A careful reading of the
Revelation on wars (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 87) leads us to the
conclusion that the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" actually
dawned upon the world with that shot that was fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston
Harbor, January 9, 1861, and of which it is said: "It was heard around the
world." The revelation predicts the Civil War (Ibid., 1), and
further predicts that it is only the beginning of greater catastrophies that
are yet to follow. "Then," it says, "war shall be poured out
upon all nations." (v. 3) Section 87 also foretells of labor disputes and
Indian uprisings, sword and bloodshed famine, plague, earthquakes, thunder and
lightnings, until the consummation decreed shall have made an end of all nations-all
human governments. "Wherefore," the Lord says, "stand ye in holy
places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come." That is, until
all these things take place; "For, behold it cometh quickly, saith the
Lord." (v. 8) (George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the
Book of Mormon, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1976], 7:206-7)
On the U.S. Civil War and D&C 87, see the relevant blog posts at: