THE PROPHETIC BOLDNESS OF JOSEPH SMITH

 

To the Editor of the Times and Seasons:

Sir,

Through the medium of your paper, I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise: and I do it the more cheerfully, because I hope sober-thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretensions of the self-wise. The error I speak of, is the definition of the word ‘Mormon’. It has been stated that this word was derived from the Greek word ‘mormo’. This is not the case. There was no Greek or Latin upon the plates from which I, through the grace of God, translated the Book of Mormon. Let the language of that book speak for itself. On the 523d page, of the fourth edition, it reads: “And now behold we have written this record according to our knowledge in the characters, which are called among us the ‘Reformed Egyptian’, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of speech; and if our plates had been sufficiently large, we should have written in Hebrew: but the Hebrew hath been altered by us, also; and if we could have written in Hebrew, behold ye would have had no imperfection in our record, but the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also, that none other people knoweth our language; therefore he hath prepared means for the interpretation thereof.”

Here then the subject is put to silence, for “none other people knoweth our language”, therefore the Lord, and not man, had to interpret, after the people were all dead. And as Paul said, “the world by wisdom know not God”, so the world by speculation are destitute of revelation; and as God in his superior wisdom, has always given his Saints, wherever he had any on the earth, the same spirit, and that spirit, as John says, is the true spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I may safely say that the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation.

Before I give a definition, however, to the word, let me say that the Bible in its widest sense, means good; for the Saviour says according to the gospel of John, “I am the good shepherd;” and it will not be beyond the common use of terms, to say that good is among the most important in use, and though known by various names in different languages, still its meaning is the same, and is ever in opposition to ‘bad’. We say from the Saxon, ‘good’; the Dane, ‘god’; the Goth, ‘goda’; the German, ‘gut’; the Dutch, ‘goed’; the Latin, ‘bonus’; the Greek, ‘kalos’; the Hebrew, ‘tob’; and the Egyptian, ‘mon’. Hence, with the addition of ‘more’ or the contraction, ‘mor’, we have the word ‘mormon’; which means, literally, ‘more good’.

Yours,

JOSEPH SMITH

(May 15, 1843) T&S 4:194

(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 299-300)

 

It makes sense, does it not,  if the Bible which testifies of Christ means good, the Book of Mormon which is the  second witness has to mean ‘more good’……the brilliance of Joseph Smith!!!!

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(ART: Joseph by Ken Corbett)

THE POWER OF A NAME

 

I am pretty certain that Mormon admired Captain Moroni immensely, for how else could he have written that monumental description of him in which he said ‘if all men were like Moroni, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men’ (Alma 48:17). I am equally certain that this admiration extended to the naming of his son. I think Mormon hoped in his heart that his son would become a valiant man like the one he admired. Moroni, the son of Mormon, was a valiant man, in every way, like his predecessor.

Helaman, the son of Helaman, named his two sons Nephi and Lehi. And this is the reason that he gave: “Behold, my sons, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem….so that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and… remember their works and….ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good” (Helaman 5:6). This is the most Helaman hoped for, that his sons would be good. Nephi and Lehi did remember and they far outweighed their father’s expectation (v14). They devoted themselves to preaching the word, made many converts amongst the dissenters (v 17), baptised 8,000 Lamanites in and round about the land of Zarahemla (v 18,19), courageously proceeded to the land of Nephi, where they were imprisoned, divinely rescued and ministered to by angels (v 48). Following their ministry, the Lamanites became a more righteous people than the Nephites (Helaman 6:1).

As Church members, we are more commonly known as Mormons.  Some members of the Church resent being called Mormons because more often than not, this name overshadows the fact that we are Christians to the rest of the world.  However, the rest of the world doesn't know Mormon like we know him. In my opinion Mormon was one of the most Christ-like people to have ever graced this earth. For that reason, being called Mormon to me is just about the same as being called a Christian.  

When President Hinckley was a missionary in England he asked one of his associates how they could get people, including the members, to speak of the Church by its proper name. His associate answered that they couldn’t do it because the word Mormon was too deeply engrained and too easy to say. He said he tried and gave up because he was not ashamed of the nickname Mormon. He then added: “If there is any name that is totally honourable in its derivation it is the name Mormon. And so, when someone asks me about it and what it means, I quietly say – Mormon means more good” (The Prophet Joseph Smith first said this in 1843: Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp 299-300). President Hinckley then went on to pay homage to the prophet Mormon, to his greatness and his goodness and said that ‘while he sometimes regrets that people do not call this church by its proper name, he was happy that the nickname they use is one of great honour made so by a remarkable man and a book which gives an unmatched testimony concerning the Redeemer of the world’ (Gordon B. Hinckley, Mormon Should Mean ‘More Good’, GC October 1990)

In Mosiah 5:7-12, the word 'name' occurs 11 times.  These particular scriptures contain King Benjamin's address to his people who were willing to take upon themselves the name of Christ. By virtue of our baptismal covenant we become Christ's sons and daughters and thereby we take upon ourselves His name, much like we take upon ourselves our earthly father's name when we are born into mortality.  At baptism, however, Christ becomes our spiritual father and we thereby become Christ-ians. What we do with Christ's name speaks volumes about our integrity and our character.

