Mosiah 7

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20 Green 3/21 Orange 6/22  Brown 2023.)

Chapter 7

Ammon finds the land of Lehi-Nephi, where Limhi is king—Limhi’s people are in bondage to the Lamanites—Limhi recounts their history—A prophet (Abinadi) had testified that Christ is the God and Father of all things—Those who sow filthiness reap the whirlwind, and those who put their trust in the Lord will be delivered. About 121 B.C.

  1 And now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual peace for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning the people who ^awent up to dwell in the land of ^bLehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi; for his people had heard nothing from them from the time they left the land of ^cZarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with their teasings. Not sure why the people were 'teasing' the king about this. I can see being curious or concerned, but teasing? Maybe it's just meant to be a constant prodding about it. Perhaps we need to take a lesson in government here. Weary your leaders with your “ teasings” about unjust laws until they give in... The "left" certainly do that. sigh.
  2 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted that sixteen of their strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi, to inquire concerning their brethren. 'Granted'? Did they need permission to set out? Maybe they were from the “military” and worked for the government. Maybe they wanted to be provided resources and support for their families while they were gone.
 3 And it came to pass that on the morrow they started to go up, having with them one ^aAmmon, he being a strong and mighty man, and a ^bdescendant of Zarahemla; and he was also their leader. Interesting that a native of Zarahemla went to check on a group of people that were not his 'kin'.
  4 And now, they knew not the course they should travel in the wilderness to go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi; therefore they wandered many days in the wilderness, even ^aforty days did they wander. Maybe this is the reason no one had gone to check on them, because they didn't know how to get there...Which may mean the first group didn’t know either. Why didn't they take the Liahona? Did it not work anymore? Was it only for Lehi? Why 40 days? Is that number significant? Moses and the Israelites wandered for 40 years; Jesus fasted for 40 days
  5 And when they had wandered forty days they came to a ^ahill, which is north of the land of ^bShilom, and there they pitched their tents.
  6 And ^aAmmon took three of his brethren, and their names were Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, and they went down into the land of ^bNephi.
  7 And behold, they met the king of the people who were in the land of Nephi, and in the land of ^aShilom; and they were surrounded by the king’s guard, and were ^btaken, and were ^cbound, and were committed to ^dprison. Another deterrent for going to check on the 'lost' people and why a 'strong' man would lead them. Who wants to run in to the Lamanites?
  8 And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather ^acommanded, that they should answer the questions which he should ask them.
  9 And he said unto them: Behold, I am ^aLimhi, the son of Noah, who was the son of Zeniff, who came up out of the ^bland of Zarahemla to inherit this land, which was the land of their fathers, who was made a ^cking by the ^dvoice of the people. So all those years ago, Zeniff left Zarahemla to inherit the land of Nephi. He had a son, Noah (wicked; we learn about him later) and Noah had Limhi, who was the king. Sounds like it'd been many years... Say Zeniff was 30, then 30 more years to raise Noah, and 30 more years to raise Limhi. That’s 90 years (give or take 30) since they left. 
 10 And now, ^aI desire to know the cause whereby ye were so bold as to come near the walls of the city, when I, myself, was with my guards without the ^bgate? I think your Grandpa did the same thing...
 11 And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye should be preserved, that I might inquire of you, or else I should have caused that my guards should have put you to death. Ye are permitted to speak. This king had a lot of pride and arrogant power to so easily condemn people to die. If they came from Zarahemla, their tradition would have been righteous. However this is the son of Noah, a corrupted Nephite. 
 12 And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to speak, he went forth and ^abowed himself before the king; and rising again he said: O king, I am very thankful before God this day that I am yet alive, and am permitted to speak; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness;
 13 For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands. For I am Ammon, and am a ^adescendant of Zarahemla, and have come up out of the ^bland of Zarahemla to inquire concerning our brethren, whom ^cZeniff brought up out of that land. Did Zeniff take some of the natives of Zarahelma with him? or did they just consider everyone who lived there now, “their brethren”...
 14 And now, it came to pass that after Limhi had heard the words of Ammon, he was exceedingly ^aglad, and said: Now, I know of a surety that my brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla are ^byet alive. And now, I will rejoice; and on the morrow I will cause Kind of a controlling phrase/language that my people shall rejoice also.
