Who Is Satan?

Why is it important to know about Satan? Because you must know your enemy to personally defeat him. I was instructed today to share a few portions of my journal:

“His original name was Shaw-Hum, “The Mighty Voice of God.” This was how he was known for his many good deeds. At the end of the Millennium he was seduced by Lucifer to the darkness. There are many who choose such paths because they seek their own gratification and dominion. Everything is explained to them. Lucifer paints a glorious picture. All Satan must do is inject himself into the role as Satan, the god of that world, and his kingdom is set. As he is sent to outer darkness, he will some day have the opportunity to stand as a Lucifer and recruit new “Satans” and expand his dark Kingdom. As God’s kingdoms are ascending in glory, Satan’s are descending in darkness. The level of dominion and debauchery that he and his devils can experience in mortality will have an influence on the level of pleasure they can experience throughout eternity. Of course, it is not joy, but carnal, devilish, and a worm that cannot quench. But this is what they have chosen. As the Kingdom of the Devil expands, Lucifer becomes the Great Satan and his father becomes Sheshahim, the Father of All Darkness. I am beginning to understand. There truly is opposition in all things.”

“The Kingdom of Darkness follows a similar pattern to the Kingdom of Heaven. Upon this earth, in its telestial state we begin to decide in which direction we will go, to the light or the darkness. The farther up in progression an angel is before they fall, the more dominion they have in the kingdom of darkness, and they continue to rise in that kingdom as they follow their master’s command, just as we do in the Lords.”

“He (Satan) was a fourth estate being who was known for his powerful oratory skills and charisma. As the Great Council is preparing to take place at the end of the Millennium to announce the calling and ascension of 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th estate beings, Satan is loosed for a season. What this means is that the Adversary is given freedom to seduce the Sons and Daughters of God. How does he do this? Through his emissaries. Satan, known by another name at the time, convinced 200 other angels to be taught by Lucifer what must occur to receive a kingdom in the dark realm. They were seduced by being shown all the great pleasures and dominions that awaited them in the dark kingdom. It was like the ultimate commercial and promotional package, as they witnessed the great things they could have. There would be no selfless sacrifice, no boredom, no waiting. It was like witnessing pornography on a universal scale. Their minds were forever corrupted by power, greed, selfishness, hate, and debauchery.”

“It all comes down to seeking more dominion, physical gratification, and experience. It is an all-for-me approach. One of the strategies for growing their dominion is to entice the children of men to serve them in exchange for pleasure and wealth. It begins in the spirit world among those who have already passed on. They are offered to be reborn in a body and family which will give them more privileges that they had before. In exchange they do their master’s bidding. Those who perform well are rewarded. If they, while in the flesh, make a covenant with Satan by shedding the blood of a good person, they are promised more favors in this life and the next. They become marked amongst the damned, not of the same level as a son of perdition, but they too will be swept into outer darkness when the earth is finished. They will descend to Lucifer’s kingdom with him to enjoy whatever reward they have earned.”

“The greatest coup that a dark spirit can perform is to block a 4^th estate being from performing their mission. If they can get them to cross over they are richly rewarded. The extent to which they can harm a spirit of light will determine their place in Satan’s kingdom. The most devious and evil of Satan’s angels are assigned to what they determine to be probable higher beings born in this world. It is a meticulous and patient process because those born under the covenant of God are protected by angels of light. Sons of Perdition will not touch them because the risk of being sealed up in the Eternal Prison is too great. If they get sent there they cannot come out until the end, and they lose their opportunity to build their experiences. Without their mortal experiences they will have less to use to create and experience eternal gratification in the dark eternities. So, these dark spirits, second estate beings, will learn everything about the children of Adam, or potential 4^th estate beings and as a “familiar spirit” lie in wait to deceive their entire life. The numbers of spirits that follow a son of God increases, but become more difficult to attack as their light grows and they grow in priesthood.”

“I then asked the Lord about the Adversary and whether he will have his own coming in glory to the world. The Lord said, “Yes.” When Satan comes, he will be hailed as the Messiah, come in a translated body and appear to large groups of people. Mostly in the Islam faith and places of power will he come. The Lord said it would be dazzling to the eyes, he will wear gold and white, and the way to know that it is not him is that he will not invite all to come forth and touch him. It will be from a distance. Those who do not worship him will be slaughtered. These things will begin after America is cut down and as the Kingdom of the Beast begins to rise in the world.”