The Saviour will hold us responsible for His name when we face Him at the judgment bar.  As his children, it is our duty to bring honour and glory to his name through the life that we live.  For this He will exalt us so that we can have all that He has and be all that He is.

When in clouds of heaven He appears,

And I stand in the shadow of His frame,

I want to hear the Saviour say:

I love what you have done with my name! 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: With All Thy Heart by Yongsung Kim)

THE ABUNDANT LIFE

 

“The abundant life is a spiritual life. Too many sit at the banquet table of the gospel of Jesus Christ and merely nibble at the feast placed before them. They go through the motions – attending their meetings, perhaps glancing at the scriptures, repeating familiar prayers – but their hearts are far away. If they are honest, they would admit to being more interested in the latest neighbourhood rumours, stock market trends, and their favourite TV show than they are in the supernal wonders and sweet ministerings of the Holy Spirit. Do you wish to partake of this living water and experience that divine well springing up within you to everlasting life? Then be not afraid. Believe with all your hearts. Develop an unshakeable faith in the Son of God. Let your hearts reach out in earnest prayer. Fill your minds with knowledge of Him. Forsake your weaknesses. Walk in holiness and harmony with the commandments. Drink deeply of the living waters of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

(Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Abundant Life”, Ensign May 2006)

 

 

Thou art the source of all my blessings,

Thou art the source of all my joys,

Thou art the living water

I drink with haste

And savour each and every drop

So careful of tragic waste.

Feed me Saviour ever more

The love that flows with every cup

Grant me my fill each day

That keeps me living and bears me up. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Artist Unknown)

ON HIGHER GROUND

 

This is my favourite lesson from the war chapters of the Book of Mormon.

When Captain Moroni defeated Amalickiah, who sought to be king, he fled the land of Zarahemla with some followers, and headed for the land of Nephi (Alma 47:1). His plan was  to dethrone the king of the Lamanites (Alma 47:4).  Having convinced the king to go to battle against the Nephites, he caused a division amongst the people. Those who would not consent to fight the Nephites fled to a place called Onidah with a leader called Lehonti, gathering themselves upon the top of the mountain Antipas. Here comes into play one of the most interesting stories of drama, evil and intrigue in the Book of Mormon.

Amalickiah, being a 'subtle man to do evil' (Alma 47:4) devised a plan most clever to obtain the kingdom through Lehonti, who originally opposed him in every way. Causing his army to pitch their tents in the valley near the mount Antipas, Amalickiah proceeded to coax Lehonti to come down the mountain to speak with him. The record states that Lehonti at first would not dare to do so but Amalickiah was patient and persistent. After sending the third message to Lehonti, Amalickiah decided to get closer and ascended half way up the mountain enticing Lehonti to come to down to him with his guards to speak with him.

On the fourth message, Lehonti relented and came half way down the mountain. There Amalickiah lay open his plan before him as to how he could assist Lehonti in obtaining command of the whole army if he would place him, Amalickiah, as second in charge. Lehonti could not resist this temptation of power and came all the way down the mountain, took possession of the whole army through Amalickiah's assistance and became the leader he desired to be. There was only one problem. He had a dangerous man as his 'second in charge' who according to the Lamanite custom stood to become chief leader if the chief was killed (Alma 47:17).

The plan worked beautifully for Amalickiah instructed one of his servants to administer poison 'by degrees' to Lehonti and Lehonti died (Alma 47:18) leaving Amalickiah in charge of the entire army of the Lamanites. With such power under his belt, the whole kingdom fell into his hands as he proceeded with his evil plan and caused the death of the king by the hands of his servants. Thus, by secret works, manipulating others to do his dirty work, did Amalickiah obtain the whole kingdom of the Lamanites.

The story of Lehonti, who took his army to the top of the mountain for physical safety has many parallels with us today. As the covenant people of God, we have been invited to preserve our spiritual safety on top of another mountain, the mountain of the Lord's house, the temple (2 Nephi 12:2). Today, LDS temples are always built on the highest vantage point in the designated community, suggesting that once we have entered into sacred covenants with God, we stand on higher ground. Those who adhere to their temple covenants and make their abode with God within its sacred walls, receive spiritual protection and power against the enemy of all righteousness. This, however, does not mean that this enemy sleeps or has no interest in those who have made temple covenants and enjoy the safety of such. On the contrary, the adversary takes no sabbaticals and has more interest in those who are endowed with temple covenants than those who are not and he will use all his skills to bring them down the mountain.