 15 For behold, we are in bondage to the Lamanites, and are ^ataxed with a tax which is grievous to be borne. And now, behold, our brethren will deliver us out of our ^bbondage, or out of the hands of the Lamanites, and we will be their ^cslaves; for it is better that we be slaves to the Nephites than to pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites. A bold assumption that the people in Zarahemla would want to risk their lives to deliver them from the Lamanites. For someone that made himself sound so powerful, he admits here that it is limited because they are subject to the Lamanites.
 16 And now, king Limhi commanded his guards that they should no more bind Ammon nor his brethren, but caused that they should go to the hill which was north of Shilom, and bring their brethren into the city, that thereby they might eat, and drink, and rest themselves from the labors of their journey; for they had suffered many things; they had suffered hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
 17 And now, it came to pass on the morrow that king Limhi sent a proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather themselves together to the ^atemple, to hear the words which he should speak unto them. They had a temple, so they must have preserved some form of religion.
 18 And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves together that he ^aspake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there ^bremaineth an effectual struggle to be made. In vain because of their iniquity?
 19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your ^atrust in ^bGod, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who ^cbrought the children of ^dIsrael out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the ^eRed Sea on dry ground, and fed them with ^fmanna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.
 20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers ^aout of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is ^bbecause of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage. I love that he knew their history and also the commandments and their rebellions and the consequences of their choices.
 21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being ^aover-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about—
 22 And all this he did, for the sole purpose of ^abringing this people into subjection or into bondage. And behold, we at this time do pay ^btribute to the king of the Lamanites, to the amount of one half of our corn, and our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one half of the increase of our flocks and our herds; and even one half of all we have or possess the king of the Lamanites doth exact of us, or our lives. Lesson: over-zealous is a weakness. The Lamanites enforced their law by force. Zeniff was deceived by his greediness and/or naivety
 23 And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is not this, our affliction, great? Now behold, how great reason we have to ^amourn.
 24 Yea, I say unto you, great are the reasons which we have to ^amourn; for behold how many of our brethren have been slain, and their blood has been spilt in vain, and all because of iniquity.
 25 For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord would not have suffered that this great evil should come upon them. But behold, they would not hearken unto his words; but there arose contentions among them, even so much that they did shed blood among themselves. Civil war
 26 And a ^aprophet of the Lord have they ^bslain; yea, a chosen man of God, who told them of their wickedness and abominations, and prophesied of many things which are to come, yea, even the coming of Christ. God sent a prophet to these people...I'm assuming they are speaking of Abinadi? Or anyone who had received knowledge from God and the heavenly gift and the gift of prophecy could be that prophet.
 27 And because he said unto them that Christ was the ^aGod, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the ^bimage of man, and it should be the ^cimage after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of ^dGod, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth—
 28 And now, because he said this, they did ^aput him to death; and many more things did they do which brought down the wrath of God upon them. Therefore, who wondereth that they are in bondage, and that they are smitten with sore afflictions? Why is he saying "they" and not "we"?
 29 For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not ^asuccor my people in the day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they prosper not; and their doings shall be as a ^bstumbling block before them.
 30 And again, he saith: If my people shall sow ^afilthiness they shall ^breap the ^cchaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is poison.
 31 And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall reap the ^aeast wind, which bringeth immediate destruction. I think I remember hearing that the "east wind" in Israel brought famine. I think Isaiah alludes to the King of Assyria coming from the "east"
 32 And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are smitten and afflicted.
 33 But if ye will ^aturn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all ^bdiligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage. God is always inviting the sinner to repent. The conditions?

Turn to the Lord
With full purpose of heart
Put your trust in the Lord
Serve the Lord with all diligence of mind

Notice the Lord delivers according to his own will and pleasure.

So is this king wicked or righteous? He sure knows enough to have led his people in the ways of God. My assumption at the beginning is that he was a wicked son of King Noah. Let’s see..

Mosiah 6

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20 Green 3/21 Orange 6/22 Brown 2023.)

Chapter 6

King Benjamin records the names of the people and appoints priests to teach them—Mosiah reigns as a righteous king. About 124–121 B.C.

  1 And now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished speaking to the people, that he should ^atake the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments. Records are so important to God. This could also be looked at as a temple recommend. All these people were being “recommended to the Lord” by entering this covenant. They were gathered at the temple. Did they have the endowment then? 
  2 And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ. Amazing statistic!
  3 And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son ^aMosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had ^bappointed ^cpriests to ^dteach the people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of the ^eoath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they returned, every one, according to their ^ffamilies, to their own houses. Even though they had this amazing collective conversion, King Benjamin knew that with time they would be tempted to forget or get complacent or distracted. So he sent teachers among them to keep reminding them of the oath they'd made. Is this what happens to you each week when you take the Sacrament? Does it say, "Hey, remember you promised God you would keep His commandments and always remember Him. Are you doing that? Remember, you PROMISED!" I wonder what he means by “stirring them up” to remember their covenants. We know Satan “stirs” people up to contend. Is the connotation of this word one of chastisement? correction? Reminders of judgment? A ‘fear of the Lord’ kind of reminding? How much of that do you hear today to “stir” you up? Do you only have the scriptures? If so, and you aren’t really reading them, then this may be why so many have the “all is well in Zion” syndrome. Definitions of "stir": to disturb the quiet of; to bring into notice or debate; to rouse to activity : evoke strong feelings in; widespread notice and discussion  The trick is to "stir" with the Spirit and not have Satan "stirring" with contention. 
  4 And Mosiah began to reign in his father’s stead. And he began to reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in the whole, about four hundred and seventy-six years from the ^atime that Lehi left Jerusalem. This is a LONG time. We're only about 250 years into this nation's history. I can't even imagine in another 200 years, where people would be in retaining the history and beliefs of the first settlers. Let’s see how long they last...
  5 And king Benjamin lived three years and he died.
  6 And it came to pass that king Mosiah did ^awalk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.
  7 And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might ^anot become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years. So far the collective experience has lasted three years. They had not had contention for at least nine years total. 

Mosiah 5

(All of my own thoughts are in red type.5/20 Green 3/21 Orange 6/22  Brown 2023)

Chapter 5

The Saints become the sons and daughters of Christ through faith—They are then called by the name of Christ—King Benjamin exhorts them to be steadfast and immovable in good works. About 124 B.C.

  1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they ^abelieved the words which he had spoken unto them. No point in asking if they believe if they aren't going to act on what they heard. I kind of think if the people had all collectively had this massive born again experience that the Spirit would have told King Benjamin that they DID believe. So why did he still ask? To confirm? To hold them accountable for having testified of it? God asked Adam and Eve where they were, even though he knew the answer. I think King Benjamin is making them accountable. 
  2 And they all cried with one voice, Since he had to have it "sent", it makes me think that the "one voice" reference is meaning they all agreed, not that they said it all at the very same moment, like a choir. saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, they had an immediate "witness"  because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty ^achange in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do ^bevil, but to do good continually. This is the "fruit" of a sure witness: our hearts are changed There are a few quite miraculous things right here. First, we know that there were a LOT of people gathered here. So imagine the conference center. With all the different personalities and levels of understanding and experiences, how do you get THAT many people to IN UNISON, may not have been "choir" unison, just that they all said it at that gathering to say they believe ALL the words that were spoken? Their answer...the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent bore witness to ALL of them AND gave them a collective "born again" experience. Second, was there one voice that spoke for all of them (and how long would it take to find out that all these people believed) or did they all spontaneously speak out loud that they believed and why they believed. It's harder to imagine the latter, but we know the words were written down and shared with groups farther away who couldn't hear, so I guess those same runners could convey their reaction back to King Benjamin. The take away for me is that they had a collective experience gifted to them from God. Was it given in mercy or did they somehow merit it because of their level of faith? The Book of Mosiah starts out by stating "there was no disputations in all the land" and King Benjamin says he going to give them a "new name" because they were "diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord" and that they were "highly favored of the Lord. Can we ask for this in our day? Will it need to happen before we can create a true Zion society? I'm beginning to believe that in this fallen world and with the veil, we can't create Zion without heavenly intervention. The Lord said “He” will bring Zion. He was there to personally establish it with the Nephites and the city of Enoch. Why not the New Jerusalem? It’s probably the most important Zion society every created since it will endure into the millennium...Also, it came after some mighty powerful preaching that was given to King Benjamin by an angel. Those words were delivered with great power. It wasn't just a regular General Conference talk. Will the prophet, or the end-time servant give such a speech that will bring this kind of group conversion? We need to collectively do as they did to merit this same blessing. The first things was "no contention". We just had three conference talks in the same session about this. Do you think the Lord is trying to prepare us?
  3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite ^agoodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; This may the "view" that Christ would come to atone for the sins of all mankind. and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things. What effect does the veil being lifted have on agency? Does it come after God knows that you will use your agency to choose Him even if it were never lifted so your agency isn’t affected by knowing more? This is another part of the heavenly gift - the gift of prophecy. Specifically the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ.
  4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy. There is faith and then there is ‘this’ faith. I have faith in the things King Benjamin said too. Or do I? Think about his “beggar” speech. If you have faith in that, then you will live by it. How many people really give all their excess to the poor? Do you have that kind of faith? These people didn’t even have a chance to exercise their faith, but were given the manifestation in advance. Why? Maybe because they had already shown their faith by not contending with one another and by diligently keeping the commandments...
  5 And we are willing to enter into a ^acovenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a ^bnever-ending torment, as has been spoken by the ^cangel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God. Notice they hadn't entered a covenant of obedience before they received this great manifestation. They say it came because they had faith in the words of the king. It sounds like the order was: gather - listen - faith to believe the words - repentant heart - Spirit confirms - remission of sins - new heart - spiritual manifestations - covenant - joy.  I think with the Baptism by Fire you make a new covenant to follow all the words of God through the Holy Spirit that will now be your constant companion and "tell you all things what you should do". 
  6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.
  7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the ^achildren of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day event he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are ^bchanged through faith on his name; therefore, ye are ^cborn of him baptized by the Spirit and have become his ^dsons and his daughters. I would think that this would be a clear sign of being born again. You actually know that your heart has been changed. 
  8 And under this head ye are made ^afree, and there is ^bno other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other ^cname given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should ^dtake upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. Notice this is when we take upon ourselves the name of Christ. At water baptism we only covenant that we are "willing" to do so at some future day. This was "the day" for them.
  9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ. Maybe think of this like your last name/family name
 10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some ^aother name; therefore, he findeth himself on the ^bleft hand of God. This hearkens to the sheep and goat division. Which means that if you take upon you the name of Christ, then you would do as he would do, specifically caring for the poor and the needy and bringing souls to Him. Another part of the heavenly gift is the gift of charity, which makes you want to take care of your brothers and sisters. Notice there is Christ's way and some other way - doesn't matter what you call the other way; they are all not His way, which is the only way back to the Father. 
 11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the ^aname that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts. Notice the name is written in your heart. Your heart is where you act from because it is where your beliefs are stored. This makes it sound like he's making clear this is not a "calling and election made sure" moment. They can still fall from their converted status.
 12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to ^aretain the name written always in your hearts, remember the way to retain it - "that ye may ^awalk guiltless before God—I would that ye should ^bimpart of your substance to the ^cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as ^dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you .Part of knowing the voice by which ye are called is hearing the voice of the Lord, through the Holy Spirit, calling you each day to do good and think good and believe good. If you can't hear that voice, then you are not responding to the voice that is calling you.
 13 For how ^aknoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?
 14 And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor, and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him out. I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know not the name by which ye are called. If we do not belong to Christ then we belong to the devil and the Lord will not allow us to stay with His flocks. Though, for now, the tares are allowed to pasture with the sheep. But soon He will call His sheep to His right hand. Be one of them.
 15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in ^agood works, Evidence of your faith that Christ, the ^bLord God Omnipotent, may ^cseal you his, calling and election? that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who ^dcreated all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Mosiah 4

(All of my own thoughts are in red type.5/20 Green 3/21 Orange 6/22 Brown 2023)

Chapter 4

King Benjamin continues his address—Salvation comes because of the Atonement—Believe in God to be saved—Retain a remission of your sins through faithfulness—Impart of your substance to the poor—Do all things in wisdom and order. About 124 B.C.

  1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the ^aangel of the Lord, See how clear he is that these words word delivered by an angel of the Lord? King Benjamin testified of that and Mormon testified of that. I would like more of that clarity from our prophets/apostles. Did they get that witness because they were more righteous and would not rebel against such a clear witness? Is it an act from a merciful God that we don't hear that and at the same time a condemnation of our hearts? that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had ^bfallen to the earth, for the ^cfear of the Lord had come upon them.  King Benjamin's "fear porn" had a righteous effect on them. This is what preaching with the power and Spirit and authority of God can do for people. 
  2 And they had ^aviewed themselves in their own ^bcarnal state, even ^cless than the dust of the earth. Sounds like the key to humility...And they all cried aloud with one voice, how do you get so many people to feel the same thing all at once? I can't see any other explanation other than the power of God I hope we have an experience like this in the church, with large groups receiving their baptism by fire together! Somehow his words were delivered to the this large crowd quickly; or he waited until they had all heard? saying: O have mercy, and apply the ^datoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be ^epurified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who ^fcreated heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men. Remember, these people had repented and offered sacrifice before the conference began. But here they are learning about true repentance. Perhaps they were going through the motions before, but now they really understood the need for repentance. The “line upon line” principle is that we begin as preschoolers with the belief that you draw a mountain with a triangle and then you grow into more and more advanced images. Where are you in the process of understanding true repentance? I had the thought that when Jesus visited the Nephites that among the things that could not be written were more advanced teachings about repentance that opened the door to so much more for them. It seems that "daily repentance" and "remission of sins" are different things. I think the latter comes with Baptism by Fire by the Holy Ghost. These were good people who clearly had already been repenting, but now they ask for forgiveness of sins. 
  3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a ^aremission of their sins, and having peace of ^bconscience, because of the exceeding ^cfaith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the ^dwords which king Benjamin had spoken unto them. Does this 'exceeding faith in Jesus Christ' always bring this born again experience? Is there a one-time complete remission of sins (as in calling and election) or do you receive a remission of your sins each time you repent. Was the peace of conscience from receiving their C & E or from being declared clean at that moment? We are often taught being Born Again is a process, but so often in the scriptures it appears to be more of an experience... I believe now that it is an event. There may be a process of preparation for it (like the 9 months a baby takes to prepare for the event of being born). I think you receive a remission of sins and then are charged with "retaining" it...not so much receiving it again. I think this verse describes being Born Again. You will know you have been baptized by fire and the Holy Spirit when: the Spirit of the Lord comes upon you; you are filled with joy; you are told you have received a remission of your sins; you have peace of conscience. You receive this when you have demonstrated exceeding faith in Jesus Christ by crying out for mercy and for His atoning blood to be applied for a complete remission of your sins; and for your heart to be purified. You will cry out for this miracle and blessing after you see yourself in your own carnal state and the awful condition that awaits your soul if you remain in that carnal state. 4 And king Benjamin again opened his mouth and began to speak unto them, saying: My friends and my brethren, my kindred and my people, I would again call your attention, that ye may hear and understand the remainder of my words which I shall speak unto you. Did he purposely keep these words from them until he knew they had been born again? Or was this information conditioned on that happening? 
 5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your ^anothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—notice it was the knowledge of the "goodness" of God - not the wrath or justice of God - that awakens them to their own nothingness. How does that correlate? Do we see the choice by the Savior to atone for the sins we commit in our 'nothingness' because we are literally incapable of saving ourselves by our own righteousness?  Also, if they had to be 'awakened' to it, then then were previously 'asleep' to it, even though they were a very righteous people. What are we still 'asleep' to?
 6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a ^aknowledge 'information x experience = knowledge' - so information the had, added to by what King Benjamin taught x their Born Again experience = new knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the ^batonement which has been prepared from the ^cfoundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his ^dtrust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body— This heavenly gift gives you the following knowledge:

