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No Flesh Shall Be Safe Upon The Waters

I came across this passage in the D&C this morning and it struck me as something important.

The heading to the section says this:
'Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River, McIlwaine's Bend, August 12, 1831. HC 1:202-205. On their return trip to Kirtland the Prophet and ten elders had traveled down the Missouri River in canoes. On the third day of the journey many dangers were experienced. Elder William W. Phelps, in daylight vision, saw the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters."

Waters Upon Safe Shall Flesh No

This is common knowledge for missionaries as they are told never to travel by sea or go into it while on their missions. In days of Old, Lucifer was given reign over the earth, but now in Latter-Days his assignment changed to the waters.

No Flesh Shall Be Safe Upon The Waters Studies Doctrine Mormon

How does this work in places such as Ireland, the Azores, or the Pacific Islands? There are frequently small islands where the only access is by sea. Even around Seattle, various parts of Canada, or the Florida Keys, there are a lot of islands that you can only reach by boat.

I know about the swimming part, that has long been a true statement. I think it was Joseph F. Smith who almost drowned because he went into the sea while a missionary in Hawaii, in direct opposition to direction by his mission president.

Also, does this preclude baptism within the ocean? I have always thought that it would be nice to perform baptisms within the calm seas.

Now, back to the original statements, I have long understood that the seas and rivers will be extremely dangerous places. Consider how many of the tribulations described in Revelation have directly to do with the seas and oceans. Combine all of them, and it really makes a person think before taking that long cruise....

Waters Upon Safe Shall Flesh No

The thinking in those cases is that it must be public transport where there are many people and not anything private.

Baptizing in the ocean is permitted, however, because it is done on both a public basis as well as being near the shore line then it is okay.

The concern seems to be centered around missionaries going to the ocean for pleasure purposes or alone, in these cases it is both dangerous and against policy. I have heard of missionaries drowning for disobeying as well as those who went close to the water to sightsee and noticed the waters becoming violent to the point they had to leave.

Waters Upon Safe Shall Flesh No

Since we know satan has dominion over the water, it stands to reason that missionaries would be extremely susceptible to danger near water. They are living their lives as close to Heavenly Father and Jesus as anyone and probably as close as they ever will. Their entire lives are dedicated to the Lord full time for the duration of their mission. Satan would absolutely do whatever he could to tempt or harm them. I would imagine it isn't easy for him to get to them except when in his dominion because of how close to the spirit they are living.

No Flesh Shall Be Safe Upon The Waters

Wow, this is all news to me. I had no idea that Satan's dominion changed from earth to water. Where can I study more about this?

Roz

No Flesh Shall Safe Upon Waters

Try the Doctrine & Covenants institute manual which is good for this and other parts of the Doctrine.

No Flesh Shall Safe Upon Waters Mormon Doctrine Studies

In the Doctrine and Covenants my ancestor saw Satan riding upon the waters. ( W W Phelps) so I believe it. However in my mission field one time it was so hot and we were right next to a river and well I let the sisters toss me into the water, so I can say if I drowned the I DIDN'T DO IT (smile)

Rather off topic, but... I also wonder if that would apply to water beds as well?

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