Viewing Amalickiah as a prototype of the adversary we can learn that our enemy is three things - he is subtle, he is persistent and he is cunning. He watches patiently and plots with dedication to bring about our demise. He knows which buttons to push and he will do so repeatedly until cracks in our resolve begin to appear. Using subtle means he will make his enticements appear appealing and even of good value. Like Amalickiah, he will meet us half way up the mountain and make his propositions difficult to resist appealing to our egos and "what's in it for me" attitude. Once we succumb, he will 'poison' us 'by degrees' until he succeeds in bringing about our spiritual death. Compromising ourselves in such a way where our obedience to the commandments suffers can only lead us down the slippery slope to the valley of shadow and death where we are eventually cut off from the presence of the Lord (Alma 50:20). This is what our enemy hopes for, works for and lives for.

Like Nephites of old, we are at war. The battle is raging and many are falling by the way. When Amalickiah left the Nephites, he fled before the armies of Captain Moroni. Is it any wonder considering Moroni’s valour, determination and fearlessness???

Moroni’s counterpart in most of his battles was a man called Lehi, who was a man like Moroni, a man of faith in Christ (Alma 48:13; 53:2). Together they fought valiantly and had many victories. And here is the most interesting thing, the Lamanites ‘feared Lehi exceedingly’ (Alma 49:17). Be a Moroni and be a Lehi, make the devil fear you exceedingly and make him flee. Stand firm. Don't come down the mountain.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Artist Unknown)

A DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

 

For as long as this earth exists, there will be an Amalickiah who opposes the truth (Alma 46:1-3). The Amalickiah who lived in 73-72 B.C. was a man who desired power over the people and who led away others from the truth by his flatteries and promises that they too can be rulers over others if they would give him their support (v 4-5). Thus he sought to overthrow the freedom and liberty of the people. Remind you of someone???

Enter Moroni and his title of liberty. His passion for his God and preservation of righteouesness leaves me breathless. Such a pure and righteous desire can only invite the spirit of God to ignite the hearts of the people. Imagine Moroni navigating the streets of Zarahemla waving his rent coat as the title of liberty and crying with a load voice inviting people to enter into a covenant of obedience (v 12-20). So strong were the flames of the spirit that people came running to him dressed in armour and rending their garments as a token of their covenant (v 21-22).

Here is the lesson for us today. Note that Moroni’s title of liberty was about freedom to choose God and obedience to His commandments which Amalickiah and the dissenters would have taken away had they risen to political power (v 13).  Despite the valiant efforts of Helaman and his brothers, who were high priests, to care for the spiritual welfare of the people, political ambitions were fostered by the lower judges of the land as a means to draw people away from the Church (v 4-7). The Church members who dissented followed the doctrine of the adversary and his thirst for power to destroy the spiritual welfare of those whom he sought to rule over.

We fight the forces of darkness today which seek to take away our spiritual liberty. Satan still seeks to rule over us. He employs subtle means and ways to control us. Using his worldly enticements of popularity, power and praise, he employs the following tactics:

HIS THREE DOCTRINES:

1. There is no punishment for sin;

2. There is nothing after death;

3. He does not exist.

HIS THREE LIES:

1. Just once won’t hurt;

2. No one will know;

3. Everybody is doing it.

HIS VALUE SYSTEM:

1. Selfishness;

2. Self-indulgence;

3. Immediate gratification.

HIS SALES TECHNIQUES:

1. Pacifying;

2. Flattering;

3. Lulling.

HIS GOAL:

1. To steal our spiritual identity;

2. To kill our faith in God;

3. To destroy our commitment to Christ.

In his prayer to God, Captain Moroni was clear that the attack on freedom was specifically an attack on  Christians (c 13-14). To preserve people’s faith in Christ, ‘he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land’ (v 36). Whichever way they looked, the Nephites were reminded of their standard of liberty and the covenant they made with God for the preservation of their freedom.

Moroni was a man who was ‘firm in the faith of Christ’ (Alma 48:13). Mormon said ‘If all men were like  Moroni, the very powers of hell would be shaken forever and the devil would have no power over us’ (v 17). Imagine the power we would have if we never faltered in our faith in Christ. Imagine how quickly we would become like Him. We would be moving heaven and earth by our very existence.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: AI Generated)

 

SUBTLE DECEPTIONS OF ANTI-CHRISTS

I sat in the Gospel Doctrine class yesterday which focused mainly on Korihor, the anti-Christ, whose story is found in Alma 30. The teacher said a couple of times that this man taught and converted to his persuasion, the Zoramites. I didn’t correct him thinking at the time it was not such a big mistake…but it really is. It’s imperative that we see who exactly Korihor preached to.

Korihor did not preach to the Zoramites, whose story begins in chapater 31 of Alma. Korihor came to the vast land of Zarahemla, where the converted were (Alma 30:6). The Zoramites at that time were already on the path of spiritual destruction, they did not need an anti-Christ.

Mormon begins chapter 30 of Alma describing the prosperity and peace of the people in Zarahemla who lived with religious equality and free agency yet with stringent civil laws (v 1-4; 7-11). Enter Korihor claiming there ‘should be no Christ’, proclaiming that the prophecies by the prophets were nothing but ‘foolish traditions’ (v 12-14). The devastating thing is that this man obtained converts by convincing them there is nothing beyond death and led many to ‘commit whoredoms’ (v 18).

