Did Lincoln Read the Book of Mormon?

Original here

byTimothy Ballard | May. 02, 2014

The story of how I ended up working against child trafficking—an industry some have called abolitionism—is long and complex. The more interesting story, perhaps, is how I have been able to deal with such a difficult thing physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. First and foremost, I have turned to the Lord, and I have had the unwavering support of a wonderful family. But there is something else I have turned to: American history.

As an undercover operative working with governments throughout the world to fight child trafficking, I fight for freedom on a daily basis. Recognizing that my favorite American heroes were asked to do far more difficult things than I must do, I have turned to them to learn how they did it. Two of these American heroes of mine are Joseph Smith and Abraham Lincoln. 

As I studied their lives, I could not help but recognize some powerful similarities between the two men: both were born a few years apart from each other, both were raised under the humblest of circumstances, and both reached an unlikely national prominence. Both their names were known for good or ill to their countrymen, both were cut down in their prime by an assassin’s bullet, and both were laid to rest in neighboring cities. But these are the least of their similarities. There was something else—something that seems almost impossible—that provided me with the inspiration I sought. It is something that places Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War into an unlikely partnership with that which I hold dearest of all—the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Lincoln’s “Conversion”

To explain this connection, I must first reveal perhaps the most important secret about Abraham Lincoln. In the middle of the war, he passed through a pivotal transformation, even a conversion. He called it “a process of crystallization” during which he “constantly prayed.” Others called it a “Damascus Road experience.”  Though at the war’s beginning, Lincoln promised not to touch slavery where it existed, and though at the beginning he did not see the conflict as God’s doing, all of that changed.

His conversion began with the death of his sweet 11-year-old son, Willie, which left an already war-humbled Lincoln completely shattered. The tragedy brought Lincoln to his knees in prayer like never before. That, and the powerful spiritual encouragement he gained through the teachings of a Christian nurse brought in to care for the family in the wake of Willie’s death, left him a changed man forever. The result: he began receiving revelations from God. He started to see the war in a different light—a spiritual light. Much to the concern of his cabinet, Lincoln began claiming, “I talk to God,” and he began believing and testifying that “God’s purpose is something different from the purpose of either party. . . . God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet.”

At one point in September 1862, he even made what he called “a covenant” with God. Give us victory in this upcoming battle, he pleaded to heaven, and I will turn this war into a holy endeavor. I will begin with freeing the slaves—I will issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Sure enough, during the very battle over which Lincoln prayed and covenanted (the Battle of Antietam), one of the most astonishing miracles in American history occurred, which led to Union victory and prompted Lincoln to make good on his promise to God. It was an event that acclaimed Civil War historian James McPherson declared to be “a million to one” chance opportunity for the North. It was a miracle that played out with the simplest of tools—three cigars, an empty field, and a wandering soldier—yet it brought great things to pass.

Joseph Smith’s Civil War Prophecies

But this story runs so much deeper than just the conversion and the miracle. It appears that this change in Lincoln, which caused an even greater change in the national heart, is eternally tethered to powerful prophecies stemming from my other favorite hero, Joseph Smith. Indeed, in a manner quite stunning, it appears that Smith saw it all, his prophecies and visions written, documented, and hiding in plain sight. They were “hiding in plain sight” because without reading the prophecies with Civil War history in mind, it’s easy to miss. Yet the prophecies are abundant, and they become clear upon examining Lincoln’s side of the story.

Brigham Young certainly did not miss the spiritual message and connection when, in the middle of the war, he declared: “God has come out of his hiding place and has commenced to vex the nation that has rejected us, and he will vex it with a sore vexation. . . . [Joseph Smith’s] prediction is being fulfilled, and we cannot help it.”

Smith had indeed spoken of the mighty vexation that would befall the nation should the people not repent. American sin was piling up high in the land. And not just private sin being committed by individuals. It was sin being carried out by the collective—legislated and codified in the land. Slavery—the most brutal form of tyranny—was growing and spreading like a cancer.

