#3 - Understanding the Separation? Church* & State

This post is #3 in an intended series relating to the separation of church and state.¹ The conjoining of the dogmas of a group of believers* with “state” power may be the most dangerous crisis we are now facing. Historically, church-state partnerships have presided over oppressive, soul-crushing regimes. It was a hard-fought battle to move from the persecuting dogmas of England and the early Americas² to the U.S. Bill of Rights with its freedom of religion / conscience protection. Ironically, this split of religion from state power was advocated circa 1750 years before the Bill of Rights by the rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth:

Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things that are God's (New Testament | Matthew 22:21).

A passionate, separation advocate, A. T. Jones (1850-1923), observed:

In these words Christ has established a clear distinction between Cæsar and God,— between that which is Cæsar’s and that which is God’s; that is, between the civil and the religious power, and between what we owe to the civil power and what we owe to the religious power. That which is Cæsar’s is to be rendered to Cæsar; that which is God’s is to be rendered to God alone. With that which is God’s, Cæsar can have nothing to do. To say that we are to render to Cæsar that which is God’s, or that we are to render to God, by Cæsar, that which is God’s, is to pervert the words of Christ, and make them meaningless. Such an interpretation would be but to entangle him in his talk,— the very thing that the Pharisees sought to do.

As the word “Cæsar” refers to civil government, it is apparent at once that the duties which we owe to Cæsar are civil [21] duties, while the duties which we owe to God are wholly moral or religious duties. ...

It is evident, therefore, that religion and religious duties pertain solely to God; and as that which is God’s is to be rendered to him and not to Cæsar, it follows inevitably that, according to the words of Christ, civil government can never of right have anything to do with religion,— with a man’s personal relation of faith and obedience to God.³

[Remember the distinction manifest by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego⁴? Remember Daniel and the den of lions⁵?]

But even before the U.S. Bill of Rights was ratified, Thomas Jefferson had written what became Virginia law:

‘No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; opinion in matters of religion shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect civil capacities. The rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind.’”— Id., 216.

Of this blessed result [James] Madison happily exclaimed:— “Thus in Virginia was extinguished forever the ambitious hope of making laws for the human mind.”— Id.⁶

In 1842, freedom of conscience was further advocated by Joseph Smith, the Prophet:

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.⁷

So what is the great danger we are facing? Could it be our failure:

1) to recognize how the “state” is presently backing a regressive, tyrannical, hypocritical, corrupting cultural / social / spiritual revolution?
2) to witness against the unholy, coercive partnership of church, cult, and state?
3) to confine and limit the state to its proper role?
4) to resist the lies and deceptions with courage and clarity? and
5) to individually render to God what is God's?

The proposed, next post in this series: #4 Understanding the Separation? the Difference Between Crimes and Sins.

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* Church is here defined as a group of believers (whether organized formally or informally) who manifest “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion) which, in this writer's opinion and in its broadest sense, includes political, economic, social, cultural, religious, spiritual, and pscience ideologies or dogmas, including: socialism, communism, fascism, Gnosticism, cultism, WEFism, WOism, transgenderism, etc..
(NOTE: the congruity of the cult of Ishtar with some of today's ideologies:
“Often identified as being neither male nor female, the role of the priests and priestesses of Inanna [aka, Ishtar] was to promote the fertility of the land. If they did not have sexual intercourse, it was thought that the land would no longer produce. They served at her temple in Uruk, the principal center of worship, and at numerous other shrines and temples to the goddess throughout Mesopotamia. As the goddess of fertility, Inanna was sometimes depicted as both male and female, and was said to have the ability to transform men into women and women into men. People who did not conform to Mesopotamian gender norms were often made into priests of Inanna. Such gender ambiguity also made Inanna an accessible deity, as both men and women could identify with her.” DK. The Mythology Book (Big Ideas) (p. 338). DK Publishing. Kindle Edition; bold emphasis added.)

1. First two separation posts:
https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2023/06/a-troubling-trend.html
https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2023/07/back-to-future-again.html
2. (not to mention almost every other church-state partnership in history world-wide)
3. Jones, Alonzo. The Rights of the People: or Civil Government and Religion (pp. 17-18). Adventist Pioneer Library. Kindle Edition.
4. Old Testament | Daniel 3
5. Old Testament | Daniel 6
6. Jones, Alonzo. The Rights of the People: or Civil Government and Religion (p. 88). Adventist Pioneer Library. Kindle Edition.

Observation: Considering the nature of the natural man, Madison's “forever” is unrealized optimism.  
7. Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:11

Back to the Future, Again?

As the tyrannies of SOD activism,¹ DEI- and CEIology,² and ESG scoring³ weave their choking tentacles amongst peoples and corporations, perhaps it would be enlightening to revisit England and New England in the 1600s AD, and then ponder: Is the USian and global future going to be a technified déjà vu?

SOD, DEI, CEI, and ESG are but the latest invasive, strangling, creeper vines⁴ of aggressive power abuse and domination. Their bullying dogmas attempt to silence and strangle, just as the once-persecuted, New England zealots repeated with their new-world non-conformists.⁵

Take Roger Williams (1603-1683),⁶ the founder of Rhode-Island and passionate advocate of freedom of conscience who fled England with his wife in 1630 because he

knew any inquiry into his beliefs would doom him. Many who took far less extreme positions than he— Hooker among them— had already faced the High Commission. Some had only lost their livings, but others had gone to prison after enduring heinous physical mutilation.⁷

By October 1635, Williams had to flee Salem, Massachusetts under an order of banishment because, amongst other beliefs, he claimed:

The state ... had no authority to inject itself in any way into an individual’s relationship with God [and conscience]. It must enforce only the commandments in the “Second Table”: those which govern human relations, such as the injunctions forbidding murder, theft, lying, adultery, and covetousness.⁸

So, as we approach similitude to the mid-1600s, what are our latter-day equivalents (of 17th Century fining, banning, whipping, branding, cutting off ears, puncturing tongues with red-hot irons, imprisoning, and execution) for latter-day resisters of the coercive dogmas of SOD, DEI, CEI, and ESG?

