Mormon 7-9

Perspective is everything…

Mormon’s Last Testimony Mormon 7:1

Title Page Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel…that they may know the covenants of the Lord Mormon 7 …I would speak … unto the remnant of this people who are spared … Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel Mormon’s Intent

Elder Holland “In a soliloquy of death, Mormon reached across time and space to all, especially to that ‘remnant of the house of Israel’ who would one day read his majestic record. Those of another time and place must learn what those lying before him had forgotten—that all must ‘believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God,’… To ‘believe in Christ,’ especially when measured against such tragic but avoidable consequences, was Mormon's last plea and his only hope. It is the ultimate purpose of the entire book that would come to the latter-day world bearing his name.” (Christ and the New Covenant, p )

Two Witnesses Mormon 7:8,9

Orson Hyde, speaking of Moroni In those early and perilous times [of America’s history, our men were few, and our resources limited. Poverty was among the most potent enemies we had to encounter; yet our arms were successful; and it may not be amiss to ask here, by whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones and remains of towns, cities and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world. This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World. Trammeled by poverty and by an unpopular cause, yet his persevering and unyielding heart would not allow an obstacle in his way too great for him to overcome; and the angel of God helped him--was with him on the stormy deep, calmed and troubled elements, and guided his frail vessel to the desired haven. Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water.

Moroni’s Testimony Death of a Wicked Civilization- X3 1- Nephites (Mormon 8,9) 2- Jaradites (Ether) 3- Us…(Moroni)

Great Worth Mormon 8:14

Condemning…. Mormon 9:30,31

Imperfections…. Just as there is a difference between sins and mistakes, there is also an important difference between sins and imperfections. In mortality we will always be weak, we will always have some of our weaknesses, and we will always need God’s grace to respond constructively. But weakness is not sin. The compulsive and perfectionists among us need to realize that a large part of why things go wrong in this life is the Fall—not their own incompetence…. Religious Educator, Vol 3, p. 49

Elder Neal A. Maxwell “A wise leader will be aware that his imperfections are noticed, but he will also humbly hope that when others see his imperfections, this will provide them with a chance to learn to be more wise than he has been. Good parents, as well as good prophets, always so hope, too.” (All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, p. 112)

ReWrite… Condemn not yourself because of your imperfections, nor others because of their imperfections, But rather give thanks unto God that he has made manifest your imperfections to others, That they may learn to be more wise than you have been…