1. Know the goodness of God; His matchless power, wisdom, patience, long-suffering (FAITH)
2. Know the atonement was prepared from the foundation of the world that thereby salvation might come to you so that you can... (REPENTANCE)
3. Put your trust in the Lord (BAPTISM/COMMIT)
4. Be diligent in keeping His commandments (FOLLOW THROUGH)
5. Continue in the faith even unto the end of your mortal life (ENDURE TO THE END)

  7 I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the ^afall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world. He just taught them the Doctrine of Christ which leads to salvation. This has been, is, and will always be “THE WAY”. Every person is eligible for this heavenly gift and MUST enter this gate to receive salvation. THIS is the complete doctrine. "Baptism by water only is only half a baptism" said Joseph Smith!
  8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is ^anone other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you. I think Satan deceives those who follow him because he tells them there IS another way... and we are deceived thinking "all is well in Zion" because we prosper. We think salvation comes to us because we have been baptized and received temple ordinances. But these only represent our covenant to enter into the real covenant with Christ once we fully surrender and consecrate our lives and receive the heavenly gift of knowledge.
  9 Believe in ^aGod; believe that he is, and that he ^bcreated all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all ^cwisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not ^dcomprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. He’s going to restate the Doctrine of Christ. Here is FAITH 
 10 And again, believe that ye must ^arepent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in ^bsincerity of heart that he would ^cforgive you; and now, if you ^dbelieve all these things see that ye ^edo them. Action is the true measure of one's belief. That is not the same as perfection in those actions. But there is only repentance when you fail - not justification or pride.  Here is REPENTANCE We say we believe all these things and yet we do not "do" the doctrine of Christ. We do not seek this baptism by fire that is what gives us a remission of our sins.
 11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have ^atasted of his love, and have received a ^bremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own ^cnothingness, and his ^dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ^ehumility, ^fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing ^gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel. Gratitude, humility, prayer, faith, repentance This helps you to sustain your BAPTISMAL covenant. He's talking about the Baptism of Fire, not the water baptism...
 12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the ^alove of God, and always ^bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the ^cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true. Here are the fruits of ENDURING TO THE END: rejoicing, filled with the love of God, retain a remission of sins, grow in knowledge of God and truth. Also, it sounds like you receive a remission of your sins (event) and then after that you retain that remission through repentance. YES!
 13 And ye will not have a ^amind to injure one another, but to live ^bpeaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due. Here are the things you will do to walk in the covenant: no desire to hurt others; desire to live in peace; give others what is fair Fruits of the heavenly gift!"
 14 And ye will not suffer your ^achildren that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye ^bsuffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and ^cquarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the ^devil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. This is important parenting advice. The world at times has taught some things different... You won’t allow your kids to go hungry, not have clothes, or break the commandments without your intervention (minor children and maybe continue to counsel adult children) and fight and argue with each other and serve the devil (yield to his temptation without correction and repentance)
 15 But ye will ^ateach them to ^bwalk in the ways of truth and ^csoberness; ye will teach them to ^dlove one another, and to serve one another. Teach them how to live a life governed by truth; teach them to be sober (use common sense; rational); teach them how to love others and to serve each other (notice it goes both ways). 
 16 And also, ye yourselves will ^asuccor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the ^bbeggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish. Now the counsel for the parents. Adults are to help those who need help; give money or things to those who are in need. (Notice this is separated from the need to succor. So to succor might be more emotional or time related needs); help the beggar. Is this qualified by “that if you turn him out he’ll perish”? We don’t usually know the real situation of beggars...
 17 Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—Here we are being taught about the “stories” we tell ourselves about what other people’s intentions are. Story 1: He made his bed, now he has to lay in it. This is what he gets for making the choices he did. It’s not my fault that he’s suffering now. 
 18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. What are we to repent of with this story? Isn’t it true? Doesn’t God deal with us in the same way with our choices? Where is the error in this? Do parents not let their children suffer consequences to help them learn? What am I missing? 
 19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind? So is this an attitude sin? If we see that we are beggars too; that we ask God every day as well for what we lack; that all we have comes from Him;  - then what will our heart be saying to the beggar? Will it be, “I know what it’s like to lack what you need or want; I know that I receive what I need from God, even though I am/may not deserving either. Do I want to be like Job and have everyone, even me, “get what they/I deserve and never mercy?”
