Appendix A

The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

by President Ezra Taft Benson

My beloved brethren and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago.

This gift was prepared by the hand of the Lord over a period of more than a thousand years, then hidden up by Him so that it would be preserved in its purity for our generation. Perhaps there is nothing that testifies more clearly of the importance of this modern book of scripture than what the Lord Himself has said about it.

By His own mouth He has borne witness (1) that it is true (D&C 17:6), (2) that it contains the truth and His words (D&C 19:26), (3) that it was translated by power from on high (D&C 20:8), (4) that it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:9, 42:12), (5) that it was given by inspiration and confirmed by the ministering of angels (D&C 20:10), (6) that it gives evidence that the holy scriptures are true (D&C 20:11), and (7) that those who receive it in faith shall receive eternal life (D&C 20:14).

A second powerful testimony to the importance of the Book of Mormon is to note where the Lord placed its coming forth in the timetable of the unfolding Restoration. The only thing that preceded it was the First Vision. In that marvelous manifestation, the Prophet Joseph Smith learned the true nature of God and that God had a work for him to do. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon was the next thing to follow.

Think of that in terms of what it implies. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon preceded the restoration of the priesthood. It was published just a few days before the Church was organized. The Saints were given the Book of Mormon to read before they were given the revelations outlining such great doctrines as the three degrees of glory, celestial marriage, or work for the dead. It came before priesthood quorums and Church organization. Doesn’t this tell us something about how the Lord views this sacred work?

Once we realize how the Lord feels about this book, it should not surprise us that He also gives us solemn warnings about how we receive it. After indicating that those who receive the Book of Mormon with faith, working righteousness, will receive a crown of eternal glory (see D&C 20:14), the Lord follows with this warning: “But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation” (D&C 20:15).

In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (see D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance.

In 1832, as some early missionaries returned from their fields of labor, the Lord reproved them for treating the Book of Mormon lightly. As a result of that attitude, he said, their minds had been darkened. Not only had treating this sacred book lightly brought a loss of light to themselves, it had also brought the whole Church under condemnation, even all the children of Zion. And then the Lord said, “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon” (D&C 84:54–57).

Has the fact that we have had the Book of Mormon with us for over a century and a half made it seem less significant to us today? Do we remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon? In the Bible we have the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word testament is the English rendering of a Greek word that can also be translated as covenant. Is this what the Lord meant when He called the Book of Mormon the “new covenant”? It is indeed another testament or witness of Jesus. This is one of the reasons why we have recently added the words “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the title of the Book of Mormon.

If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same? The Lord Himself bears testimony that it is of eternal significance. Can a small number of us bring the whole Church under condemnation because we trifle with sacred things? What will we say at the Judgment when we stand before Him and meet His probing gaze if we are among those described as forgetting the new covenant?

There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.

The first is that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. This was the Prophet Joseph Smith’s statement. He testified that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion” (History of the Church, 4:461). A keystone is the central stone in an arch. It holds all the other stones in place, and if removed, the arch crumbles.

There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony.

The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. Unlike the Bible, which passed through generations of copyists, translators, and corrupt religionists who tampered with the text, the Book of Mormon came from writer to reader in just one inspired step of translation. Therefore, its testimony of the Master is clear, undiluted, and full of power. But it does even more. Much of the Christian world today rejects the divinity of the Savior. They question His miraculous birth, His perfect life, and the reality of His glorious resurrection. The Book of Mormon teaches in plain and unmistakable terms about the truth of all of those. It also provides the most complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement. Truly, this divinely inspired book is a keystone in bearing witness to the world that Jesus is the Christ (see title page of the Book of Mormon).

The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection. As mentioned before, the Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation. The Book of Mormon offers so much that broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. Without it, much of what is taught in other scriptures would not be nearly so plain and precious.

Finally, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony. Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it.

Yes, my beloved brothers and sisters, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion—the keystone of our testimony, the keystone of our doctrine, and the keystone in the witness of our Lord and Savior.

The second great reason why we must make the Book of Mormon a center focus of study is that it was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. Mormon wrote near the end of the Nephite civilization. Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, he abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us.

Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations. Nephi said: “The Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation” (2 Nephi 25:21). His brother Jacob, who succeeded him, wrote similar words: “For [Nephi] said that the history of his people should be engraven upon his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from generation to generation” (Jacob 1:3). Enos and Jarom both indicated that they too were writing not for their own peoples but for future generations (see Enos 1:15–16, Jarom 1:2).

Mormon himself said, “Yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel” (Mormon 7:1). And Moroni, the last of the inspired writers, actually saw our day and time. “Behold,” he said, “the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

“Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:34–35).

If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, “Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?”

And there is example after example of how that question will be answered. For example, in the Book of Mormon we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. A major portion of the book centers on the few decades just prior to Christ’s coming to America. By careful study of that time period, we can determine why some were destroyed in the terrible judgments that preceded His coming and what brought others to stand at the temple in the land of Bountiful and thrust their hands into the wounds of His hands and feet.

From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war. From the Book of Mormon we see the evils of secret combinations portrayed in graphic and chilling reality. In the Book of Mormon we find lessons for dealing with persecution and apostasy. We learn much about how to do missionary work. And more than anywhere else, we see in the Book of Mormon the dangers of materialism and setting our hearts on the things of the world. Can anyone doubt that this book was meant for us and that in it we find great power, great comfort, and great protection?

The third reason why the Book of Mormon is of such value to Latter-day Saints is given in the same statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith cited previously. He said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461). That is the third reason for studying the book. It helps us draw nearer to God. Is there not something deep in our hearts that longs to draw nearer to God, to be more like Him in our daily walk, to feel His presence with us constantly? If so, then the Book of Mormon will help us do so more than any other book.

It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.

Our beloved brother, President Marion G. Romney, who celebrated his eighty-ninth birthday last month and who knows of himself of the power that resides in this book, testified of the blessings that can come into the lives of those who will read and study the Book of Mormon. He said:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, p. 90; or Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).

These promises—increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness—are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God.

Brethren and sisters, I implore you with all my heart that you consider with great solemnity the importance of the Book of Mormon to you personally and to the Church collectively.

Over ten years ago I made the following statement regarding the Book of Mormon:

“Do eternal consequences rest upon our response to this book? Yes, either to our blessing or our condemnation.

“Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, p. 97; or Ensign, May 1975, p. 65).

I reaffirm those words to you this day. Let us not remain under condemnation, with its scourge and judgment, by treating lightly this great and marvelous gift the Lord has given to us. Rather, let us win the promises associated with treasuring it up in our hearts.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 84, verses 54 to 58, we read:

“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—

“That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.”

Since last general conference, I have received many letters from Saints, both young and old, from all over the world who accepted the challenge to read and study the Book of Mormon.

I have been thrilled by their accounts of how their lives have been changed and how they have drawn closer to the Lord as a result of their commitment. These glorious testimonies have reaffirmed to my soul the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith that the Book of Mormon is truly “the keystone of our religion” and that a man and woman will “get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

This is my prayer, that the Book of Mormon may become the keystone of our lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, pp. 3–7; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 4–7).

Appendix B: Nephite Record Keepers

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Portion of the Record Extracted for Publication

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Compilation of the Book of Mormon

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The Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Plates

The Three Witnesses

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Age When Shown Plates

Occupation

Relationships with the Church

Death

Oliver Cowdery
3 Oct. 1806

Wells, Rutland County, Vermont

23

School teacher Lawyer

Baptized 15 May 1929.
Excommunicated 12 Apr. 1838.
Rebaptized Oct. 1848. Died in full fellowship. Never denied his testimony concerning the Book of Mormon.

3 Mar. 1850
Richmond, Missouri

Martin Harris
18 May 1783

East-Town, Saratoga County, New York

46

Farmer

Baptized 6 Apr. 1830.
Excommunicated last week in Dec. 1837.
Baptized again 7 Nov. 1842.
Rebaptized in Salt Lake City, Utah, 17 Sept. 1870. Never denied his testimony concerning the plates. Died in full fellowship.

10 July 1875
Clarkston, Utah

David Whitmer
7 Jan. 1805

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

24

Farmer

Baptized June 1829.
Excommunicated 13 Apr. 1838. Never returned to the Church. Never denied his testimony.

25 Jan. 1888
Richmond, Missouri

The Eight Witnesses

Christian Whitmer
18 Jan. 1798

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

31

Shoemaker

Baptized 11 Apr. 1830.
Always faithful to the Church.

27 Nov. 1835
Clay County, Missouri

Jacob Whitmer
27 Jan. 1800

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

29

Shoemaker

Baptized 11 Apr. 1830.
Apostatized 1838. Never returned to the Church. Never denied his testimony of the plates.

21 Apr. 1856
Richmond, Missouri

Peter Whitmer, Jr.
27 Sept. 1809

Fayette, New York

20

Tailor
Farmer

Baptized June 1829.
Always faithful to the Church.

22 Sept. 1836
Liberty, Clay County,
Missouri

John Whitmer
27 Aug. 1802

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

27

Farmer

Baptized June 1829.
Excommunicated 10 Mar. 1838. Never returned to the Church. Never denied his testimony.

