Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Serious debt can be a significant challenge. Joseph Smith was in debt and went to Salem, Mass., to search for a large sum of money. He learned that counseling with the Lord would bless you when you work to get free from the bondage of debt. The Lord can also help you bring others to strengthen their relationship with Christ, just as He did for Thomas B. Marsh *section 112). Section 112 gives excellent advice to any leader in the family, ward, stake, and church on how to helps others who are struggling with their faith.
President Heber J. Grant: “… if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/10/to-the-boys-and-to-the-men?lang=eng).
The Saints in Ohio finished the Kirtland Temple at great expense. They “secure[d] a fulfilment of the promises” (section 109:11) as the Lord visited His temple (section 110) and priesthood keys were restored. But the process left Joseph in debt approximately thirteen thousand dollars ($382,000 in 2021 dollars).
Joseph Smith: "There are many causes of embarrassment, of a pecuniary nature, now pressing upon the heads of the Church.
“They began poor; were needy, destitute, and were truly afflicted by their enemies; yet the Lord commanded them to go forth and preach the Gospel, to sacrifice their time, their talents, their good name…and in addition to this, they were to build a house for the Lord… Thus it is easy to see this must [have] involved them [in financial difficulties]. (April 6, 1837, DHC 2:477-479.)
Folly: a sincere error in judgment. “An act which is inconsistent with the dictates of reason, or with the ordinary rules of prudence." (See Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)
Five years later, Erastus Snow was called on a mission to Salem, where he organized a branch of 120 members. (see Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 2nd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 170–71).
Principle: Include God in your problem solving.
"Knowledge becomes wisdom only after it has been put to practical use." (Unknown)
"The number of banks in the United States had nearly doubled during the 1830s as the demand for credit and money increased. Banks provided loans, paper currency, a medium of exchange, and a safe depository for money. In Kirtland, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders pursued the idea of establishing a bank. With legal assistance, an article of agreement was drafted to incorporate a bank in Kirtland, which would be called the Kirtland Safety Society.
"In November 1836, Orson Hyde went to the capital of Ohio with a petition to the legislature requesting that they approve the proposal to incorporate the bank. At the same time, Oliver Cowdery went to Philadelphia to purchase plates for printing currency. He succeeded, but Orson returned from Columbus with discouraging news. The timing of the request was bad, and the legislature, after listening to the petition, refused to grant a charter for the requested bank." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
"While seeking to achieve success with the bank and, at the same time, to purchase land in Kirtland and goods for his store, he accumulated debts amounting to approximately one hundred thousand dollars."
"The Kirtland Safety Society … was finally forced to close its doors in November 1837. The two hundred individuals who invested in the bank lost nearly everything they had invested. Joseph Smith’s losses from the failure of the company were greater than anyone else’s.
"The Prophet endured seventeen lawsuits during 1837 in Geauga County for debts involving claims of more than thirty thousand dollars. Unfortunately, few people correctly understood the causes of their economic difficulties. Many Saints spoke against the Prophet and accused him of being responsible for all of their problems." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
Eliza R. Snow observed that, following the temple dedication in 1836, a number of members of the Church felt that “prosperity was dawning upon them . . . , and many who had been humble and faithful . . . were getting haughty in their spirits, and lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
“As the Saints drank in the love and spirit of the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts, and they were filled with pride and hatred toward those who maintained their integrity.” (Eliza R. Snow, comp., Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., 1884), p. 20.)
“The Kirtland paper, the Messenger and Advocate, reported that some unscrupulous brethren were taking advantage of newcomers to the community by describing unusual investment opportunities to them, taking their money, and then deserting them.” people correctly understood the causes of their economic difficulties. Many Saints spoke against the Prophet and accused him of being responsible for all of their problems." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
Thomas Marsh, president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, tried to reconcile the disaffected members of his quorum and solidify plans for the apostles to undertake a mission to Great Britain under his leadership.
What does the Lord tell Thomas B. Marsh (section 112) that could help someone who may be struggling with their faith in Christ?
“Members are encouraged to use the Internet to flood the earth with testimonies of the Savior and His restored gospel. They should view blogs, social networks, and other Internet technologies as tools that allow them to amplify their voice in promoting the messages of peace, hope, and joy that accompany faith in Christ.
“Members are encouraged to share messages from official Church websites and social accounts as well as their own words, images, and media … As members use the Internet to hasten the work of the Lord, they should exemplify civility and focus on sharing praiseworthy messages that strengthen those with whom they come in contact.” (Handbook 2, section 21.1.22 under “Administrative Policies”)
Advice to any president in the church:
Brigham Young: "Men and women “begin to apostatize by taking to themselves strength, by hearkening to the whisperings of the enemy who leads them astray little by little, until they gather to themselves that which they call the wisdom of man; then they begin to depart from God, and their minds become confused.” (Discourses of Brigham Young p 84)
In May 1857 Thomas Marsh wrote a humble letter to Heber C. Kimball, then serving in the First Presidency. "I deserve no place among you in the church as the lowest member," Thomas confessed, "but I cannot live without a reconciliation with the 12 and the Church whom I have injured." In the letter Marsh referred to his apostolic commission affirmed in section 112. "A mission was laid upon me & I have never filled it and now I fear it is too late but it is filled by another I see, the Lord could get along very well without me and He has lost nothing by my falling out of the ranks; but O what have I lost?" (Thomas B. Marsh to Heber C. Kimball, May 5, 1857, Church History Library, Salt Lake City.)
