W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Section 19 - Historical Background: After the completion of the translation of the gold plates, Joseph returned to Palmyra to hire a publisher to print the manuscript, but was rejected by publishers in both Palmyra and Rochester. However, in August, 1829, Martin Harris was able to convince Grandin to publish the book but only after Martin securred the printing with one of his farms. Joseph instructed Oliver Cowdery to make 2 copies of the manuscript, one to hold under security and the other to be presented to the publisher. Oliver gradually brought only 26 pages each day for the printer to typeset. Meanwhile, Joseph returned to Harmony to be with Emma. However, in the midst of the printing process in Palmyra, everything came to a sudden stop when Grandin became frightened. He discovered the people of Palmyra had made a pact among themselves to boycott purchasing the book altogether. Without sales, Grandin would not get paid. Under these dire circumstances, Hyrum pleaded with Joseph to return to Palmyra and seek direction from the Lord. This revelation is the result, directed most particularly to Martin Harris.

• Recap: Every person must repent or suffer, which suffering is endless. The Lord then explains the meaning of “endless suffering” and “eternal punishment.” He then describes how terrible the suffering will be unless they repent, in which case they need not suffer at all because Christ has already suffered for the repentant.
• The Lord then directs Martin Harris to teach repentance and not the deeper doctrines as of yet; do not covet, pray vocally and remain humble. He then directs Martin to pay the printer’s debt of $3,000 so the Book of Mormon can be published, and finally to rejoice and sing Hosanna, for the Lord has come!

Section 18 - Historical Setting: Having witnessed the Gold Plates and the angel Moroni, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were anxious to establish and build the kingdom of God. The Lord gives some preparatory direction, but the fulness of the gospel contained in the Book of Mormon had not yet been published. It will be 9 months before another revelation is received, during which time the primary focus is to get the Lord's scriptures published for study.

• Recap: The worth of souls is great. Oliver and David are instructed to preach repentance as the Lord lays the groundwork for the restoration of the Gospel. They are given an assignment to seek out the twelve apostles in preparation for the organization of the Lord’s church. All the while, their very salvation is dependent on remaining faithful and keeping God’s commandments.

Join us in this compelling episode featuring Dr. Skousen, the renowned author of "The Naked Communist" and "The Naked Capitalist," and the founder of the Freeman Institute. Dr. Skousen shares his profound insights on the origins of the United States, the founding fathers, and the enduring principles that have shaped the nation.

Dr. Skousen takes us on a journey through the life of George Washington, illuminating his unwavering faith, leadership, and the divine interventions that marked the American Revolution. He delves into Washington's character, recounts the struggles at Valley Forge, and highlights the miraculous events that led to the nation's independence.

As he reflects on the challenges faced by the early republic and the crafting of the U.S. Constitution, Dr. Skousen underscores the importance of returning to the foundational values that made America great. This episode is a tribute to the heroism and vision of the founding fathers and a call to preserve their legacy for future generations.

Section 12 - Historical Background: Joseph Knight, a successful farmer living in Fayette, New York, was a loyal friend and former employer of Joseph Smith. Knowing Joseph Smith was translating the gold plates while in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Knight brought down a wagon of supplies to help Joseph and Emma. While there, he asked for a personal revelation, probably through the Urim and Thummim.

• Recap: The Lord confirms His divinity. Those who labor in His vineyard will be blessed and find salvation. Joseph Knight is counselled to be humble, loving, faithful and charitable. 

Section 13 – Historical Background: While translating the plates, Joseph and Oliver were impressed with the subject of baptism which was frequently discussed in the record. Wondering what to do about their own baptism, they asked upon the Lord. As a result, a Heavenly manifestation opened before them as John the Baptist appeared and conferred the Aaronic priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver. Having this new authority, Joseph and Oliver baptized one another.

• Recap: John the Baptist confers the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver, giving them authority to baptize into Christ’s church.

Sections 14-16 – Historical Background: After receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James and John, believed to have occurred in early June, 1829, the persecution in Harmony became severe. Joseph was instructed by the Lord to flee with Emma to Fayette, New York where the Whitmer family offered to share their small and modest home with them. Three of the Whitmer sons, David, John and Peter Jr, asked for personal revelations from Joseph.

