That takes a righteous people with good leadership - who lead in a simple manner without the pride of the world. If the people fall short, the leadership cannot lead - as agency must prevail in all things. Rarely, does the leadership pull the people along by sheer force of celeb or charisma as Joseph Smith was largely able to do - it is usually the hearts and desires of the people who make Zion happen, which is why the initial attempt had failed in this last dispensation. The only two cases I am aware of where the leadership was able to be of such a strength that the people fell in behind them and took it the distance - Melchizedek (Shem, son of Noah) , Enoch, the twelve in America under the leadership of Jesus. The Old World apostles did not have it - though they made a valiant effort, there was so much Babylon ingrained in the people that rooting it out became problematic and then it got bogged down. In describing some of the things I do at work that get tedious because of complexity, I call it "Running a marathon in quicksand......". Notice the three cases where forming an enduring terrestrial society was possible on a telestial earth - it was all after the people could be hand selected, isolated, taught, and where a form of isolation could be maintained. The attempt was made with Nephi's group - the isolation nearly complete and they had fantastic leadership, but they eventually stumbled and fell. Even if they could have completely cut themselves off from their errant brethren, the Lamanites, which they did by dissociation, they still managed to mess things up.
In the case of Melchizedek (or Shem, as Joseph Smith taught in TotPJS), they were isolated, established a city of Peace (or Salem or Shalom) in the location where Jeru Salem is today (arguably quite isolated since the place the ark rested was in the "mountains (foothills) of Ararat", quite some distance to the north in present-day Turkey). They were able to most likely draw on what they saw of the Enoch society that had been previously taken up into heaven in what I would assume was Shem's lifetime, and just before the flood. I have not done the math - but assume that there was some interaction there - but that their mission was to stay and leave a posterity to inhabit the baptized earth and provide a Savior for the wicked who had rebelled in the days of Noah. So Shem had a model to follow - one that was fresh in the memory. He was able to resist the siren call of Babylon precisely because he, his wife and children were it - Japheth and Noah having gone East, Egyptus and Ham having gone further south in the north of Africa. If only I could raise my kids in that pristine/clean environment - without picking up the filth in the babylon sea of trash we all swim in.
In Enoch's case, he was able to find a location where he could extract himself from the world (Mount Zion) and where the hordes of angry, bitter, sick and degenerate people could not molest him - much as one of those monastic fortresses on the top of the monolithic rock faces around the world, like these:
MONOLITH MONASTERIES
While he could not be molested by the wicked around him, they could see his peoples' good works and they could choose to join him in his quest for the perfect society. Many, having chosen Zion's hill, were also able to look down on the plain and were enticed away from their spiritual abode to join the masses below - some heeding the call of the music, dancing and revelry being played on the ancestor of our modern tuba, invented by Tubal Cain, the artificer of brass. In that day, Zion was terrible because of her righteousness - the wicked dared not enter because any weapon formed to be used against her would not prosper - just as it will be in the Modern Zion once the curse is lifted from that area and beauty reigns once more, though the nations attempt it, they will be crushed in their vain attempts. It was interesting to note that Spencer mentioned what I have always said would be the case (previous post) for those living approx below 2400' elevation in the mid-west area, they will be swept with the wicked when the city of Enoch and that portion of the earth that was taken up with her returns to the Gulf of Mexico area - sending the water sweeping north after the righteous have gathered to the foothills and everlasting hills - before the triumphant return to the millennial abode. Someone in a comment on a previous post challenged me on that statement (and I do not mind that - this stuff is off the charts), but you now have a second witness.
The Lord will have a Zion people from the residue that remain of the righteous saints. We will follow the type given in the Book of Mormon - where our perfection comes only after much tribulation, "if it so be by the things that they must suffer" - and I will say destruction. Babylon will be destroyed around us - and there will be no more to follow - all worldly constructs having come to an end. Most areas of the west where the Saints are gathered will be broken up - the entire face of the land. According to Sols, the areas around Cardston will be relatively untouched, but there will be much destruction in most other areas, including the Kalispell area. The amount will depend on the level of the Saints' collective righteousness (which is why its probably good to get that home teaching done.... our part towards making inroads to a Zion people). I have tried to see it for my own family - but I cannot pierce that view of our future. It might be de-motivating; we have a long way to go as a family unit. After the destruction and thinning or cleansing, there will be the translation of the Book of Mormon by a Seer that will be raised up again to that end. We have not had one in the Church who has exercised that gift since the 1830's. That is a long dry spell - but then, the condemnation of not taking the Book of Mormon seriously has not been lifted yet - and it was given at that time, as was most of the bulk of the revelation at that time - and little since...... Once the reality settles in and we see similar destruction to what has occurred as recorded in 3 Nephi, we will say, "Truly this Book was written for our day.". When we see what is restored when the Savior comes, and we begin to live the gospel fully as we have covenanted in the Temple - that the membership has rejected almost across the board in our past, we will see that 2 Nephi 28-31 was written for us. Only in our extremity will we see that, only in our need will we feel after our Lord and become a truly consecrated people who follow His word with exactness because we see Him as He is and we will have a Zion heart.
