This morning, I followed a link from LDS.org homepage to an article regarding the restoration of a historic site at Susquehanna, PA on the LDS Church’s Newsroom site.
As I read it, I felt grateful for the straight-forward manner in which the article spoke directly and clearly about the remarkable, sacred, and to some unbelievable events that occurred at or near that spot.
Formerly known as the town of Harmony, the site is in Oakland Township in Pennsylvania near the present-day town of Susquehanna. This site is important to Latter-day Saints as the location where Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood at the hands of John the Baptist and, in a nearby location, received the Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James and John in 1829. These men appeared as angels to restore to the earth the same authority they had received from Jesus Christ. The site is also significant as the place where Joseph Smith translated much of the Book of Mormon. These events laid the foundation for the restoration of the original Church established by Christ Himself.
I love this for three reasons:
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The reader must confront the truths of the restoration as historic facts.
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The sweet reminder that these events did, in fact, occur.
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The fact that I can sit here, hands on keyboard, and know that I know it, not of myself, but because I have received a personal, deep, peaceful, spiritual witness that these miraculous, divine interventions in the course of human history took place and that the world is a better place for it. I feel so blessed to know that God still speaks to his children, gives them his trust in the form of his holy priesthood, and reaches out to us to let us know of his love as I feel it in receiving the personal witnesses of peace noted.
To be quiet about it is easier. To just say “I’m just like you, but I’m a Mormon!” (which I am, and that’s great) and hope there is no discomfort in the fact that I believe (and know by spiritual peace after study and prayer) angels did restore God’s priesthood authority to the earth ” in Oakland Township in Pennsylvania near the present-day town of Susquehanna.”
We all confront the question of truth and error every day. We adjust our daily choices according to what we believe we know. Today, I am grateful that this article has given me the chance to confront, and have reaffirmed, these great truths this beautiful spring morning.