Update Jan. 22

Bellwrite #6: Why should we study the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a class on world history? Why study it if most students at AHS already know about it?

We discussed the bellwrite, noting that the Restoration serves as a climax for the world history we have studied up to this point as well as a directing influence on the world history that occurred since the early 1800s.

We then read the version of Malachi 4 quoted by the Angel Moroni and compared it with the version in the Old Testament. We found that Moroni's version clarified some key points. The earth would be wasted if not for Elijah's visit to Joseph Smith because without the sealing keys of the priesthood, the family of God would be separate and single and not sealed back to Him (without root nor branch). The purpose of world history is for God to help His children progress and be sealed up in His own great family tree.

We then studied the angelic visitors who came to Joseph Smith on April 3, 1836. We discussed the keys (or dispensations) each brought to Joseph and how they outline the purposes of the latter-days of the world. (We elaborated on the Abrahamic covenant and the gathering of Israel). We noted the dual works of missionary work and temple work (gathering and sealing), which must take place in this dispensation of the fullness of times. We examined some examples of how world political, economic, and social history furthered God's work for latter days. For example, we examined how the history of New Imperialism in China, specifically in Hong Kong, made it possible for there to be a temple in China today. We also considered how the Industrial Revolution gathered the working class of England to cities where they could hear the preached word from the first LDS missionaries outside the U.S.

Test Question: What did the angelic visitors in D&C 110 bring to Joseph Smith and what was the significance of these keys/dispensations?

Reason and Relate Question: How does D&C 110 influence the way we understand world history since then?

We also watched a bit of the Pride and Prejudice film.

Homework:

• Read through page 165 of Pride and Prejudice.
• Continue working on the First Vision memorization.
• Write your response to the Reason and Relate question.