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Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 13th, 2010, 6:19 pm
by hedgehog
There is an excerpt purported to be by him that floats around and I decided to find the original. Thought I would share what I found. I bolded a few parts because I am astounded at how descriptive and accurate they are.

Prophecy of Heber C. Kimball To Sister Amanda H. Wilcox
During the latter part of May, 1868, President Heber C. Kimball and I were standing in front of his place, on North Main. After a few moment's conversation he turned to me and said, "Now, Sister Amanda, I am going to tell you something." Looking south, he observed, "What do you see?" I told him that I did not know any of the places on Main street except Brother Wells', Bishop Hunter's, William Jennings', Walter Brothers' and the Tithing Office. He then remarked, "I will begin with Brother Wells' place. It will be torn down and a six-story building will be erected on that corner. All of the houses south of that place will be removed to make room for buildings that will average from three to six stories high.

"Now we will come back from Fourth South to the Council House corner. Here a large fire proof building will be erected with an addition to it on the west. Where the Tithing Office now stands will be constructed a building that will be a credit and honor to the inhabitants of this whole intermountain region. The land around the Temple block will be owned by the Saints and this will become a city of beautiful buildings.

"Next comes the Temple. What do you expect to see there?" I told him that I expected to see the Savior, Joseph, Hyrum, and others. He said, "Have you seen the Temple picture?" I said that I had not. He then put his hand on my shoulder and said. "Now look." "Oh, how white and beautiful," I exclaimed. He then removed his hand and the vision was gone. He then asked me if I knew where the Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum were. I told him that I knew, and he said, "This must be kept a secret."

He told me that the trial of the Saints would be hard to bear until the square of the Temple was reached. Before that time, however, our brethren would be imprisoned until the penitentiary should be full, and some of them would be removed to other places. Mothers would weep for their husbands, and children would cry for their fathers. Some would die, and sorrow would fill the hearts of every Latter-day Saint."

Continuing, he said: "When the Temple roof is on, it will be somewhat better, but when the building is completed the Evil One will be shut out. The prayers of the Saints will be heard, and the sick will be taken there to be healed. The Spirit of God will rest upon his people, and the work for the dead will be continued night and day. You will attend the dedicatory services on the third day, and if you will come to this very spot after the meeting is dismissed, you will hear a voice cry out, 'All is well.'"

I attended the services on the third day, and went to the designated spot, and heard the voice, as he said I would, repeated three times.

He then went on to say, "An army of elders will be sent forth to the four quarters of the earth to search for the righteous and warn the wicked of what is coming. All kinds of religions will be started and miracles performed that will deceive the very elect if such a thing were possible. Our sons and daughters must live pure lives so as to be prepared for what is coming.

"After a while the Gentiles will gather to this place by the thousands, and Salt Lake will be classified among the wicked cities of the world. A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the result will be financial bondage.

"Persecution comes next, and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit. Many will apostatize, and others will stand still, not knowing what to do. 'Darkness will cover the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people.'

"The Judgments of God will be poured out upon the wicked to the extent that our elders from far and near will be called home.
Or in other words, the gospel will be taken from the Gentiles and later on will be carried to the Jews.

"The western boundaries of the state of Missouri will be swept so clean of its inhabitants that, as President Young tells us, when we return to that place, 'There will not be left so much as a yellow dog to wag his tail.'

"Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to a test that will try the integrity of the best of them. The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.

"Then the Prophet Joseph and others will make their appearance and those who have remained faithful will be selected to return to Jackson county, Missouri, and take part in the upbuilding of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem."

Sister Wilcox closed her narrative with the following statement: "As soon as I reached home, I made a record of what Brother Kimball had told me, as I knew that every word of it would come true. I did not see him again until the next Sunday. After meeting he bade me good-bye, and that was the last time I ever saw him."

