Mosiah 4:3 peace of conscience
Many have repented
wondering, “How will I know when I am forgiven for my sins?” They wonder
whether they will feel a great burden being lifted from their shoulders; they
wonder whether they should hear a voice saying, “your sins are forgiven.” They
may worry, because they feel nothing at all, that they are not forgiven.
Therefore, the spiritual discernment of forgiveness of sins is important to
everyone. Here, in this passage, we have a very descriptive and accurate term
describing what it should feel like to receive a remission of sins—peace of conscience. This is the peace that the
Spirit brings when a loved one passes away. It is the peace that comes to us
when we search for a testimony. Note the words of the Lord to Oliver Cowdery, Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further
witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart,
that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak
peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have
than from God? (DC 6:22-3, emphasis added)
Spencer W. Kimball
“The
essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that is brings peace to the previously
anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. In a world of turmoil
and contention this is indeed a priceless gift…
“Peace
is the fruit of righteousness. It cannot be bought with money, and cannot be
traded nor bartered. It must be earned. The wealthy often spend much of their
gains in a bid for peace, only to find that it is not for sale. But the poorest
as well as the richest may have it in abundance if the total price is paid.
Those who abide the laws and live the Christ-like life may have peace and other
kindred blessings, principal among which are exaltation and eternal life. They
include also blessings for this life.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp.
363-4)
Harold B. Lee
“If
the time comes when you have done all that you can to repent of your sins…then
you will want that confirming answer as to whether or not the Lord has accepted
of you. In your soul-searching, if you seek for and you find that peace of conscience by that token you may know that
the Lord has accepted of your repentance. Satan would have you think otherwise
and sometimes persuade you that now having made one mistake, you might go on
and on with no turning back. That is one of the great falsehoods. The miracle
of forgiveness is available to all of those who turn from their evil doings and
return no more, because the Lord has said in a revelation to us in our days: ‘…go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who
sinneth [meaning again] shall the former sins
return, saith the Lord your God.’ (DC 82:7) Have that in mind, all of
you who may be troubled with a burden of sin.” (Stand Ye in Holy Places,
pp. 184-5)
Boyd K. Packer
“Often
the most difficult part of repentance is to forgive yourself. Discouragement is
part of that test. Do not give up. That brilliant morning will come. Then ‘the peace of God which passeth…understanding’
comes into your life once again. Then you like Him, will remember your sins no
more. How will you know? You will know!” (Ensign, p. 208 as taken from Latter-day
Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 208)
Mosiah 4:6 the atonement…prepared from the foundation of the world
“Peter
testified that Christ was the ‘lamb without blemish
and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the
world’ (1 Peter 1:19-20). In the
words of John the Revelator, Christ was the ‘Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8). Such expressions affirm that the plan of
salvation was known and taught even before the creation of the earth (see
D&C 132:8-11).” (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book
of Mormon, vol. 2, p. 76)
Mosiah 4:9 Believe in God…that he has all wisdom, and all power
One of the fundamental
components of true faith is a correct understanding of the attributes of God.
This includes a correct understanding of His perfected, tangible body and the perfection
of his omnipotence, omniscience, etc.
Joseph Smith
“Let us here observe, that three things are
necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith
in God unto life and salvation.
First, the idea that he actually exists.
Secondly, a correct idea of his
character, perfections, and attributes.
Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the
course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an
acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational
being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can
become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and
glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Lectures on Faith,
p. 33)
Mosiah 4:11 always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and
your own nothingness
If there is a recurring
theme in Benjamin’s sermon, it must be that his people are to remember their
own nothingness, viewing as unworthy creatures (v.
11)—in their own carnal state, even less than the
dust of the earth (v. 2). Is such a self-deprecating attitude healthy?
Should we really put ourselves down so far that we consider ourselves of less
value than the dust of the earth? Aren’t we the children of God with intrinsic
value and divine potential?
In spite of our untapped
potential, our nothingness is so evident when compared to the greatness of God. Benjamin’s point is that our
relationship with God must be characterized by extreme humility before our
Maker. He reminds us that we are indebted to him, forever
and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast? (Mosiah 2:24) Emphasizing
our powerlessness compared to God, the Savior asked, Which
of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (Matt 6:27)
Consider the following parable:
‘Two men went up
into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and
prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
I fast twice in the
week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
And the publican,
standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man
went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one
that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted.’ (Lu 18:10-14)
Benjamin had wisely
instructed his people to have publican-like humility, saying, in essence, God be merciful to me a sinner instead of wallowing
in Pharisaic pride.
