
"from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, " that they could
enter into God's rest fully and forever to "dwell in everlasting
burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting
power. " ...  They would truly have come to know God, which the Savior
said is eternal life.

Melvin J. Petersen, "Does D&C 84:19-22 indicate that t person
has to have the Melchizedek Priesthood in order to see God?  Joseph Smith
didn't have the priesthood at the time of the First Vision, " Ensign,
December 1985.

He worked on the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and
Deuteronomy during the period of 20 July to 22 September 1832.  Is it any
surprise that he should receive a revelation on priesthood lineage and
other matters pertaining to Moses that is dated 22 and 23 September 1832?
The Joseph Smith Translation: The Restoration of Plain and
Precious Things, Edited by Monte S. Nyman and Robert L. Millet, (Religious
Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1985), p.*85.

The temporary transporting of an individual into the presence of
the Lord is a fundamental characteristic of the endowment....  "examples
follow"
Temples of the Ancient World, Edited by Donald W. Parry, (Deseret
Book Company, 1994), p. 61.

- -------------------
Here are several reasons that I think D&C 84:33-39 are a reference to the
temple ordinances, and not necessarily the reception of the Melchizedek
Priesthood.  I am unconvinced with the common perception from these verses
that we are promised all that the Father has if we receive the Melchizedek
Priesthood and are worthy priesthood bearers.  I think the doctrine of the
church is clear that a celestial marriage is required.

Verses 1-41 were received on 22 September, and are they are more on the
same subject than the verses after 41.  Internally, these verses (1-41)
mention the priesthood and the temple frequently.

Verses 1-5 are about the building of the New Jerusalem in Jackson County,
and particularly about the construction of the temple.

Several words and phrases are symbolic references to temple ordinances,
such as "mysteries " and "the key of the knowledge of God. "
Remember that during the temple dialogue, the ordinances are referred to
as the mysteries of the kingdom.  After Joseph Smith's death, Brigham
Young stated that the 12 could lead the saints because they had the key of
the knowledge of God, which was to know the correct order of prayer so
that God would answer.

The "renewing of their bodies " even seems to me to be a reference to
the symbolic entrance into the celestial room.  Andrew Ehat agrees in
"Who Shall Ascend into the Hill of the Lord, " Temples of the Ancient
World, edited by Donald W. Parry, (1994, Deseret Book Company), note 10,
p. 61-62.

Verse 22 especially, where it refers to "see'Bing' the face of
God ", is a very common allusion to an individual's entrance into what
we would call the celestial room.  This is also frequently symbolically
identified as the presence of God.  Verse 22 especially must be interpreted
symbolically as meaning entering into the presence of the Lord by being
in the celestial room of the temple.  I've read all kinds of funny
explanations from church members who take this verse literally and then
try to explain why Joseph Smith could see God without having received the
priesthood.  To me, it makes sense if this is explained that the priesthood
is necessary to administer the temple ordinances.

The following verses (23-24) mention that Moses wanted the Israelites to
be able to come into God's presence, which is again an allusion to the
highest temple ordinances.

Verse 39 reads "according to the oath covenant of the which belongeth to
the priesthood. " It does not say that it _is_ the oath and covenant.  I
realize that I may be splitting hairs when I look at one word (
"according") to closely.

Another interesting reference to the oath and covenant of the priesthood:

Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when
a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the
violence of fire.
And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest
after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by
man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by
beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according
to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by
himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should
have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up
waters, to turn them out of their course;
To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break
every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to
his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and
this by the will of the Son of God which was before the foundation of the
world.

Genesis 14:26-31 JST.

Often, promises of control over nature are illusions to having one's
calling and election made sure.  That promise was very closely associated
with the reception of the fullness of the priesthood (the temple second
endowment) to Joseph Smith.  'S Ott'
- ---------------------------------------------------------


Section 85
Section 85 consists of an extract from a letter written by Joseph
Smith to William W. Phelps on 27 November 1832.  Many of the instructions
found in this revelation were specifically intended for John Whitmer, the
Church historian.