11 July 1878
Far West, Missouri

Hiram Page
1800

Vermont

29

Physician
Farmer

Baptized 11 Apr. 1830.
Apostatized 1838. Never denied his testimony.

12 Aug. 1852
Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Joseph Smith, Sr.
12 July 1771

Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts

58

Farmer

Baptized 6 Apr. 1830.
Always a faithful member of the Church.

14 Sept. 1840
Nauvoo, Illinois

Hyrum Smith
9 Feb. 1800

Tunbridge, Vermont

29

Farmer

Baptized May 1829.
Always a faithful member of the Church.

27 June 1844
Carthage, Illinois

Samuel H. Smith
13 Mar. 1806

Tunbridge, Vermont

21

Farmer

Baptized May 1829.
Always a faithful member of the Church.

30 July 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois

Book of Mormon Chronology Chart

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The Major Leaders During Nephite
History—600 B.C./span>. to A.D. 421

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Nephi’s Vision (1 Nephi 10–14)

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Zenos’ Allegory of the Tame
and Wild Olive Trees, Jacob 5

(A Plausible Interpretation)

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Possible Book of Mormon Sites

(in Relationship to Each Other)

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Bibliography

Ballard, M. Russell. “Faith in the Lives of the Saints.” In Faith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983.

Ballard, Melvin J. The Three Degrees of Glory. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1922.

Burton, Theodore M. God’s Greatest Gift. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976.

Clark, James R., comp. Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 6 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–75.

Grant, Heber J. Gospel Standards. Compiled by G. Homer Durham. 12th ed. Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1969.

Hanks, Marion D. Steps to Learning. Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year. Provo, 4 May 1960.

Journal of Discourses. 26 vols. London: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1854–86.

Kimball, Spencer W. Faith Precedes the Miracle. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972.

———. The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1969.

———. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball. Edited by Edward L. Kimball. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982.

Larsen, Dean L. You and the Destiny of the Indian. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.

Lee, Harold B. Stand Ye in Holy Places. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974.

———. Decisions for Successful Living. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973.

Ludlow, Daniel H. A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976.

Maxwell, Neal A. A Time to Choose. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972.

———. “For the Power Is in Them.” Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1970.

McConkie, Bruce R. “The Bible, a Sealed Book.” In Supplement, a Symposium on the New Testament, 1984.

———. Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–73.

———. The Millennial Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982.

———. Mormon Doctrine. 2d ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.

McKay, David O. Gospel Ideals. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1953.

———. Treasures of Life. Compiled by Clare Middlemiss. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1962.

Moldenke, Harold N., and Alma L. Moldenke. Plants of the Bible. New York: Ronald Press Co., 1952.

Monson, Thomas S. Pathways to Perfection. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973.

Newquist, Jerreld L., comp. Prophets, Principles, and National Survival. Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1964.

Nibley, Hugh. An Approach to the Book of Mormon. Classics in Mormon Literature series. 2d ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1964.

———. Lehi in the Desert and the World of the Jaredites. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1952.

———. Since Cumorah: The Book of Mormon in the Modern World. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1967.

Packer, Boyd K. “What Is Faith?” In Faith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1983.

Petersen, Mark E. The Great Prologue. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975.

Pratt, Parley P., ed. Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. Classics in Mormon Literature series. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985.

———. Key to the Science of Theology. Classics in Mormon Literature series. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978.

Reynolds, George, and Janne M. Sjodahl. Commentary on the Book of Mormon. Edited by Philip C. Reynolds and David Sjodahl King. 7 vols. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955–61.

Richards, LeGrand. Israel! Do You Know?. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954.

Romney, Marion G. Look to God and Live. Compiled by George J. Romney. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1971.

Smith, Joseph. History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 7 vols. 2d rev. ed. Edited by B. H. Roberts. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932–51.

———. Lectures on Faith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985.

———. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Selected by Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938.

Smith, Joseph F. Gospel Doctrine. 5th ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939.

Smith, Joseph Fielding. Answers to Gospel Questions. 5 vols. Compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1957–66.

———. Doctrines of Salvation. 3 vols. Compiled by Bruce R. McConkie. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56.

———. Essentials in Church History. Classics in Mormon Literature series. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979.

———. Man, His Origin and Destiny. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954.

———. The Signs of the Times. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1952.

———. The Way to Perfection. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1970.

Smith, Lucy Mack. History of Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956.

Sperry, Sidney B. Our Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1947.

Talmage, James E. The Articles of Faith. 12th ed. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1924.

Widtsoe, John A. Evidences and Reconciliations. 3 vols. in 1. Arranged by G. Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1960.

Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young. Selected by John A. Widtsoe. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941.

Author Index

B

Ballard, M. Russell

today is a day of miracles, 146

Ballard, Melvin J.

this life important in terms of repentance, 92

Benson, Ezra Taft

Book of Mormon as a keystone for answering objections brought against the Church, 153
Book of Mormon used to expose false theories and philosophies, 1
Book of Mormon written for us today, 2, 134
God as author of Book of Mormon, 2
importance of Book of Mormon, 152
importance of human liberty, 98
to know God, 82
undermining of home and family, 31
value of Book of Mormon, 87
warning against secret combinations, 140
“wickedness never was happiness”, 96

Brown, Hugh B.

final battle between followers of Satan and followers of God, 14
responsibility of prophet in calling people to repentance, 45

Burton, Theodore M.

left without root or branch, 125

C

Callan, Samuel

looking beyond the mark, 46

Catulus

Shakespeare, 22

Clark, J. Reuben, Jr.

counsel regarding military service, 99, 102
“great and last sacrifice”, 91
hypocrisy, 42
lesson learned from the Ammonite warriors, 101
purpose of the righteous sometimes being slain, 103
sexual sins, 94
warning against secret combinations, 140

Clark, James R.

fulfillment of Lamanite destiny, 134

Columbus, Christopher

“seed of [Nephi’s] brethren” scattered before the Gentiles, 13

D

Dunn, Loren C.

opening our hearts to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, 44

E

Evans, Richard L.

on being a prophet, 111

G

Grant, Heber J.

counsel regarding military service, 99, 102
importance of witnesses to the Book of Mormon, 3
lesson learned from the Ammonite warriors, 101
purpose of the righteous sometimes being slain, 103
sexual sins, 94
tithing, 125
today is a day of miracles, 146

H

Hanks, Marion D.

Nephi’s confidence in Lehi, 16

Hinckley, Gordon B.

evidence of God’s existence, 88

Hunter, Howard W.

some of our greatest blessings result of burdens and difficulties, 23

I

Ivins, Anthony W.

inhabitants of the land of promise, 22

Ivins, Antoine R.

service, 53

J

Jastrow, Morris

Jews beginning to believe in Christ, 30

Jenson, Andrew

a temple like Solomon’s, 26

K

Kimball, Spencer W.

acknowledging our faults, 95
Book of Mormon is word of God, preface
consequences of unrighteous choices, 15
day of the Lamanites, 111
description of the barges, 136
excommunication, 69
faith, 142
forgiveness difficult for the unrepentant, 94
forgiveness through the Lord, 69
Godly sorrow, 93
great latter-day work among the Lamanites, 15
Lord’s hand in preservation of early American colonists, 13
missionary work, 84
prayers of the righteous, 75
prophecy being fulfilled, 41
purity of heart, 46
reading and pondering the scriptures, 43
sanctification and abhorrence of sin, 78
saving grace of Jesus Christ, 36
significance of welfare principles, 57
sin is service to Satan, 73
some of our greatest blessings result of burdens and difficulties, 22
suffering of the righteous, 79
taking offense only cheats ourself, 92
warning against war, 101
the word do as used in the scriptures, 119

L

Larsen, Dean L.

Lamanite heritage, 128

Lee, Harold B.

armed sufficiently to withstand opposition, 14
following the living prophet, 110
forgiveness of sins, 56
how to receive a blessing from the Lord, 137
many called, but few chosen, 78
meaning of “past feeling”, 149
plan of redemption effective immediately, 91
purpose of the righteous sometimes being slain, 103
revelation, 50
Sermon on the Mount, 117

Lincoln, Abraham

“wickedness never was happiness”, 96

Ludlow, Daniel H.

abridgment of Mormon’s record, 130
Book of Mormon and the miracles of the Exodus, 17
dates and events of Lehi’s journey, 22
description of Mormon, 130
formula for receiving a testimony, 149
horses in the Americas before the time of Columbus, 19
introduction of Alma, 64
“isles of the sea”, 20
Israel not lost unto the Father, 120
language of the Book of Mormon, 134
lineage of Lehi, 75
a man named Alma, 93
meaning of “cross yourself”, 94
Nephi’s sisters, 26
political conditions during Lehi’s time, 4
prophecies of Joseph, 25
purpose of the Book of Mormon, 133
remnant of Jacob, 124
Sermon on the Mount, 117
Shakespeare not quoted by Joseph Smith, 22
shift from first person account in first books of Book of Mormon to third person account in Mosiah, 53
sign of Jesus’ crucifixion, 19
significance of the brass serpent, 107
significance of the family of Ishmael joining the family of Lehi, 9
voices from out of the dust, 36
“west sea, south”, 101
the word Adieu, 48
the word hosanna, 116
writings of Isaiah, 31

Lund, Anthon H.