How could this happen to a converted people who lived in peace and prosperity? Could complacency have brought them to the slippery slope of inconsistent prayer, scripture study, exercising faith, strict observance of the commandments? Could all these things have weakened their shield of faith against false teachings and ideologies of the world? Can we relate to that? How many of us in the Church have been swayed by the anti-Mormon literature? How many have left the Church because of it despite many years of having the truth?

Deception comes steadily and subtly and complacency paves the way. We, of the last days, have been given this warning by Christ himself: “For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, IF POSSIBLE, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant” (JST-Matthew 1:22). We, the covenant people are the target and we are the ones that make it possible to be deceived. To those of the covenant people who are committed, determined, and ever vigilant, the deception is NOT possible. The committed are Christ’s and ever will be.

This is what makes me think that Korihor’s converts were spiritually weak and easily swayed. When Korihor was defeated by Alma and cast out of the land, the knowledge of his demise was published throughout the land. All who strayed came back and repented rather quickly. I wonder if the proclamation pointing out that if they did not ‘speedily repent’, the same demise would befall them too (v 57). It certainly sounds like they repented out of necessity rather than desire.

May we become a people that no evil force on the earth can move. May we heed the admonition of Lehi who said to his son Lemuel: “O that thou mightiest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord!” (1 Nephi 2:10). And not only immoveable but may we also take to heart his counsel to Laman: “O that thou mightiest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness!” (v 9). 

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Jesus Tranquil Grace by Ivan Guaderrama)

THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOOK OF MORMON

Some years ago when my daughter returned home from her mission, she gave a copy of the Book of Mormon to a co-worker and told him to read the last 20 chapters of the book of Alma. When I she told me this, I said: “Oh no, not the war chapters!!! How dry and boring!!!”  My reasoning was that the war chapters were lacking doctrine. A few days later, my daughter’s co-worker got back to her with: “Oh I loved the war chapters!!!” Hmmmm

A short time after that experience I started to study the war chapters more intently and I discovered a treasure trove. Now I read these chapters with bated breath wondering what they will teach me next. I am constantly amazed by the inexhaustible lessons I learn from the Book of Mormon.

Of course, when I study the war chapters, Captain Moroni leaves me breathless, every time. I can't say enough good things about him. A motivator, a source of inspiration, a believer in the cause of truth (Alma 43:48,49) Moroni took command of the entire Nephite army at the tender age of 25 (Alma 43:16-17).  His warfare acumen and military strategies are astounding. His achievements as protector of his people and defender of liberty, legendary. His devotion to God and the covenants he had made to keep the commandments of God, more than admirable. Equal to all these qualities, was his passionate nature which was the genesis of the success he achieved. Who can forget the title of liberty which he raised to defend the liberty of his people as the insurrection fuelled by the rise of the king-men sought to overthrow the government of the judges (Alma 46:4-6,12)?

This is what I admire about Moroni the most, he was a man of God. Besides being the brightest miliary mind of his day, Moroni was a man of humility who sought the prophet’s counsel for his actions (Alma 43:23,24); he was well versed in scripture and a fervent upholder of covenants (Alma 60:34,36); and a man who feared only God (Alma 60:28). It is Moroni’s spiritual strength that gave him enormous advantage over his enemies.

Hugh Nibley described the onset of the war chapters introducing Moroni thus: “The Lamanite campaign was directed by Amalekite and Zoramite officers, whose knowledge [being Nephite dissenters] of Nephite military secrets and methods would have given them an enormous advantage over any commander but Moroni.” (Hugh Nibley, Since Cumorah, 2^nd ed. [1988], 296). As I read chapter 43 I understood that statement. The greatest sign of Moroni’s genius would have to be the armour he prepared his people with to fight the scantily clad Lamanites (v 18-22). This resulted in absolute slaughter of the Lamanites (v 37,38). What spiritual lesson can we take away from this military strategy of Captain Moroni?

When writing to the Ephesians, Paul admonished them to put on the whole armour of God accentuating gospel principles which offer spiritual protection. He took this concept to a new level when he admonished the Romans to put on ‘the armour of light’ meaning ‘the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 13:14). The armour of God truly does protect us from spiritual darkness because each section of the armour deals with a gospel principle that counteracts sin. This is the greatest protection we can have. The ‘armour of light’, however, suggests something more. It means bringing the light of Christ to the world to counteract the darkness.

Now more than ever, we, the disciples of Christ and bearers of truth, need to wear the ‘armour of light’ and bring it to the world.  The more righteous we are, the more light we are endowed with until we come to that day when we become as glorious as the one who is the source of all light. Nephi saw the power of God in our day descending on the saints of the Church of the Lamb who were few and scattered upon the face of the earth, but 'armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory' (1 Nephi 14:14). Why were we given this power? Because ‘gathered together were multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all the nations of the Gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God….and his covenant people’ (v 13, 14).

