Hemidakota

Thanks Seminary Snoozer for capturing this, even I have missed it previously. The Savior's quote to Nephi was "Lift up your head and rejoice; be of good cheer, for this very night shall the sign be given, and tomorrow come I into the world." (3 Ne. 1:13) This pre-mortal birth statement made by the Savior, only stresses the nature and power of spiritual beings grand entrance into mortality. This statement gives credence to W. Cleon Skousen’s article and talk concerning the ‘The Real Meaning of the Atonement" (April 1977). Cleon perpetuates the answers by his personal search given by his mentor (Talmage) how the mortal body functions and why. Hearing the phrase, “…our bodies are a temple of GOD” now resonate with greater clarity. My opinion here, Cleon hit the hammer on the nail with great accuracy. Though, this is not light material to digest for any beginners and should always be read with an open mind in allowing the Spirit to guide the individual with discernment. To sum it up, there is more than JUST ME that occupies this mortal shell.

Still need further studies but at least someone is looking at it from a different path. Interesting though… I do know, I have a form an ALS due to the specific beta drugs given to us (my platoon of Marines) many years ago that was a primarily cause to my demise while serving. After several months of heavy dosage, few complaints began to reach me concerning uncontrollable urination, twitching; body coordination’s, brain disorders, and so on, before I told them to stop taking the drug. Sad aspect, almost [what I am aware of] all the members of my platoon died the same way, heart tribulations. I still retain a picture of them in my office to remind me of such great men that I serve with. In controlling ALS is not an easy task. It does play havoc with many limbs of the body (i.e. leg, arm, hand coordination), even effects brain functioning where the blood begins to thicken to the point of not flowing through the smaller capillaries and the heart valves. Even portion of the body limbs would stop functioning for split second. More or less, electrical shorts I would call it. Now would caffeine solve it? I think they may have something here but a friend stated years ago in controlling another behavior called Bi-Polar and ALS combined. Told what and how formulate a cocktail over the counter supplements and drugs (aspirin) that can aid his daily life to fight against this dreaded disease. But eventually, the body will succumb to what ever it’s fighting against. The positive aspect, it doesn’t affect the family around him. So far it works for him. But in these cases described, it may work…

Last... 1 Nephi 6:1-6 1. And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work. 2. For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph. 3. And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of God. 4. For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. 5. Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world. 6. Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the children of men. Here is what Millet had to say: [i ... do not give the genealogy of my fathers] Approximately ten years after Lehi and his family left Jerusalem (ca. 590 B.C.), Nephi was commanded to begin a record of his proceedings, the record we have come to know as the large plates. On this set of plates he was to record such matters as the nature of the family's travels, the genealogy of his father, many of the prophecies of Lehi, the wars and struggles of his people, and the details of the reigns of the kings. (See 1 Nephi 9; 1 Nephi 19:1-6.) About twenty years later (ca. 570 B.C.) Nephi was given an additional writing assignment: he was to begin a record which would concentrate upon spiritual matters, the dealings and revelations of God with the Lehites. (2 Nephi 5:29-33.) This record, known to us as the small plates, covers the material in the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi through the book of Omni (143 pages in the 1981 edition), approximately 475 years of Nephite history. At the time of King Benjamin (Mosiah 1), the small plates came to a close, and the large plates were thereafter used to record both secular and spiritual doings. Nephi was writing upon (and we are now reading from) the small plates, a record which, incidentally, was written in retrospect, thirty years after the fact. Nephi desired the limited room on this smaller set of plates for "the things of God," the things of greatest worth unto the children of men. Such matters as genealogy-certainly of importance-are to be found on the large plates. Nephi's hope and intent? "That I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved." Some things simply are more valuable and more conducive to bringing men to Jehovah, who is Christ the Lord. Nephi and those of his descendants who have editorial responsibilities for these plates were solemnly selective in what they recorded, always considering the overall purpose for which this set of plates was written and preserved. (Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1 by Robert L. Millet, Joseph Fielding McConkie) You can read what was written by Nephi and what is stated by Millet. Nephi stated, Lehi in fact, kept a record. What was contained in that record, we simply don't know beside what Nephi stated. Adding further recordings due to space, was now given to secular history. What did Mormon narrative from the large plates? Following the pattern of the recorded narration of the Book of Mormon, after KB, I suspect it would be the same.--> Justice, I have captured your postings to read over tonight...

