Saturday, August 21, 2021

Parley P. Pratt, “Wars and Rumours of Wars” (1840) and the Post-1830 Fulfilment of Book of Mormon Prophecies

 

WARS AND RUMOURS OF WARS

 

The civil war in Spain yet continues.

 

The Mexican and South American Governments have been overwhelmed in wars and revolutions for some time past.

 

The French and Arabs in Africa are at active war, and have been for some length of time.

 

Russia and Circassia have been engaged in hostile array during the past seasons. Much blood has been shed, and, from all appearances, the war is likely to continue.

 

Egypt is making very active preparations of a warlike character, and is threatened by the powers of Europe, who aim to maintain an equilibrium of power in the East.

 

These, together with the late war between the English and the East Indies, the Canada revolution, and the present war with China, all go to show, that the signs of the times are not of the most peaceful aspect, although we have reason to believe it is now a time of greater peace and tranquillity than will be enjoyed a few years hence. Let us, then, improve the precious time which we now enjoy in preparing for the worst/

 

From the foregoing accounts and many other things which have been transpired within the last few years, we can all see the fulfilment of a prediction of Moroni, recorded in the Book of Mormon, page 563. Speaking of the time when that record should be published to the Gentiles, he says: “It,” the record, “shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapours of smoke in foreign lands; and there shall also be heard of wars and rumours of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.”

 

Hen we see prophecy fulfilling, we are bound to acknowledge that those who uttered it were dictated by the spirit of truth.—ED. (Parley P. Pratt, “Wars and Rumours of Wars,” in The Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 1, no. 2 [June, 1840]:46-47)

 

Further Reading


Resources on Joseph Smith's Prophecies