How do we resist the temptations of the Adversary?

It will always be there. Even Jesus was tempted throughout His life. The angels are tempted to fall from their glorified stations. How could any such glorified being fall? It happens when a soul turns inward, seeking their own comfort, pleasure, desires, and addictions. When the love of men and angels wax cold, they fall. Yes, even angels. Even the angels are of varying degrees of faith. The most important quality you can possess in this life is a zeal for faith: to seek the Lord’s will and to act upon it. Such faith will carry you through the Everlasting Covenant and ensure that the temptations of Satan never have a place in you.

A Word

Recently I asked the Lord if there was any particular word He wanted me to think about for 2022. He said, “Remember.”

What does that mean Lord?

He said, “Remember the promises and all that I have told you. When things are difficult you need to trust in me.”

Though I haven’t been writing much lately I have been busy. I am looking forward to the great work the Lord has planned, and I am hopeful that we will be prepared for all that is coming.

Filling the Gaps – Part 2

These are my questions I asked recently to help me fill the gaps of my experience with the Lord. He said to come often and ask. I know some of this is going to be very strange, it is condensed and edited, but hopefully it will help you to formulate question to ask the Lord yourself.

Is it better to sing or pray in tones or in tongues when we seek to bring down the glory? The Lord said that when we are alone it is better to pray in tongues. We can more easily relax. But, when we are in groups it is good to pray in tones so as to not distract those next to us. The Lord said that humming is more difficult because we can’t reach the right octave as easy. I just made the E sound with my mouth open and was able to get the right pitch.

Why do angels sometimes appear gold, like John did? The Lord said that resurrected beings and translated beings appear differently to the spiritual eyes. It has to do with a frequency of light, like a halo. Translated being will always appear as if they are emitting a golden flame, but resurrected beings it is white glory.

Can someone receive the Holy Ghost and not water baptism? What if they received it in the Spirit World and don’t have an opportunity to receive a baptism for the dead? The Lord said that they can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost before the baptism of water, but all must have the ordinance to progress to Eternal Life. Those who do not receive before death, but choose to receive after, have two options: One, it to receive from their close relatives, which often helps them in the process of making that commitment and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The second, and more common, is to piggyback on a baptism received by one who has real intent. Sometimes, multiple spirits will take part in a physical baptism of water to make their covenant with the Father and prepare for Eternal Life. Sometimes receiving this opportunity takes a long time if true baptisms are in short supply, but they are much more common now. Every single soul that accepts Christ’s atonement will have the opportunity to move forward in the Everlasting Covenant.

Why was I praising on the right side of the Throne room if that is where the women are? The Lord had my stand and look back toward the Grand Hall where all the angels were praising. It is brilliant white and large, but I noticed it was terraced. I noticed that the gates where angels entered were light blue, not seeing what was beyond. The Lord explained that the immediate level was divided male and female, but on the terraces,  they are not divided the same. It was made known to me that the hall is not some static structure. That it can expand or contract as the Lord desires. It is so bright it doesn’t even feel like a hall, but it is.

Do all have their Second Comforter at the Throne? Why would they be different? The Lord reminded me that my first experience was not at the Throne as we were now. Above the Throne is a place, like an open room where He often will greet those who come. This was my first experience. I didn’t remember any structures at first, just Him. It was here that we first met. He said that others will have experiences in the First Heaven, or even in the environment of where they are on earth. He said that the experience is more limited when it occurs this way but is a “Second Comforter” as they call it none-the-less. This is much different than to have ones Calling and Election Made Sure, which is a blessing and remembrance of their divine mission. This always occurs at the Throne.

How do the stars witness to our lives at the Throne? The Lord said that there are stars that represent each of the 144k of this Dominion. Their place in the Heavens witnesses to the actions of His servants and this is something I will learn about in the future. Nothing happens in random when it comes to the creations of God.

The Lord said that any of the gifts of the Spirit are technically sealing power, but the term is usually meant to be an unhindered degree of His power. This is something that is bestowed upon His servants to fulfill a foreordained mission.