Isaiah 11 and Section 113
Rod (Heb. chôṭêr) – young growth, shoot or twig.
Stem – literally, “the stump” of a tree cut close by the roots.
Branch – (Heb. nêtser) – to grow green, a sapling.
The angel Moroni stated that this verse [Isaiah 11:1] was ‘soon to be fulfilled’ when he spoke in 1823. In the next ten years, the rod grew as Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and was given from the stem (Christ) the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom so that he would be an instrument in the hands of the God to restore the ensign of the nations, and to gather the Lord’s people in the last days. The church is like a branch that grew out of the roots (Christ). Even though a rod may be cut off (martyrdom of Joseph Smith), the church would remain strong and rooted in Christ. There is nothing between the roots and the branch. There is nothing that stands between Christ, and His Church; between Him and His prophet (Miller, “Isaiah A Prophet’s Prophet, p. 110)
The Spirit of the Lord will give us:
The Lord will help us:
In summary, the Lord, His servants and His church will:
Teaching Thoughts:
President Heber J. Grant: “… if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [1941], 111).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/10/to-the-boys-and-to-the-men?lang=eng).
The Saints in Ohio finished the Kirtland Temple at great expense. They “secure[d] a fulfilment of the promises” (section 109:11) as the Lord visited His temple (section 110) and priesthood keys were restored. But the process left Joseph in debt approximately thirteen thousand dollars ($382,000 in 2021 dollars).
Joseph Smith: "There are many causes of embarrassment, of a pecuniary nature, now pressing upon the heads of the Church.
“They began poor; were needy, destitute, and were truly afflicted by their enemies; yet the Lord commanded them to go forth and preach the Gospel, to sacrifice their time, their talents, their good name…and in addition to this, they were to build a house for the Lord… Thus it is easy to see this must [have] involved them [in financial difficulties]. (April 6, 1837, DHC 2:477-479.)
Folly: a sincere error in judgment. “An act which is inconsistent with the dictates of reason, or with the ordinary rules of prudence." (See Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)
Five years later, Erastus Snow was called on a mission to Salem, where he organized a branch of 120 members. (see Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual, 2nd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 170–71).
Principle: Include God in your problem solving.
"Knowledge becomes wisdom only after it has been put to practical use." (Unknown)
"The number of banks in the United States had nearly doubled during the 1830s as the demand for credit and money increased. Banks provided loans, paper currency, a medium of exchange, and a safe depository for money. In Kirtland, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders pursued the idea of establishing a bank. With legal assistance, an article of agreement was drafted to incorporate a bank in Kirtland, which would be called the Kirtland Safety Society.
"In November 1836, Orson Hyde went to the capital of Ohio with a petition to the legislature requesting that they approve the proposal to incorporate the bank. At the same time, Oliver Cowdery went to Philadelphia to purchase plates for printing currency. He succeeded, but Orson returned from Columbus with discouraging news. The timing of the request was bad, and the legislature, after listening to the petition, refused to grant a charter for the requested bank." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
"While seeking to achieve success with the bank and, at the same time, to purchase land in Kirtland and goods for his store, he accumulated debts amounting to approximately one hundred thousand dollars."
"The Kirtland Safety Society … was finally forced to close its doors in November 1837. The two hundred individuals who invested in the bank lost nearly everything they had invested. Joseph Smith’s losses from the failure of the company were greater than anyone else’s.
"The Prophet endured seventeen lawsuits during 1837 in Geauga County for debts involving claims of more than thirty thousand dollars. Unfortunately, few people correctly understood the causes of their economic difficulties. Many Saints spoke against the Prophet and accused him of being responsible for all of their problems." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
Eliza R. Snow observed that, following the temple dedication in 1836, a number of members of the Church felt that “prosperity was dawning upon them . . . , and many who had been humble and faithful . . . were getting haughty in their spirits, and lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
“As the Saints drank in the love and spirit of the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts, and they were filled with pride and hatred toward those who maintained their integrity.” (Eliza R. Snow, comp., Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., 1884), p. 20.)
“The Kirtland paper, the Messenger and Advocate, reported that some unscrupulous brethren were taking advantage of newcomers to the community by describing unusual investment opportunities to them, taking their money, and then deserting them.” people correctly understood the causes of their economic difficulties. Many Saints spoke against the Prophet and accused him of being responsible for all of their problems." (“Chapter Fourteen: The Apostasy in Kirtland, 1836–38,” Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual (2003), 169–80)
Thomas Marsh, president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, tried to reconcile the disaffected members of his quorum and solidify plans for the apostles to undertake a mission to Great Britain under his leadership.
