A Study of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:15-19 Within one's capacity to have a sober mind, there is the strength of legions and the power of God. The glories of God when experienced in a pureness of heart are rapturous beyond description. Yet without a sober outlook and the ability to frequently remember one's own weaknesses, such powerful, divine manifestations are lost as quickly as they come. A sober mind and a sincere heart then make us capable of doing the Lord's work and prepares us as human beings to handle the extremely powerful manifestations of the Holy Ghost, to work with His influence, and to avoid the cycle of pride common to man. This explains the look that I have seen in the eyes of several bishops I've work with over the years. Where I would have expected to have seen great excitement or rejoicing, instead the response was calm yet appreciative. It is the mastery of themselves and knowing who's work they are about that invokes a sober response.

2 Nephi 3:12-16 In verse 12, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are described as growing together into one unifying voice. Its purposes are to confound false doctrines and stop contentions, establish peace among the descendants of Jospeh, and allow them to know of their ancestry and the Lord's covenants with them. Not directly related with today's passage of scripture, but it has been weighing on my mind the significance of sobriety. There seems to be a strong connection between soberness and conviction and righteousness. Twice in this passage of scriptures, Joseph of Egypt is quoted as saying in effect, "I am sure of this thing," (see vs 14, 16). This chapter is replete with prophecy in certain terms of the conditions of salvation that will be extended to the descendants of Joseph in the latter-days. This type of conviction is the result of a sober countenance. This is a weakness of mine. It is hard not to become overly excited when a blessing is received from God. On...