(Sources: Smith, Robert W. and Elisabeth A., Scriptural and Secular Prophecies Pertaining to The Last Days, Ninth Edition, Pyramid Press, SLC, UT, 1947, pp. 134-138; Deseret News, May 23, 1931; W. Cleon Skousen, Prophecy and Modern Times, pp. 31-33)
Heber C. Kimball also stated on another occasion in 1856:
Yes, we think we are secure here in the chambers of the everlasting hills, where we can close those few doors of the canyons against mobs and persecutors, the wicked and the vile, who have always beset us with violence and robbery, but I want to say to you, my brethren, the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a TEST, a TEST, a TEST coming, and who will be able to stand?

(Source: Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, pp. 446-7)
Even more compelling was Ezra Taft Benson referring to these same Heber Kimball's prophecies in a conference address

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideN ... 82620aRCRD

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 13th, 2010, 8:12 pm
by Zephyr
Thank you!
That was the quote about the Saints facing persecution that I was looking for!

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 13th, 2010, 9:30 pm
by pjbrownie
I have found brother Kimball to be the best prophetic apostle outside of Joseph Smith.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 13th, 2010, 11:03 pm
by dewajack
pjbrownie wrote:I have found brother Kimball to be the best prophetic apostle outside of Joseph Smith.
This is very spot on. He never missed to my knowledge. It's interesting that he mentions "a test," as in singular. I'm sure there will be plenty of them, but it seems he's referring to one big one in particular that will bring us to our knees.

We would do well to not disregard the wisdom and vision of the early apostles from this dispensation. I've seen many people over time latch on to quotes and prophecies of men like Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, the Pratt's, etc., which agree with their line of thinking, but then completely blow off things they taught or said when it doesn't agree with their views.

I guess we tend to want to be right and desire justification for our views. Thank goodness for the Holy Ghost! May we heed his instruction as the darkness continues to overtake the world around us. I hope I pass the tests that lie ahead. Time will tell.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 14th, 2010, 12:04 am
by LukeAir2008
What a wonderful, remarkable man Heber C Kimball was. I've visited the villages in Lancashire, England - Chatburn and Downham - where Heber served a mission and where he said that the Spirit was so strong he wept so much that he couldnt see and had to wash his face in the River Ribble.

I believe that part of the TEST that Heber saw was the Internet explosion and the access to information and knowledge from past church history which has been previously unavailable. There are many, many casualties of members who have 'googled' Mormonism and have unearthed details and facts about church history which have destroyed them. I speak from first hand experience.

Many have admitted that in reality, even though they had mouthed the words 'I know the church is true' many times throughout their lives, that they didn't really know and when the TEST came they were found without a testimony and crumbled.

Heber said that the day would come when if you didn't have a testimony you would not stand. It seems that he was right.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 14th, 2010, 8:02 am
by NoGreaterLove
dewajack wrote:
pjbrownie wrote:I have found brother Kimball to be the best prophetic apostle outside of Joseph Smith.
This is very spot on. He never missed to my knowledge. It's interesting that he mentions "a test," as in singular. I'm sure there will be plenty of them, but it seems he's referring to one big one in particular that will bring us to our knees.

We would do well to not disregard the wisdom and vision of the early apostles from this dispensation. I've seen many people over time latch on to quotes and prophecies of men like Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, the Pratt's, etc., which agree with their line of thinking, but then completely blow off things they taught or said when it doesn't agree with their views.

I guess we tend to want to be right and desire justification for our views. Thank goodness for the Holy Ghost! May we heed his instruction as the darkness continues to overtake the world around us. I hope I pass the tests that lie ahead. Time will tell.

See Joel Chapter 1 and 2 for the test.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 19th, 2010, 2:26 pm
by Lamoni'sBFF
So, was this the original...Deseret News, May 23, 1931?

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: October 19th, 2010, 3:01 pm
by iamse7en
When and in what form do you guys think this "test" and "sifting" will come? I wonder about this a lot... Clearly the process of "shaking the dead branches off the tree" is necessary in preparation for the 2nd coming, but the Church seems to do the opposite of this: they are more inclusive, tolerant, image-conscious, and politically-correct than they've ever been. I imagine the prop 8 issue did some sifting, so I applaud the Church for their stand on that issue. I don't question what the Church leaders are doing - I still believe them to be watchmen on the tower, and as JRHolland recently said, more "in touch" than we realize... I'm just curious to see how all this plays out in the context of prophecy...