What does the Lord tell Thomas B. Marsh (section 112) that could help someone who may be struggling with their faith in Christ?
- God will hear your prayers (v.1).
- “Let thy heart be of good cheer” (v. 4).
- Warn others (v. 5). You can’t be a “silent Saul.”
- “Let thy habitation be known in Zion (v. 6).
- Get ready to get to work (v. 7, 14).
- Be humble (v. 10, 15, 22).
- “God will lead thee by the hand” (v. 10).
- “Be ye faithful” (v. 12, 34).
- Abide in my word (v. 22).
- “Hearken” to the Spirit (v. 22).
“Members are encouraged to use the Internet to flood the earth with testimonies of the Savior and His restored gospel. They should view blogs, social networks, and other Internet technologies as tools that allow them to amplify their voice in promoting the messages of peace, hope, and joy that accompany faith in Christ.
“Members are encouraged to share messages from official Church websites and social accounts as well as their own words, images, and media … As members use the Internet to hasten the work of the Lord, they should exemplify civility and focus on sharing praiseworthy messages that strengthen those with whom they come in contact.” (Handbook 2, section 21.1.22 under “Administrative Policies”)
Advice to any president in the church:
- Let your “love abound” for group members (v. 11).
- Pray for them (v. 12).
- Admonish them (v. 12).
- Be the example (v. 12).
- They are “the Lord’s” (v. 13).
- “Take up your cross” (v. 14).
- "Follow me” (v. 14).
- Feed my sheep” (v. 14).
Brigham Young: "Men and women “begin to apostatize by taking to themselves strength, by hearkening to the whisperings of the enemy who leads them astray little by little, until they gather to themselves that which they call the wisdom of man; then they begin to depart from God, and their minds become confused.” (Discourses of Brigham Young p 84)
In May 1857 Thomas Marsh wrote a humble letter to Heber C. Kimball, then serving in the First Presidency. "I deserve no place among you in the church as the lowest member," Thomas confessed, "but I cannot live without a reconciliation with the 12 and the Church whom I have injured." In the letter Marsh referred to his apostolic commission affirmed in section 112. "A mission was laid upon me & I have never filled it and now I fear it is too late but it is filled by another I see, the Lord could get along very well without me and He has lost nothing by my falling out of the ranks; but O what have I lost?" (Thomas B. Marsh to Heber C. Kimball, May 5, 1857, Church History Library, Salt Lake City.)
Isaiah 11 and Section 113
Rod (Heb. chôṭêr) – young growth, shoot or twig.
Stem – literally, “the stump” of a tree cut close by the roots.
Branch – (Heb. nêtser) – to grow green, a sapling.
The angel Moroni stated that this verse [Isaiah 11:1] was ‘soon to be fulfilled’ when he spoke in 1823. In the next ten years, the rod grew as Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and was given from the stem (Christ) the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom so that he would be an instrument in the hands of the God to restore the ensign of the nations, and to gather the Lord’s people in the last days. The church is like a branch that grew out of the roots (Christ). Even though a rod may be cut off (martyrdom of Joseph Smith), the church would remain strong and rooted in Christ. There is nothing between the roots and the branch. There is nothing that stands between Christ, and His Church; between Him and His prophet (Miller, “Isaiah A Prophet’s Prophet, p. 110)
The Spirit of the Lord will give us:
- Wisdom – the application of knowledge (see 1 Cor 1:30, Eph 1:17) (Isaiah 11:2).
- Understanding – discernment, and discrimination; the power to see at the heart of issues (Isaiah 11:2).
- Counsel – the faculty of forming counsels (Isaiah 11:2).
- Might – in this verse, it is a power associated with counsels. There is power in family counsel (Isaiah 11:2).
- Knowledge – of the things of God. In other words, the truths given by God give us true knowledge (see Eph 1:17) (Isaiah 11:2).
- Fear of the Lord – reverential, obedient fear. The first step towards true "knowledge" (Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10) (Isaiah 11:3).
- Quick understanding – literally "quick-scented in the fear of Jehovah." Those with the Spirit of God can quickly sense (or ‘smell’) what leads or entices them towards God (Mor 7:16; 10:5) (Isaiah 11:3).
The Lord will help us:
- Ensign – “In that day (last days) … God will raise an ensign or establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Isaiah 11:10).
- Gathering Israel (Isaiah 11:11-12, 16).
- Strength in Righteousness – righteousness will be ‘the girdle’ and is symbolic of ‘readiness for action’ (Isaiah 11:5).
- To act in Faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5).
In summary, the Lord, His servants and His church will:
- Increase our wisdom, understanding, ability to counsel, power, and knowledge.
- Strengthen us and our families.
- Gather Israel on both sides of the veil.
- Enable us to act in faithfulness and righteousness.
Teaching Thoughts:
- How will the Lord’s advice to Thomas B Marsh help you as a leader in the church, or in the home, to bring others to Christ?
- Apply Isaiah to our lives to help us today (1 Nephi 19:23) and to give us hope (1 Nephi 19:24).