Little Nell

882 IMPROVEMENT ERA

bine in evidence of the fact that we are indeed living in the specific "latter times" spoken of in the scriptures, also designated as the "dipsensation of the fulness of times, in which all things shall be fulfilled that have been spoken of since the earth was made" (Eph. 1:10; Acts 3:21; D. and C, 86:10; Millennial Star, Vol. 16, p. 220). In line with the above, and as a fulfilment of certain other prophecies which need not here be cited, mention should be made of the present great strife of a world-civilization divided against itself, a conflagration of nations, aflame on the one side with a spirit of ungodly hatred, autocratic intolerance, overweaning national pride and selfishness, while to all intents and purposes the sword of the other is raised in defense of those principles of true democracy that ensure to every human being the inalienable rights of life, liberty, freedom of conscience and the pursuit of happiness. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints senses a — deep interest in the Hebrew nation. The Jews and by this — term we mean the whole house of Israel occupy a prominent and special place in the great dispensation of the fulness of times, in which it is promised that all things shall be gathered together in one, even in Christ (Eph. 1:10). There was to be inaugurated a plan, a unifying process, which would eventually bring into a unity of faith all peoples, including the ancient covenant people of God. The latter were in due time to receive special attention from the embassadors of Christ. It is not mere inference that brings us to this thought, since God's command is specific to the Church that the gospel, which he restored through his prophet Joseph Smith, shall be preached to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles. This is learned from Sec. 18:6,D. & C. (see also Sees. 21:12 and 133:8, 13). There is a set time when the gospel shall be preached in its fulness to the Jewish people as a nation. In a revelation of God to Joseph Smith (Sec. 45) we have a fuller statement of the words of Christ to his disciples concerning the destruction of the temple and the fall of Jerusalem than is found in St. Matthew 24. Speaking of the — — closing scenes the "end of the world" in the latter days, the Lord says that there "shall a remnant [of Israel] be scattered among all nations; but they shall be gathered again, but they shall remain [i. e., generally speaking, they will not be permitted to partake of the benefits and blessings of the restored gospel] until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. * * * And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel." Thus it appears that after the Jews shall have gathered to their place, and the "fulness of the Gentiles" shall have been accomplished, then the gospel of Christ is to be carried to the "remnant" of the house of Israel. Yet, it is stated,