Prophecy and Modern Times

The first book written by W. Cleon Skousen, it explains what lies ahead in the latter days. Using the scriptures and the writings of church leaders, he discusses what we know about the final days before the Second Coming and the commencement of the Millennium. For those of have wondered what the future has in store for us, this book is fascinating reading.

Excerpt from "Prophecy and Modern Times":

A Remarkable Prophecy in 1832

During 1830-1831, the feature stories of the American press carried news of a threatened civil war. The controversy was over the question of "Nullification." Did South Carolina have the right to nullify the new Federal tariff law? The obvious effect of such a right would be the annihilation of the powers of Congress. If South Carolina could nullify a Federal law, so could other states. It would be the end of the Union.

Andrew Jackson was President and the political leaders of all parties waited anxiously to see what he would do. If he bowed meekly to this spirit of rebellion, other states would follow. If he dispatched an army to South Carolina to enforce the Federal law, many predicted strong and immediate military resistance.

President Jackson was not a "church" man but he was a praying man. In this moment of national crisis he was pleading for divine guidance. Would there be civil war? What could he do to avoid it?

The President did not ask for a revelation, merely wisdom. As subsequent events clearly proved, his prayers were answered. His "wisdom" averted civil war in the United States for a whole generation.

But the prayers of President Jackson were more completely though indirectly answered through a divine manifestation which warned the people of the United States that eventually civil war would engulf the nation. The revelation was not received in the White House nor did it come to the President. It came to a humble young man, twenty-seven years of age, who was residing at Kirtland, Ohio. His name was Joseph Smith.

It was Christmas day, 1832, nearly three years after the famous debate on "Nullification" between Webster and Hayne that Joseph Smith received the answer to the most provoking and dynamic issue in the nation:

"Thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls.... For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations in order to defend themselves.... And it shall come to pass after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war."

On December 25, 1832, Joseph Smith therefore knew six specific things which the Lord had decreed would shortly come to pass:

1. That in spite of the President's efforts there would be a civil war in the United States.
2. That it would begin with the rebellion of South Carolina.
3. That the spirit of rebellion would spread among the "Southern States" until they divided against the Northern States.
4. That it would be a war of major proportions resulting in the death and misery of many souls.
5. That the Southern States would call on foreign nations, including Great Britain, to assist them in their cause.
6. That slavery rather than "nullification" would be the issue and that slaves would rise against their masters and be marshaled for war.