We are at war too but in the words of Terri Savelle Foy: Satan has no power on his best day to take you out on your worst day……

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Captain Moroni - Come Forth by Walter Rane)

 

THE FINISH LINE

 

 

In my darkest moments, when I have thought I could not endure my life to the end, I was given assurance from above that the Great Eternal Father has made provision for my every moment of suffering, my every moment of weakness, my every occasion of loneliness and despair, my every failing. When in heavenly realm He planned for the earthly probation of His children, He understood so well that we would need heavenly help to lift us higher, to strengthen, to empower, to ensure our success. 

This provision, this redemptive power, comes through His grace and mercy in the most sacrificial way imaginable. It comes through the offering of His Son. It comes through the benevolence of the loving Father so that we can never say, “I can’t do this, I can never make it.” 

The very thought and utterance of such a declaration denies the power of the Atonement and the costly gift of Calvary.  I know that the death of Him who has given His all ensures my success in enduring to the end. I know He watches, and He cares and He waits to meet me at heaven’s gate.

You warned me there would be mountains to climb

But promised there would be resting spots along the way;

You warned me of the subtle pitfalls

And how deep and wide the waters I would wade.

But you promised me Your hand in mine

Every minute of the day

And that You would meet me at the finish line

When I had conquered all there was to pay.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Well Done by Chris Brazelton)

ALMA, THE GOOD FATHER

 

Some time ago I wrote about the father-son relationships in the Book of Mormon. I find nothing more endearing than a strong father figure. When I read this touching declaration in the Book of Mormon: "I am Helaman, the son of Alma" (Alma 58:41), I go weak at the knees. Alma’s legacy of righteousness and service had no doubt great impact on his sons, but his parenting was not a whit behind. Alma took the command he received to teach his sons with great seriousness (Alma 39:12). His counsel to them reads like personalised scripture sermons.

To Helaman, the heir apparent, Alma entrusted the gold plates and impressed upon his mind the seriousness of his charge and the importance of scripture. He stressed that the record in his possession was sacred because it will be the instrument of salvation for future generations  (Alma 37:18). He impressed upon him that the safety of the record depended upon Helaman’s obedience to the commandments (v 16). And then the warning: if he transgressed the commandments, the plates will be taken away from him ‘by the power of God’ and he shall be delivered up unto Satan, ‘that he may sift him as chaff before the wind’ (v 15). I think you cannot get more serious than this. Considering who Helaman became, we can conclude that he understood that. “I am Helaman, the son of Alma” has more meaning than just a parental lineage, I think it also stands for “I am my father’s son”……..

Whereas Helaman’s counsel consisted of two lengthy chapters, the righteous Shiblon who was chosen for the mission to the Zoromites, only received one relative short one but the emotive tone of this chapter is unmistakable. Shiblon’s faithfulness, patience, diligence and long suffering during his ministry was rewarded with terrible treatment from the Zoromites to the point of stoning (Alma 38:4). It makes one weep to read of it. One cannot fail to feel Alma’s joy about this obedient son. His main counsel to Shiblon was to remember to put his trust in God, always, for his deliverance (v 4). I think Alma felt Shiblon would need that remembrance for future trials he might have to suffer.

Alma recounted his conversion experience to both Helaman and Shiblon but not to Corinaton who engaged in serious sin and abandoned his mission (Alma 39:2-3). His counsel to Corinaton was extensive and covered four chapters during which he called him ‘my son’ 24 times. The anguish and compassion and love is unmistakable in these chapters. It is evident that all three sons received counsel they individually needed. What Alma addressed in his talk with Corinaton was what he ‘perceived’ this son needed to hear (40:1; 42:1). This was obviously needed more than his father’s conversion story because Corianton repented and resumed his missionary labours (Alma 42:31). He remained ‘a just man walking uprightly before God’ like his brother Shiblon (Alma 63:2).

Reading ‘my son’ so many times in four chapters reminded me of someone else who said the same. When Joseph was a prisoner in Liberty jail in 1839 he called upon the ‘Lord God Almighty’ out of his anguish and in response he received: ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul….” (D&C 121:4,7). In 1830 Joseph received a revelation for Emma in which the Lord addressed her as ‘my daughter’ (D&C 25:1). As a side note, this is another proof of Joseph’s validity as a prophet because it would have never occurred to him to call his wife ‘his daughter’.

The Saviour confirmed that ‘all those who receive His gospel are sons and daughters in His kingdom (D&C 25:1), therefore every bit of advice, every bit of counsel, every warning, every expression of love, mercy and tenderness in the scriptures given to us from the Saviour is counsel, guidance and command from a concerned, loving and invested Father. He is the ultimate ‘Alma’. May we view the scriptures we hold in our hands as the fatherly counsel we should cherish all the days of our lives. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Suffer the Children to Come Unto Me by B. Laura Wilson)

WHAT WE DO MATTERS

 

Have you ever heard someone say, "It's my life, I'll do with it what I want"? I am pretty certain we are all familiar with this statement. A lot of us have heard it from our defiant children. People who have this mentality have the illusion that what they do has no or very little effect on others. There is a very powerful story in the BOM that proves this theory wrong.

