Unforgiveness is a greater sin (8-11)

. The "other side" of repentance is forgiveness, and many times in mortality we will be required to forgive others. When that happens, we must remember that to forgive is not only a commandment, but also a divine act, like William Shakespeare very appropriately suggested:

Unrepentant persons who avoid confessing their sins (or try to cover them up) have to be dealt with (12-13)

"The bishop is expected to keep confidential the confession of the transgressor, unless he considers the sins serious enough and the repentance slack enough to take the matter before the bishop's court or the high council court. The keeping of full confidence makes it possible for the repentant individual to retain the confidence and win the friendly support of all with whom he associates. If the bishop sees fit to forgive the transgression, that is, to waive penalties, he may wish to keep very close to the sinner for a substantial period to assist and encourage him while the person is overcoming his errors and transforming his life. And at the discretion of the bishop, those who have cleared their transgressions and shared their burdens with their bishop or proper authority, can then move forward in Church activity with freedom and assurance."   (Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p.334-335)

. Around 1985 Church "courts" were renamed "Disciplinary Councils." The change in name was more than cosmetic; it reflected a reaffirmation of the philosophy behind these councils. Their purpose is not to punish or retaliate against transgressors, but to see that:

(a) the transgressors are brought back into full reconciliation with the Lord, if they so desire, and
(b) that the Church and its name remain spotless in the world

This age is a day of sacrifice and a day for the tithing of the people (23-24)

We are agents engaged in the Lord's business (29)

We should not be not weary in well-doing (33-35)

. Out of small things proceedeth that which is great
. The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind

Historical Note: D&C 64:36 marked the end of the "Book of Commandments" (The title of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, published in Independence, Missouri, in 1833.  That edition was destroyed by a mob.)

The stone cut out of mountain without hands will fill the earth (65:2)

What could be the difference between "praying unto the Lord" and "calling upon his holy name"? (65:4) 

The fulness of the gospel was sent to the earth so that we might be prepared to the glories of the future (66:2; see also D&C 133:57-59)

Fear prevents blessings from being bestowed upon us (3)

. One can't fully exercise the faith that leads to miracles when in fear

The Lord's challenge for those who murmured against the language of the revelations (4-9)

Another promise to see God (10-12)

. Requirements: no jealousies, no fear, and humility before the Lord
. But one can only see God under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord

However, most people are not ready to abide (i.e bear, tolerate, withstand) the presence of God and the ministry of angels right away (13)

. Consider the following accounts given by Brother Zebedee Coltrin, a former member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and a former member of the first School of the Prophets, organized in Kirtland, Ohio:

"About the time the school was first organized some wished to see an angel, and a number joined in the circle and prayed. When the vision came, two of the brethren shrank and called for the vision to close or they would perish; they were Brothers Hancock and Humphries. When the Prophet came in they told him what they had done and he said the angel was no further off than the roof of the house, and a moment more he would have been in their midst.

At one of these meetings after the organization of the school, ... when we were all together, Joseph having given instructions, and while engaged in silent prayer, kneeling, with our hands uplifted each one praying in silence, no one whispered above his breath,

a personage walked through the room from east to west, and Joseph asked if we saw him. I saw him and suppose the others did and Joseph answered that is Jesus, the Son of God, our elder brother.

Afterward Joseph told us to resume our former position in prayer, which we did. Another person came through; he was surrounded as with a flame of fire. He (Brother Coltrin) experienced a sensation that it might destroy the tabernacle as it was of consuming fire of great brightness. The Prophet Joseph said this was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I saw Him.  ..."

(When asked about the kind of clothing the Father had on, Brother Coltrin said:)

"I did not discover his clothing for he was surrounded as with a flame of fire, which was so brilliant that I could not discover anything else but his person. I saw his hands, his legs, his feet, his eyes, nose, mouth, head and body in the shape and form of a perfect man. He sat in a chair as a man would sit in a chair, but this appearance was so grand and overwhelming that it seemed I should melt down in his presence, and the sensation was so powerful that it thrilled through my whole system and I felt it in the marrow of my bones.

The Prophet Joseph said: Brethren, now you are prepared to be the apostles of Jesus Christ, for you have seen both the Father and the Son and know that they exist and that they are two separate personages."   (Brother Zebedee Coltrin, Minutes of the School of Prophets, Salt Lake City, 3 & 11 Oct 1883)

Questions for Review

1. "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive ............................." (64:10)

2. "And out of small things proceedeth ......................................................" (64:33)

3. Why did the Lord send the fulness of His gospel? (66:2)

4. When some of the early brethren complained about the language of the revelations, what test did the Lord propose to them? (67:heading, 5-8)