Bumping

Not to bump Jeff's article on Joseph Smith or anything - and I KNOW I promised to leave you guys alone. But watch this.

Just watch it.

June 1976 Ensign Article

What do we know about the purported statement of Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and that the elders would save it?

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D. Michael Stewart, Brigham Young University, Department of History The documents show that Joseph Smith did prophesy a number of times that the United States and the Constitution would be imperiled and that the elders would have a hand in saving them. The first known record of the prophecy dates to July 19, 1840, in Nauvoo, when the prophet spoke about the redemption of Zion. Using Doctrine & Covenants 101 as a text, he said, “Even this nation will be on the verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the Constitution is on the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.” (Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Historical Archives, Box 1, March 10, 1844.)

There are also other documents in Church History files that show that five different early Saints recorded some remarks by the Prophet Joseph Smith on this same prophecy, perhaps voiced by the Prophet a number of times in a number of ways after 1840. Parley P. Pratt wrote in 1841 that the prophet said, “The government is fallen and needs redeeming. It is guilty of Blood and cannot stand as it now is but will come so near desolation as to hang as it were by a single hair!!!!! Then the servants goes [sic] to the nations of the earth, and gathers the strength of the Lord’s house! A mighty army!!!!!! And this is the redemption of Zion when the saints shall have redeemed that government and reinstated it in all its purity and glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (George A. Smith Papers, Church Archives, Box 7, Folder 5, January 21, 1841.)

James Burgess related that the Prophet, while addressing the Nauvoo Legion several miles east of Nauvoo in May 1843, said that “the time would come when the constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the latter-day saints will step forth and save it.” (James Burgess Journal, 1818–1904, Church Archives, vol. 1—found among loose sermons.)

Orson Hyde recalled that the Prophet predicted that “the time would come that the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow and said he, if the constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language as nearly as I can recollect it.” (JD, 6:150.)

In a Pioneer Day celebration in Ogden in 1871, Eliza R. Snow said, “I heard the prophet say, ‘The time will come when the government of these United States will be so nearly overthrown through its corruption, that the Constitution will hang as it were by a single hair, and the Latter-day Saints—the Elders of Israel—will step forward to its rescue and save it.” (Journal History, MSF 143 #28, July 24, 1871.)

Jedediah M. Grant, during the dark days of threatened invasion of Utah by a federal army, referred to the Prophet’s utterance as he addressed a Mormon Battalion gathering in Salt Lake City, February 6, 1855.

“What did the Prophet Joseph say? When the Constitution shall be tottering we shall be the people to save it from the hand of the foe.” (Deseret News Weekly, January 19, 1870.)

On various occasions, Joseph Smith referred to the Constitution, the country, and destiny of the nation; and there is clear evidence that he anticipated future peril. Furthermore, he pronounced the prophecy at various times and places. Perhaps he himself interchanged the simile “on the brink of ruin,” “hang by a brittle thread,” “hang by a single hair,” etc., to describe the anticipated crisis. It is also clear that the redeemers or rescuers of the Constitution were to be either the Saints generally or priesthood officers specifically.

Since no particular time was given for fulfilling this prophecy, members of the Church have often wondered about its timing. The prophecy clearly indicates a single, identifiable episode yet to come. However, it is helpful for us to constantly be on guard against threats to the central elements of the Constitution. It is not wise to sit by and think that the protection of the Constitution is the problem of someone else at some other time.

In support of this view of “constant vigilance,” it is most instructive to note that Church leaders have seen the Constitution imperiled a number of times. Brigham Young, reflecting on the prophecy of 1868, expressed: “It would not be many years before these words come to pass.” (JD, 12:204.) President John Taylor in 1884 declared: “It may be nearer … than some of us think.” (JD, 25:350.) President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., warned in 1942: “Whether it [the Constitution] shall live or die is now in the balance.” (Conference Report, October 1942, p. 58.)

Students of history and the Constitution know that the Constitution has been imperiled a number of times in its history and has been saved a number of times both by vigorous political action and by vocal public opinion.