Religious minorities, like Mormons, were often treated just as badly, and there was no legal recourse for the oppressed. Wicked men had hijacked the divinely given principles of the Constitution. Something needed to change fast because not only was slavery abounding in the land, but temples were being confiscated and burned, or their building was not permitted in the promised land created for their very existence. The Lord had a plan to fix this problem, and He revealed it to His prophet.

As Smith was facing false charges and witnessing the persecution of his people, he inquired of God as to what he should do. God’s counsel for him is found in Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101. First, the Lord acknowledges that He ultimately had inspired the Constitution (verses 76–80), then He instructed Joseph Smith to seek redress from the judge (verse 86). If that did not work, he was told to go to the governor (verse 87). Finally, if the governor failed him, he was told to go to the president of the United States (verse 88). Should that not work, the Lord revealed a most frightening contingency:

“And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation; and in his hot displeasure, and his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers” (verses 89–90).

The Lord was speaking directly about Joseph Smith’s generation when He declared that “there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they see an overwhelming scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.” The Lord then described this scourge in part, leaving little room to imagine what He was referring to: “And they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another” (D&C 45:28–33).

Indeed, Joseph Smith knew the war was coming. Among a vast number of similar prophecies Smith and others revealed concerning the war, one revelation even noted where the first shots of the war would be fired: South Carolina (D&C 87:1–5).

As prophet, Smith knew what he had to do. In an effort to do as the Lord commanded, he went to the judge, the governor, and the president and practically shouted to them of the need to repel slavery and bring protection to religious minorities. He warned that if they did not listen, “they shall be broken up as a government.”  They refused to listen.

The 13th & 14th Amendments

Knowing the calamities that would befall the nation should it continue in grave sin, Joseph Smith even ran for the presidency of the United States in 1844 to give voice to his concerns. His platform would represent the solution to the national crises: the eradication of slavery and the end to what Smith called “the states’ rights doctrine”—a constitutional theory that allowed states (like Missouri) to ignore the Bill of Rights and persecute Mormons and other minorities without consequence. “The states’ rights doctrine,” declared Smith, “are what feed mobs. They are a dead carcass, a stink and they shall ascend up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty.”8 What Joseph Smith the candidate was seeking is what we finally got—in essence, he was asking for the 13th Amendment (eradication of slavery) and the 14th Amendment (the tempering of the states’ rights doctrine). Smith was very candid about his belief that the Constitution needed amending: “the Constitution is . . . not broad enough to cover the whole ground,” he declared.

He also knew that the nation could choose these solutions on its own, or it could wait for the Lord to unleash the frightening prophecies that would bring national humility and lead to the required national repentance. In short, America could turn to God and create the 13th and 14th Amendments peacefully, or God would bring them about the hard way: through a scourge and vexation upon the land. 

The national choice was symbolically revealed on June 27, 1844, at 5 p.m. While in the middle of his presidential campaign against slavery and “the states’ rights doctrine”—indeed, at the height of his warnings to the nation—Joseph Smith was killed. Not only was he martyred, but as a budding politician entering the national stage, he was assassinated. The murder was followed by silence from the state and the nation. Shortly thereafter, the temple was burned to the ground. Again, silence and apathy followed. As was its right, America at large had chosen to ignore God’s prophet.

As was His right, God would then mete out the consequences of that decision.  With the prophet and his brother dead, the temple in ashes, and the Saints being hauled out of America, the Lord revealed to Brigham Young:

“Thy brethren have rejected you and your testimony, even the nation that has driven you out; And now cometh the day of their calamity, even the days of sorrow. . . . For they killed the prophets, and them that were sent unto them; and they have shed innocent blood, which crieth from the ground against them” (D&C 136:34–36, emphasis added). 

The Civil War came. And it worked. It brought to bear the precise fruit indicated by the prophecies—it brought humility, repentance, and the 13th and 14th Amendments. And it fulfilled one incredibly specific prophecy Smith gave concerning Jackson County, Missouri—a fulfillment almost too shocking to believe (D&C 121:11–24).