What does it mean “My creation is forever.” When I saw the many planets? The Lord said that There is no end to His creation. This is Eternal Life.

How is a physical planet born? I saw the spiritual birth, right? The way the Lord explained this to me, both in word and vision was so interesting. He said that all things are created spiritual, like a blueprint for the final development of the form, the plan is set, and the tabernacle is given. Every part of the anatomy of the person or animal is in the spirit form, and when it is placed in motion to become physical, unless it is hindered, it will follow that plan. The earth was the same. It was created spiritually and when the great waves of the firmament rushed upon the place of creation the elements began to bind themselves to the spirit and take shape in a similar manner. Like a wave as it rolled together. Many such creations take pace in nebulas and expanding stars throughout the galaxy.

If the Terrestrial Kingdom lies beyond the atmosphere of this earth, why are telestial visitors allowed to come here? The Lord said that the telestial and terrestrial mingle somewhat inside the Telestial region of the God’s dominion along the outside perimeter of the Firmament. The Angels of God abide within the light realm, and the telestial are amongst the physical element. Spirits who make an agreement to come to this earth are bound to it and God’s commandments and edicts regarding it. Other planets are not held to the same rules, but they must abide certain laws of conduct here.

What does helpmeet mean? The Lord said that it implies a companion that is equal to the task. You could say that Eve’s helpmeet was Adam.

Are the planets considered like animals? Do they reproduce? Does Kolob and Koholo have a relationship like male and female? The Lord said that they do not reproduce like animals, but sometimes some of their body is taken to start new worlds. The Lord said that whenever a new world is created, like His children, they are created in pairs, male and female. After they become 4^th estate they are paired like Kolob and Koholo and reign in the highest of Heaven. This will occur to Earth at the end of the Millennium when it is exalted.

Filling in the Gaps

The Lord has told me to return to my journal and read through all the experiences I’ve had since my Second Comforter to ask more questions, to fill in the gaps, so that I can learn more. He said there was far more to learn than what I am asking, that I need to seek. Therefore, I have written down questions and come to the Lord today anxious to see what He will show me. This is the first of that experience. (I was instructed that I could share some of it here. Please do not share unless you feel impressed to do so privately.)

I began my prayer expressing my love and desire to learn, to ask questions, and to be made clean. These were my intentions. I followed this by asking Him humbly, “Wilt thou forgive me of my sins, anything I’ve done that is harmful to my spirit?” I waited a few seconds and heard the words gently in my mind, “Yes, thou art forgiven.” That is usually what I hear. It is unmistakably Him. I always feel grateful, yet embarrassed. I have to be fully clean to be in His presence, so I wonder how possible it is to really remain fully clean after going about my week in this crazy world. My sins aren’t as heavy as others, yet, a sin is a sin. A cruel thought, a harsh judgment of another, impatience, anger, frustration, impure thoughts (though usually placed there by a bad spirit). I know what the weakness of my flesh is, and what is being thrown at me from the adversary. However, I know that the Lord is there for me and will make me clean, always.

I asked Him to pour His light and love over me and saw what almost resembles heavy water flowing down over my body, starting from my head. I was washed from head to toe. I heard what sounds like rushing waters, and the brilliance was brighter than the sun at noon day. I said, “Lord, am I clean?” “Yes,” was the answer I heard succinctly in my mind.

I feel so blessed and fortunate that the Lord is willing to do this for me. I feel unworthy, yet I know I am worth it to Him. I have confidence in Him!

I begin to praise Him as I sit on my closet floor. I express gratitude and love, thinking of names to describe His role in my life and my family. I’m not looking for fancy words or phrases. I just express what I feel. Before I realize I am praying in tongues, which is harmonic sounds to a cadence. I’m not concerned with how I sound. I feel the words and express them with emotion. I know they mean something, yet I do not know what, nor do I care, because I only focus upon my love and adoration for Him!

As the Spirit begins to build it gets to a spot where I feel ready. I ask, “Lord, may I come to thee?” I hear Him say, “Yes, come forth!” The portal opens. I see it in my eyes, and they are open, yet I do not see the closet space. I have reached beyond this mortal place. I go toward the large voluminous twisting vortex of a kind. It is filled with light. I move with great speed, beyond what I can comprehend, toward a place where God dwells.