importance of attending church meetings, 144

M

Maeser, Karl G.

safe path marked by the prophets, 115

Maxwell, Neal A.

gospel of Christ is a higher law, 120
looking beyond the mark, 46
meaning of “past feeling”, 149
patience, 66
trial and tribulation, 109

McConkie, Bruce R.

anti-Christs, 87
baptism and rebirth, 69
baptism as a gate, 43
baptism of fire, 43
Book of Mormon as keystone of our religion, 2
brass plates, 6
carnal state, 56
charity, 147
cherubim, 77
Church in Lehi’s day, 5
church of the devil, 14
concubines and whoredoms, 62
condescension of God, 12
control of the elements, 114
counsel on self-defense, 98
eternal life for little children, 63
faith and hope, 147
fire into which the wicked are cast, 126
first Resurrection, 63
gifts of the Spirit, 151
the Great Spirit, 82
having the Lord know us, 68
infinite atonement, 91
inspired prayer, 123
Jesus’ baptism to fulfill all righteousness, 42
Jesus Christ, Son of God, 12
law of witnesses, 3
“light and the life of the world”, 116
martyrdom, 64
meaning of the word Gentiles, 12
more of the word of the Lord by way of the Book of Mormon, 40
primary purpose of a sign, 113
second death, spiritual death, 96
seraphim, 32
significance of being foreordained to Holy Order of God, 78
significance of having our garments clean, 73
spiritual deafness and blindness, 37
state of the soul between death and resurrection, 95
studying and pondering the scriptures, 27
suffering the cross of Christ, 45
transfigured and translated beings, 127
Urim and Thummim, 94

McKay, David O.

counsel on military service, 99, 102
free agency, 24, 70
lesson learned from the Ammonite warriors, 101
missionary standards, 94
purpose of the righteous sometimes being slain, 103
riches of the world and the riches of eternity, 45
sacredness of the sacrament, 121
sexual sin, 94
sheaves of missionary work, 84

Moldenke, Harold N., and Alma L.

cultivation of an olive tree, 47

Monson, Thomas S.

service and overcoming handicaps, 81

Moyle, Henry D.

contentment with what the Lord has allotted us, 86

N

Nibley, Hugh W.

a binding oath, 6
animals in the day of the Jaredites, 140
Christ born in land of Jerusalem, 74
downfall of Nephite society, 132
final Jaredite battle, 143
Korihor, an anti-Christ, 87
Laban, 5
never cease to labor, 131
protecting the cause of freedom, 99
Sermon on the Mount, 117
steel in Lehi’s time, 16
steel in the day of the Jaredites, 141
warning against secret combinations, 139

O

Oaks, Dallin H.

taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, 58

P

Packer, Boyd K.

an official announcement, 1
faith, 89
inquiring of the Lord, 15
inspiration and the Spirit, 17
Lehi’s vision, 9
safe path marked by the prophets, 115
spiritual well-being and physical health, 79
stick of Judah and stick of Ephraim, 24
treatment of sinners in the Church, 145

Penrose, Charles W.

warning against war, 131

Petersen, Mark E.

Christopher Columbus, 13
colonists’ flight out of captivity, 13
ultimate triumph of God’s work, 21

Polo, Marco

animals and steel in the day of the Jaredites, 141

Pratt, Orson

consuming the scorner, 38
redeemed by the righteousness of the Savior, 23
state of the soul between death and resurrection, 95
to “cover” the seers, 37

Pratt, Parley P.

gift of the Holy Ghost, 42
significance of Book of Mormon, preface

R

Reynolds, George

Amalekites and Amulonites, description of, 82
“isles of the sea”, 20
name of the brother of Jared, 136
Zenos, 47

Richards, LeGrand

mountain of the Lord’s house, 31
time of the great gathering, 32

Romney, Marion G.

blessings received from reading Book of Mormon, 154
Church as standard to the world, 26
cunning arts of Satan, 112
example of fulfillment of scripture, 136
existence of Satan, 40
following God’s will through the prophets, 108
“mighty change of heart”, 73
motives in doing righteous things, 145
remnant of Jacob, 124
responsibility to serve God, 108
sacredness of the sacrament, 121
salvation through the Atonement, 56
sign of conversion, 56
some of our greatest blessings result of burdens and difficulties, 22
spirit of giving, 65
tithing and fast offerings, 125
warning against war, 101

S

Simpson, Robert L.

effective tool against evil and darkness, 114

Sjodahl, Janne M.

Amalekites and Amulonites, description of, 82
“isles of the sea”, 20

Smith, George Albert

Satan to capture his victims carefully, 40
significance of even little indiscretions, 39
worthily partaking of the sacrament, 123

Smith, Joseph

Book of Mormon as keystone of our religion, 2, 140, 152, 153
Book of Mormon as most correct book on earth, 2, 140, 152, 153
Book of Mormon translated by gift and power of God, 134
calling of the Three Witnesses, 138
death of righteous men, 85
faith and hope, 146
faith in God’s truthfulness, 50
faith through hearing the word, 58
God’s goodness and greatness, 29
man will get nearer to God from reading Book of Mormon, 154
many called, but few chosen, 78
meaning of the word Mormon, 130
members of the Godhead, 3
more sure word of prophecy, meaning of, 51
name of brother of Jared revealed to, 136
necessity of leaving neutral ground when choosing between good and evil, 84
offering of sacrifice, 125
plain and precious things removed from the Bible, 14
plural marriage, 46
prophecies of Joseph, 25
psalm of Nephi, 25
purpose of sending Elijah, 125
responsibility for knowledge, 70
role of Holy Ghost in ordinations, 144
Satan’s power result of what we permit, 24
search scriptures diligently, 124
Shakespeare not quoted by, 22
sin of being deceived by Satan, 88
sin of seeking for signs, 88
study and meditation, 12
testing truth, 90
times of God, 95
title page of the Book of Mormon, 1

Smith, Joseph, Sr.

final blessing to Joseph Smith, 63

Smith, Joseph F.

body to be restored to its proper frame, 76
cannot hide sins from God, 94
Holy Ghost, 43
Lord’s intervention in establishment of America, 13
a “mighty change”, 57
perfection of body, 96
recollection of all our guilt, 76
sin of ingratitude, 54
sources of contention and false doctrine, 117
spiritual death, 111
study and meditation, 12
three dangers that threaten the Saints, 40
vision of redemption of the dead, 92

Smith, Joseph Fielding

allegory of the olive tree, 47
Alma’s authority to baptize, 65
becoming children of the covenant, 124
body to be restored to its proper frame, 76
children of Christ, 58
Christ born in the land of Jerusalem, 74
coat of Joseph, 99
coming forth of the Book of Mormon, 134
death, 28
eternal punishment, 54
first Resurrection, 96
free agency in premortal world, 78
hidden scripture, 126
Holy Ghost, 43
importance of reading Book of Mormon, 2
Jewish nation to believe in Christ, 27
left without root or branch, 126
light of Christ, 146
mysteries of God, 76, 85
New Jerusalem, 143
no death after resurrection, 77
no death before the Fall, 24
no salvation without repentance, 134
“other books”, 14
personal revelation, 43
possession of two stones, 138
power of the Holy Ghost, 74
power to become perfect, 118
priesthood held by Lehi, 26
purpose of baptism, 123
scattered remnants of Israel, 123
second death, 46, 77
significance of testimony of more than one witness, 40
sin of leading others away from truth, 94
spiritual body, meaning of, 76
taking upon us the name of Christ, 126
teachers of faith and righteousness, 71
“they that are without the law”, 147
Urim and Thummim, 70
why the Lord revealed himself to the brother of Jared, 137
wicked cast into a fire, 111
wounds in the Savior’s hands and feet, 117
Zion society, 128

Snow, Erastus

Nephi’s sisters, 26
people of Zarahemla, 51
significance of family of Ishmael joining family of Lehi, 9

Sperry, Sidney B.

psalm of Nephi, 25

Stapley, Delbert L.

worthily partaking of the sacrament, 122

T

Talmage, James E.

both the Father and the Son, 63
no law, no punishment, 29
redeemed by the righteousness of the Savior, 23
“these plates” and “other plates”, 10

Tanner, N. Eldon

pride, 45
warning against hypocrites, 110
warning against war, 101

Taylor, John

magnify callings, 45
prepare for Judgment Day, 30

Tyler, Daniel

necessity of leaving neutral ground when choosing between good and evil, 84

W

Wassermann, Jacob

Christopher Columbus, 13

Whitney, Orson F.