The Large Plates of Nephi These plates were started by Nephi soon after Lehi's colony arrived in the promised land. They served as the official record of the Nephites from about 590 B.C. to A.D. 385. (1 Nephi 19:1-4.) During part of this period they were primarily a record of secular events among the descendants of Lehi, but later they contained the religious record as well. (1 Nephi 19:4; Jacob 3:13.) These plates contained a "full account of the history of [Nephi's] people" (1 Nephi 9:2, 4; 2 Nephi 4:14; Jacob 1:2-3), the genealogy of Lehi (1 Nephi 19:2), and the "more part" of the teachings of the resurrected Jesus Christ to the Nephite nation (3 Nephi 26:7). The major books on the large plates of Nephi were as follows: Lehi, Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, [3] Nephi, [4] Nephi, and Mormon. After the prophet Mormon was commanded by the Lord to make an additional set of plates, he abridged the writings of the large plates of Nephi and wrote this abridgment on his own plates. (3 Nephi 5:8-11; Mormon 2:17-18; 5:9.) Joseph Smith translated Mormon's abridgment of the large plates of Nephi, although he did not translate directly from the large plates themselves. The complete writings of the large plates of Nephi may yet be published to the world. (See Enos, verse 16, and 2 Nephi 29:13.) The Small Plates of Nephi These plates were started by Nephi about 570 B.C. and for approximately 440 years thereafter served as the religious record of the Nephite nation. (2 Nephi 5:29-32; 1 Nephi 6:3, 5; 9:4; 19:2-3, 5-6; Jacob 1:4.) Many of the religious writings from the brass plates of Laban were also copied onto these plates. (2 Nephi 4:15; 24.) Joseph Smith's translation of these plates occupies the first 133 pages of our present Book of Mormon. Thus, as Enos prophesied, the teachings of these records have been preserved. (Enos, verse 16-17.) The Plates of Ether These plates contained the secular and religious history of the people of Jared, who came over to the promised land at the time of "the great tower" of Babel. Also, the record contained an account of "the creation of the world" (Ether 1:3) as well as a full account of the tremendous vision of the brother of Jared in which he was shown the major events that were to occur on this earth (Ether 3:25). Moroni abridged the writings of the plates of Ether and wrote his abridgment on the plates of Mormon. Joseph Smith translated part of Moroni's writings, and his translation appears as the book of Ether in our present Book of Mormon. (Ether 1:1-2.) However, Moroni was commanded by the Lord to seal up part of his writings that contained the "very things which the brother of Jared saw," and Joseph Smith was instructed not to translate the sealed portion. (Ether 4:1-4; 5:1.) This sealed portion will be published when the people "repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord. . . . And . . . exercise faith . . . even as the brother of Jared did." (Ether 4:6-7.) The Plates of Mormon These plates were started by Mormon and contained his abridgment of the books that were written on the large plates of Nephi. (3 Nephi 5:8-11; Mormon 2:17-18; 5:9.) Moroni also added on these plates (1) a brief postscript to his father's record (Mormon 8-9); (2) his abridgment of the plates of Ether (see Ether 1:1-3); (3) his own book of Moroni (see Moroni 1: 1-4); (4) the material that appears as the title page in our present Book of Mormon; and (5) his account of the vision of the brother of Jared, which he was commanded to "seal up" (see Ether 4:4-5). The plates of Mormon were given to Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni on September 22, 1827. The Prophet translated all of these plates that were not sealed. However, his translation of Mormon's abridgment of the book of Lehi, comprising 116 pages of manuscript, was subsequently lost by Martin Harris. The Lord then instructed Joseph to translate the small plates of Nephi in the place of the lost manuscript. (See History of the Church, 1:20-22.) (Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon by Daniel H. Ludlow, P.57-58)