None of these dogmas are progressive despite their pretentions. They are, at core, incredibly regressive and hypocritical as summarized here concerning DEI:

7 Ways Your DEI Initiatives Are Harming Your Company and How To Resolve It | Linked in | Brian Dapelo.⁹

1) DEI is discriminatory
2) DEI unnecessarily preferences physical attributes over the non-physical
3) DEI diminishes the size of the talent pool
4) DEI decreases performance
5) DEI is divisive
6) DEI diminishes accomplishments and disincentivizes performance
7) DEI is distracting

So what are we each going to do? stand with the real progressions of 20th Century Woke or the frauds and regressions of 21st Century Faux-woke¹⁰?

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1. SOD: self-obsessed diva / divo activists. Genuine dysphorics just want to live their lives without demanding that the world affirm, applaud, and pay bending homage to their choice. They wish to attend social, sports, or other functions in their chosen persona without fanfare and without the narcissistic need to have the entire event and all actors, athletes, and audience roll out the pastel carpet in spectacular welcome, which, by the way, violates every one of their trumpeted mantras: diversity, equity, inclusion. Where is the diversity and equity in excluding everyone who is not SOD in the special recognition and affirmation of their lifestyle? Where is the DEI in their vociferous demands for special privilege and exemption from criticism or challenge or hurt feelings?
See also:
   ▪ https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2023/04/let-us-be-clear.html
   ▪ https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/03/dei-ology-great-pretense.html
   ▪ https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/04/correction-fwoke.html
2. DEI: Diversity | Equity | Inclusion

   ▪ https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/03/dei-ology-great-pretense.html
    ▪ https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/04/correction-fwoke.html
   ▪ https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/06/fwoke-blow-back.html

CEI: The Corporate Equality Index is a report published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a tool to rate American businesses on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Equality_Index
3. • ESG EXPOSED - A $66 Trillion Dollar Weapon Used To Control Corporate America (Valuetainment | June 21, 2023 | Time 17:58 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNUpcfBOsos

   • ESG Explained: Socially Conscious Capitalism and Its Backlash (Bloomberg Law | Mar 7, 2023 | Time 7:01 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WVdP9ssU2o
BUT later:
   • BlackRock CEO 'ASHAMED' Of ESG | Breaking Points ( Breaking Points | June 27, 2023 | Time 9:29 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iD6XSExUi8
   • Larry Fink's ESG Change of Heart | (The Real Investment Show | July 3, 2023 | Time 11:55 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiSuXjgiKUA
   • The ESG investment backlash is beginning to have an impact | FT Moral Money (Financial Times| Fwb 6, 2023 | Time 3:13 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95jabRNJ6Ng
   • https://www.diligent.com/insights/esg/
   • https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/esg-investing/
   • https://www.ensogo.io/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlouZpcyJgAMVsh-tBh0p2wEpEAAYBCAAEgI9S_D_BwE
4. • https://www.housedigest.com/658631/invasive-vines-you-should-know-about/
    • https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/
5. This year [1656] is made remarkable by the arrival at Boston, of several persons, of the new sect called Quakers.[ 298] They were imprisoned and banished. The books which they brought with them were seized and burnt. Severe laws were enacted to exclude them from the Commonwealth. In October, 1656, (says Hutchinson, vol. i. p. 181,) “An act passed, laying a penalty of one hundred pounds upon the master of any vessel who should bring a known Quaker into any part of the colony, and requiring him to give security to carry them back again; that the Quaker should be immediately sent to the house of correction, and whipped twenty stripes, and afterwards kept to hard labor until transportation. They also laid a penalty of five pounds for importing, and the like for dispersing, Quaker books, and severe penalties for defending their heretical opinions. And the next year, an additional law was made, by which all persons were subjected to the penalty of forty shillings for every hour’s entertainment given to any known Quaker; and any Quaker, after the first conviction, if a man, was to lose one ear, and the second time the other; a woman, each time to be severely whipped, and the third time, men or women, to have their tongues bored through with a red hot iron, and every Quaker, who should become such in the colony, was subjected to the like punishments. In May, 1658, a penalty of ten shillings was laid on every person present at a Quaker meeting, and five pounds upon every one speaking at such a meeting. Notwithstanding all this severity, the number of Quakers, as might well have been expected, increasing rather than diminishing, in October following, a further law was made for punishing with death all Quakers, who should return into the jurisdiction after banishment.”
By this sanguinary law, which passed the Court by a majority of one vote only, four persons were afterwards executed, and a large number were imprisoned, whipped, fined and banished, until an order from the King, Charles II. in 1661, put an end to these proceedings. The conduct of some of these persons was scandalous,[ 299] and deserved punishment, as offences against civil order and decency; but nothing can justify the severity with which some of them were treated. The impolicy of persecution was fully displayed on this occasion; for the Quakers multiplied, in proportion as they were threatened and punished.
The other united colonies passed severe laws against the Quakers; and they endeavored to prevail on Rhode-Island to unite in this general persecution. But she remained true to her principles. The General Assembly, which met at Portsmouth, March 13, 1657, returned an answer to the commissioners of the united colonies, in which they held this language:
“Whereas freedom of different consciences to be protected from enforcements, was the principal ground of our charter, both with respect to our humble suit for it, as also to the true intent of the honorable and renowned Parliament of England, in granting of the same to us, which freedom we still prize, as the greatest happiness that men can possess in this world, therefore we shall, for the preservation of our civil peace and order, the more especially take notice that those people, and any others that are here, or shall come among us, be impartially required, and to our utmost constrained, to perform all civil duties requisite. And in case they refuse it, we resolve to make use of the first opportunity to inform our agent, residing in England.” (Note: civil duty is not faith-based.)
(Knowles, James D.. Memoir of Roger Williams, the Founder of the State of Rhode-Island (p. 293-4). Good Press. Kindle Edition.)
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Williams 
7. Barry, John M.. Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul (p. 141). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
8. Ibid., (p. 151).
9. 7 Ways Your DEI Initiatives Are Harming Your Company and How To Resolve It. (Brian Dapelo | Linked in | April 27, 2022) at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-ways-dei-harming-your-company-how-resolve-brian-dapelo (Also reviewed circa min. 13:50 at ESG EXPOSED - A $66 Trillion Dollar Weapon Used To Control Corporate America (Valuetainment | June 21, 2023 | Time 17:58 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNUpcfBOsos
10. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/04/correction-fwoke.html

A Troubling Trend?

Church and State?
Belief Narratives and State?

Recently, I have been encountering more opinions and even adamant declarations that the decline of moral values in our 21st Century culture can be laid at the feet of the separation of church and state.¹ One presenter, who shares my Church affiliation, goes so far as to allege that the separation of church and state was proposed millennia ago by a church dissenter named Nehor, circa 90s BC in the ancient Americas.² Thus, by extension, it must follow that support for the separation of church and state would be to align with the “doctrine” of Nehor; but what was the “doctrine” of Nehor?

As background, Nehor had just witnessed a major governmental “reset” from a monarchy to a judges' system.³ The voice of the people had chosen Alma₂, as their first chief judge who happened also to be the high priest of the Church⁴; but it is important to note that there was already a partial separation of church and state under the monarchical Nephite system. Before the reset, king Mosiah₂ governed the civic affairs and Alma₁ the church affairs. One evidence was when king Mosiah₂ was asked to weigh-in on a religious discipline issue and he declined, referring the matter back to Alma₁, the high priest.⁵

During his reign, king Mosiah₂ seems to have understood that separation from organized religion (church) did not mean separation from God. His and his father's speeches (the prior king Benjamin) were full of Godly advice and counsel, but were without coercion of conscience or faith. We also find this freedom of conscience concept expressed again when Alma₂ (appointed high priest by his father Alma₁) was dealing with the anti-Christ Korihor, in that:

“[T]here was no law against a man's belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds. ... Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.”⁶

Discerning the Nephite separation of church and state is not easy because the voice of the people seems to have frequently elected their chief judge and lower judges (their civic authorities) from amongst their spiritual leaders; but both believers and non-believers were under strict civic and spiritual law not to persecute one another.⁷

But back to Nehor. As I read the account, Nehor was not pushing for the removal of Alma₂ in order to achieve separation of church and state, but rather, Nehor, who was preaching his own beliefs and setting up his own church system,⁸ proposed that the voice of the people not only elect the judges, but the priests and teachers also (apparently, instead of receiving their calling or appointment through God's direction via His presiding priest.⁹)

For the power-hungry, this new “judges-system” opened up opportunities that had been closed in the monarchic system. What can we imagine was in Nehor's mind? He wasn't even in power and was already oppressing those who didn't accept his beliefs. He was following the pattern of tyrants: pursuing domination of the masses — of thought, belief, action, opportunity, and so forth. History informs us that Lucifer's Utopia¹⁰ demands the combining of church and state to achieve his obsession for full-spectrum domination, so, in my view, Nehor was pursuing the full conjoining of church and state, not the separation. 

Conformity and uniformity have always been the drive of tyrannical regimes or agendas. Remember Nebuchadnezzar and his idol? Constantine? the crusades? the Christian martyrs? the innumerable martyrs of other faiths and ages? Not so long ago, the separation of church and state was considered one of the remarkable achievements of the North American experiment and resultant Constitution? But now! in this created chaos? this mocking of democracy¹¹? are the tired and weary desiring a (fantisized) restoration of peace, order, and sanity through a return to unifying church and state?

Have we forgotten the prime motivating factor that drove so many Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, and other persecuted minorities to the Americas? For centuries, Europe had endured the tortuous combining of church and state; and even in the early Americas, the persecuted, too often, became persecutors as they sought to enforce their own religious dogmas using “state” (civic) power. Have we forgotten the European inquisitions? Fox's Book of Martyrs? A History of the Inquisition of the Middle Ages (Complete - Volume 1, 2 and 3 by Henry Charles Lea)? the life and times of Roger Williams? to name a few records.

Perhaps, part of the confusion of church and state relationship is the conflation of moral compass with religion or with church organization. Moral compass is not the prerogative of church or religion, but is above both church and state and must guide them both in their separate spheres — with church (an organized collective holding common beliefs) devoting itself to instruction, persuasion, comfort, and compassion. The church has no coercive power against life, liberty, or property. The state may, in limited circumstances, have coercive powers upon principles of judgment and justice as detailed in these D&C sections¹² which hold sacrosanct freedom of conscience.

