ALSO KNOWN AS THE WITNESS OF
EZEKIAS
1
I,
Ezekias now make this record unto those who shall inherit it, that they may
know of the goodness and the mercies of the Lord our God and this shall be
given unto my people who lived in the land of Zarahemla, and these were they
who did dwell in the land of the Geasites amongst them and they were called up
by God to labor for his great purposes; Now I would suppose that you have found
these records by either great struggles in the flesh or by the direct power of
God, and in them you shall find truth and perfection in Christ.
2
For
it did come to pass in the days of our founding, in the first year of the reign
of King Lamoni who was king over the Lamanites.
3
And
there did come to be a prophet amongst the people named Laehini, who did preach
many things by way of exhortation unto my people.
4
There
was an excitement among them who did come out of the land to dwell in the land
far north in the province of Benjamin of Nephi.
5
Thus,
I therefore make this record of those proceedings and of the proceedings of my
time so that you may know, from where I did come, so that you may not doubt my
coming forth unto this people, for yea, the records that I make are true, for I
make them in mine own language, after the language of the Nephites and the
Lamanites and I make them according to the teachings of my father, Adam-ondi
who did live many years among the Lamanites.
6
And
it came to pass in the first year of the reign of King Lamoni, a great prophet
Laehini did preach all manner of things concerning the coming of a Messiah who
would come to redeem the people of earth and that he should come to die for
their sins.
7
Wherefore,
I know that this prophet was sent of God for he did come to the house of my
brother, even him who was king over the tribe of the people of Ani-Geasites and
he did exhort my brother to turn from all his wicked ways and to convert to the
truths of the living God.
8
Yea,
my brother was sore angry against Laehini and he ordered that he be thrown into
the den of robbers and be chained, for his many things which he did say unto my
brother.
9
Now
the Lord, seeing this called unto me in the middle of the night and said that I
should arise and travel to the land of my brother’s kingdom and speak somewhat
unto my brother.
10
For
my brother had hardened his heart against a prophet of the Lord and this is the
reason that the Lord did call unto me and say that I should say unto my brother
the words which I should be given of the Lord.
11
For
I know that in the hour I needed the words, that I shall have them by the power
of the Holy Spirit and by the power of the Holy Spirit all may know the truth
of all things if they shall hearken unto the power of the Holy Spirit thereof.
12
For
now I did get up from my sleep and I did ready my ass and my ox and prepared
myself that I may travel to the land of Ani-Geasites that I may do as the Lord
commands;
13
For
the Lord gives no commandment to the children of men save he shall prepare a
way for them that they may accomplish his command for he always shall give his
people the way to perform the commandment that he has given to his people.
14
Nevertheless,
I did travel until I reached the gate of the fountain of Ishbalm on the
eastward side of the city of Rezzulum in the land of Ani-Geasites.
15
And
I was met by the guard of the post, who did inquire of whom I shall seek and I
said unto him that I sought my brother and that I should speak to him the words
that the Lord God should give me and that I should give him a commandment of
the Lord, for the spirit of God was upon me and I was prompted and beckoned by
this same power to reveal to him the word of God that was in me.
16
Now
the guard knowing that it was I, was bitter against me for he knew that my
brother had signed an order to place me in the den of murderers, for he
considered me a murderer against the family, because I had drawn away by the
preaching of the word three of his choice sons and they upon hearing the word
were pricked in their hearts and did hitherto turn unto the Lord.
17
Now I did receive from the Lord power that I should
overcome those who would come against me, but it was constrained of me that I
should be cast, nonetheless, into the prison so that I may witness unto a soul
who was retained for plotting against my brother and with those who set in counsel with him.
18
Now
the Lord did show unto me that this soul, Moriha should be witnessed unto by my
voice and God promised me that he would believe in my words and would be a
companion unto me for the salvation of many souls throughout the land of the
Geasites.
19
Now
I did as the Lord commanded me and was allowed by God to have myself cast into
the prison of murderers that I might be a witness unto Moriha for his own
salvation.
20
For
the Lord saves the souls of men who should call upon him and I know that the
Lord is faithful unto such to answer them, for the desires of the Lord are to
save all who should come unto men for the welfare of their souls is of great
worth unto the Lord.
21
Now
I did meet this Moriha who was resting in the bed next to mine and I saith unto
him, wherefore, do you come from the land of Geasites?
22
Now
this I said unto him because of the promptings of the spirit which was in me
for my eyes were opened and the Lord showed unto me what he would do and the
remainder of this account is had and written down by Jemeniah the seer.
23
And
I should say unto Moriha that the Lord sent me in answer to his prayers
concerning my brother the king.
24
Now
all these things are true, and I exhort you who read these words to pray unto
the Father in the name of Christ, and you shall receive a testimony of these
things in your heart, even the Holy Ghost.
25
Now
he did perceive in his heart that God had sent him a messenger and that I may
minister to him as this same messenger and bring him to a knowledge of our
great Redeemer, for many come of the world, but he shall come unto the world
someday and take away the sins of those who call upon his wonderful name.
