The Wentworth Letter. The Prophet, Joseph Smith was asked to write a brief account of his life and the church to be published in a history of Vermont. In answer, he wrote what has come to be known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he gave an account of "the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints," including the statements known as the Articles of Faith. He recounted his experience in the sacred grove when, in answer to his prayer, The Father and Son appeared to him. The Heavens were opened once again and God was calling a living prophet for this dispensation. What a glorious occasion. Through the power and gift from God he was able to translate the gold plates of the Book of Mormon and take the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. He wrote "Our missionaries are going forth to different nations,...the standard of truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
He concluded the letter the a statement of the Articles of Faith.
Sister Winkelmen, our teacher, challenged us to know what we believe and be able to share it with others as we are called upon to do so. The 13 Articles of Faith are published at the end of the Pearl of Great Price. I believe that these were given to Joseph Smith by divine inspiration and in brief form give what we as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. Study them and learn them.
You can read the Wentworth Letter in its entirety in the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith manual pages 438-446 or go to lds.org and search under Wentworth Letter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Book Club will meet Thursday, Sept 17 at the home of Margaret Williams.
Sunday, Sept 20 will be our Ward Conference
Saturday Sept 26 - RS General Broadcast and dinner. 6 PM at the Comanche building.
No comments:
Post a Comment