And what do we think Joseph Smith advocated here:

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:11).

In these last days, we should be on high alert when the powers (that believe in build-back-better toward a new World Order — WO) scale-up their demands for unifying ecumenism, sovereignty-sacrificing treaties, elite-expertise, order-out-of-chaos, global governance, and so forth — all for the alleged good of humanity. In the end, WO requires unifying conformity to political and pscience¹³ narratives (beliefs, convictions, dogmas) backed by the power of a global “state.”

So, is this a troubling trend — to question the separation of church and state? One of the articulate writers on this subject of separation was Alonzo T. Jones (1850-1923).¹⁴ If one wants to get a head start on understanding the realities of historical and future conjunction, his writings are a good place to begin.

In reality, the state religion of domination is already well in play.

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1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_church_and_state
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Williams (see section titled “Separation of church and state”)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americans_United_for_Separation_of_Church_and_State
2. Identifying and Leaving Babylon with Morgan Philpot
(The Latter-day Disciples Podcast | Mar 4, 2023 | Time 1:05:53; relevant Nehor reference beginning circa 17:00 min.) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zFa8qmQjBk&t=2650s
The Nehor claim was repeated even more strongly - Cardston Alberta Workshop - Part 1
(Bill Peavoy | June 2, 2023 | Time 3:39:39 min.; Nehor reference at circa 17:50 min.) in a private link on YouTube. If it is subsequently made public by Peavoy, I will provide the link then.

Note: Philpot has some very intriguing and valuable ideas and insights, but as always: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
3. From Monarchy to judges-system:

Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:25-42
   25 Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord.
   26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
   27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
   28 And now if ye have judges, and they do not judge you according to the law which has been given, ye can cause that they may be judged of a higher judge.
   29 If your higher judges do not judge righteous judgments, ye shall cause that a small number of your lower judges should be gathered together, and they shall judge your higher judges, according to the voice of the people.
   30 And I command you to do these things in the fear of the Lord; and I command you to do these things, and that ye have no king; that if these people commit sins and iniquities they shall be answered upon their own heads.
   31 For behold I say unto you, the sins of many people have been caused by the iniquities of their kings; therefore their iniquities are answered upon the heads of their kings.
   32 And now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this land, especially among this my people; but I desire that this land be a land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the land, yea, even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face of the land.
   33 And many more things did king Mosiah write unto them, unfolding unto them all the trials and troubles of a righteous king, yea, all the travails of soul for their people, and also all the murmurings of the people to their king; and he explained it all unto them.
   34 And he told them that these things ought not to be; but that the burden should come upon all the people, that every man might bear his part.
   35 And he also unfolded unto them all the disadvantages they labored under, by having an unrighteous king to rule over them;
   36 Yea, all his iniquities and abominations, and all the wars, and contentions, and bloodshed, and the stealing, and the plundering, and the committing of whoredoms, and all manner of iniquities which cannot be enumerated—telling them that these things ought not to be, that they were expressly repugnant to the commandments of God.
   37 And now it came to pass, after king Mosiah had sent these things forth among the people they were convinced of the truth of his words.
   38 Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man expressed a willingness to answer for his own sins.
   39 Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in their voices concerning who should be their judges, to judge them according to the law which had been given them; and they were exceedingly rejoiced because of the liberty which had been granted unto them.
   40 And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea, exceedingly, beyond measure.
   41 And it came to pass that they did appoint judges to rule over them, or to judge them according to the law; and this they did throughout all the land.
   42 And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be the first chief judge, he being also the high priest, his father having conferred the office upon him, and having given him the charge concerning all the affairs of the church.

4. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:39-43
   39 Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in their voices concerning who should be their judges, to judge them according to the law which had been given them; and they were exceedingly rejoiced because of the liberty which had been granted unto them.
   40 And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea, exceedingly, beyond measure.
   41 And it came to pass that they did appoint judges to rule over them, or to judge them according to the law; and this they did throughout all the land.
   42 And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be the first chief judge, he being also the high priest, his father having conferred the office upon him, and having given him the charge concerning all the affairs of the church.
   43 And now it came to pass that Alma did walk in the ways of the Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and he did judge righteous judgments; and there was continual peace through the land.
5. Mosiah refuses to judge a church matter:
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 26:8-39
   8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the church. [See * below v. 39]
   9 And it came to pass that Alma did not know concerning them; but there were many witnesses against them; yea, the people stood and testified of their iniquity in abundance.
   10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they should be brought before the king.
   11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes.
   12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged.
   13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.
   14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying:
   15 Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.
   16 And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.
   17 And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.
   18 Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine.
   19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed.
   20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep.