In the end, slavery would be done away with. And temples would survive.

But it is the way in which the prophecy was fulfilled that represents the most amazing part of this story of God, country, and scripture. I believed Joseph Smith was a prophet before I discovered the truth about the Civil War. But seeing how his prophecies were fulfilled to the letter has bolstered my personal testimony of him. Furthermore, I always felt Abraham Lincoln was an inspired man. But seeing what he did relative to Joseph Smith’s words and revelations puts him in the realm of other inspired men like Christopher Columbus and George Washington.

Lincoln and the Book of Mormon

In 1862, Lincoln’s conversion really heated up. What exactly was he being converted to? He was learning what Joseph Smith knew. He began seeing the Civil War the way Joseph Smith and Brigham Young saw it. Lincoln surprised the nation with the Emancipation Proclamation in the wake of his conversion and that powerful battlefield miracle. But the most important thing to understand is that the Proclamation represented the beginning of national repentance; it was the initial link in a chain of events that would lead to the 13th and 14th Amendments—to the end of slavery and to the constitutionally binding protection of temples in the land. “In giving freedom to the slave,” pronounced Lincoln, “we assure freedom to the free.” Lincoln was fulfilling Joseph Smith’s prophecies and bringing forth the national solutions the prophet had sought.

As a result of his conversion, Lincoln started to believe that God actually wanted this war in the land. Let us not take this for granted. It is a most bizarre thing for a president of the United States to believe—bizarre, that is, until coupled with the promises and prophecies of Joseph Smith. Lincoln was only saying what Joseph Smith had said. “And insomuch as we know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world,” declared Lincoln, “may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?” 

Smith of course had read such things in the Book of Mormon—the story of the covenant land of America. The story tells of how, in a covenant land, a wicked people may expect the humbling power of national calamities to befall them: “Except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea except he doth visit them with death and with terror . . . they will not remember him” (Helaman 12:3).

Similarly, Lincoln declared to the nation: “It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness . . . let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering country.”

Something must have influenced Lincoln to see America like the prophet Joseph did—to see America like an ancient Nephite prophet had.

Right in the middle of his conversion, while Willie was dying, while the Christian nurse was teaching, while he was passing through what he called his “process of crystallization,” Lincoln had a copy of the Book of Mormon, which he himself had requested from the Library of Congress. Having kept it for nearly eight months, Lincoln finally returned it to the Library a mere seven days after issuing his first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet. Was this merely a coincidence? Did Lincoln begin to insert Book of Mormon principles—even Book of Mormon language—into his speeches and policies? After having the book, did he actually change his opinion on Mormons and begin to treat them more kindly than any American president up until that time? The evidence seems to add up to the affirmative, suggesting that the Book of Mormon had influenced the president. This might have been at least partially responsible for the fundamental shift in American policy during the war: the eradication of slavery and the constitutional protection for God’s people. Or, as Lincoln declared at Gettysburg, “under God . . . a new birth of freedom.” 

The Lincoln Hypothesis

While I know I would not be able to prove my hypothesis beyond a reasonable doubt, I had already discovered too much evidence to be able to ignore the possibilities. 

As it turns out, the same first edition copy of the Book of Mormon Lincoln had checked out is likely the copy the Library of Congress still possesses. Does the book have answers? It’s just a quick trip to Washington, D.C., to find out.  

                                        

The Lincoln Hypothesis: A Modern-day Abolitionist Investigates the Possible Connection between Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Abraham Lincoln

Timothy Ballard explores the crucial role that President Lincoln played to bring this nation closer to heaven. We love this fascinating read from Deseret Book. Who knew that our doctrine and Lincoln's political decisions could have been so intertwined? Grab your copy at deseretbook.com.

Did the Angel Moroni Appear to George Washington?

George Washington. Engraved image from a 1876 magazine.

