PREFACE
For the Second Edition

<Preface in PDF>

This edition contains essentially everything the first edition contained, with virtually no alteration of the first edition content. The difference is that several introduction and discussion chapters have been added, and the introduction has been reworded.

I was hesitant at first to present some of the material in the additional chapters that now appear in this edition, wondering if maybe they weren't best left to be discovered independently by those who might be prepared. Pearls should not be cast before the feet of swine; and unfortunately there are swine in our society. While this guideline is true for some messages in the scriptures, particularly those of a sublime, spiritual nature; others, especially those of a temporal nature, are there for general instruction. These warnings were not given, only to remain obscured by lack of observation until after the calamities hit. The insight they provide is designed to help provide us with sufficient oil in our lamps, preparatory to that day. The Lord's disposition is to bekon, "Come unto me," not to jeer, "I told you so."

The Lord has said, "...My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...." (Isa. 55:8.) Our task in life is to elevate our thoughts and actions to those of God's. The word of God is the iron rod that will lead us in that course. We are to "live by...every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord." (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4.) The Lord also said, "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isa. 55:10,11.)

As I already said, my purpose is not to proclaim new doctrine but only to point out that which has already been given. While some things may seem new to the general populace, they are not new to the prophets of God, ancient or modern. The Lord establishes his word in the "mouth of two or three witnesses." (Deut. 17:6; Matt: 18:6; 2 Cor. 13:11; Ether 5:4; D&C 6:28.) Bringing those witnesses together and seeing their harmony, we can be assured that the message is of God.

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