26
Now
the Lord did touch me so that I should speak unto him and have his power and
that I should say unto him if you will repent this day of your sins, then I the
Lord will make you a great servant unto the people and you should be given
great powers from on high, even greater then your human mind can comprehend.
27
And
the Lord spoke to me again saying Moriha is to travel with you roundabout in
this region, teaching and expounding all things whatsoever I the Lord will show
unto Moriha so that he shall come to know the right ways of my name.
28
And
I spake saying, yeah Lord, and the Lord spake again saying all these things I
did teach Moriha concerning my will, that he might know wherewith those things
that I have sent you to testify of and
that you are indeed a servant of the Most High God who lives;
29
Lo,
and it should come to pass that the Lord should call those whom he will call
and those whom he will call will be endowed with power from on high, in those
days shall come a savior in the meridian of time and at that day, the Lord
shall entrust his powers unto those who shall hearken unto his words, even unto
all that will give place for a portion
of his words and spirit.
30
And
I shall send the Holy Ghost who shall proclaim unto the hearts of the children
of men that Jesus is the Christ and that the Father has open arms for those who
love him.
31
Then
the spirit came upon me again and after this I did somewhat speak more unto
Moriha that he should not fear, for he was thus now exceedingly afraid, for no
man knoweth what things that I have spoken unto him, save he that is of the
Lord.
32
And
to him who is of the Lord, they shall receive priesthood power by my hands or
the hands of my servants.
33
And
thus saith the Lord you shall ordain Moriha unto that office of the high
priesthood and set him apart as a high priest and to that he should receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost which is of one God in me.
34
Now
when I had laid hands upon the head of Moriha and confirmed unto him that he
was a member of the church of the Living God, he did receive of the Holy Spirit
and cry out a shout of acclimation and joy and he did ask God in his heart that
he might know the mysteries of the Lord.
35
Now
this I did as the Lord had commanded me and I was blessed.
36
Now
my brother, hearing that I had been arrested, did say unto the guards, where is
my brother? Let him be brought unto me that I might try him before me and bring
him with another who has committed murder that we may slay two murderers this
day.
37
And
he did say unto his man servant, for my brother has sought to take away my own
flesh from my will.
38
And
at this time the spirit came upon me greatly and I did perceive in my heart
that my brother was going to send for me, and I did stand straight up and did
go forward to meet the guards and they were kind to me.
39
And
Moriha did rise with me, for the Lord spake unto him that he should also be taken
to my brother, and the king was wroth that we had come together and that both
should be tried.
40
Now
we did go forth and were taken unto my brother and those who set in counsel
with him.
41
Now
my brother did stare for a space of an hour at me and did say nothing and he
did speak at Moriha the same, for he felt the Lord’s Spirit upon him that day
and was afraid to speak against us.
42
Now,
my brother being a wicked man did yield to the spirit of evil things and began
to speak unto me as follows.
43
Ezekias,
you have come this day to murder again the flesh of my body and your heart is
set against your own family, and I will not have you intrude upon my territory,
for I have caused that you should be arrested this day and cast into the mighty
prison of murderers so that you might know that you have committed wrong
against this people this day.
44
Then
my brother asked me, do you not feel a need to repent of what you have come to
do?
45
And
he stared at me with a evil eye of condescension.
46
And
the Lord said unto me arise and speak these words, Moriha has come with me to
testify that if thou will not release Laehini, the prophet that you did arrest,
then I the Lord should surely smite you this day with a sore curse, for all
shall be against you that shall be for me, for you are an enemy unto my name,
Ahmen.
47
And
if you refuse to release him this day, then I will that my strength shall come
against you and I shall smite you with a sore curse that shall cause your
children to be destroyed and removed.
48
And
you shall have no more children and no increase so that when your day have
expired, thy throne shall be given to another
and he shall by my power be caused to stand as a holy king and a ruler
of righteousness amongst this people.
49
Now,
when I had said these words unto my brother, he did command his servants to
take me and kill me, though at that moment that moment, the children of the
king fell dead in their places all who sought to lay hands upon Moriha and me
and the other men of counsel cried out and great whaling and mourning did come
upon the people of the king’s house and they did morn greatly for the loss of
their fallen kin.
50
Now
the Lord did bring this to pass this great miracle, so that the prophet that
was placed in bondage could go free from the king’s presence and the people
that the king had placed in prison falsely, did also go free, and they were
assured in the spirit that would never
again be in bondage to my brother.
51
Now
I, Ezekias did say somewhat unto Laehini, that it was the will of the Lord that
he should go forth into all the regions round about, and preach and exhort the
people in the name of the Lord to repent of their sins and to turn to the
church of the living God.
52
And
he did go forth unto the people and he did begin to preach mightily in the land
all the days of his life and he lived ninety and two years, then he died.
1
The
words of the Lord unto Ezekias came that he should go forth and seek out the
prophet Laehini in the fourth year of the reign of the judges of the people.