I arrive with a burst of light and sound, almost more that the eye can bear, yet I am ready for it and do not hesitate or withdraw. I know where I am, because I have been here before.

An angel of the Most-High, the Cherub who guards the gate greets me and ushers me forward. I see the great hall, yet that seems the wrong word. It is an eternal assembly of angels facing the Throne of Heaven. I see men on my left and women on my right facing toward the great Lord of Lords seated upon His Throne in the distance. I see the vast galaxy above, with its arms of light spreading out. The Throne appears almost a hundred yards away. I am there in an instant. I am kneeling before His great Throne chair, which brilliance and detail is as I’ve described before. He steps forward and lifts me up, we embrace, and I ask to go to my Garden, where we have spoken so many times.

Standing in the Garden He is glorious, dressed in white, His face smooth as powder, His hair perfectly combed back, reddish brown. His eyes are clear and filled with color and love. It’s hard to express in detail the glory you feel in His presence. The love is gentle and accepting, so eager to be with me and answer my questions. I feel so small, yet so loved!

I look around at my surroundings for a moment. The golden foliage, the rich hues of the fragrant flowers along the path. Everything so bright, rich, colorful, comfortable, and familiar. I focus upon Him, holding His arm as I begin to ask my questions.

These questions were organized from my first visits with the Lord that I wanted clarity:

Is expressing love and desire to be close to the you a prerequisite to opening that door? He said: Your heart must be prepared to come to me. If your intent is anything but love and desire to know and serve, you will not be able to connect sufficiently to come here.

What happens when we bathe ourselves in light: our food, our water, our shower, in the light? How does this affect us? He said: As you continually fill yourself with light throughout the day, you are capable of receiving the gifts of the Spirit more readily, to offer healing to others as guided, whether to their knowledge or not. You become a beacon of light that cannot be hid, and you can do much. [Edit]

I asked about the rooms in the sky. The clear room that I have visited before. How many such rooms are there above the earth? He said twelve. How do they operate? They are places where God’s servants are taken to be shown great things pertaining to their mission and prepare them for future blessings. How often do people go there? Not too often. Are they the gate to the Second Heaven? No, there is not a gate like there is to the Throne. It’s just that certain spirits are confined to the First Heaven and others are permitted to go beyond. Only the fourth estate visit these rooms. They are created by faith, through the light of creation to serve a purpose. They exist in the Heavenly Realm, so they cannot be seen or experienced with the natural eye. I asked why there was a desk in this room and an entrance. He said that the desk is for signing special documents related to assignments relative to the principalities.  He said that not all the twelve rooms look exactly the same, but they are similar. He said that the First Heaven extends to about where the blue light of the earth ends as it enters the atmosphere. When in the clear room you are looking down from the edge of the Second Heaven. This was new to me.

Can we speak while moving our mouths in this realm, or only this way? Do most speak without moving their mouths here? When I asked this the Lord began to speak with His mouth. My focus instantly went to His mouth and he said, “Do you see how your attention is now distracted? It is not necessary here to do that. Communication is more clear otherwise, and usually we only open our mouths to sing or to emphasize a spoken edict.”

What is the meaning of the crescent moon in my first vision? What is the meaning of the blood moon? The Lord said that when radical Islam has spread across the Middle East and Europe it will bring great blood and horror upon many people as the Kingdom of the Beast rises in its full wrath upon the earth.

Is the huge meteor of my vision the “Wormwood” spoken by John in Revelation? Yes, and it will bring great destruction and plague upon the earth before my coming.

What was the garment of light that was thrown over me the first time I came to the Throne? It is a shield of comfort made of light and color, which calms the spirit. It was no longer necessary after you had come again and become accustomed to the change of the light and power of this realm.

Why do the angels sing in harmonic tones? What does that do? It helps them to connect to me upon my Throne. It also helps to not be distracted by those around them. There is a frequency of tone and light that must be reached for the full experience. Each of these 3^rd estate souls are taught and prepared for what will come in the future as they prepare to be called and chosen to become 4^th estate.

What is the spinning galaxy above the Throne? It is the galaxy in which you exist, in a real time, actual visual, where all things are made known. I the Lord see what is before me always, and the heavens are laid open all around. You cannot see but it is below you and on both sides as well. It is beautiful and mighty to see the creations of the Father, and all glory is to Him.