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie wrote about the large plates. Here is his thoughts; As we now have it, the Book of Mormon is a translation of a portion of the Gold Plates. These plates came into being in the following way: Nephi made two sets of plates which are known as the Large Plates of Nephi and the Small Plates of Nephi. Upon the Large Plates he abridged the records of his father, Lehi, and began a detailed history of his people, including their wars, contentions, the reign of their kings, and their genealogy. The Small Plates he reserved for sacred writings, prophecies, and things pertaining to the ministry. (1 Ne. 1:17; 9; 19:1-6; 2 Ne. 4:14; 5:30, 33; Jac. 1:1-4.) These plates were handed down from prophet to prophet, and by about 130 B.C., some 370 years after Lehi left Jerusalem, the Small Plates were full. (Omni 30.) Mormon made the Plates of Mormon on which he abridged the Large Plates of Nephi and to which he added without abridgment the Small Plates of Nephi. (Words of Morm. 1-11.) Both Mormon and Moroni wrote some things of their own on the Plates of Mormon, and Moroni also wrote on them an abridgment of Jaredite history taken from the Plates of Ether. Thus when the Gold Plates were placed in the Hill Cumorah, they contained a record of both the Nephites and the Jaredites. Joseph Smith said that "each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long, and not quite so thick as common tin," that they were "filled with engravings, in Egyptian characters," and that they were bound together with three rings, forming a volume "something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed." (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 537; Morm. 9: 32-34.) Orson Pratt says two-thirds of the volume was sealed (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 347) George Q. Cannon that only one-third was sealed. (George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith, new ed., p. 45.) Moroni deposited the plates in the Hill Cumorah in about 421 A.D., and then as a resurrected being revealed the hiding place to the Prophet on September 22, 1823. Four years later the Prophet was permitted to obtain possession of them, but the actual translation of the portion we now have as the Book of Mormon did not take place until between April 7 and June 11, 1829. Thereafter the plates were returned to the custody of Moroni. (Jos. Smith 2:27-65; D. & C. 27:5; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 215-226.) In the Lord's own due time the plates shall be returned and the sealed portion translated and published to the world. This shall not take place, however, until men exercise faith to the extent that the Brother of Jared did. (Ether 4.) (Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie, p.322) --------------------------- LDS Church News GAP BETWEEN SMALL AND LARGE PLATES IS BRIDGED Date: 03/12/88 "The two pages comprising The Words of Mormon are approximately 500 years out of context," wrote Daniel H. Ludlow in A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon. "Note the approximate date at the end of the book of Omni is 130 B.C. whereas the Words of Mormon are dated about 384 A.D.... "The Words of Mormon were apparently written near the end of Mormon's life for the purpose of connecting two major records. It was made known to Mormon 'by the workings of the Spirit of the Lord' that the small plates of Nephi (which ended when Benjamin was an old man about ready to die). "So that a gap would not occur in the history of the Nephites, Mormon included major events of the life-time of King Benjamin in The Words of Mormon, thus connecting the account on the small plates of Nephi with Mormon's abridgment of the book of Mosiah." In a chapter in Studies in Scripture: 1 Nephi to Alma 29, Victor L. Ludlow wrote: "At the beginning of the Book of Mormon history, Nephi had been commanded to make two separate sets of plates. After starting what would be known as the large plates of Nephi, he was later commanded to make a set of more religious records, known as the small plates of Nephi. (1 Ne. 9:2,4 and 1:17.) "After Nephi's death, the large plates remained with the kings down to the time of Mormon, while the small plates went to Jacob and his posterity until the time of Amaleki, who gave them to King Benjamin. Thus the two sets of plates were back into the possession of one person. "After Mormon had completed his abridgment of 500 years of Nephite history, he may have been somewhat surprised to find the small plates of Nephi, which largely duplicated his efforts. Instead of keeping only one of the sets of records, Mormon was prompted to include the small plates with his abridgment, without really knowing why. (W of M 1:7.)" One hundred sixteen pages of manuscript from the plates of Mormon were lost after Joseph Smith had translated them. Since the small plates contained a more spiritual account of the same time period, the teachings of greater value were preserved.