2
The
people, having been sorely cursed by the wickedness of the judges, did come
together and seek after the words of the Lord to come upon them that they may
know the true order of the Lord among them.
3
Now
behold, King Jeahini, having taken the throne from my brother did send
throughout the land a proclamation that whoever should come in the name of the
Lord should be made the high priest over the church in the land.
4
Having
been in the land for a space of three years, I went and spoke with Laehini for
the welfare of the souls of the brethren in the land.
5
Now
behold, I having been in age to forty and six years, came and spoke with
Laehini who was seventy and three years of age at the time and we spoke
regarding many things about the welfare of souls among the brethren.
6
The
welfare of souls is important before the Lord and it is his work and his will
to bring to pass the eternal life and immortality of man. For behold, the Lord
does not bring anyone unto himself save they are completely repentant, having
faith in the Lord their God for the things of which the Lord has for them to
do, and come to him in sincere desire to know the Lord their God and know that
he liveth; for he is the same yesterday, today and forever.
7
There
are many who are dying without having the opportunity of salvation, are they
lost? No, for the Lord remembers them and he cares for all the children of men
and wants to bring them to the salvation of the Lord.
8
Now
behold, I Ezekias hereby declare in all surety that the Lord brought unto me
the knowledge that those who are not saved among the children of men can come
to the sure knowledge of the Lord even after they have passed.
9
I
the Lord say unto the people that if they should desire to come unto me, then
they should receive of me salvation for life eternal, for I shall send my Son
into the world to die for the world because I love them so much that I want
them to come to the salvation of eternal life.
10
So
now after I spoke unto Laehini the words that the Lord gave unto me, then we
departed hence unto the land of Ani-Geasites;
11
And
behold, we came to the palace of the king and we met him at the well where he
greeted us with a holy kiss before the people of the Lord’s servants.
12
Now
I knew that the king was desirous for our presence, for yea, he was the
righteous king that the Lord had promised would overtake the throne because of
the wickedness of the heart of my brother who did sin against the Lord much;
13
And
behold, the Lord spake unto my heart that I should therefore be in sacred
witness unto the people along with Laehini who should also be a sacred witness
unto the people and that the Lord should convict the hearts of many through our
words.
14
For
behold, our words are not much for we write in the language of man, but the
words, which we are given from the Lord, are for the benefit of the people unto
the children of salvation.
15
For
the Lord desireth to bring to pass the salvation of man and to bring them unto
the knowledge of the God that liveth and reigneth forever and ever.
16
Now
behold, the Lord has sent forth among his people his Holy Spirit who should
live within the hearts of the people and who should witness of the living God
and of the Savior who should come into the world to save the people of the Lord
God.
17
And
now, behold, we spake many things unto the king that he should know that we
truly are sent of the Lord for the salvation of the people of his kingdom.
18
Now,
behold there were certain people who came to the king and who did oppose the
king for the righteousness of his heart and for the leadership of the king over
the kingdom of the Ani-Geasites.
19
Now
verily, I say that there are those who should oppose those who are of God and
who should proceed to make war with the Lamb and his people at the last day
before the Lord shall claim his people and shall rid the world of all evil.
20
Now
I the Lord shall give unto them commandments that they should preach and
minister amongst the people that are not saved.
21
Now
yea, I the Lord God shall proceed to do a marvelous work and wonder among the
children of men and shall proceed to spread forth the kingdom of which I have
established so that it should fill the earth with all my glory and power and
might and those who shall come to me shall have life eternal if they should
believe on my holy words and believe what mine holy prophets should preach
among the children of men.
22
For
yea, there are those who among this people this day that shall harden their
hearts for the cunning works of Satan which he spreads among the children of
men.
23
Now
I the Lord shall show thee this day that if thou shalt heed the words that I
shall give, then behold I the Lord shall give them knowledge that is perfect
and wonderful among the children of men for the welfare of their souls.
24
For
yea, I the Lord speak unto you that you may know wherewith I have given perfect
knowledge unto the children of men that if they should heed it, and then they
should be saved at the last days.
25
Now
yea, I did speak these words unto the king that he may know that we are truly
sent of the Lord and that the Lord is preparing the hearts of many to receive
of his wonderful grace.
26
Now
behold, we did speak unto the people the words of the Lord, crying repentance
unto them that they may know that the Lord truly loves them and that he truly
cares for them, for yea, he did command of us that we should speak unto them
many things unto which they should know concerning the salvation which would
come through God’s Only Begotten and that through him, there should be great
miracles wrought unto the children of men and that there should be many great
and marvelous things done so that the children of men could see the mercies of
the Lord unto them.
27
And
now, we did speak unto the people that they may know wherewith the commandments
of the Lord and that they should know wherefore, the greater things of the Lord
so that they may see that the Lord is great unto them who is faithful unto him.
28
The
Lord has sent us to be his servants and yea, Laehini also did preach many
things unto them too because the Lord God has told him to command the people
that the righteous should know of the greater things of the Lord;
29
For
it came to pass that Laehini did prophesy unto the people of Ani-Geasites that
they might know that the Lord will bless them if they will but hearken unto the
commandments of the Lord.