Verses 5, 7, 8, and 11 make mention of the book of the law of God
or the book of remembrance.  This book, which was to have recorded in it
the law of the Lord (i.e., section 42 and possibly related revelations),
was to serve as a membership record for the Church.  No known record book,
kept in Missouri or Ohio, fits the description of the book mentioned in
section 85.  Moreover, in Nauvoo a record was commenced in 1841, called
the "Book of the Law of the Lord), " which seems to have served a
purpose similar to that specified in the Prophet's 1832 letter.
... the Prophet envisioned at least three levels at which the book
of remembrance would be kept (i.e., family, community, and general church)
....

...  I will say, however, that it is necessary to keep the names
of the Saints, & when a child is brought forward to be blessed by the
Elders, it is then necessary to take their name upon the Church Record.

...  The names of the Saints are to be kept in a book that contains the
law of God, this is what is meant in bro. Joseph's letter ....  Each
family will have its record with the law of the Lord in it; each branch of
the Church the same in every city; and each city one general record kept
by a general clerk

... verse 8, which traditionally has been thought to refer to
Edward Partridge: Brother Joseph says, that the item in his letter that
says, that the man that is called &c. and puts forth his hand to steady
the ark of God, does not mean that any one had at the time, but it was
given for a caution to those in high standing to be ware, lest they should
fall by the shaft of death.
Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A
Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants,
(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), p. 177-179.

Numerous documents affirm that the "Book of the Law of the
Lord " served as a multipurpose Church record book.  ...  Entries include
revelations, correspondence, minutes of important meetings (including the
organization of the City of Nauvoo, the Nauvoo Legion, and the Relief
Society), the laying of the cornerstones of the Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo
House, biographical sketches of faithful Saints, and names of individual
donors of tithing and consecrations for the Nauvoo Temple.


^^^^^^-----From: Stephen Ott <[e-mail]>------^^^^^^^

http://gramercy.ios.com/~restemey/nc/dlinc.html

This is Not Church

All are welcome!

Quotes from Not Church member Abraham Lincoln

"My earlier views at the unsoundness of the Christian scheme of salvation
and the
human origin of the scriptures, have become clearer and stronger with
advancing
years and I see no reason for thinking I shall ever change them."

"The Bible is not my Book and Christianity is not my religion. I could
never give
assent to the long complicated statements of Christian dogma."

"I am for liberty of conscience in its noblest, broadest, and highest
sense. But I cannot
give liberty of conscience to the pope and his followers, the papists, so
long as they
tell me, through all their councils, theologians, and canon laws that their
conscience
orders them to burn my wife, strangle my children, and cut my throat when
they find
their opportunity."

"I see a very dark cloud on America's horizon, and that cloud is coming
from Rome."

"It will not do to investigate the subject of religion too closely, as it
is apt to lead to
infidelity."

"My husband is not a Christian but is a religious man, I think."
- -- Mary Todd Lincoln

- ---------------------------------

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 02 Aug 1997 23:52:45 -0700
From: "Perry L. Porter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: ---> Lesson 26

Doctrine and Covenants 88:1-85, 117-41

Lesson 26

Scriptural Highlights

1. The light of Christ 2. Kingdoms and the laws that govern them 3.
Seeking knowledge by study and faith You might ask one or two class
members to tell how obeying the laws of God has brought them happiness.

Discussion and Application Questions * What did the Lord reveal about the
light of Christ in D&C 88:6-13? (See also D&C 84:45-47 and the quotation
from the Guide to the Scriptures.) How does the light of Christ bless all
who dwell on the earth? (See the quotation from President Smith.) What can
we do to allow this light to bless our lives more abundantly?

* In D&C 88:17-20, 25-26, what does the Lord teach about the destiny of
the earth? (See also Articles of Faith 1 :10.) How do these passages
affect your attitude toward the earth?

* What determines whether a person will receive a celestial, terrestrial,
or telestial glory? (See D&C 88:21-24, 34-40; and the quotation from Elder
Talmage.) According to D&C 88:21, 34-35, why are God's laws essential?

* What is the purpose of the parable in D&C 88:51 -61?

