Scripture Context



DC 128:5 - DC 128:8b


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5 It is well to understand that the term "regions round about" must mean more than a small area of country round about the central spot, and that the necessity of the great majority of the church in gathering together can only be provided for by settling carefully together as many in one region as may be practicable and profitable and in accordance with the feelings of the people under the laws existing in the places where such settlements are to be made.

6a The great variety of callings, avocations, and professions will present difficulties precluding the practicability of all settling and living in near proximity to each other.

6b It is therefore within the province of those upon whom the burden of organization may rest to provide for other organizations or associations than those simply pastoral or agricultural.

6c Under this head there may be placed industrial associations of such sorts as the varied qualifications existing among workmen may demand.

7a It has been prophesied that the Gentiles shall assist in rebuilding the waste places of Zion.

7b This can not refer to the inhabitants of Zion who are the pure in heart, but must refer to the places which have been occupied or which it may be contemplated to occupy in the regions round about.

7c The Saints can not occupy in any place on the land of Zion which is not under the domination of civil law, and as citizens of the state, holding their liberties under the law, there must be a proper recognition and observance of these laws.

7d The Lord has said that this condition of obedience to law must continue until he comes whose right it is to come and assumes to reign over his people.

7e Under the provisions of the laws these organizations or associations must be instituted and carried to completion if they shall be of benefit to those who shall be engaged in them.

8a The Spirit saith further: That these organizations contemplated in the law may be effected and the benefits to be derived therefrom be enjoyed by the Saints, in such enjoyment they can not withdraw themselves so completely from a qualified dependence upon their Gentile neighbors surrounding them as to be entirely free from intercommunication with them;

8b yet it is incumbent upon the Saints while reaping the benefits of these organizations to so conduct themselves in the carrying into operation the details of their organizations as to be in the world but not of it,

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