Original Here

Did the Angel Moroni Appear to George Washington
byTimothy Ballard, adapted from "The Washington Hypothesis" | May. 19, 2016

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The following excerpt from The Washington Hypothesis is a small piece of what the title describes, a hypothesis about George Washington and what he may have known about America as a land prepared by God. As stated in the Publisher's Note at the opening of the book, “A hypothesis is not a statement of fact, though it often reads like one. It is, rather, a jumping-off point, a tentative assumption made that provides a framework for examining and organizing facts.” This book includes both “demonstrable facts” and “bold conjecture” based on historical documents, published accounts, the author's own investigative research and, admittedly, some speculation. The author is not a historian. The following excerpt is speculative, both second-hand and anecdotal, told years later by an aging gentleman whose identity and credibility has been questioned. Whether you agree with the author's hypothesis or not, we hope that “readers will gain a new appreciation for the events that shaped America as a nation and for the greatness of its first president, George Washington.”

On July 4,1859, Anthony Sherman—one of Washington's soldiers at Valley Forge who was now 99 years old—was one of the last remaining veteran soldiers of the Revolution.

Before he died, he wanted to tell someone of an event he had witnessed at Valley Forge. So he asked his friend and journalist Wesley Bradshaw to meet him at Independence Hall—the place where the Declaration of Independence had been signed.

They sat down on a bench inside the hall, and the old man recounted a vision and prophecy Washington reportedly had received at Valley Forge. The prophecy spoke of a series of conflicts America had faced and would face, including wars and rumors of wars, whose descriptions sounded a lot like the war for independence, the American Civil War, and other future conflicts. The point of the vision was to tell Washington that America was God’s creation and would endure and be victorious over all these conflicts.

George Washington's Vision at Valley Forge

Below is an excerpt from the report entitled “Washington’s Vision,” as told directly from the memory of Sherman while sitting in Independence Hall:

The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington, after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to pass the winter of 1777. Ah! I have often seen the tears coursing down our dear commander’s careworn cheeks, as he would be conversing with a confidential officer about the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubtless heard the story of Washington’s going to the thicket to pray. Well, it was not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort from God, the interposition of whose Divine Providence brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation.

One day, I remember it well [in Valley Forge], the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brightly, [Washington] remained in his quarters nearly all afternoon alone. When he came out I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual, and there seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance.

Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer I mentioned who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command, said to the latter: “I do not know whether it is owing to the anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of her presence. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor . . . . By this time I felt strange sensations spreading through me. I would have risen but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible.

“Presently I heard a voice saying ‘Son of the Republic, look and learn’ while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world—Europe, Asia, Africa and America. . . . ‘Son of the Republic,’ said the same mysterious voice as before, ‘look and learn.’ At that moment I beheld . . .[another] angel, standing or rather floating in mid-air, between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand he sprinkled some upon America . . . . A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean, and sprinkled it out as before . . .”

Was the Angel Moroni One of the Angels?

Before continuing with the report of this vision, I want to pause and take you to Salt Lake City. It was July 4, 1854, five years to the day before the old man Sherman recounted his witness of what happened to Washington at Valley Forge. Orson Hyde, an ordained Apostle of God, stood at the pulpit in the Tabernacle and boldly declared that the angel Moroni was in the camp of Washington. He stated

“It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones, and remains of towns, cities, and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world . . . . Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water.”

Could this corroborate Sherman’s account? The principal angel in Valley Forge was, of course, described as a woman. But it was a male angel (or male angels) who anointed the land.

As Washington’s vision continues, the Moroni hypothesis becomes ever more interesting. After the principal angel described to Washington what sounds like yet another conflict to hit the land—“thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat”—the male angel performed a familiar act, familiar to the LDS student, at least.

“Son of the Republic,” said the female angel, “look and learn.” Washington then beheld a male angel and, according to Sherman, told of how he watched as the angel “placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long, fearful blast.”

Washington continued

“Instantly a light, as of a thousand suns, shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud, which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel . . . who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by legions of bright spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks, and renewed the battle.

“Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice, saying: ‘Son of the Republic, look and learn.’ As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.

“Then once more I beheld the villages, towns, and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: ‘While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last!’ . . . while the people, kneeling down, said ‘Amen.’”

I cannot read this account without thinking of the biblical prophecy of the angel Moroni found in Revelation 14:6–7: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

The Restoration of the gospel did not simply begin in 1820. The foundation was being laid years earlier in the battlefields of America—in Boston, Long Island, Saratoga, and Valley Forge. George Washington was a power player in the story of the Restoration, as he was building the nation, the foundation, for Christ to return, that He might bring His priesthood and truths of salvation.

Indeed, the forthcoming Restoration had nowhere safe to land. God needed to create the asylum, and Washington knew that he was helping God do just that. Writing from Valley Forge, he declared: “Even if the rest of the world continues to ignore us, we will fight on. For we are fighting not only for ourselves, but for all mankind. We are fighting for freedom and human dignity and the right to worship the God of our choice.”

Washington, no doubt, was doing his part to get this message out. Like Joseph at Liberty Jail, and like Lincoln in 1862, Washington was compelled to his knees while in the darkness of Valley Forge. And he was blessed for it. He had received an assurance from the Lord about the fate of America. As he led the nation in righteousness, he would be victorious. He needed to know this. Now he did.

Learn more about the inspiration and miracles surrounding George Washington in Timothy Ballard's new book, The Washington Hypothesis. Available at Deseret Book stores and deseretbook.com.

We know that George Washington was a moral man and an inspiring leader, but did he possibly know more than we suppose? Was he a national covenant maker like Moses, Abraham, Lehi, or Captain Moroni? Did he understand that he was fighting for the liberty of a promised land protected by God, a place where the Lord's holy temples could be built? The Washington Hypothesis explores the intriguing evidence that Washington and the other Founding Fathers knew the Lord had a greater purpose for America. It takes us on a fascinating historical journey through the miracles of the Revolutionary War to the foundational documents of this great nation to the symbolism evident in every corner of the nation's capital. Exploring how Washington's beliefs framed his every action, author Timothy Ballard draws compelling conclusions about the divinity of that great leader's calling. As we see the evidence of the Lord's hand in Washington's life, we may discover a much grander design at work in the founding of our nation—and thus a greater desire to strive to preserve those promised blessings.

Talk On The Holy Ghost (April 17, 2016)

Just a talk given in Sacrament by someone asked to pick a talk from General Conference and talk on it.

Central Valley, California

I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to study and learn more about my topic today. What spoke to my heart in the recent general conference was the talks about the Holy Ghost.

I like looking up topics in the bible dictionary, as it explains very well the meaning of gospel topics. The bible dictionary teaches us about precious truths of the Holy Ghost:

It is the third member of the Godhead and a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones.
The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam.
The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

The power can come upon one before baptism and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. By the power of the Holy Ghost a person receives a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth. 

When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth unto the heart of the hearer – as in 2 Nephi 33:1 he states:
And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people;
neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the
power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts
of the children of men. 

The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin.
Also, The Holy Ghost is often spoken of as “fire” – In Matthew 3:11 it says –
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
And in D&C 19:31 it also says: . . . thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

The bible dictionary also proclaims that The Holy Ghost knows all things. In D&C 35:19 we read Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.

Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are
Holy Spirit - Spirit of God - Spirit of the Lord - Comforter, and Simply Spirit.

A week ago in general conference I noted that the Holy Ghost was a topic in a few of the talks.

In Elder Hale’s talk titled “The Holy Ghost” he declares:
All of us benefit from this holy light. It is “in all and through all things,”
and it allows us to distinguish right from wrong.
The Holy Ghost provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where we
will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly Father expects
us to use our agency, study the situation out in our minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer. Personal revelation is essential, but it is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost. 

