“Many Have Testified of These Things”

"Up to the very moment when the terrible destruction began, the unbelievers were sure that the prophets had been wrong. They must have thought the prophets were negative, gloomy, and out of touch with reality. Then suddenly, in one great disastrous moment it became clear just how much in touch with reality the prophets had been. Unfortunately for tens of thousands of those who had previously scoffed, there was no time to reevaluate their skepticism.

"Is it that much different in our own day? We have been amply warned of the impending judgment, which will be every bit as terrible and devastating as that which occurred in AD 34. (See DC 29:14-21; 43:19-25; 45:39-42; 88:87-91; 133:41-49) Yet the world at large either ignores such warnings or condescendingly views the prophets as religious fanatics who are out of touch with the real world. In the preface to the Doctrine and Covenenats the Lord warned: 'And the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people' (DC 1:14. Italics added.). Note also Mormon's solemn words: 'And now, whoso readeth, let him understand' (v. 14)." (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1981, p. 393)