Natural Phenomena Related to Human History

Natural Phenomena Related to Human History By Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve

We learn from Scripture that Adam's transgression brought about a fallen condition, not of mankind alone, but likewise of the earth itself. In this and in numerous other epochal events, wherein the direct interposition of Divine action is affirmed, nature is seen to be in intimate relation with man. Thus the sins of mankind may produce calamity in the form of destructive phenomena, which we may properly call natural because deserved; and human righteousness may invoke peaceful and beneficent cooperation of the elements. "Cursed is the ground for thy sake" was the Divine fiat to the first man. In contrast, note the assurance given to Israel that by faithfulness the seasons should be made propitious, that nurturing rains should come, bringing such harvests that the people would lack room to store their products. (See Mai. 3: 8-12.) Abject apostasy from the laws of God in Noah's time brought about the Deluge, in which "all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows [more properly flood-gates] of heaven were opened." Enoch, who lived before Noah, was sent to proclaim repentance to the degenerate race, and so great was the power and authority vested in him that "he spake the word of the Lord, and the earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even according to his command; and the rivers of water were turned out of their course." He foresaw the coming of the Noachian flood, and the events of history, including the Savior's ministry, down to the days of the Lord's second advent, when "the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth" (Pearl of Great Price, pp. 42 and 44.) As a fit setting for the tragedy on Calvary, a pall of darkness fell about the place, and, when the crucified Lord expired, "the earth did quake, and the rocks rent" (Matt. 27:51.) On the Western Continent, widespread disruption signalized the Savior's death; and destruction befell the wicked who had flouted prophetic warnings and inspired admonitions to repentance. Many of the Nephites had forgotten the signs and wonders by which the fact of the Lord's birth had been made known, and had fallen into abominable wickedness. Then, at the time of the crucifixion, great and terrible tempests broke

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over the land, with thunderings, lightnings, and both elevations and depressions of the earth's crust, so that mountains were sundered, and many cities were destroyed by earthquake, fire, and the inrush of the sea. For three hours the unprecedented holocaust continued; and then thick darkness fell, in the which it was found impossible to kindle a fire. The awful gloom was like unto the darkness of Egypt in that its clammy vapors could be felt. This condition lasted until the third day, so that a night, a day and a night were as one unbroken night; and the impenetrable blackness was rendered the more terrible by the wailing of the people, whose heartrending refrain was everywhere the same: "0 that we had repented before this great and terrible day!" Then, piercing the darkness, a Voice was heard, proclaiming that destruction had befallen the people be- cause of wickedness, and that those who had lived to hear were the more righteous of the inhabitants, to whom hope was offered on condition of more thorough repentance and reformation. (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi, Chapters 8-10.) Calamitous phenomena, before which the wicked shall fall, second advent are definitely predicted as accompaniments of the prediction made through the Prophet of our Lord. This is the days; and the fulfilment is nigh: Joseph Smith in these and "For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble man, and the sun shall hide his reel to and fro as a drunken give light, and the moon shall be bathed face, and shall refuse to in blood, and the stars shall become exceeding angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig tree. cometh wrath and indignation upon And after your testimony cometh the testimony of the people. For after your testimony cause groanings in the midst of her, and earthquakes, that shall not be able to stand men shall fall upon the ground, and shall thunderings, an4 the voice of And also cometh the testimony of the voice of lightnings, of the waves of the sea, and the voice of ^ >«£}%™£ u heaving themselves beyond thxr bounds. surely mens hearts And all things shall be in commotion; and people. (Doctrine shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all and Covenants 88:87-91.) , , ^.u a„ Ac storms, earthquakes, and other do- It may be argned that the super- not natural but structi" occurrences heretofore cited, are inflicted by Divine intent. Say nawral phenomena, specially follow- are supernaturally directed, ratW that these happenings mankind and the unre- Sg natTally and inevitably the sins of the inhabitants thereof; ^"The'Zth allTdefiUd under Uux^ed the ordinance, ^e^htX^ansJsed the (lsa. 1%..) the everlasting covenant, broken

"Blessed are They which are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake"

By A. Ray Olpin

The intrinsic worth of the most priceless of gems is not so conspicuous when first taken from the Kimberly mines. Only after repeated rubbing by rough mechanisms, devised for that purpose, does the real value of the polished diamond sparkle forth. And herein lies a comforting parabolic truth. The gem of "Mormonism" shines that much brighter today for having been the object of so much rough treatment and so many hard knocks. The many malicious opponents of the Latter-day Saints have been unwittingly polishing the adamantine "stone cut out from the mountain without hands.'* To such, experience and God's word have this to affirm: As well try to extinguish a glowing spark by vigorously fanning it as to annihilate "Mormonism" by directing so many vile and windy epithets against it. Mob action intended to suppress the restored religion is as absurd as an attempt to put out a fire by stirring up the bed of coals. The fan of calumny and the poker of persecution only intensify the inward fires of purity and zeal, heating the forge of honest endeavor and radiating the brilliant glow of truth. Opposition uncalled for only tends to develop the body of the Church, much the same as the adverse elements of nature are instrumental in producing the robust stature and vigorous system of the much exposed mountaineer or peasant. Unjust opposition inspires diligence and courage of the highest type. Persecution cultivates patience and perseverance. Each humbleth. And "God giveth grace unto the humble." (Jas. 4:6.) "When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person." (Job. 22:29.) Moreover the seeds of faith take root readily in well harrowed soil. And "without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6.) Verily, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for their's is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:10.) Sapporo, Japan.