Lesson 33: President Brigham Young Leads the Saints
…in Nauvoo in the winter of 1843-44, the Prophet Joseph
Smith spent several days giving the Quorum on the Twelve their temple
endowments and teaching them about their responsibilities. He told the Twelve
that he had been concerned that he would soon die without having bestowed the
keys of the kingdom on others. Wilford Woodruff, who was a member of the Quorum
of the Twelve at the time, recalled the following words from the Prophet
Joseph:
- What do we learn from this experience about the order and succession of keys?
Doctrine and Covenants 107:22-24
- What is the structure that is set up for the keys?
- What happens to the first presidency when the prophet passes away?
SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES
“A solemn assembly, as the name implies, denotes a sacred,
sober, and reverent occasion when the Saints assemble under the direction of
the First Presidency. Solemn assemblies are used for three purposes: the
dedication of temples, special instruction to priesthood leaders, and
sustaining a new President of the Church. This conference session today is a
solemn assembly for the purpose of sustaining a newly called Church President and
other officers of the Church.
…priesthood quorums, commencing with the First Presidency,
stand and manifest by the uplifted right hand their willingness to sustain the President
of the Church as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and uphold him by their
confidence, faith, and prayers. The priesthood quorums of the Church so
manifest by their vote. Then the general body of all the Saints stand and
signify their willingness to do the same. The other leaders of the Church are
similarly sustained in their offices and callings.
When we sustain the President of the Church by our uplifted
hand, it not only signifies that we acknowledge before God that he is the
rightful possessor of all the priesthood keys; it also means that we covenant
with God that we will abide by the direction and the counsel that come through
His prophet. It is a solemn covenant.” –David B Height, October 1994, Solemn
Assemblies
- Why is a solemn assembly important?
- Why is succession and order so important?
How have you gained a testimony of a newly called prophet?
TEMPLE ORDINANCES
In the dedicatory prayer at the Kirland temple, Joseph Smith shared some of the blessings of the temple. Doctrine and Covenants 109:22 says, "And we ask thee, Holy Father, that they servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that they name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;"
- How did temple ordinances prepare the saints to leave Nauvoo?
How has the temple helped you in your trials?
LEAVING NAUVOO FOR THE WILDERNESS
"Leaders of the Church had talked since at least 1834 about moving the Saints west to the Rocky Mountains, where they could live in peace...As persecutions in Nauvoo intensified, it became apparent that the Saints would have to leave. By November 1945, Nauvoo was bustling with the activities of preparation. Captains of hundreds, fifties, and tens were called to lead the Saints on their exodus. Each group of 100 established one or more wagon shops. Wheelwrights, carpenters, and cabinetmakers worked far into the night preparing timber and constructing wagons. Members were sent east to purchase iron, and blacksmiths constructed materials needed for the journey and farm equipment necessary to colonize a new Zion. Families collected food and housekeeping items and filled storage containers with dried fruits, rice, flour, and medicines. Working together for the common good, the Saints accomplished more than seemed possible in so short a time.
The evacuation of Nauvoo was originally planned to take place in April 1946. But as a result of threats that the state militia intended to prevent the Saints from going west, the Twelve Apostles and other leading citizens hurriedly met in council on 2 February 1846. They agreed it was imperative to start west immediately, and the exodus began on 4 February.
The faith, courage, and determination of these Saints carried them though cold, hunger, and deaths of loved ones." - Our Heritage, Pg 69-71
The evacuation of Nauvoo was originally planned to take place in April 1946. But as a result of threats that the state militia intended to prevent the Saints from going west, the Twelve Apostles and other leading citizens hurriedly met in council on 2 February 1846. They agreed it was imperative to start west immediately, and the exodus began on 4 February.
The faith, courage, and determination of these Saints carried them though cold, hunger, and deaths of loved ones." - Our Heritage, Pg 69-71
- What did the saints learn from this trial?
- Why do you think the Lord gives his people "wilderness experiences?"
- Ether 2:7
Why does the Lord make us leave or own comfortable "Nauvoo" for the wilderness?
What have you from your own personal "wilderness experiences"?
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