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 9th, 2010, 1:23 pm
by hedgehog
So in the middle of terrible storm with a hurricane/tornado/earthquake/hailstorm/forest fire/drought etc.. about to hit us all at once you want to know why the Brethren are being weak willed and not spending more time shaking the tree?

You sound you like you have the heart of warrior but is stuck on the farm dreaming of some future excitement. Don't worry you'll have more then you can stomach soon enough. No Ark steadying needed.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 9th, 2010, 1:30 pm
by Jason
hedgehog wrote:So in the middle of terrible storm with a hurricane/tornado/earthquake/hailstorm/forest fire/drought etc.. about to hit us all at once you want to know why the Brethren are being weak willed and not spending more time shaking the tree?

You sound you like you have the heart of warrior but is stuck on the farm dreaming of some future excitement. Don't worry you'll have more then you can stomach soon enough. No Ark steadying needed.
LOL....Amen! Like being inches away from walking off the cliff yet hoping for a little pre-descent excitement....

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 9th, 2010, 3:18 pm
by iamse7en
Good point...

The winds and storms about us will shake the dead wood off the tree. There's no need for our leaders to shake it...

I guess my question was more like this: it seems most of our early leaders were more direct, emphatic, politically-incorrect, less worried about what the world thinks of us- a style that would have offended (and still does) many liberals/intellectuals out of the church - Whereas today, our leaders are much more concerned about our image, being politically correct, more inclusive, etc... Radically different style than the leaders had back in the day... Hence, GBH saying "I don't know that we teach it," regarding Joseph Smith's emphatic declaration that God was once a man... Just curious why we have a much different style - to increase our numbers?

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 9th, 2010, 3:20 pm
by Jason
iamse7en wrote:Just curious why we have a much different style - to increase our numbers?
That is my perspective.....glean the last while there is opportunity to do so.
But remember the Lord has said in modern revelation, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30.) Are we prepared? God help us to be so for the tests of the days ahead.

With these prophetic warnings and assurances before us and evidences of evil increasing, Church members are asking: “Why is not the Church doing more to expose the evils of our society?” “Is there a great conspiracy?” “What can I do to fight false philosophies which have crept into our school systems and society in general?” “With the precarious political and economic conditions, should I prepare my sons and daughters for college and future careers?” “Is the Church the only answer to the problems about us, or are there other things we should be doing?”

It is easy to despair when we see about us the moorings of society slipping. We must remember, however, that the Lord sent His Saints into the world “to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men.” (D&C 103:9.) This is a time when “Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.” (D&C 82:14.) The contrast between the Church and the world will be increasingly marked in the future, which contrast, we hope, will cause the Church to be more attractive to those in the world who desire to live according to God’s plan for us, His children.

The Church will always stand for that which is honest, virtuous, true and praiseworthy. Such a pronounced stand for righteousness constitutes a repudiation against every evil and all false philosophies. The First Presidency and the Twelve are not oblivious to false philosophies and evils and will continue to warn the world and the Saints as the Lord directs.

....

The Church’s mission is to declare the gospel of the kingdom to all the world, to redeem our kindred dead, and to perfect the Saints of the Church—a positive approach. Never in the history of the Church has there been such an expenditure of time, planning, and resources to accomplish this mission. In the final analysis, this effort is the only solution to the problems of the world.

When Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor asked him whether or not He was a king. It was a political question. The Savior replied: “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36.) His answer is apropos today: The work of His kingdom is preeminently spiritual. The economic, political, and social problems facing this nation, as well as other nations, will be solved only with the help of God.

The days ahead will be sobering and will test the faith of the Saints. But we may obtain strength from the Lord’s assurances found in modern revelation. I quote:

“He will preserve the righteous by his power. … Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; … they shall be saved, even if it so be … by fire.” (1 Ne. 22:17.)