30
Now
this is the thing that Laehini did speak unto the people, wherefore, they may
know that the Lord does great things for them if they shall hearken forth unto
the mighty things of which the Lord speaks through his holy prophets.
31
For
yea, the words of the Lord through his holy prophets shall come to pass if the
people will surely not repent of their great sins that they have done.
32
Now
it came to pass that the words that Laehini did speak were many, and I Ezekias
do write a few of them this day that many may know whereof the goodness of the
Lord is great;
33
And
it was shown unto them that the goodness Lord is great for a purpose that they
may receive a testimony of the Lord through their own witness.
34
For
yea, the Holy Ghost doth witness of the Lord and the Lord testifies of the
truthfulness of the Holy Ghost so that the children of men may know of the
things of the Lord. For this is a glorious hope which is found in the Lord.
35
For
yea, Laehini did speak unto the people that if they should repent, then they
could know of the mercies of the Lord that day and that they could receive of
the goodness which is in the Lord.
36
For
the salvation of the Lord is great unto the souls of men who would come to know
of the truths which is thus found in the Lord and through the grace of the
Father, even to the point that he will allow his Only Begotten to be lifted up
at that day on the cross so that the people may receive of pure salvation.
37
And
now, Laehini did say unto the people that in the day that they should receive
of the salvation of the Lord, and then they would be given a true inheritance
of the Lord so that the people may receive glorious hope.
38
And
now, it did come to pass that the people heard the words of Laehini and they
did desire the grace and the salvation that he did speak of unto them, for they
knew that it was for the welfare of their souls that they did need this grace
from the Father.
39
Now
behold, we did speak unto them many more things which the Lord bid me not write
in this record, but that should be written by King Jeahini so that the people
of the land may know the goodness of the Lord unto their king, for he was a
righteous king and he did cry unto the Lord much during the days of his life
and I know that the Lord did bless him all the days of his life that he would
lead the people into much greatness.
40
Now
behold, the King did quake and tremble for the power of God was upon him in
might and power and strength and yea, in the weakness of his own heart, he
still became more humble at the things of the Lord. For the Lord did do much
for the king and the king did receive much through the blessings which the Lord
did give unto him.
41
Now
I do not write more concerning the great things the Lord did unto King Jeahini,
for the King did write many things himself concerning the blessings and the
awesome things which the Lord did perform unto his own blessings.
42
Now
yea, I do testify that the people this day were many and they were healed
through their faith on the Lord and they did receive of salvation for the
welfare of their own souls, that they might know the goodness of the Lord unto
them.
43
Yea,
they were in number a great many throughout the land and the king did command
that the words which we spake should be sent through out all the land so that
the people both bond and free, male and female, child, slave and all people
within the boundaries of Ani-Geasites should know of what the Lord did have us
speak unto the people.
44
For
the king considered that the words, which we did speak, were for all people in
his land so that they may come to salvation, which is found in the Lord himself
and not through man.
45
Yea,
we did receive much word of people who were healed from many diseases, the lame
did walk, the blind did see, the lepers were healed and many great things the
Lord did begin to do according to the great faith of the people, for they had
sinned under my brother, but now they did rejoice because they did receive of
what the Lord did give unto them.
1
And
now, we did make an end of speaking unto the people and we did return to our
land in the land to the north.
2
For
the Lord did desire that we go and meet with the people of the north, in the
city of Gorraza, which is in the borders of, the Geasites and which was a
prosperous city.
3
Now
behold, we did not know what the Lord would have us to speak unto the people,
for they were thus called Gorrazites because of the riches and the pride of
their hearts.
4
Yea,
the Gorrazites were a prideful people who had thus gained much wealth through
the labors of the slaves of their land. For thus, they did receive much wealth
unto the destruction of their souls, save if they should come to know the
mercies of the Lord, then the Lord would show unto them that their great sins
could be forgiven.
5
And
now, behold we did go up unto the judges of their land and did inquire of the
judges were the priest did dwell.
6
Now
behold, the judges did speak to us to know why we seek out the priest, for they
did know who we were and they were wroth against us for we did come up to their
city to teach their people the things of the Lord.
7
Now
the priest did do his works for gain. For yea, the priest did wear stiff-necked
collars and did work for the favor of men as to stand approved among the people
and the judges.
8
Now
this did the Lord reveal unto us that if any should labor in the vineyard for
gain and not for the welfare of souls, then they should not find favor in the
Lord, for the work of the Lord is unto the salvation of the souls of men and we
did know that the Lord did not allow those who serve him to get gain so that
they may become puffed up with pride and much iniquity.
9
For
at that those days, then men shall become a great wicked, prideful and
destructive people unto the children of God so that they may draw away from the
church of the Firstborn those whose hearts are not in tune with the Holy Ghost
and so that the people may not receive of the great worth that is found in the
Lord.
