506. Apostates are prone to persecute the Church.
507. Satan influences people to persecute the Saints.
508. The work of the Lord thrives under opposition and persecution.
509. We are to bear persecution with patience.
506. Apostates are prone to persecute the Church.
Strange as it may appear at first thought, yet it is no less strange than true, that notwithstanding all the professed determination to live godly, apostates after turning from the faith of Christ, unless they have speedily repented, have sooner or later fallen into the snares of the wicked one, and have been left destitute of the Spirit of God, to manifest their wickedness in the eyes of multitudes. From apostates the faithful have received the severest persecutions. Judas was rebuked and immediately betrayed his Lord into the hands of His enemies, because Satan entered into him. There is a superior intelligence bestowed upon such as obeyed the Gospel with full purpose of heart, which, if sinned against, the apostate is left naked and destitute of the Spirit of God, and he is, in truth, nigh unto cursing, and his end is to be burned. When once that light which was in them is taken from them they become as much darkened as they were previously enlightened, and then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors. What nearer friend on earth, or in heaven, had Judas than the Savior? And his first object was to destroy Him. . . . From what source emanated the principle which has ever been manifested by apostates from the true Church to persecute with double diligence, and seek with double perseverance, to destroy those whom they once professed to love, with whom they once communed, and with whom they once covenanted to strive with every power in righteousness to obtain the rest of God? Perhaps our brethren will say the same that caused Satan to seek to overthrow the kingdom of God, because he himself was evil, and God's kingdom is holy. (Written message to the elders of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio, and elsewhere, Jan. 1834) HC2:22-23
The Church is little, if at all, injured by persecution and calumnies from ignorant, misinformed, or malicious enemies. A greater hindrance to its progress comes from faultfinders, shirkers, commandment-breakers, and apostate cliques within its own ecclesiastical and quorum groups.
So it is with any government. It is the enemy from within that is most menacing, especially when it threatens to disintegrate established forms of good government. CR1967Oct:9
When we lose the Spirit, our priesthood authority is taken from us and we are left to ourselves "to kick against the pricks," when we are being irritated by the admonitions and instructions of our leaders. Then we begin to persecute the saints, which means criticize, and finally to fight against God, and the powers of darkness overtake us if we do not repent and turn from that evil course. (Mexico City Area Conference, Melchizedek Priesthood session, Aug. 26, 1972) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, pp. 253-54) TLDP:524
Men and women have gone about the country, in this and in other lands, lecturing against the Church and its leaders. Magazine articles and books by the score, of a venomous and libelous character, have been written, published, and circulated against us. Apostates from the Church have opposed it in various ways, while the work of the Lord against which their fiery darts have been directed, goes steadily forward. CR1946Apr:95-96
also quoting J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Yes, within the Church today there are tares among the wheat and wolves within the flock. As President Clark stated, "The ravening wolves are amongst us, from our own membership, and they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep's clothing because they wear the habiliments of the priesthood. . . . We should be careful of them. . . ." (Era, May 1949, p. 268. See also Conference Report, April 1949, p. 163.)
The wolves amongst our flock are more numerous and devious today than when President Clark made this statement. . . .
Not only are there apostates within our midst, but there are also apostate doctrines that are sometimes taught in our classes and from our pulpits and that appear in our publications. And these apostate precepts of men cause our people to stumble. CR1969Apr:11
Related Witnesses:
[T]he rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; Why many are called and few chosen) D&C 121:36-38
For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure. (Iniquity enters the Church in Zarahemla, 84 B.C.) Alma 4:8
507. Satan influences people to persecute the Saints.
Persecution—the heritage of the faithful—whence does it come? Who wields the sword that slays the saints, and who hurls the spear that pierces the side of Him who hangs on the cross?
Answers: It is a joint undertaking; a confederacy of evil powers unite to do the deeds; all participants play their parts as actors on an evil stage. Satan is the ultimate author; priests and ministers of false religions stir up the basest of men, who in turn wield the sword, and the legal processes of both church and state combine to justify, approve, and authorize the insane madness that fights the truth.
