Book of Mormon Studies (21 November 1929)

RELIEF SOCIETY

BOOK OF MORMON STUDIES

For the first lesson in December

Why were the Nephites exterminated? Why did a few of the Lamanites survive? These are questions that arise in the minds of many readers of the Book of Mormon as they near the end of this most remarkable record. Perhaps the answer may be forthcoming, by inference at least, from the closing chapters of the book. Read Moroni, chapters 7 to 10.

To begin with, at this closing period of Nephite history the names “Nephite” and “Lamanite” were more or less arbitrary designations for those who chose enlightenment and for those who chose darkness, respectively. These terms have ceased to imply descent from Nephi and Laman in large measure. The Nephites then, had the greater light. More was expected of them. Therefore, greater was their sin and condemnation when they lowered themselves to the same level as their unenlightened brethren. Reason enough for their greater punishment!

So it is with the apostates from the Church to-day—they fall farther when they do fall than those who have never reached to such great height. So shall we as Latter-day Saints be judged by the higher law. Beside other works of scripture and modern revelation, we have the Book of Mormon, in which is contained the fulness of the everlasting Gospel and additional testimonies for the divinity of Jesus Christ—reason enough for continued faithfulness on our part!

The only logical conclusion to the Book of Mormon studies is the conclusion of Moroni: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that yon would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if yon shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto yon, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

QUESTIONS

1. Summarize Moroni’s teachings and views in good and evil works and their sources.
2. What of the baptism of little children? Reason upon this question, using Moroni, chapter 8, as a guide.
3. The Nephites and Lamanites were about equal in their deeds of wickedness in this latter period. Why were the former destroyed and the latter not entirely exterminated?
4. Summarize Moroni’s last words to the Lamanites.
5. How may a testimony of the Book of Mormon surely come? Tell of your own experience in this connection.
6. Let each member of the class express her feelings and bear her testimony concerning the Book of Mormon.

R. L. E.