“I will fight your battles.” (D&C 105:14.) “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; … This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” (3 Ne. 22:17.)

“Great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve.” (Moses 7:61; italics added.)

The kingdom of God will not fail; it shall not be destroyed; it will not be left to other people; it will stand forever until “the kingdoms of this world [will] become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.” (Rev. 11:15.)

Hear the prophecy of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (HC, 4:540.)

Christian denominations the world over have prayed for centuries for the kingdom of God to come. We earnestly and publicly declare: that day is now here!

To Latter-day Saints the world over, we say: Let not your hearts be troubled. Keep the commandments of God. Follow the counsel of his living prophet, taking care not to exceed the counsel with your own private views. Teach your children to walk uprightly before the Lord. Pray in your homes morning and evening. Pray for civil magistrates and leaders even when you do not agree with them. Pray for the leaders of the Church. Pray, as you have been counseled, that the doors of nations of the world will be opened to the preaching of the gospel. Obey the laws of your country; rebel not against civil authority. Do your duty as citizens. “Do not yield to the bad, but always oppose it with good.” (Virgil.)

To all who have allegiance to the kingdom of God, we say: “Seek ye … first the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 6:33.) “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations; And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.” (D&C 115:5–6.)

Yes, “Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.

“Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come.” (D&C 65:5–6.)

I bear humble witness that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored kingdom of God on earth today. Its message and blessings are for all of our Father’s children. It is the truth, to which I bear grateful testimony in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 9th, 2010, 11:39 pm
by oneClimbs
President Hinckley said this about Kimball's 'test':

"I do not know precisely the nature of that test. But I am inclined to think the time is here and that the test lies in our capacity to live the gospel rather than adopt the ways of the world."

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, A City Set Upon a Hill, Ensign (CR), November 1974, p.98

Sounds simple. But how many members of the church have one foot in Babylon and don't even realize it?

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 10th, 2010, 1:15 pm
by iamse7en
Great quotes. Thank you!

I admit that I have one step in Babylon... My priorities are not completely set straight. I tend to watch too much basketball, read too many news articles about politics and economics, etc. It's good to have some entertainment, it's good to be informed in today's tumultuous world so that I can be prepared and preserve my wealth, but I still don't spend enough time studying the Gospel and conversing with my Father in Heaven. Every couple of weeks, I feel the need to reset, analyze my life, and try to make corrections... I always fall short of my lofty goals. It's easy to get distracted in these latter days.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 10th, 2010, 1:34 pm
by NoGreaterLove
iamse7en wrote:Great quotes. Thank you!

I admit that I have one step in Babylon... My priorities are not completely set straight. I tend to watch too much basketball, read too many news articles about politics and economics, etc. It's good to have some entertainment, it's good to be informed in today's tumultuous world so that I can be prepared and preserve my wealth, but I still don't spend enough time studying the Gospel and conversing with my Father in Heaven. Every couple of weeks, I feel the need to reset, analyze my life, and try to make corrections... I always fall short of my lofty goals. It's easy to get distracted in these latter days.
You could always spend more time studying our future government as orchestrated by Christ. Kind of like knowing about the supercomputer and its functions way before the computer was ever invented. Just think of the advantage you will have when it is fully functioning. Who knows maybe you will be one of it's leaders. All because you began to study it now.

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 10th, 2010, 3:28 pm
by iamse7en
Like Nibley's Approaching Zion? Andrus' Foundations of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ? What other books does everyone suggest?

Re: Heber C Kimball prophecies

Posted: November 10th, 2010, 3:42 pm
by zion or bust
iamse7en wrote:Like Nibley's Approaching Zion? Andrus' Foundations of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ? What other books does everyone suggest?

Cleon Skousen's recent book "The Cleansing of America." It has surprisingly little about the actual cleansing (only about the first chapter or two) and then the rest is about how to build a Zion society after the cleansing.