 20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a ^aremission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his ^bSpirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with ^cjoy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy. This is what the Baptism by the Holy Ghost looks like. Notice God "caused" all these things. It is truly a "gift" from Him. 
 21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye ought to ^aimpart of the substance that ye have one to another. God’s mercy seems to have lots of qualifications here. God doesn’t let our petitions go unanswered if: we see how dependent we are on Him; if our petition is “right”; if we ask in faith; if we believe we will receive. Does the beggar have to meet these same qualifications for us to help him? Wouldn’t that require us to make a lot of judgments? Or is this more about what our own attitude does to our own hearts when someone comes begging to us....
 22 And if ye ^ajudge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your ^bcondemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life ^cbelongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done. Here we are told that we indeed have to have made a judgment if we refuse a request. Notice the beggars petition is such that he’s saying he will perish without your help. Does it need to be that dire? What about lesser requests? We are told not to make final judgments. If your withholding condemns him to a particular final fate, then it would be a final judgment?
 23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are ^arich as pertaining to the things of this world. Is he saying all of the above only applies to the rich? How do you define rich? Would it be those who have more than they need for their own food, clothing and shelter? They have “extra”?
 24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I ^agive not because I ^bhave not, but if I had I would ^cgive. Here he defines “poor” as the opposite of rich. You don’t have “extra” but you have enough for what you need. These people are justified in saying no to the beggar, because it would put themselves in a beggar state. If you believe that all you have comes from God, couldn’t you still give and sacrifice and go without to help and trust God will still take care of you? Clearly you can do that, but it seems he’s teaching that you are not condemned if you don’t. Along those lines, why isn’t God providing for the beggar like he is you? Why do some have more than others, just enough or less than enough? Is this Divine favor/blessings or consequences of choices? 
 25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are ^acondemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet that which ye have not received. He keeps coming back to attitude. The problem for those who are “poor” (have no extra) comes if they “covet that which ye have not received”. Hmm...how does this look? Are they coveting the “extra” they don’t have, saying “even if I had extra I wouldn’t give it to you because.....” If you say, “If I had I would give, then you are not coveting that which you haven’t received yet.
 26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may ^awalk guiltless before God—I would that ye should ^bimpart of your substance to the ^cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as ^dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. They just all received a remission of their sins - the baptism or cleansing by the Spirit. Now...to retain that cleansing, on a daily basis, we are told to impart of our “substance” (is that temporal goods?) to the poor according to what we have and their wants. He adds spiritual relief in this list as well. 
 27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and ^aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run ^bfaster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. He qualifies our giving with “do it in wisdom and order” and that we “not run faster than we have strength”. We have to be persistent  and not rely on bursts of effort with periods of silence in between. This implies that we need to have the help of the Spirit to to know what “wisdom and order” is in our particular situation. 
 28 And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you ^aborroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also. This presents one of those “what would Jesus do” paradoxes. The person that borrows may say to the loaner, “Jesus would tell you to give this to me because I don’t have one. I’m “poor” as to this thing.” But the giver is protected from abuse by the Lord saying, the borrower doesn’t have a right to say this. The Lord will tell the borrower the right thing to do is to give back what you borrow, because that is what you agreed to. You didn’t “beg” for it. You just “borrowed” it, so you are subject to your agreement. 
 29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. This is not a very encouraging statement. It sounds like there are traps and tricks surrounding us on every side. How are we to ever navigate these treacherous waters? 
 30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not ^awatch yourselves, and your ^bthoughts, and your ^cwords, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and ^dcontinue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. Well, here’s how we do it. We watch ourselves (not others) and our own thoughts (temptations) and words (pay attention to what you say) and your deeds (take responsibility for what you do; judge your own actions) and strive always to keep the commandments of God, and continue in the faith/knowledge of the reality of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Stay focused on these things daily until the end of your life. Don’t let up. Daily pray and pray and repent and evaluate and check yourself. If your heart, thoughts, deeds, desires, attitudes are not right, quickly repent and pray for the atonement to cover you and change you. Cast out evil spirits and pray for angels to be with you always.