Persecution is an essential part of the creeds of all false religions. There is an eternal law—a law as eternal as heaven and earth and the universe—that truth will prevail. Left to itself true religion—though it may be delayed or hindered in its progress—must and will prevail. The only effective weapon of false religions—and it yields only momentary success—is to persecute true believers. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:317) TLDP:479
The hatred of the wicked always has and always will follow the Priesthood and the Saints. The devil will not lose sight of the power of God vested in man—the Holy Priesthood. He fears it, he hates it, and will never cease to stir up the hearts of the debased and corrupt in anger and malice towards those who hold this power, and to persecute the Saints, until he is bound. (In Tabernacle, April 2, 1877, JD19:24) TLDP:139
Next we affirm that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is indeed the Christ—he who was born in Bethlehem on the first Christmas . . . he who was persecuted by the religious cults of the day, was condemned to the cross, but who conquered death and the grave in a glorious resurrection on the third day afterward. CR1980Apr:93-94
Related Witnesses:
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (Paul's letter to his assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 1:12-13
Persecution is one of the chief weapons in the hands of false priests; they use it to preserve their false religions. Truth stands on its own; error must be defended by the sword. False ministers fear the truth because by it their crafts are in danger. They practice priestcrafts to get gain and the praise of the world, neither of which will be theirs if true religion sweeps them into a deserved oblivion. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:393) TLDP:479
For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure. (Iniquity enters the Church in Zarahemla, 84 B.C.) Alma 4:8
508. The work of the Lord thrives under opposition and persecution.
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
Every time they persecute and try to overcome this people, they elevate us, weaken their own hands, and strengthen the hands and arms of this people. And every time they undertake to lessen our number, they increase it. And when they try to destroy the faith and virtue of this people, the Lord strengthens the feeble knees, and confirms the wavering in faith and power in God, in light, and intelligence. Righteousness and power with God increase in this people in proportion as the Devil struggles to destroy it. (In Bowery, Oct. 21, 1860, JD8:225-26) DBY:351
Persecution is, and always has been, a heritage of the Saints of God. Men and women have gone about the country, in this and in other lands, lecturing against the Church and its leaders. Magazine articles and books by the score, of a venomous and libelous character, have been written, published, and circulated against us. Apostates from the Church have opposed it in various ways, while the work of the Lord against which their fiery darts have been directed, goes steadily forward.
Mormonism has for more than a century, been thus pelted with vituperation, deceit, and falsehood, but by every attack it has become more widely known. The work of the Lord thrives under opposition and persecution. "Truth is mighty and will prevail."
We do not court opposition and persecution, but when it comes, we are not so greatly disturbed, for we know our ground, that this is the work of the Lord, and that God is at the helm, guiding the good ship into a safe harbor. CR1946Apr:95-96
[T]hat which we term persecution is only the discipline necessary for our development. There is a great destiny in store for this people, and they never can attain unto it unless they pass through just such scenes as they have passed through in the past, and such scenes as they doubtless will have to pass through of a more trying character in the future. This is the discipline that is necessary to purify us, to prepare us in every respect for the fulfilling of that high destiny that awaits us. . . .
Every measure that has been taken against us since then, designed for our overthrow, has only taught us our strength. It has compelled us to go to the fountain of all strength, to God our Eternal Father. (In Tabernacle, June 22, 1884, JD25:240-41) TLDP:480
No weapon that has ever been formed against Zion has prospered. The efforts of the evil one to destroy the work of the Lord have only tended to spread it abroad. The persecutions which have been heaped upon this people have been the means of cementing us together, drawing us more closely to God, and making us more united and powerful. It is the heritage of the saints of God to be misrepresented and persecuted by the insincere and the wicked; but their efforts have never blocked the progress of the work of our Eternal Father. On the contrary, the labors of our most bitter enemies have been among the main factors in spreading the work abroad. The Lord has turned the wrath of the wicked to his own glory. Had it not been for the persecution of the Latter-day Saints, the mustard seed would not have been cast abroad; but in the attempt to destroy the mustard stalk, to which the Savior compared the Gospel, they have scattered the seed, and it has taken root wherever it has fallen. . . . I thank God that it is not his purposes which have failed, but the purposes of man. This should be an encouragement to every Latter-day Saint and a strong testimony that this is the work of God. It ought to be a testimony also to those who have sought to bring to naught the purposes of God. CR1901Oct:11
Hostile legislation and opposition have but one tendency as a rule, that is, to drive us closer together, to make the cause a common one, to cause us to feel united. (Gospel Truth, 2:36) TLDP:479
Now, my friends, you who oppose Mormonism, let us reason together. What is the use of your opposition? You have opposed the Church from the beginning, and you have seen it grow and increase and become mighty in spite of all. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church, and the Church of God grows and thrives on misrepresentation and persecution. Cease it, then. Let me call your attention, once more, to that presentation of truth made here by Brother Roberts which proves that Mormonism is in the world for the world's good; and if men will but approach it in the proper spirit, with a view to investigating its claims, they will see its glories and beauties, and will help to promote, rather than tear down that which, most of all, seeks to lift up and make glorious the life and destiny of mankind. (CR 1910Oct; Third Day—Morning Session, p.68)
Related Witnesses:
This Church stands in no danger from opposition and persecution from without. There is more to fear in carelessness, sin and indifference, from within; more danger that the individual will fail in doing right and in conforming his life to the revealed doctrines of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If we do the right, all will be well, the God of our fathers will sustain us, and every opposition will tend only to the further spread of the knowledge of truth. ("The Probable Cause," IE1903Jun:629) TLDP:480
Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, Australia, the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; 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. (In Wentworth letter, March 1, 1842: "At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, Editor . . . Chicago Democrat, I have written [this] sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints. . . ." Full account recorded in HC4:535-41) HC4:540
quoted by John A. Widtsoe
When we look at the Latter-day Saints, we ask, is there any necessity of their being persecuted? Yes, if they are disobedient. Is there any necessity of chastening a son or a daughter? Yes, if they are disobedient. But suppose they are perfectly obedient to every requirement of their parents, is there any necessity of chastening them then? If there is, I do not understand the principle of it. I have not yet been able to see the necessity of chastening an obedient child, neither have I been able to see the necessity of chastisement from the Lord upon a people who are perfectly obedient. (In old Tabernacle, Nov. 29, 1868, JD12:308) DBY:350
