‘Right from the beginning the standard charge against Joseph and the Mormons was treason. And why not? That was the only possible charge when the crime was simply a whole way of life. “They accused him (Joseph Smith) of treason (forty-seven prosecutions, no convictions), because he would not fellowship their wickedness.” In a way he asked for it, for he would make no concessions… So God drives a wedge between Zion and Babylon, an intense mutual (dislike) that constantly forces them apart. “If the wicked come here they do not wish to stay, no matter how well they are treated, and I thank the Lord for it; and I want hard times, so that every person that does not wish to stay, for the sake of his religion, will leave. Whenever the Lord prepares for Zion, there must be a division among the people.’~Hugh Nibley quoting President Brigham Young, ‘Approaching Zion’, p33
Life was not easy for the Latter-day Saints at the beginning of this dispensation. When it becomes so for me now, could it be a sign that I have distanced myself from covenants and growth challenges God has for me… to seek a higher spiritual plane. Should I start with those gospel principles and ideals where I am less than faithful? personal and family prayer (the key that yields success in all that follows…), love God and neighbor (Luke 10:27), Sabbath day worship/attending all my meetings, willingly do my calling(s) in all aspects, Home or Visiting teaching, Temple attendance. Rich rewards await the faithful who are striving. Christ said; “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (D&C 82:10) kdm