I wrote a post recently about the Zoromites tribe in the Book of Mormon which had the tendency to swing between the Nephites and the Lamanites. In 74 BC, Alma organised a mission to the Zoramites to strenghten their alliance with the Nephites and be counted amongst the believers (Alma 31:1-6). Thus the Zoromite mission became a political move as well as a spiritual endeavour. The mission did yield some converts, who had to flee to Jershon to join the people of Ammon  but the mission overall was a failure (Alma 35:6). The majority of the Zoramites did not choose to repent and they joined the Lamanites and ignited the wars contained in the Book of Alma. Their initial aim was to reclaim and persecute the believers who had defected to Jershon (Alma 35:10,11).

And here is the startling part of the story: Zoramites' tipping point was Alma's son, Corianton who was part of the missionary force. Alma attributed the failure of the mission to Corianton because his misconduct caused the Zoramites to not believe in Alma's words (Alma 39:11). In his attempt to bring Corianton to repentance, Alma expounded on the seriousness of sexual sin which stands next to two unpardonable sins, that of murder and the denying of the Holy Ghost (Alma 39:5,6). Not only did Corianton abandon his mission in favour of iniquity but his behaviour was so sinful that he led many people into disbelief (Alma 39:3,4,11,12).

I am certain that Corinaton never knew that his choices would lead to wars as he made his way to the land of Siron in search of Isabel (Alma 39:3). Imagine heading a missionary expedition and preaching repentance to a group of people while your son is going against the very principles you are expounding in open defiance. I am also certain that Alma had no idea that his persecution of the Church and his riotous living would lead others into spiritual destruction he later deemed was as good as murder (Alma 36:14). This is something he deduced through many years of reflection, following his repentance. And this might be another thing he learnt: what pain you inflict on others, one day becomes your own. It is no coincidence that he had an erring son because once upon a time, he was one too. He too led away many believers and caused his father, who was the high priest of the whole land of Zarahemla, great embarrassment and sorrow (Mosiah 27:14). This lesson is reflected in his advice to Corinaton: “For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again….” (Alma 41:15), whether good or bad.

What we do matters. There is not one action we perform that does not affect another human being, directly or indirectly, for we are all connected. We lead each other into light or darkness. We are beacons of faith or destroyers of truth. Imagine if the light of this world was taken away and Satan reigned supreme. Imagine if there was no Christ to light the way, and because of it, we knew no love, compassion, faith, hope, joy. We do not want to cower in the shadows of darkness. As we journey on life's many roads, may we leave a trail behind us for others to follow into the light of His love where awaits eternal life.

I will spread the light

Your gift of salvation to honour

And satisfy man’s hidden hunger;

I will help them know

Your arms are their shelter,

Your heart is their home,

Their only hope

For protection from the storm.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: As I Have Loved You by B. Laura Wilson)

LIAHONA

 

I have a ‘rearview mirror syndrome’. I am forever evaluating and re-evaluating my life to see if I had followed God’s plan for me properly or if I have missed opportunities to make my life better or if I have plain and simple, made blunders. The dictionary defines this word as a stupid or careless mistake. I know I have been faithful to God’s commandments my entire life but it’s those finer things that always have me questioning. It doesn’t help that I am an idealist and a perfectionist which is a double challenge to live with and be kind to yourself at the same time.

I am fascinated with Alma’s insight into the function of the Liahona, a compass prepared by God and given to Lehi and his family which was to guide them to the promised land (Alma 37:38). The first point of interest is that the Liahona didn’t work without any effort of the people who possessed it. There had to be faith in God for the compass to work (v 40). The second was that Lehi’s company became ‘slothful’ in exercising their faith hence the eight years of travel in the wilderness where they suffered hunger and thirst (v 42). The inference here is that they would have travelled the direct course and avoided the affliction they suffered had they not become complacent about their faith in God. No doubt, however, the journey would still have been difficult enough through a desert "so compelling that even the hardened Bedouins avoid like the plague...detestable certainly describes the place in the eyes of Lehi's people, who 'murmured' bitterly at being led into such a hell." (Hugh Nibley, Lehi In the Desert, p 51). It was not, however, necessary to wander in this wilderness for eight years suffering constant hunger, being the rule of the desert; danger from encounter with ever warring Arab tribes; loneliness from isolation; taxing marches down the Arabian Peninsula and fear from possible camp raiders. The lesson here is that we make our lives harder sometimes than they need to be. Isn’t life hard enough without us complicating it more through complacency and disobedience?