* What insights about prayer do you gain from D&C 88:62-65?

* What does it mean to become sanctified? (D&C 88:67-69, 74-75; Moses
6:59-60.) What must we do to be worthy of the Lord's promise that we may
someday see him? (See D&C 67:10-14; 93:1; and the quotation from the
Prophet Joseph Smith in lesson 20.) * In D&C 88:77-80 the Lord commands us
to teach and learn the things "that pertain unto the kingdom of God." What
subjects does the Lord include among these things? What should be the
purpose of our learning? What does it mean to seek knowledge by faith as
well as by study? (D&C 88: 118.) How can the principles taught in D&C
88:119-26 help us better serve in the Lord's kingdom?

* Although D&C 88:119-20 refers to the building of a temple, these verses
can be applied to our homes. What can we do to make our homes places where
the family's thoughts and activities are centered on the work of the Lord?

* Why does covetousness damage our spiritual growth? (D&C 88:123.) How can
we overcome covetous feelings? (John 13:34-35.) * Why do you think the
Lord calls charity "the bond of perfectness and peace"? (D&C 88:125).

* The Prophet Joseph Smith called D&C 88 "the 'olive leaf' which we have
plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord's message of peace to us"
(History of the Church, 1:316). How can the teachings in D&C 88 bring
peace to us?

Quotations Guide to the Scriptures ("Light, Light of Christ"): "Divine
energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and
gives life and light to all things. It is the law by which all things are
governed in heaven and on earth (D&C 88:6-13). It also helps people
understand gospel truths and helps to put them on that gospel path which
leads to salvation." President Joseph F. Smith: "It is by the spirit which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world that our minds are quickened
and our spirits enlightened with understanding and intelligence. And all
men are entitled to this. It is not reserved for the obedient alone; but
it is given unto all the children of men that are born into the world"
(Improvement Era, Mar. 1908, p. 380).

Elder James E. Talmage: "The Lord has said that according to the laws we
obey here shall we receive from Him. We speak of rewards just as we speak
of punishments. But rewards and punishments will come through the
operation of law.... If a man cannot or will not obey celestial laws, that
is, live in accordance with the celestial requirements, he must not think
that he is discriminated against when he is excluded from the celestial
kingdom, because he could not abide it, he could not live there. If a man
cannot or will not obey the terrestrial law he cannot rationally hope for
a place in the terrestrial kingdom. If he cannot live the yet lower law -
the telestial law - he cannot abide the glory of a telestial kingdom, and
he will have to be assigned therefore to a kingdom without glory" (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1929, p. 69).

Next Week's Reading Assignment Doctrine and Covenants 89-92

Page 51

Class Member Study Guide Lesson 26 The first 126 verses of D&C 88 were
received during a conference in Kirtland, Ohio, on 27 and 28 December
1832. The remaining verses, dealing with the School of the Prophets, were
added during the following week. The Prophet called this revelation "the
'olive leaf' which we have plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord's
message of peace to us" (History of the Church, 1:316).

At this time new converts were gathering in Jackson County so rapidly that
many problems arose and Zion was not being established in the way
commanded by the Lord. Some members would not accept the authority of
their leaders in Missouri and criticized the Prophet for his actions.
There was general neglect in keeping the commandments, resulting in petty
jealousy, covetousness, light-mindedness, unbelief, and in some cases
apostasy.  The Prophet called the Missouri Saints to repentance and sent
them a copy of D&C 88 to give them a higher vision of the majesty of God
and their responsibilities in building the kingdom.

As you study D&C 88:1-85, 117-41, consider the following: * What did the
Lord reveal about the light of Christ? (D&C 88:6-13; 84:45-47.) What can
you do to allow this light to bless your life more abundantly?

* What insights about prayer do you gain from D&C 88:62-65?

* What does it mean to become sanctified? (D&C 88:67-69, 74-75; Moses
6:59-60.) * How do the teachings in this section bring peace to you?

The kitchen in the restored Newel K. Whitney store in Kirtland, Ohio.