Thus, rather than simply wait for the one time when the Constitution shall hang by a thread, Latter-day Saints must continually be vigilant. Our commission to save the Constitution is, like salvation, a continuing task, and Church leaders have pointed out the tools available: analysis of constitutional principles, personal study of the history of our nation, reading the Constitution to children at home and in schools, teaching them self-sacrifice—the principle that makes freedom possible—teaching them their obligations as mature citizens, recognizing and resisting ideologies that threaten constitutional principles, and developing loyalty to principle rather than to men or parties.

Politicians and statesmen must grapple with tough questions, painstakingly familiarize themselves with vital issues, and be decisive; but finally, an antidote to abusive government, to corruption, and to constitutional peril lies in private character. Humble people in prayerful homes will contribute immeasurably to a lasting constitutional government. And it should be apparent that consistent efforts in these areas will prepare us both to continually protect the Constitution and to prepare us for possibly a yet future rendezvous with our Constitution’s destiny.

Maybe I Just Don't Know My Religion

At least some people do.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/08/23/jon-huntsman-mitt-romney-s-pro-science-stand-as-mormon-2012-gop-candidates.html

Education Week

Had a great time last week at BYU Education Week. Christy, dad & I went. Thanks to Kim for watching the kids. Learned so much and just felt good. We are definitely in the right place and time for the last days. I'm so proud of all of you and what you do to help raise your families. Love to you all, mom

Where's Elvis

Where's Elvis on the artist list to listen too? I can't imagine anyone forgetting the King!

T-Rex learns how to ROAR

Tell me this is not cute.

Interesting Article

While Mitt Romney is not my first choice for president, this article explains some reasons (one big one) why I like him more than our former governor Jon Huntsman.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2011/08/15/gop_rivals_have_different_takes_on_mormon_faith/

Finally something to anticipate.

Emily's First Pie and Other Photos

Last One

I realize I am dominating the blog - so after this, I'll bow out. To everyone's relief, I'm sure. :)



Oh if I had the time to list all of the many wonderful things that are in this trip - But, here are just a few. Independence, Nauvoo, Niagara Falls, NY, lighthouses, Providence, Chicago, Harvard, Boston - and, well, you get the idea.

Colbert + Mormons = Funny

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www.colbertnation.com
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Question

Why do reporters continue to use Carolyn Jessop as a source? Don't we get all razzed when they use ex-lds haters as sources against the LDS church? I have no problem with the topic of the news articles, but they can at least give credential evidence and/or testimony instead of picking the loudest most hate filled people out there.

Is it that the FLDS have no spokesmen to speak of? Or lazy, scummy reporting? I'm fully able to believe there are a few men completely off their rockers in the community. However, let's not disregard the misguided women and children and shove them to the side and trample THEIR rights because of the messed up souls of a few disgusting men.

I've said my piece.

SW - No, we aren't done yet!

I know everyone is on the edge of their seats - wondering what could possibly be next. Here is Kodachrome, Bryce, Canyonlands, Moab, and Zions.

I'm thinking early April, 2033

NW Fantasy Trip B

You thought I wasn't serious about the Yosemite trip, didn't you? Well, here it is. Bend, Crater Lake, Crescent City, San Fran, and Yosemite.

I can't wait!! Do you think May 2032 is too late?

Wii Breakfast

They've thought of everything!

Fantasy Trip NW USA

So, Joe Buck has started working this week - that leaves me with lots and lots of time. So, I have taken to planning fantasy trips. Ever since we returned from Bryce I have been all excited about all of the National Parks I have never been to. So - here is my trip to Glacier National Park -



This is a 2 1/2 week trip - I know the drive home is a big one, so I was thinking about breaking it up. I was wondering if Doug and Tonia knew of anything fun to do between Boise and Tilamook (Yes, the cheese factory).

As you can see, we go through Idaho Falls AND Boise. Everyone is invited on this fantasy trip - the date is undetermined. I'm guessing somewhere around 2030.

Stay tuned for the Yosemite/San Francisco trip!

FYI - Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are an entirely different trip - just so you are aware that is the reason why they are not in this itinerary.

Sorry Kim and Joe

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