Elder Hale continues with many quotes from the scriptures:
As the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost also testifies of the Savior and God the Father.
He teaches us “the peaceable things of the kingdom” and causes us to “abound in hope.”
He “leadeth us to do good and to judge righteously.”
He gives “to every man and woman a spiritual gift that all may be profited thereby.”
He “giveth us knowledge” and “brings all things to our remembrance.”
Through the Holy Ghost, we “may be sanctified” & receive “a remission of our sins.”
He is the “Comforter,” the same who was “promised unto the Savior’s disciples.” 

Elder Hale reminds us not to seek the Holy Ghost unwisely. He is not there to give direction in every minor choice we make, making his sacred role trivial. We are to use
our agency to live our daily lives, feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost when needed.
He stated:
In the world we live in today, the influence of the Holy Ghost is most important.
To live righteously so we can feel and understand the promptings of the
Holy Ghost are most important
Elder Hale warns -
“Sometimes the adversary tempts us with false ideas that we may confuse with
the Holy Ghost. I testify that faithfulness in obeying the commandments and
keeping our covenants will protect us from being deceived. Through the
Holy Ghost, we will be able to discern those false prophets who teach for
doctrine the commandments of men”.

What a great promise! I have struggled myself with recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I have missed opportunities - I have received understanding that I had received a prompting that I dismissed, or ignored. It is most frustrating.
As we follow his promptings, we receive more promptings. But when we ignore or dismiss promptings, we will stop receiving them. I have prayed much to understand and follow the promptings that I receive. Even asking the Lord to give me another chance to continue to receive promptings and trying to increase my spirituality, so I can recognize and follow the promptings for me and my family.

One of the greatest examples that I read about following the promptings of the Holy Ghost was in the Ensign. A gal was home alone while her husband was at the nearby church, when her brother in-law had knocked on the door. It was not unusual for him to show up unannounced and she would have welcomed him into her home.
But . . . the spirit told her not to open the door. She wondered at the strange prompting . . . and she heeded it! After he knocked, through the closed door, she told him her husband was at the church and he could meet him there. He persisted that she open the door, but she stated again he could walk to the church. He left and a short time later she saw him walking with her husband towards their home, laughing and talking!

She learned that he had meet up with an old friend on the bus, and this friend had insisted that he go to the sister in-laws house with him. He felt that this friend did not have good motives. He was unsure how to handle the situation. Then he started praying that his sister in-law would not open the door! When, in fact, she did not open the door, this fellow’s friend lost interest and left.

This was a great example to me. I know, at the time I read this story, I would have dismissed this silly prompting and possibly invited evil into my home. We often want to know the why before we will head a prompting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way!

Elder Hales shared some personal experiences of following the Holy Ghost in his own life:
Many years ago, Sister Hales and I planned to host some of my work associates
at a special dinner in our home.
On my way home from the office, I had an impression to stop at the house of a widow whom I home taught. When I knocked on the sister’s door, she said,
“I have been praying for you to come.” Where did that impression come from?
The Holy Ghost.

He continues:
Once, following a serious illness, I presided at a stake conference. To conserve
my energy, I planned to leave the chapel immediately after the priesthood leadership session. However, following the benediction, the Holy Ghost
said to me, “Where are you going?”
I was inspired to shake hands with everyone as they left the room.
As one young elder stepped forward, I was prompted to give him a special message. He was looking down, and I waited for his eyes to come up and meet mine, and I was able to say,
“Pray to Heavenly Father, listen to the Holy Ghost, follow the promptings
you are given, and all will be well in your life.” Later the stake president told
me that the young man had just returned early from his mission.
The stake president, acting on a clear impression, had promised the young
man’s father that if he brought his son to the priesthood meeting,
Elder Hales would speak with him. Why did I stop to shake everyone’s hand?
Why did I pause to talk to this special young man?
What was the source of my counsel? It’s simple: the Holy Ghost.