10
And
now, this did the Lord reveal unto us because of the great wickedness both now
and in the time that is to come, yea, even at the last days among the children
of men.
11
Now
I was commanded of the Lord to speak unto the judges for the welfare of their
souls.
12
There
was one among them named Gidiahan who was the son of Perishath the goldsmith.
13
Now
behold, the Lord did show unto him a vision that there would be two men who
would come from the land of the south and who would speak unto the people great
things and that he should listen to the words of the these two men, for they
were sent through the power of the Holy Ghost unto the convincing of the people
that the Lord is great and mighty and that he is most assuredly merciful unto
the children of men who would call upon his holy name.
14
Yea,
he did therefore recognize us and the Spirit impressed upon his heart to speak
to us in counsel that he may know for sure if we were the two that the Lord did
indeed show unto his heart.
15
For
the Lord did prepare him so that he may receive of the great things that the
Lord did want for him to receive, even to receive unto the salvation of his own
soul, that he may know whereof the mercies of the Lord unto the salvation of
his soul so that he could stand before the Lord at the last day and receive of
the great things that the Lord did have for him.
16
Now
behold, the great tidings of the Lord is unto the children of men if they will
hearken unto the words of the Lord and receive a witness of the wonderful
things which he desires to perform among the children of men unto the salvation
of their souls.
17
Now
behold, we did speak unto Gidiahan and we did ask him if he did believe all the
words that the prophets hath said.
18
Now
he did reply, What is these who are called prophets? Are they the angels of the
Lord? Are they the ones who come down and who visit the people, condemning the
people for their great wickedness?
19
Now
Laehini, having discerned the heart of Gidiahan did say unto him that the
prophets are those who the Lord sends to reveal his words to and that surely,
the Lord does nothing except he should reveal what he will do unto the prophets
so that they may speak unto the people for the welfare of their own souls.
20
Now
yea, if you should hearken unto the words which we shall tell you this day, O
judge of the people, then yea, you shall stand blameless before God at the last
day and you shall receive an inheritance of the Lord concerning your soul.
21
Now,
O great one of the people, if you shall receive us this day as witnesses of the
Lord God, then behold, we shall show unto you what great and wonderful things
that the Lord does among the children of men.
22
For
the glory of God is unto them who receive of him and who receive of the great
things of the Lord into their lives, yea, even unto the salvation of their
souls.
23
And
now, after Laehini did finish his words, he looked at the king and did see his
heart, that he did desire to know more concerning this salvation which we thus
speak of unto him.
24
Now
yea, I did say unto Gidiahan that if he would accept the Messiah who should
come into the world at a future time, then he would find that salvation which
the Messiah would bring unto the people in due course of time.
25
Now
behold, the king did begin to marvel at the things which we did say unto him.
26
Yea,
we even spoke unto him concerning how great the Holy Ghost would be unto the
convincing of the goodness and the mercies of the Lord unto the people who
would desire to come to know more of what the Lord has for the people.
27
For
behold, the time should come that if the people reject the Holy Ghost, then
their souls hang in jeopardy for they reject him who is a witness of the Father
and of the Son and they reject him who witnesses of the Holy Ghost. For yet,
they should also deny the word of God, yea all that God should give unto the
people as to their convincing of the truth of the things which the Lord has
revealed unto all them that have lived and shall live upon the earth.
28
For
yea, there are also many planets like unto this one, for they too have records,
but the time is not yet that the people of earth are ready to receive of them,
for the Lord is also working in due time to bring to pass those which are upon
the earth and if they all were revealed unto the children of man, then there
would be no place to store all them things which the Lord would bring forth in
due time unto the children of man, yea, even unto the salvation of all who
shall be given the words which shall be spoken by all who shall write unto the
people, for all scripture is given so that the people may know of the Lord and
of what the Lord desires for the people.
29
For
the Lord desires that all people know of his will for them, for he wants them
to receive of all that he has spoken through the mouths of the holy prophets,
yea even unto the convincing them of the good things which are in the Holy name
of the Lord unto the salvation thereof.
30
For
the Lord does give us his things that we may know the goodness and the
blessings of the Eternal God who liveth on high.
31
For
I know of the goodness and mercies of the Lord unto the convincing of the
people of the salvation which would give them the things of eternal life that
shall be found through the belief on the name of the Messiah who should come in
due time to save the people of the earth.
32
For
yea, the words of the Lord is unto man as a precious jewel which costs more
than even the gold of the earth; for it cannot be valued in terms of money for
the great worth that it does indeed contain.
33
The
Lord gives us scripture that will aid us in knowing the way back to the Father
and if we will heed what the Lord has given us in the words of his prophets,
then we will find what we need to be doing to get back to the Father, for the
Father has testified to us of the Spirit and the Spirit has testified to us of
the Father and the words that they have testified are recorded in the words of
what the prophets have written.
34
Now
it came to pass that when we had testified of all these words to Gidiahan, that
the Spirit of the Lord did counsel me to ask him, Doest thou now believe the
words which we have spoken unto thee?