So, that is our future - as depressing, and as glorious as it is. It would have been far better had the people of the early Church not tossed out the Prophet or (fully heeded or been able to heed) his counsel so that he could have lived to 85 years of age. We are on the alternate path that was laid down in Section 101 - there have always been two since the beginning of days, since Adam and Eve were innocent in the Garden of Eden; the easy road where the burden is light, and the school of hard knocks path where we have to stumble in the dark until we get it right.
Here is Section 101. I hope you enjoy it and feel the spirit of Zion within it. May we all do our part to redeem it:
1–8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9–15, The Lord’s indignation will fall upon the nations, but his people will be gathered and comforted; 16–21, Zion and her stakes will be established; 22–31, The nature of life during the Millennium is set forth; 32–42, The Saints will be blessed and rewarded then; 43–62, The parable of the nobleman and the olive trees signifies the troubles and eventual redemption of Zion; 63–75, The Saints are to continue gathering together; 76–80, The Lord established the Constitution of the United States; 81–101, The Saints are to importune for the redress of grievances, according to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.
1 Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and apersecuted, and bcast out from the land of their inheritance—2 I, the Lord, have suffered the aaffliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their btransgressions;4 Therefore, they must needs be achastened and tried, even as bAbraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.6 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and acontentions, and benvyings, and cstrifes, and dlustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.7 They were slow to ahearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their atrouble, of necessity they bfeel after me.9 Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins, my bowels are filled with acompassion towards them. I will not utterly bcast them off; and in the day of cwrath I will remember mercy.10 I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the asword of mine indignation in behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass.11 Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is afull.12 And in that day all who are found upon the awatch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved.16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine ahands; be still and bknow that I am God.18 They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their ainheritances, they and their children, with bsongs of everlasting joy, to cbuild up the waste places of Zion—20 And, behold, there is none other aplace appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints—21 Until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called astakes, for the curtains or the strength of Zion.22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should agather together, and bstand in holy places;23 And aprepare for the revelation which is to come, when the bveil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall csee me together.24 And every acorruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of the heavens, or of the fish of the sea, that dwells upon all the face of the earth, shall be bconsumed;25 And also that of element shall amelt with fervent heat; and all things shall become bnew, that my knowledge and cglory may dwell upon all the dearth.26 And in that day the enmity of man, and the aenmity of beasts, yea, the benmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face.30 In that day an ainfant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree;31 And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be achanged in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be bcaught up, and his rest shall be glorious.33 Things which have passed, and ahidden things which no man knew, things of the bearth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.35 And all they who suffer apersecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my bsake yet shall they partake of all this glory.36 Wherefore, afear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your bjoy is full.37 Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the asoul, and for the life of the soul.38 And aseek the face of the Lord always, that in bpatience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life.39 When men are called unto mine aeverlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the bsalt of the earth and the savor of men;40 They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that asalt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.41 Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion, even many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore they must needs be achastened—43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the aredemption of Zion.44 A certain anobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my bvineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;45 And set awatchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very aslothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the ahedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the avineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a awatchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his aservants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take ball the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the awalls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, aavenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;61 And this shall be my seal and ablessing upon you—a faithful and bwise steward in the midst of mine house, a cruler in my kingdom.62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and aafter many days all things were fulfilled.63 Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are awilling to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—64 That the work of the agathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon bholy places; for the time of charvest is come, and my word must needs be dfulfilled.65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the atares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial bglory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;66 While the atares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be bburned with unquenchable fire.67 Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed.68 Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your agathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you.69 And in order that all things be prepared before you, observe the commandment which I have given concerning these things—70 Which saith, or teacheth, to apurchase all the lands with money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints;71 All the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand.72 Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things be done in their time, but not in ahaste; and observe to have all things prepared before you.74 And the churches in the aeastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel they may buy lands and gather together upon them; and in this way they may establish Zion.75 There is even now already in store sufficient, yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves after my name, awilling to hearken to my voice.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 aconstitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the brights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral aagency which I have given unto him, that every man may be baccountable for his own sins in the day of cjudgment.80 And for this purpose have I established the aConstitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the bshedding of blood.81 Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto the aparable of the woman and the unjust judge, for men ought always to bpray and not to faint, which saith—84 And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.89 And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his ahiding place, and in his fury vex the nation;
Quick side note - there is duality in Verse 89 depending on how bad the driving this time around is. The Law of the Harvest is in effect.....
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