Elder Hale admonishes us to:
. . . encourage our children and others to follow the direction of the Holy Ghost.
In doing so, let us follow the example of the Holy Ghost ourselves, leading through gentleness, meekness, kindness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned.
The Holy Ghost is a medium for God’s work in families and throughout the Church. I offer my testimony of the personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost. Through the Holy Ghost, we experience “the multitude of Christ’s tender mercies” and miracles that do not cease. 

In D&C 68:3-6 we read about the impact of the words that our prophet and apostles speak –

3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture,
shall be the will of the Lord,
shall be the mind of the Lord,
shall be the word of the Lord,
shall be the voice of the Lord,
and the power of God unto salvation.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.

Yesterday afternoon, while I should have been finishing up this talk, I was on facebook!
As I was scrolling down the news feed, a video from the mormon channel came up titled “Receiving Revelation: Power of the Holy Spirit” - I clicked on it and the first part of the video started with a question which was “How Does The Spirit send you revelation”?

I watched testimonies of young people talking about following promptings.
A gal named Jenny shared her testimony –
“The spirit has definitely protected me from making wrong decisions. Even though we know what we should be doing, we need the Holy Ghost to remind us when to do it.”

I love that she said the Holy Ghost “protected” her. She could have used a number of words, but she chose protected.

Another gal mentions the feeling of peace she gets when she makes right choices.

Elder Gerald N. Lund taught in the video that
“Sometimes the Holy Ghost is so subtle that you don’t recognize it, only later as you
see how things work out that you get the confirmation again and you say “Ok, now I understand that was from the Lord”. 

A fellow from the same video explains that if we want to know how HF speaks to us - we want to recognize that, you ask him that – you say “HF I want to recognize your spirit when you speak to me” as you do that and read your scriptures, and pray and continually put yourself in those places where you can feel the spirit, he will reveal that to you.

Isn’t it awesome that I can watch a wonderful video that teaches such beautiful truths?
We have so much given to us to help us to grow and learn and improve and increase our knowledge in the gospel. We just need to take the time – to make it a priority in our lives. I’ve seen in my own progression that it has been line upon line, precept upon precept.
As I grow and learn, I have been added upon.

My hope and prayers are for all of us to continue to learn and progress in the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. I know I am happier when I am following the commandments.

I would like to close with one of my favorite hymns, the third verse of How Firm A Foundation:
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen

Patriotic Quotes

Patriotism should be sought for 

and will be found in right living, 

not in high sounding phrases or words. 

True patriotism is part of the solemn 

obligation that belongs both to the nation, 

to the individual, and to the home.

Joseph F. Smith, president of the Church

Individual self-government 

liesat the root of all true and 

effective government, whether in heaven or on earth.

Brigham Young, president of the Church

The four pillars of government 

are religion, justice, 

counsel, and treasure.

Francis Bacon, English author

Respect all religions.

Religious freedom is a lifelong interest of mine. My first publication as a young law professor at the University of Chicago 53 years ago was an edited book on the relationship between church and state in the United States.

Today, much more than then, none of us can ignore the importance of religion globally—in politics, conflict resolution, economic development, humanitarian relief, and more. Eighty-four percent of the world’s population identifies with a particular religion, yet 77 percent of the world’s inhabitants live in countries with high or very high restrictions on religious freedom. Understanding religion and its relationship to global concerns and to governments is essential to seeking to improve the world in which we live.

This month, I met with members of the UK Parliament and advisers and also spoke on religious freedom at Oxford University. That audience included many who are not members of the Church. However, we agree that religious teachings and the religiously motivated actions of believers are essential to a free and prosperous society and continue to deserve special legal protections.

May we each do our part to understand and protect our right to religious freedom.

Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Posted on his FB page on June 17, 2016

What a wonderful heritage we could leave to our youth if we could just kindle in them the fires of freedom that our fathers kindled in us. I love this great land; I honor the great founding fathers; I’m proud to be an American. I cannot sing “America” without tears coming to my eyes and without chills running up and down my back. When I stand with my hand over my heart and sing our national anthem, I’m so proud I can hardly stand it. When I think of all the noble men who gave their lives for this land, then I feel a sacred resolve well up within me and I know that we must stand fast.