35
And
yea, he did answer swiftly saying, Yea, I do believe all that thou has spoken,
for surely, thou has been sent of the Lord and I am ready to receive more of
the word of the Lord; for what must I now do?
36
Then
verily, we did say unto him that he must now exercise faith unto repentance,
and then come to the Lord through the baptism of water and then receive even
the gift of the Holy Ghost, for yea, this is the entrance into the Kingdom of
God, that we must first exercise great faith unto repentance, then come to the
waters of baptism after which, we must receive the Holy Ghost through the
laying of hands of them who are truly called to do so by the Lord.
1
Now
behold, we did ask Gidiahan what he desired and he did say unto us, I desire to
have this Holy Ghost of whom ye have spoken of, that I may know of the Father
through the testimony of him and through his witness; but it is not given to me
for I have not come to the waters of baptism.
2
Now
we said unto him, If you, Gidiahan should come to the waters of baptism, for I
know ye have exercised great faith, then you shall receive this day the Holy
Ghost.
3
Now
behold, do you submit to the will of the Father? Do you this day give your life
to the Lord so that you may become a part of the church of the Firstborn? That
you may inherit a place in the kingdom of God, in the celestial glories on
high?
4
Now
when we had asked him these things, Gidiahan did spake unto us that Yea, I am
ready and I now desire to go down into the waters of baptism, and to receive of
the Holy Ghost so that I may be prepared for the kingdom of God; which kingdom,
I do perceive is truly the place in which we are to dwell if we are faithful
unto the Lord who has made us all.
5
Now
yea, we did go with him down to the pool of the man of the courtyard and there,
we did go in with Gidiahan and we did immerse him in the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and then he came straightway out of the
water.
6
And
then we did lay our hands upon his head and confer upon him the gift of the
Holy Ghost.
7
And
he did receive immediately the Holy Ghost who did bear record unto him of the
Father and that the Father and the Son bore record unto him of the Holy Ghost,
yea, unto the convincing that he did come to know the truth of the reality of
the Savior and that the truth is real and right there.
8
In
the palace of the judges, we did go and we spoke to all the judges that were
there and there were some who were sore angry against us, even to the point
that they sought to take away our lives, but, Gidiahan being the chief judge
did say unto them that the Lord God did truly send us to them and that they
should allow us to speak unto the people of the city. Insomuch that we should
have the rights to stay in the city as long as we must and that we should be
allowed to visit with the priest who is over the city.
9
And
it came to pass that as he spake unto the other judges, that yea, the Spirit
did fall upon many of them and convince them of the truth that we were to bring
and they did see that the Lord was ready to bring to pass the salvation of all
them that he had prepared and that if we should be allowed to speak unto the
people, then the Lord would bless the city with great blessings.
10
For
the city of Gorraza would be built up to the Lord if the people would receive
of the things which the Lord had for them to know of and if they would be
willing to turn from their ways, then they would receive the fuller measure of
the blessings of which the Lord has for the faithful who come to his kingdom.
11
And
we did speak unto the judges that if they would lay aside their riches, if they
would lay aside their pride, gaining hold of that which the Lord has truly laid
in store for those who receive, humbling themselves before the bar of God, then
they should receive the fuller part of that which the Lord has truly prepared
for the benefit of the greater things of the Lord.
12
Yea,
for the great blessings do await them who humble themselves after the manner of
them who are faithful unto salvation.
13
And
yea, we did speak unto the judges that if they too should follow the example of
Gidiahan, then they too can experience the same joy that he has come to know
for yea, the Lord is truly seeking to bring to pass that which will bring men
to the Father and if they are faithful, then they will receive the higher
blessings.
14
For
yea, the greater blessings are sure if we truly do according as the Lord
requires of us and to seek to bring to pass that which the Lord is seeking for
us to do. For yea, the Lord is concerned for the welfare of the souls of man
and it is for us those whom he has called to help harvest the field.
15
For
thus, we did go up to the land to speak unto the people that they may know of
the goodness of the Lord.
16
Wherefore,
if we failed to do so, then we would have failed to deliver the words of the
Lord unto the people and there would be many who would suffer because we did
lack the faith and the courage to go and do as the Lord commandeth us to do.
17
For
the Lord wants us to be willing to go forth and do that which he has commanded
us and yea, if we should fail to deliver the message that he has given us, then
we fail to do that which the Lord has truly ordained us to do; for yea, I know
whereof that we are called to do this work which we are truly assigned
accomplish, for yea, the Lord does not command us to do things unless he should
prepare a way for us to accomplish it.
18
Now
behold, the Son of God shall come in due time and he shall be bruised for our
iniquities, taking upon him our very sins that we have done and he will be
beaten for our transgressions, and then he will die to take away our sins and
to overcome the death which is physical.
19
Then
the Son of God will arise on the third day, taking from us the death that is
physical, for yea, he shall take from us spiritual and physical death,
overcoming the grave and conquering all evil for our good.