“shoulders of the Philistines”, 34

Widtsoe, John A.

need for a strong defense, 102
plan of growth and progress, 23
testing truth, 90

Woodruff, Wilford

purpose of the Lord sending angels, 69

Y

Young, Brigham

freedom of worship, 87
indebtedness to the Savior, 54
Lord’s power in conversion, 85
plan of growth and progress, 23
prophet of the latter days, 24
responsibility for knowledge, 75
trial and tribulation, 109
truthfulness of Book of Mormon, 133
word of God can divide the people, 79

Subject Index

A

Aaron

described God as Great Spirit, 82
taught Lamoni’s father, 82

Abinadi

boldly testified of Jesus Christ, 62
concluding message to wicked priests, 64
converted Alma, 64
courageous stand before King Noah, 60
explains words of Isaiah, 62
had Ten Commandments, 63
martyrdom of, 64
promised he would fulfill mission, 63
prophecy against Noah fulfilled, 62
prophecy fulfilled, 84
protected by divine power, 63
put to death by King Noah, 60, 62
quoted Isaiah, 63
successful as missionary, 64
warned Noah of judgments of God, 62

Abraham

received priesthood from Melchizedek, 79
record of in Pearl of Great Price, 25

Abridgment

of Mormon’s records, 130

Actions

we are judged by, 15

Adam

angel of the Lord appeared unto, 142
fall of, 111
our first parent, 111
taught gospel by angels, 111
unwavering faith, 142

Adieu

used in Book of Mormon, 48

Adoption

into lineage of Abraham, 13, 124

Affliction

must bear to overcome the world, 45

Allegory

elements of Zenos’s, 48, 162
has symbolic representations, 47
of olive tree reveals history and destiny of house of Israel, 47

Alma the Elder

converted by Abinadi, 64
established Church throughout Zarahemla, 64
had authority to baptize, 65
one of the wicked priests of Noah, 64

Alma the Younger

born again, 68, 70
first chief judge over Nephites, 68
high priest in charge of the Church, 68
received the records from King Mosiah, 68
why he was unconscious for two or three days, 93

Altar of stones, 5

Amalekites

description of, 82

America

a chosen land, 99
God’s hand in founding of, 13
land of liberty, 99

American continent

choice land, 94
cursed unto workers of darkness and secret combinations, 94

Amlici

rebellion of, 71
wanted to exercise monarchical government, 71

Ammon

expedition to find Zeniff’s colony, 60
successful missionary, 84
went to search for Zeniff’s people, 62

Ammonihah

destruction of, 81
wicked city of, 75

Amulek

companion to Alma, 75
conversion of, 75
discussion with Zeezrom, 75, 106
emphasized the Atonement, 91
quoted Zenos, 47
visited by an angel, 75

Amulonites

description of, 82

Angel

Satan can appear as, 88

Angels

ministering of, 69

Animals

in day of Jaredites, 140

Anti-Christ

definition of, 48
description of, 87
in Book of Mormon, 87
Sherem, 47

Apostasy

one evidence of, 123
source of according to Nephi, 37

Armed

with righteousness, 14

Atonement

blessings of, 29
center of the gospel plan, 91
conditions for receiving blessings of, 97
immediately effective through faith and repentance, 91
makes sanctification possible, 127
to bring about redemption, 29

B

Babylon

church of the devil, 34
destroyed during Millennium, 34
fulfillment of prophecy, 35
history of, 34
name for Satan’s kingdom, 34

Baptism

as a gate, 43
by immersion for remission of sins, 127
conditions for, 144
covenants of, 65
Joseph Smith rebaptized on day of the reorganization of the Church, 123
need for in case of Jesus Christ, 42
Nephites rebaptized after appearance of Jesus Christ, 123
not to be done unworthily, 134
of fire, 43
of little children, 147
of water, 43
symbolism of, 65

Battle

between good and evil, 96
final, of Jaredites, 143
number destroyed in last, 133

Beatitudes

reiterated and clarified in Book of Mormon, 118

Benjamin

had clear conscience before God, 53
name of people of, 53
service to fellowmen, 53
son of Mosiah, 53

Bible

first great scriptural witness of Jesus Christ, 121
many errors in, 14
plain and precious things removed from, 14
sufficient scripture to many, 40
witnessed to by other books, 14

Birth

merely a change of status, 69
no greater blessing, 28

Bishop

represents the Lord in waiving penalties of sin, 69

Blaspheme

meaning of, 88

Blessing

how to receive from God, 137

Blessings

burdens bring us, 22
of Atonement, 29

Blindness

spiritual, 38

Blood

sacrifice of, to cease, 91

Blood of Christ

symbol of life, 127

Boasting

against the Lord, 33
in oneself or in the Lord, 131

Body

happiness not complete when spirit is separated from, 92, 95
incorruptible after resurrection, 77
restored in resurrection to full vigor, 76
resurrected as spiritual, 76

Book of Mormon

another testament of Jesus Christ, 1, 9, 152
“Another Testament of Jesus Christ” added to title, 1
anti-Christs in, 87
at Judgment Day, 44
bears the name of Mormon, 38
book of power, 153
chronology chart, 159
coming forth is a sign of the restoration of the children of Israel, 127
coming forth of, 133
compilation of, 157
confounds false doctrine, 87
consequences for rejecting, 152
contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 152
divinely inspired book, 153
do not treat lightly or trifle with, 152
exposes enemies of Christ, 87
exposes false doctrines, 1
faults of are faults of men, 134
for both Jew and Gentile, 2
fought against by Satan, 40
generations of peace and righteousness, 140
genuine translation, 37
geographical locations, 163
given by inspiration, 152
gives evidence that the holy scriptures are true, 152
God as author of, 2, 134
great value to mankind, 152
has power to transform men, 2
headnotes, 4
helps us draw nearer to God, 153
importance of witnesses to, 3
individual’s spirit and conviction to gospel are greatly affected by knowledge of, 2
introductory pages, 1
the iron rod, 154
keystone of our religion, 2, 140, 152
language written in, 134
lays down contention, 87
lesser part of scripture, 126
marvelous work and a wonder, 37
members of Church not reading as should, 1
more important than any other technological or industrial invention, 152
most correct book on earth, 140
named after the ancient prophet Mormon, 134
new covenant, 1, 152, 154
new witness for Christ and his gospel, 38
not being used correctly, 40
one of the most significant gifts given to the world, 152
portion of record extracted for publication, 156
precepts of can help man get nearer to God than any other book, 2
prepared by the hand of the Lord, 152
proves God inspires and calls men, 2
purpose of, 1, 38, 133
readers of will meet authors of face-to-face, 44
reading and studying will bring us blessings, 154
reasons it is a keystone, 152
record of a fallen people, 134
rejection of, sign of the times, 40
restores plain and precious things, 1
revealed through Joseph Smith, 1
a sacred thing, 152
sealed portion, 37
second great scriptural witness of Jesus Christ, 121
study of should be a lifetime pursuit, 154
study to feel power and know divinity, preface
teaches us how to do missionary work, 153
teaches us truth, 153
testifies of the Bible, 133
three reasons to study, 152
three witnesses to, provided by Lord, 138
title page written by Moroni, 1
to come forth by way of Gentile, 13
translated by gift and power of God, 2, 134
translated by Joseph Smith through Urim and Thummim, 134
translated literature, 5
treasure it in our hearts, 154
value of, 39
verifies and clarifies Bible, 1, 17
witness of Christ, 2
witness of divine mission of Joseph Smith, 2
witness of divinity of Church, 2
witnesses to, 158
would have been written in Hebrew, 134
written for us today, 2, 134, 153
written in reformed Egyptian, 4

Book of Nephi

comprised Third and Fourth Nephi, 128

Born again

becoming alive in Jesus Christ, 69
rebirth, 69

Bow

made of fine steel, 16

Branch

progenitors or ancestors, 125

Brass plates

contained five books of Moses, 63
contents and significance of, 6
criteria used to select material for, 9
significance of in Nephite history, 5

Brass serpent

made by Moses, 107
type or example of Savior’s crucifixion, 107

Brethren

we must learn to follow counsel of, 115

Brother of Jared

faith of, 137
forgiven by the Lord, 137
had faith that the Lord could light the barges, 137
name of, 136
name of, revealed to Joseph Smith, 136
perhaps no man with greater faith, 136
prayer of, 137
sees the Lord, 137
understood God’s character and attributes, 137

Burdens

bring us blessings, 22

C

Calendar system

of Nephites, 113

Callings

magnify, 45

Carnal

meaning of, 88
relating to the mind, 88

Carnal state

description of, 56
people in less than dust of the earth, 56
result of the Fall, 56

Character

most important standard of a missionary, 94

Characteristics

of righteous people, 57

Charity

essential for salvation, 147
gift of God, 147
meaning of, 147
pure love of Christ, 147

Cherubs

definition of, 77

Children

“alive in Christ”, 147
no need for baptism, 147
not capable of committing sin, 147

Church

during Lehi’s day, 5

Church of Jesus Christ

regulated by revelation, 73
stone cut out of the mountain, 21

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

ensign on the mountain, 26
light to the world, 26
literal kingdom of God on the earth, 108
standard to the world, 26
the way, the truth, the life, 26