Mosiah 4:12 retain a remission of your sins
Neal A. Maxwell
“Much
emphasis was given by King Benjamin to retaining a remission of our sins (see
Mosiah 4:26). We do not ponder that concept very much in the church. We ought
to think of it a lot more. Retention clearly depends on the regularity of our
repentance. In the church we worry, and should, over the retention of new
members but the retention of our remissions is cause for even deeper concern.”
(John W. Welch, and Stephen D. Ricks, King Benjamin’s Speech: Made Simple,
p. 16)
Mosiah 4:14-15 neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of
God, and fight and quarrel
Benjamin had a good sense for
human nature and the typical fighting which occurs between almost all siblings.
He indicates that such quarrels serve only the
devil, who is the master of sin.
Heber J. Grant
“I
have heard men and women say that they were going to let their sons and daughters
grow to maturity before they sought to teach them the principles of the gospel,
that they were not going to cram the gospel down them in their childhood,
before they were able to comprehend it. When I hear men and women say this, I
think they are lacking faith in the principles of the gospel and do not
comprehend it as they should. The Lord has said it is our duty to teach our
children in their youth, and I prefer to take His word for it rather than the
words of those who are not obeying His commandments .... I may know that the
gospel is true, and so may my wife; but I want to tell you that your children
will not know that the gospel is true, unless they study it and gain a
testimony for themselves. Parents are deceiving themselves in imagining that
their children will be born with a knowledge of the gospel.” (Richard O. Cowan,
The Church in the Twentieth Century, p. 319)
Mosiah 4:16 ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition
to you in vain
Everyone is faced, from time
to time, with the petitions of the beggars. It is often difficult to know what
to do in these varied circumstances. What if he is a drunk and is just going to
use this money to buy alcohol? What if he has track marks on his arm suggesting
the abuse of harmful drugs? Well, Benjamin has an answer for everyone of those
situations—his advice, do not turn him out to perish.
On the other hand, Benjamin never required that the petition be granted with
money. If the drunk says he wants the money for food, take him to a restaurant
and buy him a meal. If the addict says he needs money for shelter, find and pay
for his shelter for the night. If the sign says, “will work for food,” put him
to the test.
The problem with dealing
with these many, varied circumstances is that they never seem to come at
convenient times. It is likely that the priest and the Levite in the parable of
the good Samaritan were actually in a hurry to get somewhere and do something.
Joseph F. Smith
“We
have always managed to give something to the poor, and refuse no one who asks
for food. I believe this is the general sentiment and character of the
Latter-day Saints. I think all the Mormon people are kindly disposed, and are
generous toward the poor and unfortunate, and that there is not a Latter-day
Saint under the sound of my voice or anywhere that would not divide his portion
with his fellow creature in case of need….
“I
have seen men go away from my door with good bread and butter in their hands
(good enough for any king to eat, for my folks make good bread and good butter,
as good as I ever ate on earth) and when out of the gate they have thrown it
into the street. It was not food they wanted. They wanted money. For what? That
they might go to some gambling [hall] or to some drinking saloon. Of course they
are responsible for that. We can only judge by appearances and by the
promptings of the good spirit within us; and it is better to give to a dozen
that are unworthy than to turn away empty one worthy person.” (Teachings of
Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Pr/RS Manual, p. 194)
Mosiah 4:17 perhaps thou shall say: The man has brought upon himself
his misery
Every time I am confronted
with a beggar, these thoughts invariably enter my mind. I think, “go get a
job,” “this is your own fault,” and “not the old, Vietnam Vet story again!” In
this day and age, there seems to be almost no excuse for a life of vagrancy and
begging. Yet Benjamin warns us against such pride, for
behold, are we not all beggars? Hugh Nibley taught, “Indolent and
unworthy the beggar may be--but that is not your concern: It is better, said
Joseph Smith, to feed ten impostors than to run the risk of turning away one
honest petition.” (Approaching Zion, p. 226)
Mosiah 4:21 God…doth grant unto your whatsoever ye ask that is right
Neal A. Maxwell
“Consider…how
many sincerely believe that if they simply ask for something in prayer, God
will grant it, especially if they ask with at least a modicum of faith. King
Benjamin counseled us, however, that while we are to pray in faith, it should
be for that [which] is right (Mosiah 4:21).
The resurrected Jesus so confirmed, saying: And
whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that
ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you (3 Ne 18:20).