   21 And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.
   22 For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive.
   23 For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand.
   24 For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.
   25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.
   26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.
   27 And then I will confess unto them that I never knew them; and they shall depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
   28 Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear my voice, the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him I will not receive at the last day.
   29 Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also.
   30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
   31 And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.
   32 Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward.
   33 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he wrote them down that he might have them, and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of God.
   34 And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lord.
   35 And whosoever repented of their sins and did confess them, them he did number among the people of the church;
   36 And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were blotted out.
   37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God, receiving many, and baptizing many.
   38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.
   39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.
[* Mosiah₂ was king when Alma₁ brought his small group of people (who were escaping persecution and oppression) into the jurisdiction of king Mosiah. As a new comer, Alma was given authorization from the king to continue his spiritual leadership in the realm of king Mosiah. See Mosiah chpt. 25]
6. Korihor: Book of Mormon | Alma 30:6-17
   6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti–Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.
   7 Now there was no law against a man's belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds.
   8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.
   9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.
   10 But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if he robbed he was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished; and if he committed adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this wickedness they were punished.
   11 For there was a law that men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man's belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.
   12 And this Anti–Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:
   13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.
   14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers.
   15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.
   16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.
   17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.
Note: At this time (year seventeen of the reign of the judges), Alma[2] was no longer serving as chief judge / governor; see Alma 30: 29, 51.
7. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:1-6 (Entails both a civic and a spiritual matter)
   1 AND now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and they did complain to Alma. And Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
   2 And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.
   3 And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men;
   4 That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.
   5 Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of God.
   6 And there began to be much peace again in the land;
Book of Mormon | Alma 1:21
   21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.
8. Book of Mormon | Alma 1:1-6
   2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment–seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
   3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people.
   4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
   5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money.
   6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching.
9. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:16-17
   16 And now, Alma[1] was their high priest, he being the founder of their church.
   17 And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach except it were by him from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except they were just men.
Book of Mormon | Alma 4:4, 7
   4 And they began to establish the church more fully; yea, and many were baptized in the waters of Sidon and were joined to the church of God; yea, they were baptized by the hand of Alma[2], who had been consecrated the high priest over the people of the church, by the hand of his father Alma[1]. ...
   7 Now this [pride and rebellion that soon began among the people] was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many of the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders over the church; yea, many of them were sorely grieved for the wickedness which they saw had begun to be among their people.
10. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2021/01/utopians-at-open-gates.html
11. https://moc-n-dox.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-brief-q-at-club-house-in-rome.html
12. Study:
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 134
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:76-80
   76 And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you—
   77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy prin   ciples; 

   78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral
agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
   79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
   80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.

13. Pscience is the corrupted offshoot of honorable Science. It is the inevitable consequence of man's obsessive pursuit and protection of power, gain, glory, and domination. Pscience is pseudo, psychopathic, propagandizing, plagiarizing, politicized, psy-opic, and above all, profit-obsessed, and profit-driven. This obsessive pursuit and protection by people without conscience is often enabled by naïve, trusting, or fear-filled acolytes. Pscience is a one-faith, one-dogma, heretic-fearing, self-deceiving, other-censoring system.
https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2021/12/when-pscience-becomes-god.html
https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2021/06/death-of-science-tyranny-of-pscience.html
https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2020/10/pscience.html
https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-representative-history-of-pscience.html
14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alonzo_T._Jones

Other Book of Mormon text on church and state:

Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:1-5
   1 AND now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father.
   2 For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.
   3 And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.
   4 And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.
   5 For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:12-18
   12 And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by king Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the bands of iniquity.
   13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
   14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.
   15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them.
   16 And now, Alma was their high priest, he being the founder of their church.
   17 And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach except it were by him from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except they were just men.
   18 Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.

Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:13-18
   13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
   14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.
   15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them.
   16 And now, Alma was their high priest, he being the founder of their church.
   17 And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach except it were by him from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except they were just men.
   18 Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.

The Yoke of Bondage*

**Image Source  below

If there is one word in scripture that best describes the déjà vus of history, it might be the word bondage.¹ Bondage appears 169 times (also, captivity 188 times) in the Quad² to describe the recycling condition of the peoples in those books. It was the condition that necessitated Exodus upon exodus³; conflict on conflict, war on war. It is the condition (whether physical, mental, or spiritual) that oppresses millions billions in our present world. Bondage is the (imagined) final solution to the chaos, disorder, and “evil”⁴ that the Utopians of our technocratic world hate. Bondage is the end-game of the WEF,⁵ the WHO,⁶ their hidden masters, and their power competitors. And how do we know this about the WEF and the WHO, et al.? Simple: we go by their publications (web and print)⁷ and their actions sifted through history; especially 20th Century history — the yet-living history we were never going to repeat or forget.⁸

We have already seen the unfolding bondage of many in the so-called freedom-loving western nations; how the ignored subtext of the CV campaign “keeping-us-safe”⁹ is bondage — a bondage that is demonic in origin. It is the day- and nightmare that always follows unchecked, unrepentant corruption, pride,¹⁰ and iniquity. Every discerning human is witnessing in real time how the powers and their (witting and unwitting) minions in North America have become exporters and advocates of unchecked corruption, pride, inversion, and iniquity, linking into a global intention because bondage has always been the intent of evil and its advocates.

The Utopians are already inside the open gates¹¹ and (like the PWOCs¹² and traitors that they are) are inviting (and provoking) the “Assyrians and Babylonians” to bring greater destruction and death in the cause of order-out-of-chaos. Remember: “Never let a crisis go to waste”¹³? And if we don't have a useful crisis, the powers invent or create one (disease, famine, shortage, unemployment, climate woes, conflict, war, etc., etc.); all in pursuit of a global bondage scenario. And what else should we expect when so many are saying: “We trust you: WEF and WHO and PHO and Pharma and Silicon Valley”?