Page 52

- --------------------------------------
VVVVVV-----From: Stephen Ott <[e-mail]>------VVVVVVV

Section 88 Verses 1-126 were received 27-28 December 1832, and verses
127-141  were received January 1833. ... received in the Prophet's
translating room in the Whitney  Store.

Frederick G. Williams: ... to reveal his will unto us  concerning the
upbuilding of Zion....  ...we all bowed down before the  Lord, after which
each one arose and spoke in his turn his feelings, and  determination to
keep the commandments of God.  ... proceedd to receive a revelation
concerning the duty of the Elders as above stated.  9  oclock A.M. the
revelation not being finished the conference adjourned  till tomorrow
morning 9 oclock A.M. 28th met according to adjournment  and commenced by
Prayer thus proceded to received the residue of the  above revelation ...

The solemn assembly was intended to be another day of  Pentecost for the
latter-day elders.  ... but much preparation was to  precede the occasion.
 First the elders were to be schooled both spirituall  y and secularly;
later they were to be washed and anointed to cleanse them from the sins of
this world.  The final preparation, the ordinance of  washing of feet, was
to occur on the day of the sacred meeting when the  righteous would see
the face of the Lord. ...

On 30 March 1836, three days after the temple dedication, three  hundred
brethren assembled for the long-awaited meeting.  The time was  spent in
administering the ordinances of washing the feet and partaking of the
sacrament.  Many witnessed remarkable spiritual manifestations.

On 6 April 1837 another solemn assembly was held in the Kirtland  Temple
especially for those elders who had not been washed and anointed  the
previous year.  ... Although the building subsequently would be referred
to as a  "temple," early appellations were simply "house of God," or
"school." Evidence shows that the Prophet initially conceived the  primary
function of the sacred edifice to be that of a schoolhouse for  those
called to the ministry.  ..  It is unclear when the decision to  build a
house of worship was made public....  ...by the first week in June a
revelation was received which gave the dimensions of the house of  worship
but stated that the architecture would be revealed later to three (i.e.,
the Presidency of the High Priesthood).  The revelation further  clarified
that the house of worship should have two levels the lower for preaching,
fasting, and praying and the upper for the school and  promised that in
the building the Lord would "endow those whom I have  chosen with power
from on high." ... 20 ...

The temple is of high rectangular shape with double rows of  windows and a
tower rising from the main body.  The dimensions are  impressive: the
structure measures 78=27x58=27, and from the basement to  the tower the
height is about 110 feet.  The building is divided into  three levels two
almost identical stories of equal height and an  attic and is lighted with
thirty-two Gothic, three Venetian, ten dormer, one circular, and two
square-gable windows.  The ground floor was  specially intended for
worship, and the upper floor for classroom use.   The attic was
partitioned into then small rooms, five on either side of a hall.  Both
main levels had two complete sets of pulpits, one at either  end.  The
western pulpits were for the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the  eastern
pulpits for the Aaronic.  Each pulpit group ahd a compartment with a
lectern behind which rose three tiers of pulpits.  Eight wooden columns
supported a ceiling that was flat over the aisles and arched over the
center.  Sets of ropes and pulleys concealed within the columns operated
curtains (veils) that could be lowered to divide each hall and each row of
pulpits into smaller compartments.

...

Constructing the building took some thirty-three months and  requires
enormous sacrifice of the Saints.  A conservative estimate of the cost of
construction is 247-,000.  On 6 April 1837 Sidney Rigdon was  recorded as
stating that the then "unliquidated debt" on the temple  was 2413,000.

The building was not completely finished when first occupied by a  Hebrew
school on 4 january 1836.  This group occupied a room designated  the
"translating room" in the attic story, and two weeks later the  entire
School of Elders moved from the printing office to an adjoining  room to
the Hebrew class in the temple attic.

The sacred building was dedicated on 27 March 1836 in the presence  of
some one thousand persons.  After singing, praying, and preaching, the
dedicatory prayer (section 109) was read aloud.