• Recap: The Lord declares the divinity of these blessings, coming from God and not from Joseph. Counsel given to labor in the vineyard, keep God’s commandments and preach repentance. All were asked to endure to the end. Unfortunately, Peter was the only one who remained loyal to the Lord.

Section 17 – Historical Background: During the translation of the plates, it was learned that the Lord would establish the truthfulness of the record by three witnesses (see 2 Nephi 27:12 and Ether 5:4). Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris all desired to be given the privilege of seeing the Gold Plates. Joseph inquired of the Lord concerning this, through the Urim and Thummim.

• Recap: Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris are promised that if they have adequate faith, they will be allowed to not only see the Gold Plates, but also the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, and the Liahona. They are commanded to use this witness to testify to the world of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and its translation by the gift and power of God.

Section 10: Historical background: (Note: Chronologically, this section should follow section 3) Because of the lost manuscript of the Book of Lehi, Moroni had taken from Joseph the Gold Plates and the Urim and Thummim in July, 1828. Finally, in September, 1828, they were returned to Joseph after nearly 3 months of sorrow and repentance.

• Recap: Joseph is reprimanded by Moroni for allowing these sacred records to come into the hands of wicked men. Joseph is commanded not to retranslate the Book of Lehi, but, in order to thwart the evil design of Satan, he is to translate in its place the plates of Nephi, which is another record of Lehi and his family provided by the Lord who knew in advance the evil plan of the adversary.

Section 11 – Historical Background: While Joseph and Oliver were working on the translation, brother Hyrum sought to receive councel from Joseph regarding his desire to travel as a missionary to spread the message of the restored Gospel.

• Recap: Hyrum is commended for his desire to preach, but is counselled to wait a little while longer until he has learned more of the doctrine, for the Book of Mormon translation to be completed, and to be strengthened in his surety of the doctrine. He is told to patiently wait, and then is promised to be given the Spirit and power of God unto the convincing of the truth to others.

 

After completing the biography of "The Real Thomas Jefferson" with Andy Allison, W. Cleon Skousen gives a beautiful recap of the book and the life of this remarkable Founder. He portrays not only the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson, but also the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, truly one of America's foremost founding fathers.

Jefferson's unyielding commitment to personal integrity, principles of liberty and self-determination launched his influential role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, principles of self-governance, and ultimately President of the United States.

Unknown to many casual history students, Jefferson had many trials, both personal and professional, including the deep sorrow from personal losses and the vengeful, scandalous accusations during his presidency.

Dr. Skousen provides insight into Jefferson's influence on American law and governance, his presidency, and his lasting impact on the nation's path towards freedom and democracy. A reflection on his visionary reforms in Virginia and his post-presidency years offers a comprehensive portrayal of his enduring contributions.

Section 6 - Historical Background: In the winter of 1828-1829, Joseph Smith faced deep anxiety as he struggled to translate the golden plates without a scribe. With Martin Harris back in Palmyra and his wife Emma busy with household chores, Joseph awaited divine intervention. The Lord answered his prayers with the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, a young schoolteacher boarding in the Smith's home in Palmyra. After his own personal confirmation of the Lord's work, Oliver joined Joseph in Harmony Pennsylvania and began to assist as scribe. Oliver asked Joseph for a personal revelation from the Lord and received it as recorded in Section 6. 

    Recap:  Oliver receives counsel from the Lord to be diligent, to ask God for his needs and to seek wisdom, not riches. Oliver has a gift as a communicator, like Aaron’s gift, and is to preach repentance. The Lord reminds Oliver of his personal conversion experience, which no one else knew up to this time, and to always look unto Christ. 

Section 7 - Historical Background: As Joseph was translating 1 Nephi 14, he came to a vision of the latter days by Nephi but was commanded not to record it all because the Lord will command the Apostle John to record the remainder of this vision. Joseph and Oliver discussed John and his whereabouts, disagreeing on whether John tarried in the flesh or had died. Joseph petitioned the Lord on the matter and received section 7.

