Lesson 4: “The Things Which I Saw While I Was Carried Away in the Spirit” - Scriptures and Quotes

1 Nephi 12:1-5

Jedediah M. Grant's describes Joseph Smith's vision of certain latter day events as follows:  "The prophet stood in his own house when he told several of us the night the visions of heaven were opened to him, in which he saw the American continent drenched in blood, and he saw nation rising against nation.... The Prophet gazed upon the scene his vision presented, until his heart sickened and he besought the Lord to close it up again." (Journal of Discourses, 2:146-147)

1 Nephi 6-9

1 Nephi 12: 11-17

1 Nephi 13: 1-6

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote, “The titles church of the devil and great and abominable church are used to identify all churches or organizations of whatever name or nature—whether political, philosophical, educational, economic, social, fraternal, civic, or religious—which are designed to take men on a course that leads away from God and his laws and thus from salvation in the kingdom of God” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 137–38

1 Nephi 13: 12-14

Columbus wrote, "Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed. Those who heard of my enterprise called it foolish, mocked me, and laughed. But who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me?" (quoted in Studies In Scripture, 7:46)

Orson Pratt said “This same angel [the angel Moroni] was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World. Trammelled by poverty and by an unpopular cause, yet his persevering and unyielding heart would not allow an obstacle in his way too great for him to overcome; and the angel of God helped him, was with him on the stormy deep, calmed and troubled elements, and guided his frail vessel to the desired haven. Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water” (Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.368, Orson Hyde, July 4, 1854).

President Ezra Taft Benson wrote: "The Pilgrims of Plymouth, the Calverts of Maryland, Roger Williams, William Penn—all had deep religious convictions that played a principal part in their coming to the New World. They too, I believe, came here under the inspiration of heaven." (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p569)

President Benson wrote:  "Before the gospel could again shine forth its resplendent light, religious and political freedom first had to be restored. This land had been preserved as a continent apart from the religious oppression, tyranny, and intolerance of Europe. In time, emigrants came to the new land and established colonies. By and large, they were a God-fearing people. A war was fought for their independence, and by God's intervention, victory was achieved. (See 1 Nephi 13:16-19.) By that same omnipotent power the Constitution was born (see D&C 101:80), which guaranteed religious and political liberty (see D&C 98:5-8). Only then was the time propitious for the kingdom of God—that 'stone cut out without hands' to be restored (see Daniel 2:34)." (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p109)

1 Nephi 13:10-26

Hugh Nibley wrote: "Some experts think they have a pretty good idea of the sort of people responsible. They were people who had received the gospel from the apostles, but immediately after the passing of the apostles proceeded to make basic alterations, deliberately disregarding some of the most important teachings. They were not the old Jewish-Christian communities, but various local churches of gentile composition, into whose hands the record came at an early time (in the 70's and 80's A.D.), and by whom the alterations—especially deletions—were made. The changes consisted in new interpretations of the scriptures, not in corruptions of the text, and in substantial omissions. " (Since Cumorah, p27)

1 Nephi 13:35-36, 38

1 Nephi 14:1-7 – Read these verses and then describe the blessings promised to the Gentiles in this scripture if they remain faithful to the Lord

1 Nephi 14:1-7 – Describe the cursings promised to the Gentiles in this scripture if they harden their hearts and turn away from the Lord