The Lord showed me that there were innumerable worlds He created through the Father, and all will someday have a destiny like this earth if they fill the measure of their creation.

Why is the Adversary allowed to come to the Throne and not some lower sphere? Does this not create an unclean environment? The Lord said that dark beings are allowed to come under the direction of the Shahophalim, [Edit] These dark spirits are in a shield of sorts, that only allows the Lord to interact with them. They are as relieved to leave as you are to see them go, but they have no effect upon the light and glory of this place.

What is the water in the Garden? He said it was not water like the element we think of, yet it is the same feeling of water and creates a sense of place for creatures that abide in it. It can also be drunk like water and bring the same sense of refreshment and life that you feel in mortality, yet with more purity and satisfaction.

Lord, what were the words spoken between you and me during my first experience with you that I could not remember? [Edit] It was a beautiful moment between us. I think I was so emotional I couldn’t remember when I first wrote the experience.

What is an archangel exactly? The Lord said that among the 200 Great Ones are the Holy family, [Edit] they played a key role in organizing the House of Israel and the work required to save them in the House of our Father.

Is the Father’s Throne above Jesus’ Throne? Did I pass through a veil or another gate? The Lord said that it is a separate place above Kholo, right between the center of all creation and the gate to the [Edit]. Going there is like stepping through a door.

What did the Father say that I can’t remember? You will need to ask Him.

Does the Sacrament more fully prepare me to come to the Lord? The Sacrament contains the promises that you are doing to repent and have light poured upon you that you may be holy. You could come without it, but it is a good preface for your interaction with the Lord.

Should I still memorize my favorite Psalms? The Lord said that they are beautiful, and I could do that, or I could just write my own. They are helpful in fighting the Adversary and praising to add light and glory.

Joseph Smith’s Letters for Section 121 – Thoughts

Joseph Smith’s letters at Liberty Jail, written to the Church and Edward Partridge, March 20, 1839 – Text used to create the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121.

Much of the writings of Joseph’s two letters were edited out before the final inclusion in the D&C, but I have added portions in this blog that I feel are of great worth. The text for this blog came directly from the original letters in the Joseph Smith Papers Project, so there may be a few different words and grammatical changes from the published version.

Section 121, as it was edited for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants 1876 Edition. Portions selected by Orson Pratt under the direction of Brigham Young.

O God where art thou and where is the pavilion [veil that separates mortals from the Heavenly Realm] that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people, and of thy servants, [those in prison and elsewhere] and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea o Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions before thine hart shall be softened towards them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion towards them? O Lord God almighty, maker of heaven earth, and seas, and of all things that in them is, and who controlleth and subjecteth the devil and the dark and beknighted dominion of Sheol [the place of Hell for Satan’s dominion]. Stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us; let thine anger be kindle against our enemies; and in the fury of thine heart with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, oh our God, and thy servants will rejoice in thy name for ever. [121:1-6]

[When seeking a blessing from the Lord it is appropriate to make our case in prayer, to reason before Him why we believe it is worthy to request something, always affirming that it is according to His will.]

