Milagre

History of the Hosanna Shout

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Hosanna shout at Salt Lake Temple

Introduction This episode explores the origins, development, and doctrinal meaning of the Hosanna Shout in Latter-day Saint tradition. The discussion traces the ancient scriptural foundations of the word “Hosanna,” follows its early use among the Latter-day Saints, and examines how the ceremonial Hosanna Shout became part of temple dedications and significant events in the Restoration. … Read more

Zion and Early Latter-day Saint History

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Zion in Missouri: Early LDS Expectations and Conflict

Scriptural Foundations for Zion The idea of Zion emerged from biblical sources but took on a distinct meaning among early Latter-day Saints, who believed in a literal New Jerusalem to be built in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Passages in the Book of Mormon—including prophecies in Ether and 3 Nephi 21—described a … Read more

After Much Tribulation Come the Blessings (D&C 58)

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After much tribulation come the blessings

This article explores Doctrine and Covenants 58, revealed to Joseph Smith in August 1831 shortly after arriving in Independence, Missouri—the newly designated center place of Zion (D&C 57). Many elders expected Zion to be a thriving holy city, but instead found a small frontier settlement. Their disappointment created the need for this revelation, in which … Read more

Prescription to Avoid Apostasy

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Thomas B. Marsh's pivotal moments (Apostasy)

Thomas B. Marsh and Early Leadership Challenges Thomas B. Marsh served as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A revelation directed to him—now recorded as Doctrine and Covenants 112—acknowledged his prayers and charitable works while also identifying pride and inner conflict that placed … Read more

White Horse Prophecy – Part 1 & Part 2

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White Horse Prophecy and the Constitution

Context of the Questions Two listeners asked about the historical origins of: The White Horse Prophecy The expression that the U.S. Constitution would “hang by a thread” A reported 1877 John Taylor vision about the last days (addressed in the following episode) This episode examines the historical sources behind these ideas. Evaluating Historical Sources Key … Read more

Rerelease of the 4th of July Extravaganza (Persecution)

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Early Latter-day Saint persecution and exodus (Persecution)

Early Latter-day Saint Patriotism The early Saints, including Joseph Smith, viewed themselves as strongly patriotic Americans. Joseph Smith’s ancestors fought in the American Revolution, and early members saw their faith as tied to the founding principles of the United States. They believed that the Restoration was made possible by the freedoms guaranteed in the nation’s … Read more

John C. Bennett and D&C 74

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Early Mormon history in vivid detail (John C. Bennett)

John C. Bennett and Doctrine and Covenants 74 Doctrine and Covenants 74 and the Question of Infant Baptism Doctrine and Covenants 74 provides a clarification of 1 Corinthians 7:14, a verse long used by Christian theologians to defend the tradition of infant baptism. For more than fourteen centuries, both Catholic and Protestant traditions continued baptizing … Read more

Kristy’s KorneЯ: D&C 83

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Illustration titled “Kristy’s KorneЯ: D&C 83” depicting early Latter-day Saint consecration practices, with scenes of a widow and children receiving care, Church leaders reviewing stewardship deeds, frontier farmland, and an open Doctrine and Covenants book, symbolizing covenant responsibility, community support, and family provision in the 1830s Church.

D&C 83 The Practical Realities of Consecration in Early Latter-day Saint Life Doctrine and Covenants 83, received in April 1832, emerged from real questions confronting the early Latter-day Saints as they lived the law of consecration. Since Doctrine and Covenants 42 had already established consecration as a governing economic system, members needed clarity regarding what … Read more

Women and the Sacrament

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Women and the Sacrament Early Priesthood Organization in the 19th-Century Church In the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood offices were not assigned according to age as they are today. Throughout the 1830s–1850s, men were often ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood—sometimes even as deacons or teachers—regardless of whether they were adults. Priesthood assignment was based on congregational needs rather than age progression. With the introduction of temple ordinances in Nauvoo, most adult men were ordained elders to ensure they could participate in temple worship. However, this did not prevent those same men from serving in Aaronic Priesthood roles. It was entirely possible for an ordained elder to preside over a deacons quorum or to fulfill duties normally associated today with younger priesthood holders. By the late 19th century, the Church gradually formalized age-based priesthood offices, eventually creating the youth progression system known today for boys aged 11–18. Historical Practice of Administering and Passing the Sacrament In scripture and early Church usage, “administering” the sacrament referred specifically to blessing it—an action requiring the office of priest or higher. Passing the sacrament, by contrast, has always been a duty assigned by Church policy and organization, not a doctrinal mandate tied to priesthood power itself. During much of the 19th century, many congregations were small and lacked established youth quorums. As a result, adult priesthood holders frequently passed the sacrament. There are no known historical documents—journals, sermons, or administrative records—from the early Church that describe women or girls participating in passing the sacrament. The practice was consistently performed by male priesthood holders, with adult men commonly assisting when youth were unavailable. Revelation Authority in Early Latter-day Saint History The early years of the Church included moments when individuals claimed revelations or visions directing the Church. This prompted clear revelations establishing how prophetic authority functions. Doctrine & Covenants 28: Revelation Through the Prophet Alone In 1830, Oliver Cowdery believed he had received revelation for the Church. Doctrine and Covenants 28 clarified that: Only Joseph Smith held the authority to receive revelation for the entire Church. Others could receive revelation for their own guidance but not for the Church as a whole. This principle ensured unity and prevented competing claims to doctrinal authority. Doctrine & Covenants 43: Succession and Prophetic Appointment Doctrine and Covenants 43 reiterated that: Only the appointed prophet may receive commandments and revelations for the Church. If the prophet were to fall, he would retain one final right: the authority to appoint his successor. No individual may assume prophetic authority unless designated through the established prophetic line. This revelation formally established the boundary between personal revelation and revelation directing the Church. Joseph Smith’s Teachings on Revelation and Order Joseph Smith taught that the Church is not required to accept revelations claimed by any person who is not: legally constituted in authority ordained to receive revelation for the Church He also clarified that any angelic or visionary communication received by individuals is for personal instruction only and cannot be used to establish doctrine or governance. Transmission of the Keys of the Kingdom The governing authority of the Church—referred to as the “keys of the kingdom”—was passed from Joseph Smith to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before his death in 1844. These keys authorize the Twelve to lead the Church and oversee its global administration. Schisms and Claims of Unauthorized Revelation Throughout the 19th century, several individuals claimed new revelations or asserted that Joseph Smith had privately designated them as successors. These claims produced various schismatic movements. Such groups typically argued that: the main body of the Church had become corrupt their leader received a new or superior revelation prophetic authority was no longer held by the First Presidency or the Twelve This pattern resembles earlier Christian schisms, where individuals appealed to personal revelation to challenge existing ecclesiastical authority. Brigham Young’s Observations on False Revelations Brigham Young frequently commented that people throughout Church history were led astray by those claiming unauthorized prophetic authority. He emphasized that revelation contradicting the established prophet or priesthood keys is not from God and cannot guide the Church.

Early Priesthood Organization in the 19th-Century Church In the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, priesthood offices were not assigned according to age as they are today. Throughout the 1830s–1850s, men were often ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood—sometimes even as deacons or teachers—regardless of whether they were adults. Priesthood assignment was based on … Read more

The History and Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead

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Doctrine of Baptism for the Dead

Introduction This episode addresses a listener’s question regarding the burial location of Seymour Brunson and provides historical background explaining why Seymour Brunson is significant in Latter-day Saint history—particularly connected to the first public teaching of baptism for the dead by Joseph Smith. Who Was Seymour Brunson? A respected Latter-day Saint in Nauvoo Member of the … Read more