"Before Joseph Smith was killed, he dispatched a Jewish apostle by the name of Orson Hyde to dedicate the land of Palestine for the return of theJews. This concern for a homeless people and the sending of this apostle was done at a time when the Mormons themselves were virtually homeless, having been dispossessed of their lands and possessions in Missouri.
"Orson Hyde left on his assignment in the fall of 1840.He arrived in Palestine in October 1841. On October 24, 1841, he ascendedthe Mount of Olives all alone, built an altar to the Lord, and offered a dedicatory prayer. Here are some portions of that prayer:
"'Thy servant . . . has safely arrived in this place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto Thee, for the gathering together of Judah's scattered remnants, according to the predictions of the holy Prophets--for the building up of Jerusalem again after it has been trodden down by the Gentiles so long, and for rearing a Temple in honor of Thy name. . . .
" 'Let the land become abundantly fruitful when possessed by its rightful heirs; let it again flow with plenty to feed the returning prodigals. . . . Incline them to gather in upon this land according to Thy word. Let them come like clouds and like doves to their windows. [This was uttered before the airplane wasinvented.] . . .' (HC, 4:456-57.)"
(Ezra Taft Benson, "A Message to Judah from Joseph," Ensign, Dec. 1976, 68)
"Orson Hyde left on his assignment in the fall of 1840.He arrived in Palestine in October 1841. On October 24, 1841, he ascendedthe Mount of Olives all alone, built an altar to the Lord, and offered a dedicatory prayer. Here are some portions of that prayer:
"'Thy servant . . . has safely arrived in this place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto Thee, for the gathering together of Judah's scattered remnants, according to the predictions of the holy Prophets--for the building up of Jerusalem again after it has been trodden down by the Gentiles so long, and for rearing a Temple in honor of Thy name. . . .
" 'Let the land become abundantly fruitful when possessed by its rightful heirs; let it again flow with plenty to feed the returning prodigals. . . . Incline them to gather in upon this land according to Thy word. Let them come like clouds and like doves to their windows. [This was uttered before the airplane wasinvented.] . . .' (HC, 4:456-57.)"
(Ezra Taft Benson, "A Message to Judah from Joseph," Ensign, Dec. 1976, 68)
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