... the House of the Lord remained in constant use for several  years with
Sunday worship....  ...the Saints did not enjoy permanent use of the
sacred house because a majority of those in the Kirtland area had  left
Ohio for Missouri by mid-1838, and the remainder by 1845.  Although  title
to the temple appears to have been transferred to one of the  Church's
creditors in 1837, members remaining in Kirtland maintained use of the
building until about 1845, when preparations were being made to  migrate
to the West.  In 1880 the Reorganized LDS Church was awarded title to the
building by "adverse possession" than is, although they did  not hold
legal title to it, their use and possession of the building over several
years constituted ownership.

... The school, variously known as the "School of the  Prophets," the
"School of the Elders," and the "school of mine  apostles," was intended
to teach doctrine as well as secular topics to  the Elders in order to
properly "qualify themselves as messenger of  Jesus Christ." Instruction
for the "Elders" was offered during four winter sessions in Kirtland:
January-April 1833, 1834-35, 1835-36, and  1836-37.  Evidence also affirms
that at least one session of the school  was held in Missouri, during the
summer of 1833.

...  On January 23 a small number of men convened to organize the  School
of the Prophets.  The event which predominated the meeting was the washing
of feet.  ...

Consisting primarily of high priests, members of the school met  regularly
for nearly ten weeks (23 January to about 1 April 1833) in  Kirtland,
Ohio.  The school was held in a small (10=27 x 14=27) room in  the upper
story of Newel K. Whitney's store.  ...  Although Joseph Smith presided
over the school, Orson Hyde was appointed teacher.  The number  composing
the 1833 school probably never exceeded twenty-five.  ...  The  salutation
recorded in D&C 88:133 was given each time the group came  together.  The
teacher, "saluted the brethren with uplifted hands as they came in,"
remembered Zebedee Coltrin, one of the original  school, and "they also
answered with uplifted hands." Coltrin also  stated, "Before going to
school we washed ourselves and put on clean  linen." Members of school
came fasting at sunrise and normally  continued until near 4:000 P.M.

The Sacrament was "administered at times when Joseph appointed,  after the
ancient order; that is, warm bread to break easy was provided,  and broken
into pieces as large as a fist and each person had a  glass of wine." At
the conclusion of each meeting, the scholars were dismissed following a
prayer with uplifted hands.  Although the school was primarily intended
for "revelation and doctrine," time was also given for "learning English
grammer...." ...

... Church leaders in Jackson County, Missouri, organized a school  for
the Elders in 1833.  ...  The School of the Elders (Missouri) was
intended to serve as a counterpart to the School of the Prophets
(Kirtland) in preparing and instructing those called to the ministry. ...

Orson Hyde appears to have had primary responsibility for teaching the
regular courses of reading, writing, and arithmetic.  The 1835-36
curriculum also included the study of Hebrew.

Lyndon W. Cook, The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A  Historical
and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants,  (Salt Lake
City: Deseret Book, 1985), p. 181-191.

The earlier heading read, "REVELATION given through Joseph Smith  the
Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, December 27, 1832.  Designated by the
Prophet, the Olive Leaf." It has been enlarged in the 1981 edition to
read, "It was designated by the Prophet as the 27olive leaf ... plucked
from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord's message of peace to us.' It  appears
from the historical records that portions of this revelation were received
on December 27 and 28, 1832, and January 3, 1833." Robert J. Matthews,
"The New Publications of the Standard  Works 1979, 1981," Brigham Young
University Studies, Volume 22, Number 4 (Fall 1982).

A few verses that pertain to temple ordinances and ideas in D&C 88: 7-13:
Creation motif 20-24: Degrees or progression 34-40: Eternal laws 46-61:
Progression through degrees-with parable 68-84: Preparation before
missionary work.  The elders were expecting to  receive an endowment (not
a temple ordinance, but a spiritual manifestation like the Day of
Pentecost) through the temple.  Then they would be  authorized to take the
gospel to the world. 75: Clean from sins 118-126: Cleanliness; school of
the Prophets 128-136: Greeting with uplifted hands 138-140: Cleanliness
and specific ordinances

^^^^^^-----From: Stephen Ott <[e-mail]>------^^^^^^^

------------------------------

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