Church of the devil

definition of, 14
destruction of, 21

City of Zion

taken from the earth when Enoch was translated, 143

Civil law

relating to free agency, 87

Columbus, Christopher

guided by the Spirit, 13

Commission

sin of, 45

Concubines

meaning of, 62

Condescension

of God explained, 12

Confession

of sins, 68

Confidence

wise, in men builds them, 16

Consecration

law of, 57

Constitutional law

members of Church must adhere to, 99

Constrained

meaning of, 39

Contention

of the devil, 57

Contentment

be content with what God has allotted us, 86

Conversion

sign of, 56
stages of, 73
true, evidence of, 82

Convert

meaning of, 73

Converts

to the Church called sheaves, 84

Coriantumr

studied the arts of war, 143

Corinaton

fell to temptations of Isabel, 89

Counsel

do not ignore Lord’s, 73

Courts

purposes of in the Church, 144

Covenants

of baptism, 65

Coveting

attitude to be eliminated, 57
Martin Harris warned against, 57

Covetousness

same as idolatry, 45

Cowdery, Oliver

appearance of Elijah to, 125

Crime

definition of, 68

“Cross yourself”

meaning of, 94
phrase, used in the scriptures, 94

Cycle

tragic, recurring theme of Book of Mormon, 107

D

Dancing

way of praising Lord, 19

Dangers

three that threaten Saints, 40

Darkness

when Jesus Christ was crucified, 115

Dates

of destruction of Jerusalem, 22
of Lehi’s journey, 22

Deafness

spiritual, 37

Death

as an initial day of judgment, 95
brought about by the Fall, 29
important in welfare of man, 28
none before the Fall, 24
of the righteous, 85
persons who suffer second, 46
physical, 29
purifying process of the body, 76
spiritual, 29
spiritual, more terrible than physical, 111
state between death and resurrection, 95

Destruction

of Nephites, 36

Divine intervention

evidence of God’s power, 5

Divine investiture

of authority, defined, 63

Divine power

protected by, 63

Doctrine

of Christ, 42

E

Earthquakes

foreshadow the Second Coming, 114
one of the signs of the times, 114
part of the Lord’s plan, 114
significance of, 114

Elements

God has control of, 114

Elijah

appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, 125
restored keys of the sealing power, 125

Enoch

righteous people of, 128
saw the old city and the new city of Jerusalem, 143

Enos

God forgives sins of, 50
mighty prayer of, 50
prayed for Lamanites, 50
prayed for Nephites, 50
wrestled with God, 50

Eternal life

for little children, 63
what to do to obtain, 92

Ether

describes New Jerusalem, 143
great seer, 143
shown establishment of New Jerusalem, 143
shown many great things by the Lord, 143

Example

good, value of, 81
Jesus Christ, perfect, 42
Jesus Christ sets forth perfect, 116

Excommunication

having one’s name “blotted out”, 73
recognition of, 68
recognized by Lord, 69

Exodus

substantiation of miracles of, 17

Experiment

upon the word, 89, 90

Eyes

cast ours upon saving power of Jesus Christ, 90

Ezias

bore witness of Christ, 108

F

Faith

Alma’s discourse on to the Zoramites, 89
brings miracles, 146
description and meaning of, 89
description of the two kinds of, 89
how to exercise, 90
intertwined with hope, 147
key to righteousness, 146
no witness until after the trial of, 142
not developed by having miracles first, 142
of the brother of Jared, 137
principle of power, 147
signs follow, 142
steps to developing, 89
through hearing the word of God, 58
trust in the Lord, 142

Faithfulness

reward for, 51

Fall

of Adam, 111

Fall, the

part of God’s divine and eternal plan, 24

Fall of Adam

brought death to every person, 57
men become carnal as result of, 56

False doctrine

source of, 117

Family

undermining of, 31

Fast offerings

spiritual and temporal rewards for paying, 125

Faultfinding

wickedness of, 88

Faults

must be acknowledged, 95
of Book of Mormon are of men, 134

Feast

upon word of Christ, 43

Final battle

between Satan and his followers and followers of God, 14

Fire

“from whence there is no return”, 126

Fire and brimstone

description of, 111
few will partake of, 111
torment of mind, 111

First Vision, 90

Foreordination

description of, 78
of Joseph Smith, 24

Forgiveness

brings feelings of joy, 56
how we can know our sins are forgiven, 92
not easy to obtain for wicked and rebellious, 94
not given without repentance, 94
of sins, 69
of sins, comes only through God, 68

Free agency

accompanied by responsibility, 70
allows men to choose good or evil, 23
in premortal existence, 78, 86
not taken away by Lord, 24

Freedom

of worship, 87
protecting the cause of, 99

Fulfillment

of prophecy regarding Israel, 33

Full purpose of heart, 42

Fulness

of gospel, 38

G

Garments

meaning of, 73
must be washed clean in Christ’s blood, 73
used in scriptures, 73

Gathering

latter day, 28
of Israel, 20, 33, 34, 115, 123
of the Lord’s forces at the Second Coming, 34
time of indicated by Isaiah, 32

Gentiles

Book of Mormon to come forth by way of, 13
meaning of word, 12
received fulness of gospel when it was rejected by the house of Israel, 120
those not categorized as Jews, 13
those who shall come into the covenant, 124
will be numbered among remnants of Jacob, 124

Gideon

Nephite patriot, 71
people of, righteous, 74
people of commended by Alma, 74
valley and city named after, 71

Gift

of Holy Ghost, 42, 144

Gifts

of the Spirit, 113, 151

Gifts of the Spirit

come from Jesus Christ, 151
freely available to all who are obedient, 151
not all will receive the same, 151
purposes of, 151
receipt of predicated upon obedience to law, 151
received by the power of the Holy Ghost, 151
spiritual blessings, 151

God

acquainted with every person, 68
always keeps promises, 84
author of Book of Mormon, 134
being of great power, 28
bound when we do what he says, 65
cannot and does not lie, 150
cannot hide sins from, 94
condescension of explained, 12
do not ignore counsel of, 73
does not work in secret combinations, 139
existence of, 88
gives us learning experiences, 109
goodness and greatness of, 29
has control of the elements, 114
has total knowledge, 29, 108
justice and mercy of, 96
knows all things, 52
knows our capacity to bear burdens, 109
knows the end from the beginning, 134
light of, 70
literal father of Jesus Christ, 12
makes sure promises through his prophets, 150
merciful unto the children of men, 150
miracles of, 134
only one who can forgive sins, 68, 69
our creator, 28
perspective of time, 95
place trust in, 28
provided divine intervention in establishment of American nation, 13
purpose is to bring us to immortality and eternal life, 108
reality of, 40
recognizes excommunication, 69
testimonies of existence of, 88
three effects of word of, 105
we have a responsibility to serve him, 108
we must actually do the will of, 119
we must follow his will as directed through prophets, 108
we must forsake sin and know him, 82
why ceases to perform miracles among men, 134
will chasten his people with afflictions, 109
will free captive exiles of Israel, 28
will gather children in latter days, 28
will not give us more than we can bear, 109
will try our faith and patience, 109

Godhead

Holy Ghost, third member, 42
oneness of, 3, 123

Gospel

fulness of, 38

Gospel of Christ

finest thing in the world, 84
source of salvation and happiness, 84

Grace

of God, not saved alone by, 36

Great and spacious building

in Lehi’s vision, 10
related to pride, 10

Great Spirit

Lamanites believed in, 82

Growth

through God’s plan, 23

Guidance

through the light of the gospel, 24

Guilt

all, will be remembered, 76

H

Harris, Martin

lost manuscript, 51
warned against coveting, 57

Headnotes

to Book of Mormon, 4

Heart

symbolism of, 73

Hebrew

Book of Mormon would have been written in, 4, 134
version of spoken by Nephites, 134

Helaman

two thousand stripling sons, 101

Hill Cumorah

location of, 136

Holy Ghost

baptism of fire, 43
cleansing power of removes sins, 144
every person needs, 69
factor in effecting process of sanctification, 105
gift of, 42, 144
gift of comes only through humility, faith, and obedience, 43
great power to convert, 85
great privilege to have companionship of, 43
helps us understand mysteries of God, 85
important in receiving testimony, 150
many people have never received manifestation of, 43
more important gift than ministering of angels, 69
role of in ordinations, 144
sanctification by, 127
sanctifier, 105
the Sanctifier, 43
third member of Godhead, 42

Home

undermining of, 31

Hope

intertwined with faith, 147
meaning of, 147

Horses

existence of in America, 19

Hosanna

meaning of, 116

Humility

realizing our dependence upon the Lord, 56

Hypocrisy

condemnation of by Christ, 42
sin of, 42

Hypocrite

meaning of, 42

I

Idolatry

same as covetousness, 45

Idols

do not place trust in, 31

Immersion

symbolizes cleansing or washing away of sins, 127

Indiscretions

even little ones lead us away from Spirit, 39

Inequality

among Nephites, 114

Ingratitude

sin of, 54

Inspiration

more a feeling than a sound, 17

Interpreters

had by the brother of Jared, 70
hid up by Moroni to come forth in the last days, 70
two stones, the Urim and Thummim, 70
Urim and Thummim, 94
used by Gazelem, 94

Isaiah

indicates time of the great gathering, 32
Messianic prophecy, 63
prophecies against Israel, 33
prophesied of gathering of house of Israel, 34
prophesied of millennial day, 34
quoted by Abinadi, 63
quoted by Jacob, 26, 28
quoted by Moroni, 34
quoted by Nephi, 19, 20, 34, 36
understanding his prophecies, 36
we are to study and search writings of, 124
words of prove truthfulness of coming of Christ, 31