The Cave of Records: The Contributor, Volume 3 THE Hill Cumorah is situated in western New York, between the villages of Palmyra and Canandaigua, about four miles from the former. It is celebrated as the ancient depository of the sacred gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. Cumorah was the name by which the hill was designated in the days of the Prophet Moroni, who deposited the plates about four hundred and twenty years after the birth of Christ. The Prophet Mormon, the father of Moroni, had been entrusted with all the sacred records of his forefathers, engraved on metallic plates. New plates were made by Mormon on which he wrote, from the more ancient books, an abridged history of the nation, incorporating therewith many revelations, prophecies, the Gospel, etc. These new plates were given to Moroni to finish the history. And all the ancient plates, Mormon deposited in Cumorah, about three hundred and eighty-four years after Christ. When Moroni, about thirty-six years after, made the deposit of the book entrusted to him, he was, without doubt, inspired to select a department of the hill separate from the great sacred depository of the numerous volumes hid up by his father. The particular place in the hill, where Moroni secreted the book, was revealed, by the angel, to the Prophet Joseph Smith, to whom the volume was delivered in September, A.D. 1827. But the grand repository of all the numerous records of the ancient nations of the western continent, was located in another department of the hill, and its contents put under the charge of holy angels, until the day should come for them to be transferred to the sacred temple of Zion. ---- Dr. Poulson, living in Ogden, wrote to the editors of the Deseret News concerning a visit he had had with David Whitmer. The News published those portions of the letter it thought would be of interest to its readers in its issue of August 16, 1878. I—Did Joseph use the Urim and Thummim when he translated? He—The Urim and Thummim were two white stones, each of them cased in as spectacles are, in a kind of silver casing, but the bow between the stones was more heavy, and longer apart between the stones, than we usually find in spectacles. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, Emma, and my brother John each at different times wrote for Joseph as he translated. I—Where are the plates now? He—In a cave, where the angel has hidden them up till the time arrives when the plates, which are sealed, shall be translated. God will yet raise up a mighty one, who shall do his work till it is finished and Jesus comes again. I—Where is that cave? He—In the state of New York. I—In the Hill Cumorah? He—No, but not far from that place. I saw the place where the plates were found, and a great many did so, and it awakened an excitement at the time, because the worst enemies of "Mormonism" stirred up the confusion by telling about the plates which Joseph found, and the "gold bible" which he was in possession of, so he was in constant danger of being robbed and killed. I—How did the place look? He—It was a stone box, and the stones looked to me as if they were cemented together. That was on the side of the hill, and a little down from the top. I —When will the temple be built at Independence? He—Right after the great tribulation is over. I—What do you mean by that? He—A civil war more bloody and cruel than the rebellion. It will be a smashing up of this nation, about which time the second great work has to be done, a work like Joseph did, and the translation of the sealed plates, and peace all over.

What I failed to add and it will come soon for the safety of the Saints, it will be a place of refuge from the wicked world. A place of safe haven and place to commune and receive direct revelation from the Lord or those who are assigned. Where today, our focus is quite different. More-or-less, we may return back to functional temples (Kirtland Temple) soon I suspect. D&C 101 taught this very thing; D&C 101:64 build them up unto my name. Other scriptures speak of building "an house unto the name of the Lord" (1 Kgs. 5:3; D&C 124:22) and building "cities unto my name" (D&C 125:2-3). When we build up a temple or a city or a people unto the name of God, we do it according to his will, for his purposes, and for his glory. upon holy places. One of the Lord's names is "the Holy One of Israel" (Isa. 47:4; 54:5; 2 Ne. 9:41), and the place where he dwells is "holy" (Isa. 57:15; see also Moses 6:57). Thus we see that holiness is one of the attributes of God. When we gather unto holy places, we come to places that are dedicated to God and that are blessed by the presence of God (Ex. 3:5). In the coming days of trial, holy places can be a safe haven for the Saints (D&C 45:32). President Ezra Taft Benson wrote, "Holy men and women stand in holy places, and these holy places consist of our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion." for the time of harvest is come. A farmer harvests his crop when it is sufficiently ripe and ready to be eaten or stored. Likewise, the Lord "harvests" his people when the world is ripe in sin and the Zion of his Saints is fully ripe in righteousness. D&C 101:65 according to the parable of the wheat and the tares. Jesus taught his disciples the parable of the wheat and the tares, in which a man sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy sowed tares in the same field. In time, the man harvested both the wheat and the tares. He stored the wheat in his barn, but he bound the tares in bundles to be burned. This parable is given and explained in Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43, and D&C 86:1-7. secured in the garners. A garner is a storehouse or granary. The righteous (the wheat) will be securely gathered into the safety provided by God in his love and his power, where they will be crowned with eternal life. The garner into which the Lord brings us may be the temple, the ultimate gathering place of the Saints. ('Understanding the Signs of the Times' by Jay A. Parry, Donald W. Parry, p.77-78)

Focus....focus.....focus.

Let me first state in - my opinion -, there were more records by the Nephites than the record of Lehi and the smaller plates of Nephi. Remember the civic affairs, Lamanites, and other records were not included. Also, there maybe other records of personal nature; not forget diver prophets beside the major ones Mormon recorded only. Remember the cave of records where Joseph and other witnessed? Besides, what was lying on the table called the Gold plates; the room was filled with many records from the Jaredites to last remaining Nephite of Mormons day. If you assume that it was Nephi that wrote on the larger plates, ask yourself this question, how did Nephi learn to keep a record? Was not Lehi commanded to keep a record? Who taught Nephi the importunacy to keep a record? Also, who taught Nephi how to manufacture thin easily writable metal plates? Small plates of Nephi was just that – a record of original authors that contain the writings from Nephi to King Benjamin. I will come back later to complete this with verses for references.