And what is bondage if not being compelled to bend to official narratives (whether CV, climate, allowed speech, allowed opinion, etc., etc.), or else:

• lose your employment,
• lose freedom of association
• lose travel and mobility rights
• lose your bank and bank account 
• lose your license to practice your profession
• lose your social media platform
• lose home and family ties
• be denied medical treatment
• be cut from your team or benched
• be smeared and targeted
• lose custody of children
• go into lockdown, quarantine, or jail
• lose your life
• and on and on,

In the once-free West, many are daily experiencing the above losses, yet so many are not paying attention or are in bondage to fear and lying wonders. Our world has fallen under the spirit of bondage — the spirit of domination.¹⁴ If we go by prophecy, it's going to get suddenly worse in another repeat of this:

21 And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.
22 And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people.
23 And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 11:21-23)

and this: 

47 Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
49 The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;
50 A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 28:47-50).

We are broadcasting our iniquity and guilt every day — 24/7 worldwide — in graphic color and recorded sound. So if the angels thought 1832 was a bad year, what must they think of 2023?

5 Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:5).

If only we sinners could see and hear and believe:

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (New Testament | Matthew 11:28-30).

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (New Testament | Romans 8:15).

-------------------------------------------------------/
* Bondage: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bondage
   1: the tenure or service of a villein, a serf, or an enslaved person
   2: a state of being bound usually by compulsion (as of law or mastery): such as
       a: CAPTIVITY, SERFDOM
       b: servitude or subjugation to a controlling person or force
           young people in bondage to drugs
See also: When We Become Property at https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2021/02/when-we-become-property.html

1. Sample of Examples:
Also, review other stories in history and consider the recycling sequence: falling into bondage; suffering in bondage; escaping from bondage. Also search the word yoke.
Old Testament | Exodus 2:23
   23 ¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
Old Testament | Exodus 6:5-6
   5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
   6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Old Testament | Nehemiah 5:5
   5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
Old Testament | Isaiah 14:3
   3 And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,
New Testament | John 8:32-34
   32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
   33 ¶ They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
   34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
New Testament | Romans 8:21
   21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

New Testament | Galatians 2:4
   4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
New Testament | Galatians 4:3, 9
   3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: ...
   9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
New Testament | Galatians 5:1
   1 STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
New Testament | Hebrews 2:14-15
   14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

   15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 17:24-25
   24 Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out of bondage, if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he should lead them out of bondage?
   25 Now ye know that the children of Israel were in bondage; and ye know that they were laden with tasks, which were grievous to be borne; wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thing for them, that they should be brought out of bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:15
   15 For behold, we are in bondage to the Lamanites, and are taxed with a tax which is grievous to be borne. And now, behold, our brethren will deliver us out of our bondage, or out of the hands of the Lamanites, and we will be their slaves; for it is better that we be slaves to the Nephites than to pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:20
   20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:20-22
   20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage.
   21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being over–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 bringing this people into subjection or into bondage. And behold, we at this time do pay tribute 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.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 7:33
   33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 9:10-12
   10 Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it.
   11 Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in the land for the space of twelve years that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could not overpower them and bring them into bondage.
   12 Now they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 12:2
   2 Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 12:14-15
   14 And now, O king, behold, we are guiltless, and thou, O king, hast not sinned; therefore, this man has lied concerning you, and he has prophesied in vain.
   15 And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into bondage, or be taken captive by our enemies; yea, and thou hast prospered in the land, and thou shalt also prosper.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 21:36
   36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 22:1-4
   1 AND now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter.
   2 And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword.
   3 Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the king, and said unto him: Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times when we have been contending with our brethren, the Lamanites.
   4 And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my words in any degree, and they have been of service to thee, even so I desire that thou wouldst listen to my words at this time, and I will be thy servant and deliver this people out of bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 22:1-4
   1 AND now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter.
   2 And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword.
   3 Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the king, and said unto him: Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times when we have been contending with our brethren, the Lamanites.
   4 And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my words in any degree, and they have been of service to thee, even so I desire that thou wouldst listen to my words at this time, and I will be thy servant and deliver this people out of bondage.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:23
   23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:13-21
   13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
   14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
   15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
   16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
   17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage.
   18 Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night–time gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all the night–time were they gathering the flocks together.
   19 And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task–masters were in a profound sleep.
   20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness.
   21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 25:16
   16 And he did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:15-17
   15 And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
   16 Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
   17 And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:18-20
   18 Yea, remember king Noah, his wickedness and his abominations, and also the wickedness and abominations of his people. Behold what great destruction did come upon them; and also because of their iniquities they were brought into bondage.
   19 And were it not for the interposition of their all–wise Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance, they must unavoidably remain in bondage until now.
   20 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 29:40
   40 And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea, exceedingly, beyond measure.
Book of Mormon | Alma 5:5-6
   5 And behold, after that, they were brought into bondage by the hands of the Lamanites in the wilderness; yea, I say unto you, they were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word; and we were brought into this land, and here we began to establish the church of God throughout this land also.
   6 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
Book of Mormon | Alma 9:22
   22 Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things—
Book of Mormon | Alma 29:11-12
   11 Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers; for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage, and by this did establish his church; yea, the Lord God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did deliver them out of bondage.
   12 Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers; and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians did deliver them out of bondage.
Book of Mormon | Alma 36:2
   2 I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions.
Book of Mormon | Alma 36:28-29
   28 And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time to time.
   29 Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem; and he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out of bondage and captivity, from time to time even down to the present day; and I have always retained in remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity.
Book of Mormon | Alma 43:8
   8 For behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into bondage.
Book of Mormon | Alma 43:29
   29 And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land;
Book of Mormon | Alma 43:48-49
   48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts—yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
   49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage.
2. Quad: being the scriptures of the People of the Books: 1) Bible (Old and New); 2) the Book of Mormon; 3) The Doctrine and Covenants; and 4) the Pearl of Great Price.
3. Exodus: https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2022/12/patterns-of-exodus-preparing-for-exodus.html
4. "Evil" is everything that irritates or frustrates the devil and his agenda of captivity, bondage, death, destruction.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Economic_Forum
(though more accurately, the intent of their masters behind the scenes)
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization
(though more accurately, the intent of their masters behind the scenes)
7. https://www.weforum.org/
https://www.who.int/
8. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/02/our-human-duty.html
9. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/01/cult-of-safety-inverted-quarantine.html
10. https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2019/08/are-we-repeating-history-without-memory.html
11. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2021/01/utopians-at-open-gates.html
12. PWOC: People Without Conscience
13. Rahm Emanuel?:
https://freakonomics.com/2009/08/quotes-uncovered-who-said-no-crisis-should-go-to-waste/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/25/lets-make-sure-this-crisis-doesnt-go-waste/
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill (see under "Disputed" at bottom of Wikiquote article)
14. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2023/01/plague-of-tyrants.html