 Until finally all enmity, malice, and hatred, and past differences, misunderstandings, and mismanagements lie slain, victims at the feet of hope, and when the heart is sufficiently contrite, then​ the voice of inspiration [revelation] steals along and whispers – [I included this short prelude to where the scripture picks up again. Joseph explains that when he felt completely broken and dependent upon the Lord, he heard the following:] my son, peace be unto thy soul. Thine adversity and thy afflictions shall be but a small moment, and then if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high. [This applies to all of us who suffer in this world. But how do you endure it well?] Thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands. [You shall return to them.] Thou art not yet as Job. [But it will happen in the future.] Thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression as they did Job, and they who​ do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall melt away as the hoary frost melteth before the burning rays of the rising sun, and also that God hath set to his hand and seal to change the times and seasons [to change the earth at His coming], and to blind their minds that they may not understand his marvelous workings, that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness, also because their hearts are corrupt and the thing which they are willing to bring upon others and love to have others suffer may come upon themselves to the very utmost that they may be disappointed also, and their hopes may be cut off, and not many years hence that they and their posterity shall be swept from under heaven saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall [none seeking entrance to the Kingdom]. cursed are all those that shall lift up the heal against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they [the Lord’s anointed] have sinned when they have not sinned before me saith the Lord, but have done that which was meat in mine eyes and which I commanded them, but those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin and are the children of disobedience themselves, and those who swear false against my servants that they might bring them unto bondage and death. Wo unto them because they have offended my little ones [those whose faith is young]. They shall be severed from the ordinances of mine house. [The blessings of the Gospel shall not be theirs.] Their basket shall not be full [cursed temporally], their houses and their barns shall famish, and they themselves shall be despised by those that flattered them. They shall not have right to the priesthood nor their posterity after them from generation to generation. [This prophecy is fulfilled.] It had been better for them that a millstone had been hanged about their necks and they drowned in the depth of the see. Wo unto all those that discomfort my people and drive and murder and testify against them, saith the Lord of Host. A generation of vipers shall not escape the damnation of hell. Behold mine eyes seeth and knoweth all their works and I have in reserve a swift judgement in the season thereof for them all, for there is a time appointed to​ every man according as their work shall be. [121:7-25]

[At this point Joseph reviews some church business and then gives counsel:]

We would say be aware of pride also, for well and truly hath the wise man said that pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty [aristocratic and superior attitude] spirit before a fall. Again, outward appearance is not always a criterion for us to judge our fellow man, but the lips betray the haughty and overbearing imaginations of the heart [imposing superior belief in oneself], by his words ​and​ his deeds let him be scanned. [Joseph tells the leaders not to trust the appearances of people. Look upon the fruit of their works, their words and deeds should be carefully considered.]

A fanciful, flowery and heated imagination be aware of, because the things of God are of deep import, and time, experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. [This is a beautiful clue that Joseph gives to the means by which the mysteries are given to us. There are those who will jump into a belief after having an imaginative vision and immediately assume that God has revealed to them a great truth. We must be cautious of such things. Will an angel suddenly appear to a person and declare to them something that is not scriptural? Joseph said it takes time and experience before such things of God are given to an individual. We must have an experience with God, which comes over time, requiring careful pondering, and searching. Then we are given that which we seek according to the Lord’s will. Those who preach with heated passion to have received hidden revelation must be listened to with great caution.]

[Joseph gives the formula by which we seek the mysteries of God:]

Thy mind O Man, if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation [that leads to Christ] must stretch as high as the utmost Heavens [without limit to the Throne of Heaven], and search into and contemplate the lowest considerations of the darkest abyss, [and the deepest place in Hell] and expand upon the broad considerations of Eternal Expanse [God’s creation], he must commune with God. [To “commune” is to be in His presence.] This more:  how much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain imagination of the human heart [the desires of the carnal man]? None but fools will trifle [to act frivolously] with the souls of men. How vain and trifling, have been our spirits, our conferences, our councils, our meetings in private as well as public. Conversations are too low, too mean, too vulgar, too condescending, for the dignified characters of the Called and Chosen of God, according to the purposes of his word will from before the foundation of the world, to hold the keys, of the mysteries of those things that have been kept hid from the foundation until now, of ​which some have tasted a little and which many of them are to be poured down from heaven upon the heads of babes, yea the weak, obscure and despisable ones of this earth. [You don’t know what the Lord has prepared for you!]

Therefore, we beseech of you brethren, that ​you bear​ [be patient] with those who do not feel themselves more worthy than yourselves, while we exort one another, to a reaffirmation with one an all, both old and young, teachers and taught, both high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, male and female. Let honesty and sobriety, and candor, and solemnity, and virtue, and pureness, and meekness, and simplicity, crown our heads in every place, and in fine, become as little children, without malice, guile, or hypocrisy.

