Difference between revisions of "D&C 121:34-46"

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(Lexical notes: confidence)
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== Lexical notes ==
 
== Lexical notes ==
* ''Click the edit link above and to the right to add lexical notes''
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Verse 45
 
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*The 1847 New Dictionary of the English Language defines confidences as "To have or place faith or trust in; to credit or give credit; to trust or believe, to be secure or assured, to rely or depend upon; to be firmly, boldly secure" (by Charles Richardson, 1847). This is in-line with the three definitions given in Oxford English Dictionary (OED):
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:#The mental attitude of trusting in or relying on a person or thing; firm trust, reliance, faith. Const. in (to, on, upon).
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:#The feeling sure or certain of a fact or issue; assurance, certitude; assured expectation.
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:#Assurance, boldness, fearlessness, arising from reliance (on oneself, on circumstances, on divine support, etc.)
  
 
== Exegesis ==
 
== Exegesis ==

Revision as of 10:03, 24 April 2005

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Questions

  • Verse 41: What does it mean to say that "no power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood?" Consider the Bishopric in any ward. Isn't it by virtue of the priesthood that they have power and influence within the ward? Is that wrong?
  • Verse 45: What is the "doctrine of the priesthood?"
  • Does this doctrine differ from the doctrine of the gospel? Is it a subset? A superset?

Lexical notes

Verse 45

  • The 1847 New Dictionary of the English Language defines confidences as "To have or place faith or trust in; to credit or give credit; to trust or believe, to be secure or assured, to rely or depend upon; to be firmly, boldly secure" (by Charles Richardson, 1847). This is in-line with the three definitions given in Oxford English Dictionary (OED):
  1. The mental attitude of trusting in or relying on a person or thing; firm trust, reliance, faith. Const. in (to, on, upon).
  2. The feeling sure or certain of a fact or issue; assurance, certitude; assured expectation.
  3. Assurance, boldness, fearlessness, arising from reliance (on oneself, on circumstances, on divine support, etc.)

Exegesis

In verse 45 we are told that if we "let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly" our confidence will "wax strong in the presence of God." It is helpful to understand this scripture by also thinking about what happens in the reverse case. The scriptures tell us that the reverse is also true--that unvirtuous thoughts (and actions) cause us to lack confidence in the presence of God. For example, Alma 12:14 specifically makes the connection between thoughts that condemn us and wanting to hide from the presence of the Lord.

Related links

  • Click the edit link above and to the right to add related links

Elder Bruce R. McConkie specifically addresses the question "What is the doctrine of the priesthood?" in his April 1982 General Conference address titled Doctrine of the Priesthood.


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