Ishmael

family of joins Lehi, 9
of the lineage of Ephraim, 9, 26

“Isles of the sea”, 20

Israel

gathering of, 34, 115, 123
house of compared to olive tree, 11
millennial rest, 34
prophecies concerning, 123
prophecy against by Isaiah, 33
recovery of, 33
scattered remnants of, 123
scattered tribes of not lost to God, 120
scattering and gathering of, 20, 33
usage in the scriptures, 41

J

Jacob

confounds Sherem, 47
entreated Nephites to repent, 28
great spiritual leader of Nephites, 28
quoted Isaiah, 26, 28
remnant of, 124
taught greatness of Redeemer, 28

Jaredites

animals in day of, 140
description of barges, 136
destroyed because of unrighteousness, 136
final battle of, 136, 143
final stages of civilization, 141
high state of civilization, 141
history of, 136
metals in day of, 141
secret combinations among, 139
wickedness of, 141

Jarom

record of, 51

Jeremiah

compared Jews to olive tree, 48

Jerusalem

dates of destruction of, 22, 31
destruction of is over, 28
of old, will be rebuilt, 143
punished as result of wickedness, 31
to become holy city, 27

Jesse

root of, 34
stem of, 34

Jesus Christ

appeared as resurrected being to Jews, 121
appeared as resurrected being to Nephites, 121
appeared in Kirtland Temple, 125
as great and last sacrifice, 91
author of our faith, 144
born in the land of Jerusalem, 74
born of Mary, 12
both Father and Son, 58, 63
brought redemption through the Atonement, 23
can speak and act for God, 63
cast our eyes upon his saving power, 90
demonstrated value of scriptures, 125
direct successor of Hebrew prophets, 30
divine source of relief from sins, 90
divinity of, central message of every prophet, 116
divinity of established by the mouths of three witnesses, 121
do not ignore counsel of, 73
doctrine of, 42
father of heaven and earth, 63
finisher of our faith, 144
instituted and fulfilled law of Moses, 120
Jews to begin to believe in, 27
known as Jehovah, 63
light, life, and truth of the world, 116
light of, 146
Light of the World, 115
lived a perfect life, 144
men can be saved only through atoning blood of, 106
the Messiah, 11
mission of is major focus of scriptures, 124
names and titles of, 33
need for baptism, 42
only begotten son of God, 74
only true source of peace, 47
our elder brother, 23
our Savior and spiritual father, 58
paid the price with his own life to meet the demands of justice, 127
perfect example, 42, 116
performed miracles among Nephites, 120
personal appearance to people on American continent, 116
prayed to God for the Nephites, 120
prescribes means whereby we benefit from Atonement, 146
Prince of Peace, 101
revealed himself to the brother of Jared, 138
rights of mercy, 146
sacrifice of is infinite and eternal, 91
signs of crucifixion of, 19
Son of God, 12
source of life, light, and truth, 116
supplied Nephites with writings of Malachi, 125
take upon us the name of, 126
“the law, and the light”, 120
to manifest himself to Jews, 27, 117
victory over death, 57
we become his children through covenants, 58
we can know him, 68
we covenant to take upon us his name, 58
we must become like, 68
we must forsake sin and know him, 83
will appear as a resurrected being to lost tribes of Israel, 121
wounds in his hands and feet, 117

Jew

national name, 41
term used to denote Israel, 36
tribal name, 41

Jewels

of the Lord, 125

Jewish nation

Isaiah prophecies against, 33
two prophets to be raised up to, 28

Jews

Jesus Christ will manifest himself unto, 27
persecution of, 19
removed and scattered from Jerusalem by Romans, 28
to begin to believe in Christ, 27
to see Jesus Christ, 117
use of term in Book of Mormon, 15
will be convinced that Jesus is the Christ, 37

John the Revelator

revelation of, 138

Joseph

coat of many colors, 99
descendants of received land of Americas as part of inheritance, 120
prophecy connected with coat of, 99

Journey

back to Jerusalem, 5

Journeys

of Nephites, 59

Joy

through forgiveness of sins, 56

Judah

national name, 41
punished as result of wickedness, 31
taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, 31
tribal name, 41

Judged

by our actions, 15

Judgment

impending, warned against our day, 115
partial at time of death, 95

Judgment, the, 29

Judgments

for the wicked, 34

Justice

demands of met by the Atonement, 127
description of, 97

K

Keystone

Book of Mormon as, 2
definition of, 2

King Noah

wicked priests of, 62

Kings

cause the sins of many people, 141
consequences of having, 139
of land of Lehi-Nephi, 60
of land of Zarahemla, 60
lead to captivity, 139
wicked, consequences of, 100

Kirtland Temple

appearance of Elijah in, 125
appearance of Jesus Christ in, 125

Knowledge

God has total, 108
light of God, 70
necessity of, 70
of good and evil essential to progress, 70
received due to faithfulness and adherence to commandments, 76
responsibility for, 75

Korihor

accusations of, 88
an anti-Christ, 87
could not detect Satan, 88
imputed evil motives to Church leaders, 88
teachings of, 87

L

Laban

biography of, 5
encounter with Nephi, 5

Labor

never cease to, 131

Laman and Lemuel

discontent of, 5
hardened in their hearts, 17
never truly converted, 17
not changed even through seeing an angel, 5
“past feeling”, 17
rejected Lehi’s teachings, 10
Satan had hold over, 22
unwise use of free agency, 10
why came to promised land, 5
witnessed power of Lord, 17

Lamanites

are of the house of Israel, 133
curse imposed until they repented of their iniquities, 129
curse removed from, 113, 129
day of, 111
descendants of those who revolted from the Church, 129
domination of Nephites, 62
future of foretold, 15
great latter-day work among, 15
heritage of, 128
in the Church, 41
must have gospel, 111
of today, descendants of great Book of Mormon leaders, 133
restoration of to the knowledge of Christ, 134
rise to righteousness and power, 134
shall be filled with the presence of the Redeemer, 135
shall blossom as the rose, 124
wild, hardened, and ferocious people, 81

Lamoni

father of, 82

Language

Book of Mormon written in, 4, 134

Latter-day Saints

name given by the Lord for members of his Church, 126
part of fulfillment of prophecy, 34

Law

of consecration, 57
spirit of versus letter of, 120
violation of is sin, 29

Law of Moses

fulfilled through “great and last sacrifice”, 91
fulfillment of, 120
type or representation of Christ, 84
typifies Christ, 31

Law of witnesses, 3

Leaders

major, during Nephite history, 160

Lehi

family blessed by the Lord, 19
family of joins Ishmael, 9
family spiritually and physically strengthened by the Lord, 17
final blessing to his children, 25
had great concern for and taught Laman and Lemuel, 10
had spiritual power, 5
notes power of Satan, 22
of the lineage of Manasseh, 9, 75
political conditions surrounding him in Jerusalem, 4
priesthood held by, 26
sons married daughters of Ishmael, 9, 26
strengthened by Nephi’s confidence, 16
teaches family, 22
testimony of Messiah, 9
vision of, 9
vision of interpreted, 9

Lehi-Nephi

land of, 59
Nephites establish colony in land of, 59

Lehi’s dream

illustration of, 8

Lehi’s journey

dates of, 22

Liahona

passed along with plates, 16
pointed direction of travel for Lehi’s family, 16
shown to Three Witnesses by Moroni, 16
treasured by writers of Book of Mormon, 16
type or symbol of word of God, 16
worked according to faith, 16

Liberty

mainspring of human progress, 98

Light of Christ

spirit of truth, 146

Light of truth

will lead to the fulness of the gospel, 146

Limhi

escaped from Lamanites, 61

Lord’s Prayer, 118

Lost manuscript

116 pages given to Martin Harris, 51

Love

pure, of Christ, 65

Lucifer

meaning of, 34
premortal name of Satan, 34
term used only twice in scriptures, 34

M

Maher-shalal-hash-baz

son of Isaiah, 33
symbolic name, 33

Marriage

Nephites not to practice plural, 46

Martyrdom

of Abinadi, 64

Marvelous work

of latter days, 20

Meetings

church, importance of attending, 144

Melchizedek

gave priesthood to Abraham, 79
holy priesthood named after, 79
received divine protection, 79

Melchizedek Priesthood

Holy Order of God, 78

Men

called of God by prophecy, 115

Mentally handicapped

no need for baptism, 147

Messiah

names and titles of, 33

Messianic

centers on Messiah, 31

Metal

in day of Jaredites, 141
ziff, 62

“Mighty change”

of heart, 57, 73

Military service

counsel regarding, 99, 102
required when legally called, 102

Miracles

day of still here, 146
occurrences in the scriptures, 106
of God, 134
why God ceases to perform among men, 134

Missionaries

characteristics of successful, 81
power of, 81
standards of, 94

Missionary work

blessings as a result of, 84
brings joy and happiness, 84
characteristics of good, 84
increase of called for, 84

Money

Nephite system of, 75

Mormon

abridger of Book of Mormon, 109
abridger of Nephite histories, 2
abridgment of Book of Mormon, 130
appointed leader of Nephite armies at age of sixteen, 130
definition of the word, 130
description of life, 130
did not record “a hundredth part” of all he had access to, 109
final admonition to Moroni, 149
letters or epistles of, 102
purposes of abridgment of Book of Mormon, 130
quoted Zenos, 47
received blessing of more sure word of prophecy, 131
two sets of plates, 130
“visited of the Lord” at age of fifteen, 130