Vaughn J. Featherstone, Oct. 1975

Love one’s country, 

love freedom.

José de San Martín, 

South American statesman

Love the country in which you live. 

Be a good citizen. Be patriotic. 

Fly your country’s flag 

on special holidays. 

Pray for your country’s leaders.

President Ezra Taft Beson

The United States of America is the golden door. I bear my solemn and sacred witness that the United States of America is the greatest nation on the face of the earth. We ought to love it and we ought to talk about it. We need to be true, we need to have faith. If we do this, God will give us strength to brace against the winds. He will make this country like a giant pillar of granite. He will make us a mighty people, a pure people, a Christlike people, a worthy people, a free people. The Latter-day Saints bear witness and we know the witness is true that we have a modern prophet, that the Book of Mormon is a record of God’s dealings with people who had problems similar to the problems we have in this day. And they were a great people who loved this land and thus we find the course we must take in following in their footsteps.

Vaughn J. Featherstone, October 1975

Breathes there the man with soul so dead, 

who never to himself hath said, 

“This is my own, my native land!”

Sir Walter Scott, Scottish poet

I realize that patriotism is not enough. 

I must have no 

hatred toward anyone.

Edith Cavell, English nurse

Someone asked me once how I felt about amnesty for the draft card burner and the deserter. I told him that I thought every one of them should be taken before General Moroni to be judged. We need to feel again what it means to be a citizen of the United States of America. We need to feel the thrill and sensation and have the swellings within our bosom about this country. The priesthood of God should be an example of patriotism and loyalty to our country. As I talk about the United States of America, each one should consider his homeland, his flag, and his country. The scriptures give us a description of a great, great soul when they describe Moroni:

“And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood. Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”  

Alma 48:11-13, 17

Vaughn J. Featherstone, Oct. 1975

Dr. Kenneth MacFarland, a great, nonpartisan, national patriot, gave a speech entitled “Selling America to Americans.” 

He told about a young soldier who returned from Vietnam. In a very serious talk with his parents, the young soldier asked if they loved America. He asked how they felt about this great and glorious nation. 

Both mother and father got a little teary-eyed and said that they loved this country dearly, that it was more precious to them than their own life. 

“Why didn’t you tell me that when I was growing up?” he said. 

“I never heard you once say that you loved America. You never taught me to love it. I can’t tell you what an ungrateful pup I have been. I had to go to Vietnam to find out what the United States of America is all about. I would gladly lay down my life for it. I would have given anything to know how you felt about it when I was growing up.” 

Speaking of liberty - 

Man possesses human dignity because he is made in the image and likeness of God; it is this image that makes man different, that makes man a son of God. Without this image, man has no free will and frequently neither liberty nor the capacity for liberty.  In this struggle for freedom, at home and abroad, our greatest weapon, both a sword and a shield will be our love of and faith in God.           

Conrad Hilton, 1951

I know not what course others 

may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Patrick Henry, United States patriot

Our reliance is in the love of 

liberty which God has planted in us. 

Our defense is in the spirit which 

prizes liberty as the heritage of 

all men in all lands everywhere. 

Abraham Lincoln

Behold, this is a choice land, 

and whatsoever nation shall 

possess it shall be free from bondage, 

and from captivity, and from 

all other nations under heaven, 

if they will but serve the God 

of the land, who is Jesus Christ.

Ether 2:12

We believe that all men are bound 

to sustain and uphold the 

respective governments

in which they reside.

 D&C 134:5

My last wishes are for the happiness of our homeland.

Simón Bolívar, South American statesman

And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children — and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. And he fastened on his headplate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land. 

Alma 46:12-13

A man’s feet should be plantedin his country, 

but his eyes should 

survey the world.

George Santayana, Spanish poet

Soldiers must do the fighting, 

but God will give the victory.

Joan of Arc, French national heroine