Post by Jacob –
Before Nephi’s death, at his hand, my brother Joseph and I were consecrated priests and teachers of this people. We are magnifying our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we do not teach them the word of God with all diligence. We therefore are laboring with our might so their blood won’t come upon our garments. Otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.
We have had many revelations, and the spirit of prophecy; wherefore, we know of Christ and His kingdom, which will come. Wherefore we labor diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into His rest, lest by any means He should swear in His wrath they should not enter in, just as He did when He was provoked while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.
We wish we could persuade all men not to rebel against God, to provoke Him to anger, but that all men would believe in Christ, and view His death, and suffer His cross and bear the shame of the world; wherefore, along with Joseph, we take it upon ourselves to fulfil the commandment of my brother Nephi.
Now, with all the great teaching, the revelations, the great love and service provided by my dear brother and other teachers, you must be wondering “how bad can these people become in such a short time?” Especially considering, we are only talking about those of our family who left the followers of Laman and Lemuel and departed with us into the wilderness.
Sadly, we are learning we are so very much like the children of Israel in the wilderness. It does not take long for a blessed people to turn from the goodness of God.
Under the reign of their second king, they have began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, similar to David of old, desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.
They have also began to search with passion for gold and silver, and have began to be lifted up somewhat in pride. Wherefore having first obtained mine errand from the Lord, I am teaching them boldly in the temple. In my next posting, I will share with you what we are teaching.
(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:6 – 8)
(Book of Mormon | Jacob 1:15 – 19)