Moroni

abridged the record of Ether, 70
an author and compiler, 144
chief captain of Nephite armies, 103
counsel to latter-day readers, 134
final testimony to the world, 151
great love of liberty, 103
greatness of, 99
letter from Pahoran, 103
noble man of God, 99
planted standard of liberty among Nephites, 99
possessed keys of the record of stick of Ephraim, 138
quoted Isaiah, 34
reestablished liberty among the people, 103
saw modern man through power of God, 133
title of liberty, 99
true servant of God, 103
warnings to the Gentiles, 140
will stand as a witness at bar of judgment, 151

Mortality

purpose of, 24

Moses

and brass serpent, 107
transfigured to be able to stand in the presence of God, 127

Mosiah

possessed the two stones or interpreters, 138

Mulek

of tribe of Judah, 41
son of Zedekiah, 51

Mysteries of God

received by faith, 76
understood through Holy Ghost, 85

N

Natural

the word as used in the scriptures, 54

Natural man

enemy of God, 55
experiences personal “fall”, 55
receives not the Spirit of God, 82

Nehor

an anti-Christ, 82, 87
clever criminal, 71
order of, 82

Nephi

asked the Lord to send a famine, 109
bore witness to reality of Redeemer, 30
broken bow incident, 16
concluding testimony, 42
constrained by the Spirit to speak as he did, 39
delighted in things of God, 12
delighted in words of Isaiah, 31
encounter with Laban, 5
end of his record, 44
faced many challenges, 42
given a great and marvelous vision, 12
gives source of apostasy, 37
great confidence in Lehi, 16
had charity for all people, 44
had great faith in God, 17
mighty seer, 36
obeyed commandments of God, 12
of the lineage of Manasseh, 9, 26
one of the mightiest prophets ever, 109
prayed to know meaning of Lehi’s vision, 9, 12
prophecies of, 36
prophecy against Gentiles of latter days, 37
psalm of, 25
quoted Isaiah, 19, 20, 30, 34, 36
received great promise from God, 109
ruler, teacher, and king, 26
saw our day, 36
saw the deceptions of Satan, 39
sisters of, 26
swore oath to Zoram, 6
wrote upon plates to persuade men to come unto God, 9

Nephi’s vision

pattern of, 12, 161

Nephite nation

destruction of, 36
downfall of, 130
final stages of downfall of, 132
to suffer for wickedness, 36

Nephite record keepers, 155

Nephite society

steps that led to downfall of, 128

Nephites

day of destruction of, 115
in bondage to the Lamanites, 65
inequality among, 114
journeys of, 59
not to practice plural marriage, 46
preached gospel to captured Gadianton robbers, 113
rebaptized after appearance of Jesus Christ, 123
spoke a version of Hebrew, 134
weighed down with sin during time of Jacob, 45

Neutral ground

have to leave when choosing between good and evil, 84

New Jerusalem

city for the pure and righteous, 143
description of, 143
holy sanctuary of the Lord, 143
to be built on the American continent, 143
will stand until the earth is celestialized, 143

Noah

Abinadi’s prophecy against fulfilled, 62
description of, 62
had Abinadi killed, 60
son of Zeniff, 60
unrighteous king, 60

O

Oaths

binding nature of, 6

Obedience

promises for, 22

Offense

taking of, only cheating ourselves, 92

Olive tree

associated with peace, 47
characteristics of, 47
symbolic of house of Israel, 11

Omission

sin of, 45

Ordinance

of sacrifice, 125

Ordinations

role of Holy Ghost in, 144

P

Pachus

guilty of treason, 104

Pahoran

chief judge and governor over Nephites, 103
letter to Moroni, 103

Parable

of Zenos, 47

“Past feeling”

examples of, 149
meaning of, 149

Patience

Benjamin’s teachings on, 66
necessity of, 66

Paul

letter to Saints in Corinth, 130

Peace

comes through obedience to gospel laws, 47

Perdition

meaning of, 34

Perfect knowledge

meaning of, 89

Perfection

possible for us to attain, 118

Persecution

how true Saints should accept, 118
stand firm and steadfast in face of, 71

Physical death

definition of, 29
overcome by resurrection, 29

Physical defects

not inherited from spirit world, 76
removed through resurrection, 76

Plain and precious things

removed from Bible, 14

Plan

of growth and progress, 23

Plates

twenty-four, called book of Ether, 150
twenty-four, found by Limhi, 93, 150
two sets, 10
two sets, large and small, 51

Polygamy

controlled by the Lord, 46

Power

of faith, 90
of successful missionaries, 81

Praise

of God, lasting, 46
of men, fleeting, 46

Prayer

avoid vain repetitions in, 118
defense against Satan, 91
Lord’s Prayer, 118
of the brother of Jared, 137

Prayers

of the righteous, effects of, 75
perfect, those that are inspired, 123

Precepts

apostate, cause people to stumble, 40

Preparedness

against evil, 102
in event of war, 102

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

God’s living prophet on the earth, 109

Pride

related to great and spacious building, 10
severely condemned, 45
source of many other sins, 45
unrighteous, great sin of the spirit, 45
unrighteous, sin of Lucifer, 45

Priesthood

held by Lehi, 26
Melchizedek, Holy Order of God, 78

Priests

duties of in Alma’s day, 65
of King Noah, wicked, 62

Progress

through God’s plan, 23

Promise

for those who are obedient, 22
to those who are obedient, will prosper in the land, 22

Promised land

inhabitants of directed there by Spirit of the Lord, 22

Pronouns

my, mine, 28

Prophecies

of Joseph, 25

Prophecy

against Israel, 33
against Jewish nation, 33
concerning scattering and gathering of Israel, 123
fulfillment of, 35
more sure word of, 51, 131
of Abinadi against priests of Noah fulfilled, 84
of Nephi, 36
understanding Isaiah, 36

Prophet

description of, 111
give heed to words of, 110
great blessings from following counsel of, 110
meaning of, 111
receives authority, 110
we must bring ourselves into full accord with, 112

Prophets

direct us to follow God’s will, 108
numerous sent by Lord to warn people, 4
we are to study and search writings of, 124
we must learn to follow counsel of, 115
words of are words of the Lord, 150

Psalm

of Nephi, 25

Punishment

capital, 71
eternal, endless, 54
none given where there is no law, 29

Pure in heart

pure and selfless people, 46
will obtain the presence of God, 78

Purpose

of Book of Mormon, 133
of gifts of the Spirit, 151

R

“Real intent”, 42

Reality

of God, 40
of Satan, 40

Receive

teachings of the scriptures, 150, 151

Record

of Abraham in Pearl of Great Price, 25

Records

sacred, how they benefited the people, 93
two sets, large plates and small plates, 51
value of keeping, 68

Redemption

by righteousness of the Savior, 23
of Jacob, 124
plan of, 97

Reformed Egyptian

Book of Mormon written in, 4

Reign of judges

used by Nephites to record their time, 70, 113

Rejection

of Book of Mormon, sign of the times, 40

Remission

of sins, 57

Remission of sins

by fire and by the Holy Ghost, 127

Repentance

importance of during this life, 91
no forgiveness without, 94
no salvation without, 134
true, brings complete forgiveness, 91
true, requires proper sorrow for sin, 130

Responsibility

accompanies free agency, 70

Restoration

of priesthood keys, 20
of the gospel, 20

Resurrection

all who live will take part in, 57
brings men back to presence of God, 29
the first, 63, 95
order of, 95
overcomes physical death, 29
perfection of body brought about by, 96
removes physical defects, 76
state between death and resurrection, 95

Revelation

barrier to personal, 43
directs Church authorities, 44
feeling of peace and warmth, 44
given through Liahona, 16
God’s way of communicating with man, 4
modern, 44
of John the Revelator, 138
personal, 43
regulates the Church, 73
steps required to receive personal, 44
voice of the Lord, 50

Reward

for faithfulness, 51

Riches

of the world or of eternity, 45

Righteous

enter into the rest of the Lord, 103
Lord sometimes permits to be slain for cause of justice and judgment, 103
sometimes factor in sparing the wicked from destructions and judgments of God, 110

Righteousness

motives for, 145

Rivers of water, 5

Root

of Jesse, 34
progenitors or ancestors, 125

S

Sacrament

brings a close relationship with Lord, 121
do not partake of unworthily, 121, 134
the first Nephite, 121
how we should partake of, 121
increases our spiritual strength, 123
most sacred ordinance administered in Church, 121
Nephites partook of, 121
partaking of signifies our willingness to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, 58
repentance and forgiveness leads sinner back to be able to partake of worthily, 122
sacredness of, 123
source of spiritual power, 121
three most important aspects of, 121

Sacrifice

blood, to cease, 91, 115
giving up sins and repenting, 91
Jesus as great and last, 91
offering by the Levites, 125
ordinance of, 125
vital part of the gospel, 91

Saints

characteristics of, 74
should be tokens or symbols of Christlike life, 118

Salt

of the earth, 118

Salt Lake Temple, 31

Salvation

given freely to all men, 37
only for those with broken heart and contrite spirit, 23
only through repentance, 134
through the Atonement, 56