What can this be termed in our current science field - the light of Christ that radiates every part of the creation - ? Could it be cosmic ray particles? Just food for thought…

He did...

Looking back at the Book of Mormon, two groups of people manage to bring forth two records to the promise land. The Jaredites brought forth the records of the Patriarchs (meaning - the records from Adam to Noah), and the Lehi's family, brought forth the record that we have today called the Old Testament (partial but not complete as our today); only to the prophets living prior to their leaving the Land of Jerusalem around 600 BC. [My opinion here] Being a narration or abridgement of Mormon from Lehi to his own book – called the record of or Book of Mormon - there are many records or plates that were not included by this great prophet. I can only suspect of the amount of plates required to cover the span for almost a 1000-years span would outweigh his time and tasking. As there were many diver prophets, even among the Lamanites and Nephites, that we can safely assumed, were not included due to space and time. Mormon is the author of the book, along with his son, Moroni, covering what he felt was the spiritual highlights of the society, or areas that we and the latter-day Lamanites could benefit from. That being said, it would not likely be in the book today, in reading the writings of Isaiah if Martin Harris didn’t loose the 116-page manuscript. By loosing the manuscript, the smaller plates of Nephite, was incorporate by Joseph Smith to cover the abridgement portion from Lehi to King Benjamin. Mormon was not the author but those whom the book (records) was called after. There is no abridgement here to read but directly from the original author.

read post number 2....if you like, I could give you my glasses.

Elder Bruce C. Hafen, a current member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will serve as the new president of the St. George LDS Temple beginning in November. Reference: Hafen to serve as president of St. George LDS Temple

Thanks GS. Sometimes, I feel for the Spirit for a few folks here. You can state hundred times and they will repeat it over again after giving the answer.

Regards to the time, that was reference to the Second coming, there is time given for repentance and seal up those the Lord have chosen. But as to our demise of economic collapse, it is matter of when someone in the IMF will admit to it.

Are located in Bejing?

It is not likely the Anti-Christ or the Lamb with two horns portrayed in the Book of Revelation will rule the world as a whole. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated this also. Even Joseph Smith stated the obvious about the false prophet: He then read Rev. 13:1-8. John says, "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast." Some spiritualizers say the beast that received the wound was Nebuchadnezzar, some Constantine, some Mohammed, and others the Roman Catholic Church; but we will look at what John saw in relation to this beast. Now for the wasp's nest. The translators have used the term "dragon" for devil. Now it was a beast that John saw in heaven, and he was then speaking of "things which must shortly come to pass;" and consequently the beast that John saw could not be Nebuchadnezzar. The beast John saw was an actual beast, and an actual intelligent being gives him his power, and his seat, and great authority. It was not to represent a beast in heaven: it was an angel in heaven who has power in the last days to do a work. "All the world wondered after the beast," Nebuchadnezzar and Constantine the Great not excepted. And if the beast was all the world, how could the world wonder after the beast? It must have been a wonderful beast to cause all human beings to wonder after it; and I will venture to say that when God allows the old devil to give power to the beast to destroy the inhabitants of the earth, all will wonder. Verse 4 reads, "And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?. Some say it means the kingdom of the world. One thing is sure, it does not mean the kingdom of the Saints. Suppose we admit that it means the kingdoms of the world, what propriety would there be in saying, Who is able to make war with my great big self? If these spiritualized interpretations are true, the book contradicts itself in almost every verse. But they are not true. There is a mistranslation of the word dragon in the second verse. The original word signifies the devil, and not dragon, as translated. In chapter 12, verse 9, it reads, "That old serpent, called the devil," and it ought to be translated devil in this case, and not dragon. It is sometimes translated Apollyon. Everything that we have not a key-word to, we will take it as it reads. The beasts which John saw and speaks of as being in heaven, were actually living in heaven, and were actually to have power given to them over the inhabitants of the earth, precisely according to the plain reading of the revelations. I give this as a key to the elders of Israel. The independent beast is a beast that dwells in heaven, abstract [apart] from the human family. The beast that rose up out of the sea should be translated the image of a beast, as I have referred to it in Daniel's vision.(History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 5 by Joseph Smith, B. H. Roberts, p.345) However, he will control those nations and people that will give him his power (honor).