509. We are to bear persecution with patience.
President Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund
(First Presidency)
Slander, false witness and the shafts of malice are arrayed against the Church and its authorities, as may be expected until Satan is bound and falsehood is conquered by divine truth. It is our duty to bear such things with patience, and not permit ourselves to be aroused to anger or retaliation. We should stand up for the right, and as far as possible ignore the wrong-doers. The knowledge that God is with us, and that his work will prevail, should buoy us up under every difficulty and every trial, having the conviction that the Lord will cause even "the wrath of man to praise him." ("Greetings from the First Presidency," IE1906Jan:247) TLDP:478
Have I any ill feelings towards these people that persecute and proscribe us? No. I would do them good for evil, give blessings for curses; I would treat them well, treat them honorably. . . . If you see men hungry, feed them, no matter who they are; white, black, or red, Jew, Gentile or Mormon, or anybody else—feed them. If you see naked clothe them. If you see sick, administer to them, and learn to be kind to all men; but partake not of their evil practices. (General conference, Oct. 1884, JD25:312) TLDP:368
receiving the Word of the Lord
And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory.
36. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.
37. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul.
38. And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life. (Revelation at the time of great persecution in Missouri, Dec. 16, 1833) D&C 101:35-38
An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring substance (Hebrews 10:34).
3. Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; knowing (not merely believing) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1). 4. Such was, and always will be, the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course they are pursuing is according to the will of God they will grow weary in their minds, and faint; for such has been, and always will be, the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God against the pure and unadulterated religion of heaven (the only thing which insures eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will; and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced the order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him, necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF6:2-4
"And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn away all wrath and indignation from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you." ¶ 23. 'Now I speak unto you concerning your families; if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; ¶ 24. "But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out a just measure unto you." ¶ 25. "And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred fold. ¶ 26. "And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four fold; ¶ 27. "And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out." (Doctrine and Covenants 98:22-27
Related Witnesses:
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: (Letter to the Church at Thessalonica, comprising Jews and many pagan converts, A.D. 50) 2Thess. 1:4-5
quoted by Mormon
But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you;
45. That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.
46. Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled.
47. Old things are done away, and all things have become new.
48. Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 12:44-48
recorded in Matthew
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47. And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Jesus teaches the multitude to love their enemies) Matthew 5:44-48
Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God. (Much iniquity abounds among the Nephites, A.D. 29-30) 3 Nephi 6:13
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
He that will war the true Christian warfare against the corruptions of these last days will have wicked men and angels of devils, and all the infernal powers of darkness continually arrayed against him. When wicked and corrupt men oppose, it is a criterion to judge if a man is warring the Christian warfare. When all men speak evil of you falsely, blessed are ye. Shall a man be considered bad, when men speak evil of him? No. If a man stands and opposes the world of sin, he may expect to have all wicked and corrupt spirits arrayed against him. But it will be but a little season, and all these afflictions will be turned away from us, inasmuch as we are faithful, and are not overcome by these evils. By seeing the blessings of the endowment rolling on, and the kingdom increasing and spreading from sea to sea, we shall rejoice that we were not overcome by these foolish things. (At Relief Society meeting, Nauvoo, Ill., minutes by Eliza R. Snow) HC5:139-41; TPJS:259
The Lord does not permit his enemies, nor the enemies of His people, to prevail over them for any length of time when they are living near unto Him and complying strictly with His will. (Gospel Truth, 2:37) TLDP:479-80
