Last Testament

~Last Testament

I Leland make a record according to the Spirit that is within me.  I have read and reviewed the records of my Fathers and make this to add to theirs as another witness to the truth.  I shall not write concerning the history of my people for it is well recorded. 

I shall however record those things that are most precious unto me.

Time and time again our Fathers have testified to our people that inasmuch as they keep the commandments of the Lord they shall prosper in the land.  The promise is fulfilled time and time again as our people humble themselves and live accordingly as would please the Lord.  Being a stubborn and a stiffnecked people it is not long before they wax strong in iniquity.  Riches of the world are gathered and hoarded, the poor go without and our people are puffed up in their pride according to their own accomplishments.  My heart mourns for my people.  How quickly they forget the Lord their God, who led our fathers out of captivity and loosed the chains that bound them.  Our merciful Father in Heaven has kept His arm outstretched still for those that will but believe in His name and come unto Him. 

Knowing that our Savior had come to redeem our souls, and as a lamb to the slaughter, He who was without sin or guile was mocked and rejected by his own.  He was made a mockery and crucified.  Tho He could command legions of angels He bore his pain and suffering with regal grace.  Upon the cross He hung and few there were that mourned his passing.  How glorious the knowledge that He is risen.  My soul rejoiceth that Our Savior sought his other lost sheep.  Our fathers were diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord.  They have kept the record from the time their fathers left Jerusalem, writing only those things that are delightsome and of eternal benefit to man.  The record has passed among many hands with all making an entry until time to hide it up to be brought forth by the power of a loving God to be another testament to our people of Gods mercy and Love unto all his creations. 

This Sacred record was brought forth in our dispensation that we can learn and benefit from the words contained therein.  How marvelous a work, in seeing the grace of God time and time again, as His word is fulfilled.  This record of our people continues to go forth unto the convincing of the Jews and all those who lack a true knowledge of the Christ.  Our fathers were persecuted and contended often with their brethren even to the shedding of blood in defense of their testimonies.  They were mocked and the Evil one, the Master Deceiver binds the weak with chains of everlasting damnation, to stir them up unto anger to persecute and punish the Faithful followers of Christ. 

The Word has been fulfilled; the book of Judah and the book of Jesse have come together and testify that by the words of two witnesses’ shall the truth be verified.  I add this record that by the words of three shall it add strength to the Eternal truths that bind Heaven and Earth.  The Lord states that other sheep has He; in the Isles of the Sea, in the North, and the South, the East and in the West, His word is among them all, and the day shall come when all records shall be gathered together and they shall be as one…all testifying of the same eternal principals.  Thus we see the loving nature of an Eternal Parent, who is no respecter of peoples, but loves all His children equally and has forsaken none.  The Prophets of Old are validated, the Prophets of our Fathers who were led away to escape the destruction of Jerusalem are validated.  Our Latter-Day Prophets add to the growing list of living testimony that Jesus is the Christ, He is our Redeemer and that no other way save it be by His glorious hand can man be saved.  He is Risen.  His word will be fulfilled in keeping the commands of His Father.  The day speedily cometh when the wicked will be destroyed.  Our brethren continue to wax strong in iniquity.  The whole of the World has grown ripe for destruction.  We have fought many battles in the defense of Liberty, for our own and for our brethren across the seas.  We are well acquainted with war and the instruments of destruction.  Our children fall in battle and yet we continue to battle the wicked.  The wicked fall by the instrument’s of war for the protection of the Lord doth not fall on the heads of the wicked.  Many Wars and contentions have we fought and continue to fight.  Woe unto our people as our Leaders follow Not the promptings of the spirit but are puffed up in pride to the strength of their arm and their own understanding.  The Lord has withheld His righteous anger and has yet stayed His arm.  The day speedily cometh, when He shall fulfill all prophesy, for the Lord can not look upon Sin in the least amount of tolerance, and the end of our Probation grows nigh.

My righteous brethren, oh stalwart sons, prepare for battle for the conflict is not over.  Put on the full armor of God that ye may withstand the fiery darts.  Hold firm to the words of your mothers and trust in God whose royal children we are.  Stretch forth your arm and stand firm in the Last Day.  As the world crumbles around us let us stand together as an Ensign unto all nations that God is just and His Word will be fulfilled even every last one.  Gather together those humble, with contrite spirit, listen as you are led to find the lost sheep.  When all is safely gathered in, we shall fight one last battle.  Be unwavering and stand firm when the World comes against you.  Take heart in the sure knowledge that ye are on the Lords side and He shall fight your battles with you. 

Soon we all shall turn to dust and come forth in the resurrection, either to bask in Eternal Glory or weep in Eternal Damnation.  Our Agency has always been our own for the Lord will never command our Free Will.  Therefore, every man and woman will account for the state that they shall inherit and none can deny that the judgment was just.  I go to make amends with My Creator and prepare for my battles, my brothers and my sons I exhort you to not delay your own preparations that you may stand Firm and be an instrument of God as the battles rage.

~Leland Vance