The
phrase which is right is correlated [among various prophetic
utterances]. Not surprisingly, Paul also understood the need for inspired
prayers, saying, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth
our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered
(Rom 8:26). I hope I am not the only one in this audience who has sometimes
wondered what to pray for. Therefore, how much in the complexities of life’s
situations, we need to have our very prayers inspired!” (John W. Welch, and
Stephen D. Ricks, King Benjamin’s Speech: Made Simple, p. 9)
Mosiah 4:23 his substance shall perish with him
“In
parable Jesus said: ‘The ground of a certain rich
man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What
shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull
down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my
goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul,
thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and
be merry. But God said unto him, Thou
fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those
things be, which thou hast provided? So
is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’
(Luke 12:16-21.) To those of our day
the Lord has said: ‘If any man shall take of the
abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law
of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up
his eyes in hell, being in torment’ (D&C 104:18).” (McConkie and
Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 2, p. 166)
Mosiah 4:24 I give not because I
have not, but if I had I would give
Dallin H. Oaks
“Paul
described the same principle in his second letter to the Corinthians, in which
he said, ‘If there be first a willing mind, it is
accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not’
(2 Corinthians 8:12). What a contrast between these examples and those of the
priest and the Levite, who looked on the wounded man but ‘passed by on the other side of the way; for they desired
in their hearts that it might not be known that they had seen him’ (JST
Luke 10:33).
“President
Harold B. Lee relied on the above scriptures on the desire to give when
he defined another example of rewards for righteous desires :
‘(Women) who have been denied the blessings of
wifehood or motherhood in this life--who say in their heart, if I could have
done, I would have done, or I would give if I had, but I cannot, for I have
not--the Lord will bless you as though you had done, and the world to come will
compensate for those who desire in their hearts the righteous blessings that
they were not able to have because of no fault of their own.’ (Ye Are the Light
of the World (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974), p. 292.)” (Pure in
Heart, p. 61)
Mosiah 4:25 ye covet that which ye have not received
“Notice
how King Benjamin speaks to both the poor and the rich. He says that the rich
should give and the poor should not covet. Sometimes we think of coveting as
being directed only at something someone else has that we want, but coveting is
an attitude. It is setting one’s heart on the things of the world more than on
the things of God. Thus Benjamin says we can be guilty of coveting (or holding
back) what we haven’t even received.” (Book of Mormon Student Manual,
1981, p. 165)
Mosiah 4:27 it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he
has strength
Diligence is defined as
being hard-working, industrious, and persistent. It is the mark of a committed
servant. However, sometimes we get more zealous than is healthy. These are the
times when things need to be done in wisdom and
order. The same advice was given to the prophet Joseph Smith when he was
given the gift of translation subsequent to losing the 116 pages. Early in
1828, the prophet had suffered considerable anguish of mind and soul because he
lost the gift of translation for a season. The scripture records that his mind became darkened (DC 10:2). When this period of
repentance ended, the prophet was probably filled with desire to show his
faithfulness and diligence. It was at this zealous time that the Lord counseled
him, Do not run faster or labor more than you have
strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto
the end (DC 10:4). Elder Neal A. Maxwell succinctly states, “There is a
difference, therefore, between being 'anxiously engaged' and being over anxious
and thus underengaged." (Conference Reports, Oct. 1976, p. 14)
“Slow
me down, Lord! Teach me the art of taking minute vacations…of slowing down to
look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from
a good book…There is more to life than measuring its speed. Let me look upward
into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong
because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my
roots deep into the soil of life’s enduring values.” (Author Unknown as taken from Latter-day
Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 211)
Neal A. Maxwell
“When we run faster than we are able,
we get both inefficient and tired….I have on my office wall a wise and useful
reminder by Anne Morrow Lindberg concerning one of the realities of life. She
wrote, ‘My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to
whom my heart responds.’ That’s good counsel for us all, not as an excuse to
forgo duty, but as a sage point about pace and the need for quality in
relationships.” (Deposition of a Disciple, pp. 57-8)
Mosiah 4:29 I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit
sin; for there are divers ways
“Sin
is anything that offends the Spirit, and there are many ways and means to
commit sin, so many they cannot be numbered. However, we have no need to feel
overwhelmed; there is no subject the Spirit would rather discuss with us than
our sins. If we want a near guarantee that a prayer will be answered, all we
need to do is-with real intent-ask: ‘Father, tell me the ways and means my
thoughts, my words, or my deeds have offended thee. I would like to change any
and everything in my life that would keep me from having thy Spirit to be with
me.’ That is a prayer we can be sure will be answered.
“If
we then proceed to correct our sins, we place ourselves in a position to
receive more blessings from heaven. The Prophet Joseph said: ‘Search your
hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent
of all my sins.’ (HC 4:588)” (Errol R. Fish, Promptings of the Spirit,
p. 132)
Spencer W. Kimball
“The
curse of the earth is sin. It covers every area. It takes on numerous forms and
dresses itself in many kinds of apparel, depending on factors such as the stratum
of society in which it is operating. But whether man calls it convention or
business, or uses any other euphemism, if it offends God’s law it is sin.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 39)