Alma’s most powerful insight came as he compared ‘the words of Christ’ to the Liahona (v 44-45). He pointed out that the way which has been prepared for us to obtain eternal life is the easy part. Our complacency and slothfulness in being observant of Christ’s words, and living by them, will not make our life’s journey as easy as it could be, but if we will ‘look’ on Him as the Liahona of our lives, we will ‘live forever’ (v 46)

I guess it comes down to what we ultimately want. Some of us are content to wander through this life and never arrive at our destination. Some of us are content to live in the wilderness. If only we could have a glimpse of the destiny which awaits us. We are told that ‘the glory of the telestial world surpasses all understanding’ (D&C 76:89). Imagine what life with God the Father and His Son would be like. I don’t think we are capable of that kind of imagination. We shouldn’t want to imagine it anyway, we should want to live it.

I long to be where I once was,

To return to my eternal home.

I long to see the God of love

And with Him walk the heaven’s floor.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Guiding Light A Serene Encounter by Ivan Guaderrama)

THE SEED, THE TREE, THE FRUIT

 

Alma delivered an amazing discourse on faith when teaching the Zoromites, which is found in Alma 32. Most of us are familiar with this chapter as it is always referred to when we talk about faith. However, this discourse is not just about the principle of faith. This chapter is about faith in Christ.

Alma compared faith to a seed, which, when nourished, grows into a tree and eventually produces fruit. And not just faith in anything but in the word of God (v 28). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explains what that word really is: “In the brilliant discourse of Alma 32, Alma moves the reader from a general commentary on faith in the seedlike word of God to a focused discourse on faith in Christ as the Word of God, grown to a fruit-bearing tree, a tree whose fruit is exactly that of Lehi’s earlier perception of Christ’s love….” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 169). See John 1:1 for clarification of the Word of God being Christ.

Alma compares faith to a seed because in the beginning it is something small, and really only just a belief, but this seed has the ability to produce something great, a fruit that becomes knowledge. Alma identifies this fruit as ‘most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet’ and those who have nourished the tree will eat of it and they shall not ‘hunger’ and also not ‘thirst’ (Alma 32:42). This is clear reference to Christ being ‘the fruit’ because Jesus is ‘the bread of life’ (John 6:31,51) which takes away hunger and He is ‘the living water’ which takes away the thirst (John 4:6-15; 7:37).

Again, in the words of Elder Holland: “Christ is the bread of life, the living water, the true vine. Christ is the seed, the tree, and the fruit of eternal life”. Elder Holland continues to say that “the profound and central Tree of Life imagery in this discourse is lost, or at least greatly diminished, if the reader does not follow it on into the next two chapters of the Book of Mormon” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 169). Alma mentions the Son of God 7 times in chapter 33 and Amulek speaks of Him 11 times in chapter 34, which makes it plain to see that Alma 32 is a discourse on faith in Christ. 

When our faith bears fruit, our belief in Christ becomes knowledge through the power of the Holy Ghost. We then have a sure witness of the spirit and not tangible proof of His existence. How many of us ‘know’ that He lives? Everyone in the Church who has a testimony. I hear it across the pulpit on Fast Sundays. This ‘knowing’ is acknowledged because of the spiritual witness of those who bear testimony. I have never heard anyone say, ‘I know Jesus Christ lives because I’ve seen Him’. That is not to say that nobody has, but we bear testimony because of the spiritual witness we have received.  This is knowledge that Alma spoke of.

We can have faith in many things but the ultimate faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the very first principle of the gospel. Why? Because He is the foundation of this Church, of the Gospel, of mortality, of eternal life, of all. Without Him we would not be. At what stage is your faith? Is it a seed, a tree or are you feasting on the fruit that is most desirable and delicious above all?

 

The fruit, so precious and sweet,

The Father laid at our feet.

No greater gift He had to offer

The broken, the lost and the weary

Than the tree springing into life,

Yielding fruit with endless supply.

He gathers the fruit spilt on the ground

That multiplies with each harvest of

penitent hearts.

The fruit, so precious and sweet,

Grows on the cross at Father’s feet.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: The Tree of Life by Annie Henrie Nader)

THE LEGACY OF REMEMBRANCE

 

I don’t think there is a more significant word in the Book of Mormon that is repeated more often than the word ‘remember’. It is commonly used to teach a principle or motivate people to obedience. For this purpose, King Benjamin spoke of ‘remembering’ 15 times in his speech to his sons and to the people gathered to hear him (Mosiah 1:3,4,6,7,17; 2:40 twice, 41 twice; 4:11,28,30; 5:11,12; 6:3).

As I was reading Alma’s instructions to Helaman yesterday, I expected to come across this familiar scripture:   “O remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation….…” I was convinced it was the advice that Alma gave to his sons. However, this scripture was nowhere to be found in the book of Alma. I eventually found it in Helaman 5:12, and to my surprise I discovered this advice was given by Helaman to his sons Nephi and Lehi and not Alma to his sons. I then realized why I got that wrong. When Alma spoke to Helaman he also, at one stage, began with, “O remember, remember…..” (Alma 37:13). Like father, like son……

Alma used the verb ‘remember’ 6 times in speaking to his sons (Alma 37:13,14,32,35; 42:11). Helaman used it 11 times in speaking to his sons in Helaman 5. The legacy of remembrance passed on from Alma to Helaman was so strong that Helaman named his sons Nephi and Lehi for this very purpose (Helaman 5:6). Why did Alma put such importance on remembering? This is why:  As he lay unconscious he ‘remembered’ his father’s prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ and when he pleaded with Christ to have mercy on him, he could not ‘remember’ his pains anymore (Alma 36:17, 19). Remembrance played a crucial part in his conversion.