• Recap: The Lord reveals the conversation He will have in mortality with Apostles Peter and John, granting unto them their desires. Peter will desire to come speedily to Christ, whereas John will desire to tarry in the flesh until Christ’s second coming.

Section 8 – Historical Background: As Joseph’s physical and emotional fatigue from translation became apparent, Oliver asked if he could help by doing some of the translation. After inquiring of the Lord, the answer came in section 8.

• Recap: God explains how prayers are answered. Oliver has the gift of revelation along with the gift of Aaron (communicator). God will grant other gifts of the Spirit if asked for in faith, for without faith nothing can be done.

Section 9 – Historical Background: As Oliver attempts to translate, he finds that he cannot and becomes frustrated. The Lord provides comforting admonishment in section 9.

• Recap: Oliver is counselled to continue as a scribe for Joseph rather than attempt to translate for now; to be patient and not murmur, but be expedient in the work of translation. There are other records Oliver will be asked to translate [but due to the Church coming under condemnation -see section 84:54-58- this opportunity to translate never emerged].

Historical Background:

After the translation of 116 foolscap pages of the Gold Plates (known as the Book of Lehi), Martin Harris pleads with Joseph to allow him to take the manuscript to Palmyra to convince his family of the genuineness of this divine project. After tireless pleadings from Martin and through Joseph, the Lord finally consents, but Harris was reckless with the document and it was lost. Immediately, in July, 1828, Moroni appears and reprimands Joseph and takes the Urim and Thummim and the Gold Plates, not to be returned until Joseph is filled with repentance. In September, 1828, Moroni returns the Urim and Thummim and the Gold Plates to a very humble Joseph, who resumes the translation.

Recap:

Joseph is reprimanded for fearing man more than God, and is counselled that the works of God cannot be frustrated by men.

Joseph’s father receives a blessing through revelation outlining the marvelous work about to come forth and the need for the faithful to commit to serving the Lord.

Guilt-ridden Martin Harris also asks for a blessing through revelation, hoping he can be one of the three witnesses to the Gold Plates. He is granted his desire, predicated upon his sincere repentance.

Historical Background:

It had been 3 years since the First Vision occurred in the Sacred Grove and Joseph hadn’t received any new revelations since then. Feeling condemned for his weaknesses, Joseph retired to bed and offered prayers for forgiveness. An angel from God, named Moroni, appeared to Joseph and told him about the Gold Plates. Joseph would translate these plates and be the instrument God will use to restore His gospel. Because of this, persecution will increase and Joseph’s name would be known for good and evil among all nations. Moroni then quoted prophecies from the Old Testament declaring the monumental tasks that must be accomplished before the end of the millennium.

Recap: Elijah will be revealed to restore the Sealing Keys of the priesthood allowing the living to perform essential saving ordinances for themselves and for those who have died.

 

Revelation given on 11/01/1831 at a Church Conference, held in Hiram, Ohio

Historical Background: By the fall of 1831, Joseph and Emma were staying with the Johnson family in Hyrum, Ohio. Many revelations had already been received from the Lord through the prophet Joseph Smith yet time had not allowed for their copying and distribution. Missionaries urgently needed copies of these revelations to take on their missions. The Lord instructed the saints to procure a printing press for this purpose and required Joseph to do 2 things:

- First, he was directed to receive a revelation dictated by the Lord as a Preface to this compilation of revelations;

- Secondly, he was directed to gather an assembly of the saints to review and approve the compilation as a book of scripture, to be used to direct and govern the Lord's church.

At this conference of November 1, 1831, the Lord dictated Section 1 of this compilation, called the Book of Commandments and later changed to the Doctrine and Covenants.

Recap of D & C 1:

These revelations are a voice of warning from the Lord and will go out to all people to repent and prepare for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. These proclamations will go to the ends of the earth by the weak and simple to kings and rulers. The Lord's only true and living church upon the face of the earth is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Therefore, search these revelations for whether spoken by the Lord or by His servants the prophets, it is the same. These prophecies and promises are declared by the Lord to be true and they will all be fulfilled.