[Here the Section 121 picks up again at verse 26:]

And now brethren, after your tribulations if you do these things, and exercise fervent prayer, and have faith in the sight of God always, he shall give unto you knowledge [spiritual understanding of the mysteries, which only comes through God] by his Holy Spirit; yea by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost that has not been revealed since the world was [created] until now, which our fathers [the Patriarchs and Prophets] have waited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the Angels [angelic visitations] as held in reserve for the fullness of their glory a time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld [in the near coming future], whether there be one god or many gods, they shall be manifest, all thrones, and dominions, principalities, and powers shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the Gospel of Jesus Christ [The vast scope of that portion of this sentence is incomprehensible to the carnal mind.], and also if there be bounds set to the heavens, or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars, all the times of their revolutions all their appointed days, month, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times [This alludes to the science and laws of God that control all creation.] shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fullness of times⁷³ [from Joseph until now] according to that which was ordained in the midst of the council of the eternal God of all other Gods [Interesting is it not?] before this world was that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof when​ every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest [the Final Judgment of God], but I beg leave [change topic] to say unto you Brethren that ignorance, superstition, and bigotry, placing itself where it ought not is often times in the way of the prosperity of this church. Like the torrent of rain from the mountains that floods the most pure and crystal stream with mire, and dirt, and filthiness, and obscures everything that was clear before, and all hurls along in one general deluge, but time weathers​ the tide, and notwithstanding we are rolled in for the time being by the mire of the flood, the next surge, peradventure as time roles on, may bring us to the fountain as clear as crystal, and as pure as snow, while all the filthiness floodwood and rubbish is left and purged out by the way. How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens as well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri River in its decread course or to turn it up stream as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from ​heaven​ upon the heads of the Latter Day Saints? [vs 26-33]

[This is a beautiful analogy Joseph offers to express how the foolishness of men will be washed away as the Lord reveals all truth to those who come unto Him.]

What is Boggs or his murderous party but wimbling willows upon the shore to catch the floodwood, as will might we argue that water is not water because the mountain torrents send down mire and riles the crystal stream, although afterwards renders it more pure than before? Or that fire is not fire because it is of a quenchable nature by pouring on the flood, as to say that our cause is down because renegades, liars, priests, thieves, and murderers who are all alike, tenacious of their crafts and creeds have poured down from their spiritual wickedness in high places, and from their strong holds of the divine a flood of dirt, and mire, and filthiness, and vomit upon our heads – no God forbid. Hell may poor forth its rage like the burning lava of Mount Vesuvius, or of Etna, or of the most terrible of the burning mountains, and yet shall Mormonism stand. [Joseph is not reluctant to call it “Mormonism.”] Water, fire, truth, and God are all the same truth in Mormonism. God is the author of it. He is our shield. It is by him we received our birth. [the origins of the Restoration] It was by his voice that we were called to a dispensation of his gospel in the beginning of the fullness of times. It was by him we received the Book of Mormon, and it was by him that we remain unto this day, and by him we shall remain if [a condition] it shall be for our glory and in his almighty name we are determined to endure tribulation as good soldiers unto the end. [A beautiful testimony.]

Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and the Church, circa 22 March 1839

[Here is where section 121 picks up again at verse 34:]

Behold there are many called [invited] but few are chosen [received]. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men that they do not learn this one lesson that the rights of priesthood [receiving of great spiritual gifts] are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven [through God only] and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principals of righteousness. [faith unto power in God] That they may be conferred upon us [ordained unto this power] it is true but when we undertake to cover our sins or to gratify our pride or vain ambition or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, behold the heavens withdraw themselves the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it has withdrawn, amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. [the source is blocked] Behold ere he is aware, he is left unto himself to kick against the pricks, [no-win-situation] to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men as soon as they get a little authority as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called but few are chosen. [To be “Chosen” is to receive a priesthood blessing directly from God. Each ascension in the estates is a blessing of Grace and Glory.] No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness, by pure knowledge which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile, reproving be-times with sharpness when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved lest he esteem thee to be his enemy, that he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death, [Joseph gives this beautiful description of how a servant of God leads. There is no compulsion in a true servant’s leadership.]

Let thy bowels [desires] also being full of charity [God’s love and purpose] towards all men [the world] and to the household of faith. [believers] And let virtue [holy desires] garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God, [you will see me] and the doctrines of the Priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven, [the mysteries shall be unfolded] the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, [baptism of fire] and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth, [knowledge of God] and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, [Exaltation] and without compulsory means [sealing power given] it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. [Crowned a King]

There could be a book written about that last paragraph that makes up D&C 121:45-46. In it is the clue to receiving your Second Comforter experience and all that the Lord desires to bestow upon you!