When we pass on from this life, we hope we will be remembered for ‘something’. None of us want to be forgotten. Nephi is remembered for his obedience, Alma for his repentance, Helaman for his strategic warfare, Captain Moroni for his passionate patriotism, Mormon for his discipleship, Moroni for his endurance, but one thing they all have in common…….a firm foundation in Christ. If we want to be remembered for the same, others need to ‘see’ the Saviour through us. Our lives need to reflect our knowledge and testimony of what He is like and what He can do. This is the ultimate legacy of remembrance.

The Saviour died over 2,000 years ago and He is still remembered by many but many are also trying hard to forget Him and disregard His importance. We can, however, keep the flame burning. The testimony we bear, as His disciples, can ensure the world remembers Him. Why? Because He remembers us, and He will never forget…. In the words of my dear friend Bonnie Lake Bloomfield:

I don’t know how the sun remembers to rise,

Or how the stars remember their places.

I don’t know how the flowers remember to bloom,

Or how in spring the leaves fill their spaces.

It’s enough for me to know who created it,

And I’ll never be the same;

Because I know I have a God who loves me

And a King, who remembers my name.

 

My King, who remembers my name;

A mighty King, who remembers my name!

He is the Lord of all creation,

And yet, my King remembers my name.

I’m a small creature compared to His greatness;

I’m only one and the same,

But I’ll always be His, and He will be mine –

A King, who remembers my name!

 

I look at the world today with people

Rushing about without thinking of why;

Why we’re all here, and what is life about

And where we all go when we die.

But I know, and I’ll ever be thankful

That I know from whence I came.

I’ll go home to heaven once more,

To my King, who remembers my name.

(Bonnie Lake Bloomfield)

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Worlds Without Number by Greg Olsen)

THE MYSTERIOUS BOOK OF MORMON

 

 

When Alma handed over the records of his people to his son Helaman, he told him that they should be handed down from one generation to another until they will go forth to every nation and every people to come to know of ‘the mysteries’ that they contain (Alma 37:4).

My favourite section of the Doctrine and Covenants is Section 76 which says that the hidden mysteries of God’s kingdom and even the wonders of eternity will be revealed to faithful saints (D&C 76:5-10). I have for a long time wanted to know the mysteries and I believe the Book of Mormon has been extremely influential in the realization of this desire.

What are mysteries? President Joseph Fielding Smith has said that ‘mysteries are those principles of the gospel necessary for our salvation that are not understood by the world’; the Book of Mormon Institute Manual says that ‘they are the saving principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed because of faith and obedience’ but Elder Bruce R. McConkie gives the best explanation: “Any gospel truth, however easy and simple, that is not understood, or that is beyond present spiritual capacity of a given person to understand, is to him a mystery” (The Mortal Messiah 2, p 164).

I am often amazed by the critics of The Book of Mormon who discount what is contained therein. This book is so much easier to understand than the Bible into which certain errors had crept through ‘ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests’ (Teachings of Joseph Smith, p 327). Don’t get me wrong, I love the Bible but every time a doctrinal principle becomes clearer to my understanding because of the Book of Mormon, I become more and more grateful for this sacred book. I guess you can say, the Book of Mormon reveals to me ‘my mysteries’.

Alma stressed the importance of scripture to Helaman in great detail but in the end he conceded that the real purpose of preserving the records is known to God who ‘counsels in wisdom over all his works’ and then he calls the records sacred because God will show forth his ‘power’ through them unto future generations (Alma 37:12, 14). Who are the future generations? I believe it is us of this dispensation of time and this is the power: “What then is the power of the Book of Mormon? It will proclaim the everlasting gospel; it will gather Israel; it will build the New Jerusalem; it will prepare a people for the Second Coming; it will usher in the Millenium – at least it will play such an important part in all of these that its value and power can scarcely be overstated” (The Millenial Messiah [1982], p 171).

These then are the mysteries which the world does not understand, the mysteries of this dispensation of time which will bring us to the Millenium. These are the mysteries which only the sheep of the Shepherd of Israel hear and understand and accept. These are the mysteries that enlarge the caverns of our hearts and which feed the soul of every Israelite in anticipation of every prophecy of the mysterious book we hold in our hands, the book which bears witness of our God, the King of Kings who will return with healing in His wings.

How much you must love those

Who have borne witness of Thy name!

Thy prophets of old, Thine everlasting friends,

Thine angels who herald

Thy gospel and Thy name;

To the ends of the earth they speak

And their words forever remain.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Moroni Burying the Plates by Katie Payne)