Samuel the Lamanite

prophecy concerning birth and death of Jesus Christ, 110
quoted Zenos, 47
rejected by many of the Nephites of Zarahemla, 110

Sanctification

by Holy Ghost, 127
description of, 105
made possible through Atonement, 127

Sanctifier

Holy Ghost, 43

Satan

attempted to thwart Book of Mormon, 40
bound during the Millennium, 143
can appear as an angel, 88
cunning arts of, 112
is making a final struggle for our souls, 108
“leadeth them away carefully”, 40
power and influence over man, 24
prayer as defense against, 91
purposes of opposite of those of God, 112
reality of, 40
rebellion against God, 34
seeks to defeat gospel plan, 112
seeks to destroy souls of men, 112
source of contention, 57
source of secret combinations, 107
stirs people up to do iniquity continually, 112
totally and always evil, 112

Scattering

of Israel, 20, 33

Scorner

consuming of, 38

Scriptures

all, testify of Jesus Christ, 124
aspects of searching, 124
coming forth of new Latter-day Saint edition, 24
feast upon word, 43
how quoted, 117
liken unto ourselves, 20, 134
major focus of is Jesus Christ, 124
sealed portion, 126
Stick of Judah and Ephraim, 24
value of study of, 12
we are to search diligently, 124
we should expound all, 124
why we have not received sealed portion, 126

Sealing power

binds on earth and in heaven, 125
keys of restored by Elijah, 125
keys to held by President of Church today, 109
meaning of, 109
restored through Jesus Christ, 109

Search and study

scriptures, diligently, 124
writings of Isaiah, 124
writings of prophets, 124

Second Coming

description of, 34
will be accompanied by a great earthquake, 114

Second death

all redeemed from except sons of perdition, 96
banishment from presence of God, 77
description of, 96
like a lake of fire and brimstone, 127
suffered by sons of perdition, 77

Secret combinations

among the Jaredites, 139
bound by unrighteous oaths, 139
characteristics of, 107
consequences of, 140
dangers of, 107
God does not work in, 139
God’s laws regarding, 140
lead to the destruction of many people, 140
motives of those who join, 140
objectives of, 107
Satan as source of, 107
secrecy and covenant-making basis of, 107
source of destruction of Jaredite society, 107, 139
source of destruction of Nephite society, 107, 139

Seed

word of God compared to, 89

Seed of Christ, 63

Seer

a revelator and a prophet, 61
value of having, 61

Self-defense

sometimes required to protect rights, freedoms, and family, 98, 102, 131

Septuagint

Greek version of Old Testament, 117

Seraphs

description of, 32

Sermon on the Mount

Lord’s blueprint for perfection, 117
most quoted of all of Christ’s teachings, 117
parts of clarified in Book of Mormon, 118
revelation of the Lord’s character, 117

Service

Benjamin’s teachings on, 53
great value of, 53
to the military and our country, 102
to the needy and poor, 57

Shakespeare

not quoted by Joseph Smith, 22

Shear-jashub

son of Isaiah, 33
symbolic name, 33

Sheaves

converts to the Church, 84
meaning of, 84

Sherem

an anti-Christ, 47, 87
confounded by Jacob, 47
deceived by the power of the devil, 88

“Shoulders of the Philistines”, 34

Signs

follow faith, 113
primary purpose of, 113

Sign-seeking

wickedness of, 88

Sin

abhorred by the repentant person, 78
consequences of, 54
creates disharmony with God, 96
definition of, 68
of commission, 45
of hypocrisy, 42
of ingratitude, 54
of omission, 45
service to Satan, 73
wages of is death, 72

Singing

way of praising Lord, 19

Sins

cannot hide from God, 94
confession of, 68
forgiveness of, 69
must be acknowledged, 95
must be confessed to the Lord in prayer, 95
must be confessed to those sinned against, 95
sexual, 94
those that place one’s Church membership in jeopardy must be confessed to bishop, 95

Smith, Joseph

appearance of Elijah to, 125
the First Vision, 90
foreordained to calling, 24
founded Church, 34
given power from on high to translate Book of Mormon, 134
keys of sealing power restored through, 109
the Lord’s servant, 124
method of testing truth, 90
ministered to by heavenly being, 2
name of brother of Jared revealed to, 136
notes power of Satan, 24
promised he would fulfill mission, 63
prophet of latter days, 24
prophet of the Restoration, 138
rebaptized on the day of the reorganization of the Church, 123
received revelations, 2
received Urim and Thummim, 70
tempted to use the plates for monetary gain, 134
translated Book of Mormon through Urim and Thummim, 134
vision of three degrees of glory, 12
witness of divine mission in Book of Mormon, 2

Smith, Joseph, Sr.

final blessing to the Prophet, 63

Smith, Joseph F.

vision of spirit world, 12, 92

Solomon

temple of, 26

Sons of Mosiah

delivered out of hands of Lamanites, 84
successful mission to Lamanites, 81

Sorrow

Godly, 93, 130

Soul

greatest thing that has ever been created, 95

Spirit

gifts of, 113, 151
gifts of, given to those who keep the commandments, 149

Spirit prison

meaning of, 95
purpose of, 95

Spiritual death

definition of, 29
more terrible than physical death, 111

Spiritual well-being and physical health, 79

Standards

of missionaries, 94

Steel

in Lehi’s time, 16

Stem

of Jesse, 34

Stick of Judah and Stick of Ephraim

woven together, 24

Stone

cut out of the mountain, 21

Strait and narrow path

in Lehi’s dream, 10

Study and meditation

importance of, 12

Suffering

of the righteous, 79

T

Temple

of Solomon, 26
Salt Lake, 31

Temptations

we can escape all that come to us, 109

Testimony

formula for gaining, 149
of existence of God, 88
of two nations, 40
ponder scriptures to gain, 150
received through power of Holy Ghost, 150

Three Nephites

transfigured beings, 127
translated beings, 127

“Thus we see”

phrase, used in the scriptures, 85

Time

God’s perspective of, 95
measured only to men, 95

Tithing

brings blessings of the Spirit, 125
brings material blessings, 125

Title of liberty, 98

Transfiguration

definition of, 127

Transfiguration and translation

difference between, 127

Transfigured beings

characteristics of, 127

Translated beings

also transfigured beings, 127
characteristics of, 127

Transportation

trains and airplanes, 32

Treason

Pachus guilty of, 104
serious offense, 104

Tribes

of Israel not lost to God, 120

Triumph

of God’s work, 21

Trust

in the Lord, 28
not in idols, 31

Truth

crime of leading people away from, 94
method of testing, 90

Truth and light

effective tool against evil and darkness, 114

Type

scriptural meaning, 31

U

Urim and Thummim

given to brother of Jared, 138
hid up by Moroni to come forth in the last days, 70
interpreters, 94
used by Joseph Smith to translate, 70
used to interpret writings of the vision of the brother of Jared, 138

V

Value

of Book of Mormon, 39
of good example, 81
of keeping records, 68

Vision

of spirit world by Joseph F. Smith, 12
of the brother of Jared not translated by Joseph Smith, 70
of the brother of Jared revealed to the Nephites, 70
of three degrees of glory by Joseph Smith, 12

Vision of tree of life

central message of Book of Mormon, 9
Lehi’s vision, 9

Voice

of the Lord, revelation, 50
of the people, 70

Voices

from out of the dust, 36

W

War

death from calls for increase in missionary activity in spirit world, 103
inciting of, purposes for, 88
of vengeance, 131
warnings against, 101

Warriors

two thousand, 101

Waters of Mormon

Alma’s escape to, 59, 60

Welfare program

essence of the gospel, 57

“West sea, south”

description of, 101

Whoredoms

meaning of, 62

Wickedness

never was happiness, 96

Winebibber

meaning of, 62

Witnesses

divinity of Jesus Christ established by the mouths of three, 121
importance of, 31
in the mouths of three, 138
three provided by Lord to Book of Mormon, 138

Word of God

can divide the people, 79
compared to a seed, 89
experiment upon, 89, 90
power of, 72
three effects of, 105

World

be in, but not of, 40

Worship

freedom of, 87
true, centered in God, 17

“Wrought upon”

meaning of, 144

Z

Zarahemla

colonies escape to, 59
land of, 59
people of often called Mulekites, 51
return to by Zeniff’s colony, 66

Zechariah

prophesied of Savior’s second coming, 27, 117

Zeezrom

confronted Alma and Amulek, 106
tried to destroy testimony of Amulek, 75

Zeniff

established Nephite colony in Lehi-Nephi, 62
succeeded by his son Noah as king, 60

Zenock

bore witness of Christ, 108

Zenos

allegory of olive tree, 47, 162
bore witness of Christ, 108
elements of allegory of, 48
greatly blessed with spirit of prophecy, 47
Hebrew prophet, 47
parable of, 47
prophesied of persecution of Jews, 19
quoted by Alma, 47
quoted by Amulek, 47
quoted by Mormon, 47
quoted by Nephi, 47
quoted by Samuel the Lamanite, 47
signs of Jesus’ crucifixion, 19
testified boldly of God, 47

Ziff

meaning of, 62

Zion

will be established by Lord in latter days, 35

Zoram

swore an oath by Nephi, 6

Zoramites

description of, 88