Pages 81-256
These are some of my favorite parts and thoughts from this section:
Of course, the story of Joseph's visions are beautiful and I love reading them. BUT one thing that I did not know was written in the end of chapter notes #12 (p. 106) that says that Reverend Mr. Lane (a Methodist) was preaching about what church to join and quoted James 1:5. Isn't it interesting how the Lord will help guide our thoughts through others?
My heart was so touched by Alvin and his love and wisdom. He truly lived the role of a big brother well. I love the sweet little things he said to each brother and sisters, his care for his parents, and what a strength he gave to Joseph in going forward with the Book of Mormon!
P. 140 mentions how an opportunity came up for Joseph to help take up a wall of a well and would pay him - thus helping him pay to get a cabinet made to hold the plates - I love how the Lord works!
I also love how the family rallies together so much - the story of Hyrum bringing the chest to Joseph - how Carlos touched his shoulder and he jumped up, dumped out the chest and ran to take it to Joseph immediately - they didn't just support him, but responded so rapidly and obediently. Then, I love the wife's response of covering up the strange actions - Oh, that's just like him to fly off to do something when he remembers it :) (p.144)
Loved her description of the breastplate - she paints a beautiful picture.
Again, the whole family was devastated when Joseph lost his ability to translate for a while. I was especially impressed with the counsel of Joseph Smith, Sr. He told Joseph that if he messed up he could lose this important responsibility for good - interesting to me how a parent who was not steeped in the gospel but was learning right along with his son still could receive inspiration and give wise counsel to his son and help him through these difficult times.
How David Whitmer is brought into the picture is another fascinating story - First of all that Joseph is commanded to write a letter to this person he had never seen. And then, the work that David Whitmer was able to accomplish in harvesting his wheat in half the time and how the plaster of paris was sowed by angels - this is all in Chapter 29 and is another testimony to the work!
I love Joseph Smith's good nature. P. 204 is a good illustration of this as he is warned that a mob would try to thwart his work in publishing the Book of Mormon. Joseph tells his mother not to worry that that he would not be harmed that day. Then, passed these "mobbers" that were all sitting on the fence and greeted each one happily, they were all struck with such confusion that they did not harm him. "Well, Mother, the Lord has been on my side today; the devil has not overpowered me in any of my proceedings. Did I not tell you that I should be delivered from the hands of my enemies? They thought they were going to perform great feats; they have done wonders to prevent me from getting the book printed; they mustered themselves together, and got upon the fence, made me a low bow, and went home, and I'll warrant you they wish they had stayed there in the first place. Mother, there is a God in heaven, and I know it."
Another beautiful display of the Lord helping to protect Joseph came on pp. 233-234. Esquire Reed was not going to take the case of Joseph Smith about some trouble in Colesville. But soon after he decided he wouldn't take the case he heard someone say "You must go, and deliver the Lord's Annointed!" He thought it was the person next to him and asked him what he meant and the man sternly denied saying so, and Esquire Reed said that he believed him because of the peculiar feeling he had as he heard the words - something he'd never felt before. "Whilst I was engaged in the case, these emotions increased, and when I came to speak upon it, I was inspired with an eloquence which was altogether new to me, and which was overpowering and irrestible. I succeeded, as I expected, in obtaining the prisoner's discharge." He then was able to help in Joseph Smith's escape by taking the mobbers into another room for a drink. He remained a faithful friend to Joseph from that time forward, but never attached himself to the church. I LOVE THIS STORY!
Finally, I loved reading the story of Samuel's mission. He met with a Mr. Green, who was a preacher, and asked him to take down names of those who may be interested (after being turned down several times) and he'd return in a couple of weeks. Well, nobody seemed interested when he returned, but he got a chance to speak with Mrs. Green who had read the book & liked it, but her husband did not want to buy it. He was impressed to leave the book with her anyway. She had Samuel pray for her and then explained to her the most profitable manner of reading the book - to ask of God for a testimony of its truthfulness. This book was finally also read by Mr. Green and they were both baptized. This book was then given to Phineas Young (Mrs. Green's borther), then to Brigham Young, and then to Mrs. Murray (another sister) who is the mother of Heber C. Kimball's wife. Brigham also took this book to his brother Joseph Young who was in Canada at the time and persuaded him to cease preaching Methodism and embrace the truth. WOW!! What a history! And this is even more poignant now that I am married to one of Brigham Young's great-great-great-grandson's and my children are also his "grandchildren" - what would have become of me without Samuel being inspired to leave the book and his testimony??? So, this was family history for me as well.
And, that wraps up this section. You probably could have read all the pages faster than this post - so sorry! I LOVE THE BOOK!
Now, this is where someone could add their comments whenever they get a chance to read it themselves :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment