Across the epic expanse of Jaredite history—lasting fully a millennium and a half—there are frequent spans of time where the leadership lose their spiritual anchor, and fail to pray unto the Lord for guidance. For this they are sorely chastened—even unto destruction. Can it be that the Lord, in His extended three-hour conversation with the brother of Jared—chastening him for not “calling upon the Lord”—is establishing a lasting precedent that will resound through the corridors of time? Worship the God of the land in prayerful devotion or bring the judgments of God down upon your shoulders. Surely this episode, preserved in the records and minds of the people, will be ever present as a reminder of covenant loyalty and obedience. Some remember and prosper; others forget and decline, even perish. Let us be among those who remember.
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. (D&C 9:7–9)
As we will see, the brother of Jared devises a brilliant and practical strategy for providing light within the oceanic barges—and the Lord will ratify and honor his choice.
CHAPTER 3