**Image Source:
Page URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Earl_Butlin,_Oxen_Yoke,_c._1937,_NGA_28390.jpg
Attribution: National Gallery of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Date: circa 1937
Permission: This file is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Patterns of Exodus? Preparing for Exodus?

Rebellion to Tyrants is
Obedience to God
Drawing made July 1856
by Benson J. Lossing from
seal description of
Benjamin Franklin
Image Source* below footnotes 

Did you know?

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress asked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams to draft a great seal for the newly declared United States of America?¹ With the help of artist, Pierre Eugène Du Simitière, the named committee drafted a doubled-sided proposal. The proposed front side of Simitière's sketch can be seen here,² but the reverse side was described only in words:

Pharaoh sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his head and a Sword in his hand, passing through the divided Waters of the Red Sea in Pursuit of the Israelites: Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Cloud, expressive of the divine Presence and Command, beaming on Moses who stands on the shore and extending his hand over the Sea causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh. Motto: Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God."³

“On August 20, 1776, the committee presented their report to Congress. The committee members chose du Simitière's design, though it was changed [by Congress]. ... For the reverse, Franklin's design of Moses parting the Red Sea was [presented]. Congress was however not impressed, and on the same day ordered that the report "lie on the table", ending the work of the committee.”⁴

Obviously, that first committee intended to send a message to the abusive powers of its day (“Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God”), and perhaps even as a warning to its own peoples and governments, then and future.

As we can see, this Exodus theme of fleeing from oppression or power abuse is pervasive in scripture:

▪ Terah from Ur of the Chaldees⁵
▪ Abraham from Haran⁶
▪ Jaredites from the tower of Babel wickedness and confusion⁷
▪ House of Omer from secret combinations⁸
▪ Lehi from the corruption in Jerusalem⁹
▪ People of Mulek (People of Zarahemla)¹⁰
▪ Nephi (and followers) from his brothers' anger and abuse¹¹
▪ King Mosiah from warfare¹²
▪ Alma from king Noah's thugs¹³
▪ Limhi from Lamanite oppression¹⁴
▪ Alma from Lamanite oppression¹⁵
▪ LDS from Nauvoo to Salt Lake Valley to escape persecution¹⁶

And this is not even to list Noah's unique exodus.¹⁷ So how many other stories in history, written and unwritten, repeat the Exodus theme that Benjamin Franklin sought to memorialize in the new nation's seal? Is that why God commanded Moses and future generations to remember every anniversary of the Passover and Exodus — ​a reminder how quickly powers can corrupt themselves and bring oppression? Was Franklin being unwittingly prescient to have subsequently observed to his daughter on January 26, 1784?

“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.”¹⁸

Perhaps we have so many examples of Exodus in history, of both groups and individuals, because oppression and power abuse perpetually recycle because of the nature of man.¹⁹

O, that knowledge of these repeating cycles had alerted everyone to the techniified agendas and purposes of these past three years.

O, that everyone could see that global tyranny is not just in the wings, but crowding center stage.

O, that everyone would awaken, repent, and act with conviction and courage.

For some excellent insights into the Exodus theme, see the developing 16-part “Exodus” series led by Jordan B. Peterson and hosted by The Daily Wire.

https://www.dailywire.com/watch/jordan-peterson

The Daily Wire has a paywall, but some Exodus clips can be see on YouTube and other platforms.

Let us take the time to review and understand how to prepare for the final Exodus / restoration / renewal. Let us prepare ourselves to let go of things, properties, preconceptions, pride, prejudices, etc. and let God be the Guide and Giftor²⁰ for whatever is BEST.