20
For
if it is not for this Messiah who shall come into the world, then we would not
have any salvation and thus, the whole plan of God would completely be
frustrated.
21
For
now, if the Father should not have sent his Son into the world, then we would
not be able to return to the Father and we would not be able to experience the
fullness of the blessings which he has prepared for the souls of man. For yea,
without the knowledge and the greatness of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten,
then we would not be set free, but forever be slaves to the devil and forever
be lost unto physical death.
22
Now
let us therefore rejoice in this for it is this message that we do bring unto
all those who will listen, for it is this which has been given to us to share
with all people from the Father and if we fail, then we fail to show others
what the Father will do for the hope and salvation of all who shall hear.
23
And
now, when we have spoken these words unto the judges, the Holy Ghost fell upon
many of them and they did believe on the Son of God, even unto the convincing
of their souls that what we did say was true and they did grant unto us that we
should go unto the priest and to speak to him the words which we should be
given from the Lord and we should tell him of all the hope that is found in the
knowledge of this same message for which we are given to preach unto the land
this day.
24
Yea,
many of them desired of us that we should baptize them in the baptism with
which we did baptize Gidiahan and that they did desire that they too should
receive this same Holy Ghost whom we did speak much of.
25
Now
behold, we did go with them down to the river outside of the city and there, we
did baptize them with the authority granted unto us by the Father; and we did
baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost; laying our
hands on them and giving them the gift of the Holy Ghost, yea, even unto
salvation that they too may stand blameless at that day for their desire to
receive of the salvation for which we did speak of unto them.
26
Now
yea, we did go up unto Melchevia, the priest and we did proclaim to him the
words of the Lord for which we did proclaim unto the judges.
1
For
now, as we spoke to Melchevia, he did not rejoice in what we did teach, for his
heart was far into priestcraft, wickedness, and all manner of dark things.
2
For
the Lord did show unto us that he has caused that many people should be blinded
to the truth because of the things for which he did partake in and yea, we
beheld many evil spirits in his mist, even unto the quaking of our souls, for
yea, we did remember that nothing that is of sin can be in the presence of the
Living God.
3
Now
behold, we did speak much unto him and he yet, his soul was still far from
accepting what we did come to him to proclaim.
4
For
yea, he did throw us out of his house, for yea, he had a house of fine
workmanship and the wood thereof was of fine finish and the brick of it was the
finest quality, yea unto the finest that compares to that of the palace of the
judges and of the kings of the land.
5
For
yea, he did gain all his wealth through that of his cunning works.
6
We
did perceive that his heart was far removed from the wisdom of the Lord and
that he did practice much black magic unto the leading astray the souls of them
that had received of the truths of the Living God.
7
Now
behold, we did know that we were to preach unto him, even if he did not
receive, for the Lord requires that all hear his word and if we do not take his
word to Melchevia, then we should be held accountable at that day when we are
judged for what we have done.
8
Now
behold, after we had left his house, we did dust off the dust from our sandals
and we did journey again to the people of the city, for yea, they were
assembled at the tower of Beshimia the Great.
9
For
yea, they did gather there because they did fear Baal who Beshimia did teach
unto their people and they thought that Baal did have the powers to do unto
them whatever things that we might inquire of him.
10
But
yea, we do not preach Baal, nor do we preach of the any other god who is not
acceptable to the Father.
11
For
yea, we did go unto the people and we did speak unto them much concerning the
things of the Lord; for yea, we did speak unto them that they may know of the
things of salvation for the welfare of their souls; for yea, they did rest in
wicked ways of their leaders and we had to preach unto them the words of the
Father so that they may know and may hear of that which would set their souls
free from the bondages that they were in.
12
For
yea, their priests and their customs were of Baal and they did preach the words
of Baal and we did preach unto them instead of how the Messiah would come unto
the world to save the whole world from its sins and to give unto men a greater
hope that is found in him.
13
And
we did spake unto them many more things so that they may know of the goodness
of the Lord unto the salvation of their souls, for it is the welfare of the
souls of man that the Lord has sent us unto the people; insomuch as to prepare
the people for that day when the Messiah should come into the world and to
break the bonds which would have men bound and would set them free from their
transgressions which they have done.
14
For
yea, the Lord did send us forth to them so that they may know of the goodness
of the Lord which he should do unto the people and which he would do for the
welfare of the people, for he would do much for their souls, even would heal
many and would forgive many for what they have done wrong; and they would thus
receive of the greatness which is in the blessings of which those who come to
Lord would receive
15
Now
behold, we did speak unto them that the Lord would go unto many others who are
not of this fold, but would also speak unto them in due time that they may know
too of the great and wonderful ways of the Lord.
16
For
yea, we would see the mercies of the Lord unto the salvation of all men; yea
the salvation of their sins for which they have committed; yea, even to Adam
and that all men who have sinned may have this glorious hope.