Welcome to the forum. Are north or south in the county?

So did most of the CES and 'Y' scholars when you read their materials. I simply don't believe it was. But I do agree with your statement of Mormon's abridgment was lost.

Remember what I stated, we can learn a great deal on the order of translation by reading Joseph journal, let us now look at another entry: "We found the people of Seneca county in general friendly, and disposed to enquire into truth of these strange matters which now began to be noised abroad. Many opened their houses to us, in order that we might have an opportunity of meeting with our friends for the purpose of instruction and explanation. We met with many from time to time who were willing to hear us, and who desired to find out the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and apparently willing to obey the Gospel, when once fairly convinced and satisfied in their own minds; and in this same month of June, my brother Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jun., were baptized in Seneca lake, the two former by myself, the latter by Oliver Cowdery. From this time forth many became believers, and some were baptized whilst we continued to instruct and persuade as many as applied for information. In the course of the work of translation, we ascertained that three special witnesses 1 were to be provided by the Lord, to whom He would grant that they should see the plates from which this work (the Book of Mormon) should be translated; and that these witnesses should bear record of the same, as will be found recorded, Book of Mormon, Book of Ether, chapter 5, verses 2, 3 and 4, also II Nephi, chapter 11, verse 3. Almost immediately after we had made this discovery, it occurred to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and the aforementioned Martin Harris (who had come to inquire after our progress in the work) that they would have me inquire of the Lord to know if they might not obtain of him the privilege to be these three special witnesses; and finally they became so very solicitous, and urged me so much to inquire that at length I complied; and through the Urim and Thummim, I obtained of the Lord for them the following: (revelation was received see D&C 17) Notice the order of references? I highly doubt it was after thought to mention a reference to 2nd Nephi. Translation work was still not complete at this time in June 1829. The translation work closure didn't come until earlier part of next year in March and April time frame prior to the establishment of the church (See the Title Page to the Book of Mormon. This was after D&C 20 was received.)After D&C 20, Joseph last tasking upon closure of the translation to the Book of Mormon, was the title page. Here is Joseph entry: "Meantime, our translation drawing to a close, we went to Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, secured the copyright, and agreed with Mr. Egbert B. Grandin to print five thousand copies for the sum of three thousand dollars. I wish to mention here that the title-page of the Book of Mormon is a literal translation, taken from the very last leaf on the left hand side of the collection or book of plates, which contained the record which has been translated, the language of the whole running the same as all Hebrew writing in general; and that said title page is not by any means a modern composition, either of mine or of any other man who has lived or does live in this generation. Therefore, in order to correct an error, which generally exists concerning it, I give below that part of the title-page of the English version of the Book of Mormon, which is a genuine and literal translation of the title-page of the original Book of Mormon as recorded on the plates:" In the first edition, the words "Author and Proprietor" appear instead of the word "translator." The reason for this is obvious. Under the laws then existing the copyright was secured to "authors and proprietors;" and hence on the title page of the first edition, "Joseph Smith, Junior, author and proprietor," takes the place of the line "Translated by Joseph Smith, Jun.," in the later editions. The Prophet merely adopted the phraseology of the law. Preceding the preface to the first edition appears the following certificate of copyright, which is interesting not only as explaining the foregoing point, but also as preserving an important date in Church history (See B.H. Roberts, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vol 1)Northern District of New York, to wit: Be it Remembered,, That on the eleventh day of June, in the fifty-third year of the independence of the United States of America, A. D. 1829, JOSEPH SMITH JUN., of the said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, the right whereof the claims as author, in the words following to wit: [Here follows the title page with the words, "By Joseph Smith, Junior, Author and Proprietor, Palmyra: Printed by E. B. Grandin for the Author. 1830."] In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned;" and also the act, entitled, "An act supplementary to an act, entitled, 'An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." R. R. Lansing, Clerk of the Northern District of New York. In the first edition of the Book of Mormon the testimony of Three Witnesses, and also the Testimony of Eight Witnesses appear at the end—or on the last two pages of the volume, instead of being, as in the later editions, on the page following the title-page. The first edition also had the following:Preface. To the Reader— As many false reports have been circulated respecting the following work, and also many unlawful measures taken by evil designing persons to destroy me, and also the work, I would inform you that I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the book of Lehi, which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon; which said account, some person or persons have stolen and kept from me, notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again—and being commanded of the Lord that I should not translate the same over again, for Satan had put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God, by altering the words, that they did read contrary from that which I translated and caused to be written; and if I should bring forth the same words again, or, in other words, if I should translate the same over again, they would publish that which they had stolen, and Satan would stir up the hearts of this generation, that they might not receive this work; but behold, the Lord said unto me, I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing; therefore thou shalt translate from the plates of Nephi, until ye come to that which ye have translated, which ye have retained; and behold ye shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. Wherefore to be obedient unto the commandments of God, I have through His grace and mercy, accomplished that which He hath commanded me, respecting this thing. I would also inform you that the plates of which hath been spoken, were found in the township of Manchester, Ontario county, New York. The Author Earlier journal entry omitted time and exact dates (including the day of the week) to each entry. Later, I noticed either Joseph or other clerks assigned, began this added feature to each entry.[stop here for now]