--------------------------------------------/
1. https://www.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/reverse.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_the_United_States (See sections titled, Origin: First Committee)
2. https://www.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/index.html
3. Wording was apparently by Thomas Jefferson amending the original description by Benjamin Franklin which was:
"Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing same to overwhelm Pharaoh who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity." Motto, "Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God."
https://www.greatseal.com/committees/firstcomm/reverse.html
I first heard of this seal proposal by Benjamin Franklin by listening to the Exodus seminar series at DailyWire (JBPeterson) in a comment made by Dennis Prager | Episode 3: circa minute 33:09 (Dec 1, 2022) at https://www.dailywire.com/watch/jordan-peterson
4. Full quote: “On August 20, 1776, the committee presented their report to Congress. The committee members chose du Simitière's design, though it was changed to remove the anchor of hope and replace the soldier with Lady Justice holding a sword and a balance. Surrounding the main elements was the inscription "Seal of the United States of America MDCCLXXVI". For the reverse, Franklin's design of Moses parting the Red Sea was used. Congress was however not impressed, and on the same day ordered that the report "lie on the table", ending the work of the committee. // While the designs in their entirety were not used, the E Pluribus Unum motto was chosen for the final seal, and the reverse used the Roman numeral for 1776 and the Eye of Providence. Jefferson also liked Franklin's motto so much, he ended up using it on his personal seal.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Seal_of_the_United_States (from sections titled: Origin: First Committee)
5. Old Testament | Genesis 11:31
   31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
6. Old Testament | Genesis 12:1-5
   1 NOW the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
   2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
   3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
   4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
   5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:12, 15-19
   12 And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me [Abraham], ...
   15 And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands;
   16 And his voice was unto me: Abraham, Abraham, behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father's house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of;
   17 And this because they have turned their hearts away from me, to worship the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; therefore I have come down to visit them, and to destroy him who hath lifted up his hand against thee, Abraham, my son, to take away thy life.
   18 Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be over thee.
   19 As it was with Noah so shall it be with thee; but through thy ministry my name shall be known in the earth forever, for I am thy God.
7. Book of Mormon | Ether 1:33-34, 38-42
   33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.
   34 And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our words. ...
   38 And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother, saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.
   39 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord according to that which had been spoken by the mouth of Jared.
   40 And it came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had compassion upon him, and said unto him:
   41 Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their families.
   42 And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth.
8. Book of Mormon | Ether 9:1-3
   1. ...Therefore, behold, it came to pass that because of the secret combinations of Akish and his friends, behold, they did overthrow the kingdom of Omer.
   2 Nevertheless, the Lord was merciful unto Omer, and also to his sons and to his daughters who did not seek his destruction.
   3 And the Lord warned Omer in a dream that he should depart out of the land; wherefore Omer departed out of the land with his family, and traveled many days, and came over and passed by the hill of Shim, and came over by the place where the Nephites were destroyed, and from thence eastward, and came to a place which was called Ablom, by the seashore, and there he pitched his tent, and also his sons and his daughters, and all his household, save it were Jared and his family.
9. Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 2:1-4
   1 FOR behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life.
   2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.
   3 And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.
   4 And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.
10. Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:10
   10 Now the land south was called Lehi and the land north was called Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:21-22
   21 And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek? Yea, and do ye not behold that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem? But behold, this is not all—
   22 Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified of these things.
Book of Mormon | Omni 1:14–17
   14 And they [king Mosiah and his people] discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.
   15 Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.
   16 And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.
   17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them.
11. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 5:1-7
   1 BEHOLD, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord my God, because of the anger of my brethren.
   2 But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they did seek to take away my life.
   3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore, now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.
   4 Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my life.
   5 And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me.
   6 Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words.
   7 And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days. And after we had journeyed for the space of many days we did pitch our tents.
12. Book of Mormon | Omni 1:12-14
   12 Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—
   13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.
   14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla.
13. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:31-35
   31 And these things were done in the borders of the land, that they might not come to the knowledge of the king.
   32 But behold, it came to pass that the king, having discovered a movement among the people, sent his servants to watch them. Therefore on the day that they were assembling themselves together to hear the word of the Lord they were discovered unto the king.
   33 And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him; therefore he sent his army to destroy them.
   34 And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness.
   35 And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls.
14. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 22:1-2, 10-11
   1 AND now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter.
   2 And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword. ...
   10 And king Limhi caused that his people should gather their flocks together; and he sent the tribute of wine to the Lamanites; and he also sent more wine, as a present unto them; and they did drink freely of the wine which king Limhi did send unto them.
   11 And it came to pass that the people of king Limhi did depart by night into the wilderness with their flocks and their herds, and they went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their course towards the land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and his brethren.
15. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:16-25
   16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
   17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage.
   18 Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night–time gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all the night–time were they gathering the flocks together.
   19 And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task–masters were in a profound sleep.
   20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness.
   21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.
   22 And they gave thanks to God, yea, all their men and all their women and all their children that could speak lifted their voices in the praises of their God.
   23 And now the Lord said unto Alma: Haste thee and get thou and this people out of this land, for the Lamanites have awakened and do pursue thee; therefore get thee out of this land, and I will stop the Lamanites in this valley that they come no further in pursuit of this people.
   24 And it came to pass that they departed out of the valley, and took their journey into the wilderness.    25 And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them with joy.
16. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 136:1-4, 22, 34
   1 THE Word and Will of the Lord concerning the Camp of Israel in their journeyings to the West:
   2 Let all the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God.
   3 Let the companies be organized with captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with a president and his two counselors at their head, under the direction of the Twelve Apostles.
   4 And this shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord. ...
   22 I am he who led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; and my arm is stretched out in the last days, to save my people Israel. ...
   34 Thy brethren have rejected you and your testimony, even the nation that has driven you out;
17. Old Testament | Genesis 6:13-14
   13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
   14 ¶ Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
Old Testament | Genesis 7:1-7
   1 AND the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. ...
   5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.
   6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.
   7 ¶ And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
18. https://todayinconservation.com/2018/01/january-26-benjamin-franklin-disses-the-bald-eagle-1784/
19. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:39
   39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
20. https://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2013/12/gods-economy-christmas-perspective.html

*Image source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FirstCommitteeGreatSealReverseLossingDrawing.jpg
drawing was made by Benson J. Lossing for Harper's New Monthly Magazine in July 1856