17
For
the hope of salvation is unto all who would accept it, for yea, the Father
would send his Son in the meridian of time, to show forth his love unto the
children of men, yea, unto the salvation of their souls so that they may have
life eternal;
18
And
we do know that the Father shall do this according to the great love for which
he has for his people; and he would do this to show unto them the tender
mercies that he has and would show unto them many great and important truths
which would offer them real and lasting hope.
19
For
the knowledge of this greater hope is passed unto all who the Father did form,
even to the salvation of all in the universe.
20
For
verily, verily, the Lord shall speak unto us that we should know of his
wonderful mercies and in due time, he shall give us more of his words which
shall come through two men who two great prophets, and they shall be Michael
and the Holy Ghost who should dwell in the flesh and who should come in the
last days, among the children of men to dwell; and they shall testify to many
of the truthfulness of the words which they are to be given, for yea, they
shall be for the benefit of Zion and they shall dwell as man and yet, they
shall perform their duties as who they really are among the children of men.
21
And
the Lord did witness unto us that there should come to pass a greater witness
through these two whom shall have the powers of the Lord given unto them that
they may testify and do many things that shall be wonderful unto the children
of men, for the knowledge that they shall bring to light will be for the
faithful ones who dwell in the city of Zion, yea that great city of God which
shall come unto the children of men at the last day; and they shall serve and
then shall go up to Jerusalem, that city where the Christ did suffer and was
put to death to fulfill the words of the holy prophets and they shall teach
there for a space of three and half years and then they shall be martyred, but
this is not all, their work shall not be finished, for yea, there is yet much
that the Lord would have them do, but, I do not write it in this portion of my
records, for yea, this is to be written in the portion I am commanded to seal
up for the faithful only.
22
Now
this we did receive so that we may know concerning the two greater witnesses
whom should come and dwell among the children of men.
23
For
the Lord has a work to do and he will accomplish it unto the salvation of men.
24
For
the work of the Lord will not be frustrated and man cannot do away with what
the Lord proceeds to do, for what the Lord does is holy and righteous.
25
For
in that day, the Lord will proceed to do a work and a wonder among the children
of men, and he shall proceed to fill the earth with his church, yea the church
of the Lamb and he shall fill as a stone which is cut out of the mountain
without hands and which shall flood the earth; yea, even all the people shall
know the power of the kingdom of God and many shall fear for the Lord God will
be amongst his people and his people shall rejoice at his feet, and then how
beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of them that shall publish good news,
good news of the living God.
26
And
then at that day how blessed shall they be who shall inherit the kingdom of God
for the sake of their righteousness and they shall all be one people and they
shall all speak in one language; for verily, they shall be the fruit of the
great God Jehovah who shall dwell in the midst of all them that have been
prepared from all ages for the kingdom of God, for they are the faithful and
they shall inherit that which is of great worth, greater than all other
nations.
27
Now
behold, the great things of the Lord shall be made known unto the children of
men unto righteousness sake, except for that which the Lord shall not permit to
go forth unto the children of men.
28
For
behold, the voice of the Lord is unto the faithful and he shall preserve them
for his king-dom so that they shall dwell with him in all glory and shall not
know war no more, but shall live in harmony and perfect peace; for yea, this is
unto the salvation of all who shall know the truth of it.
29
For
yea, in that day, there shall come many who shall persecute the saints of the
Most High and they shall kill them, they shall speak all manner of evil against
them and shall do all things against them for they shall be afraid of the
truths which the faithful saints of God shall have and they then shall rejoice
for what Satan shall have them do, but, the faithful shall ones shall inherit
the things of God and shall be far blessed more than they think, for if they
shall stand and shall endure to the end, then shall their reward be great for
what they have endured through.
30
The
righteous shall inherit the earth and the kingdom of God shall be had among
them who are the faithful ones who have been called forth by God and they shall
have accepted the great things of God as greater worth than that of what the
world offers to them; for all things shall be had among them and the laws of
the celestial shall be had among them that they may again live lives of
greatness and of peace that is because of the Lord who shall be their king and
he shall be known among all them that are in the kingdom of God as their King
and the Lord of all lords.
1
Now
behold, when did speak unto the people of Gorraza, we did look unto the heavens
and we did see standing on the right hand of the Father, the Messiah, the Lamb
who would come in due time to take away the sins of the world, and he did speak
unto us that we are faithful and we are truly sent to this people to testify of
him.
2
And
we were caught up in the Spirit unto a high place and we did see numerous
concourses of angels in the attitude of praising their God and they did praise
him with much praising and there those who were number one hundred and forty
and four thousand and they were of the higher priesthood of the Most High God.
3
And
we beheld Michael and Gabriel, Enoch and all others; we even beheld the Holy
Ghost who was a man and who was in flesh and he did witness unto us of the
Father and of the Son and the Father and the Son did witness unto us of the
Holy Ghost who is the third comforter, for yea, we did beheld his glory that he
was like unto man, save he was more righteous and he and Michael did speak many
great things unto the people of the Most High God.
4 Now behold, we did observe many other great and marvelous things for which I am not permitted to write in this book, but shall be in the