Justice did further research into Joseph's own journal (compilation by Nelson) reveals, D&C 10 came after D&C 3. In fact, Joseph started back to translation on 5th of April the following year (1829). It doesn't speak much at all, he stated the following: "On the 5th day of April, 1829, Oliver Cowdery 1 came to my house, until which time I had never seen him. He stated to me that having been teaching school in the neighborhood where my father resided, and my father being one of those who sent to the school, he went to board for a season at his house, and while there the family related to him the circumstance of my having received the plates, and accordingly he had come to make inquiries of me. 2 Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery (being the 7th of April) 3 I commenced to translate the Book of Mormon, and he began to write for me, which having continued for some time, I inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim, and obtained the following: (received revelations - D&C 6). After we had received this revelation, Oliver Cowdery stated to me that after he had gone to my father's to board, and after the family had communicated to him concerning my having obtained the plates, that one night after he had retired to bed he called upon the Lord to know if these things were so, and the Lord manifested to him that they were true, but he had kept the circumstance entirely secret, and had mentioned it to no one; so that after this revelation was given, he knew that the work was true, because no being living knew of the thing alluded to in the revelation, but God and himself. During the month of April I continued to translate, and he to write, with little cessation, during which time we received several revelations. A difference of opinion arising between us about the account of John the Apostle in the New Testament, as to whether he died or continued to live, we mutually agreed to settle it by the Urim and Thummim and the following is the word which we received: (receive revelations to his inquiry see D&C 7)" What I have discovered is the manner of Joseph writing reveals how the order of the translation went. I believe now, as before, that the smaller plates of Nephi were not in the beginning of the plates, along with Lehi's and the Kings records. This was Mormon's abridgment work and as I already alluded too my account, the smaller plates were towards the end after Ether and before the sealed portions of Moroni's abridgment work of Brother of Jared's record. I will give my answer to why I believe this later. Now remember Justice, from April 5th to until May, between Josephs speaking each word to Oliver, then Oliver rehearsing back to Joseph for accuracy before it is finalize on paper, how many of the plates were translate per day? One or two hand written pages? Or was it more? The answer is the following journal entry: We still continued the work of translation, when in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: (revelations received see D&C 13) He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and afterwards that he should baptize me. Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me, after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded. The messenger who visited us on this occasion, and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood he said would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the 15th day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger and baptized. First, D&C 13 was received after D&C 8 and 9. Something to keep in mind. They stop translation on the 15th of May based on their translation of "work of translation, when in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates." Justice where in the Book of Mormon that discusses this in detail?

I use to love visiting Bahrain. What I did notice, is the lesser degree of Islam toleration of its own religion and dealing with foreigners.

Sean, stake area will incorporated any area until it meets up to boundaries of the nearest stake boundaries that surrounds it. That could be in Bahrain to Israel border, far north to Turkey, or deep south to Yemen. But to date when the doors open, using your statement, we could go back to even earlier influences when the land was set apart 1800s when Orson Pratt was sent to Israel. Or other GAs made the same attempt later after this date. Another side based on your statement, foreign workers have been in the land for quite sometime. Americans and the British were running oil wells long before the 70s and had influence Saud Royal family positively and negatively. China was the same way. Members always been in China and Hong Kong area long before PR attempt to open the doors of China, but to what influence the government to relax the religion toleration is another story. Thanks again Sean...

Believe or not, I told my wife after my death, purchase a farm in the Manti area [the valley area]. :)