{"chapter_no":"3","chapter_title":"Introduction","book_id":"1","book_name":"Dream of the Pioneers","subchapter_no":"0","page_no":"8","page_number":"1","verses_count":0,"total_pages":2,"page_content":"

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Introduction<\/p>

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Clicking the image on the right, you will see a large image of a beautiful Christmas tree
scene. To experience the beauty of this tree close up, and the reflection of sparkling ornaments
and colored lights, is to experience the larger ornaments of nature in miniature––the stars, the
planets, and the vast system of galaxies that span the universe. The dazzling light of just one of
these ornaments can fill our eyes, providing us a glimpse of what lies beyond the veil, and
instilling within us a desire to repent of our sins and start fresh in life. Taking a step back and
beholding the entire tree, and the combination of ornaments, shiny tinsel, lights, and glistening
star on top all working together... our souls are lifted further. The whole of the Christmas tree
becomes greater than the sum of its individual parts.<\/p>

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This completeness of system is much like the fulness of the gospel found in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Individual pieces of the gospel became known to men as the
Bible was published and made available to the world. Various religions were established,
bringing many to a generalized knowledge of Jesus Christ and His mission on earth. Through
these Christian religions and beliefs, the wonderful light and power of God became discernible,
touching the lives of countless men, women, and children for generations. <\/p>

 <\/p>

But in 1830, the original tree of the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored once again to the
earth. All ornaments—the important truths, and the saving ordinances of the gospel—were hung
once again by the Lord upon its branches. The full display of lights—revelation and the spirit of
prophecy—was turned on again for the great populations of Heavenly Father’s children set to
come forth in the last dispensation of time. Thus, the tree before our eyes is a representation of
the fulness of the gospel, and the bright star on top is Zion, the ultimate achievement of
civilization.<\/p>

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And it is this very beautiful, almost inconceivable concept of Zion that is the subject of
this book.<\/p>

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The principles of Zion are the most important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These
simple gospel truths––love, kindness, humility, the sharing of our wealth, and so forth––are
greater than all others, helping us as a people to move from faith in God to love of God. We
become as little lambs, easily taught and led by the Spirit, and filled with peace.<\/p>

 <\/p>

The pursuit of Zion is the pursuit of happiness. But it is also a pursuit of perfection. As
such, it might be likened to the famous story of the five-dollar lawn where the Countess inspires
a young boy to seek perfection in the care of her yard. If the Countess were here with us today,
she might say that creating a Zion-like stake in the Church requires hard work, daily supervision,
and attention to detail... and she also would remind us that there are no shortcuts to perfection.<\/p>

On the other hand, perfection without love is not perfection at all. The establishment of
Zion requires charity––the pure love of Christ.... the greatest of all.<\/p>

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Jesus had powerful yearnings in His prayers to the Father during His earthly ministry.
Surely, we would not dare to describe such feelings as mere faith; like Ammon, our souls might
flee at the thought. No, the example of Jesus was to pray to God consumed with love. <\/p>

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What we lack in our personal prayers most often is love––love for God and yearnings for
our Father in Heaven like those had by Jesus.<\/p>

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Love of God is greater than faith in God. Faith is a component of love, not the other way
around.<\/p>

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Love of God is a gift of the Spirit.<\/p>

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Faith in God is called. Love of God is chosen. Thus, many are called, but few are chosen.<\/p>

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If we have faith in God only, then our obedience to gospel principles is like living in a
black and white world—we lack the beautiful spectrum of colors in our souls that comes from
being filled with charity. <\/p>

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Faith in God is the power by which we as a Church build meetinghouses and temples.
Love of God is the power by which we fill them up with happy and motivated people... and keep
them filled.<\/p>

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Faith in God is the power by which wards and stakes are established. Love of God is the
power by which Zion is established.<\/p>

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Love is the food we use to feed the Lord’s sheep. <\/p>

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Love is the power of the priesthood. <\/p>

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Love is the power by which the Atonement of Christ was brought to pass.<\/p>

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If we love God with all our hearts, minds, and strength, it will fill us to overflowing,
sanctifying us first as individuals, then our families, and then our wards and stakes. In this
manner, Zion is born.... <\/p>

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With these words of introduction, I invite you now to read the book.<\/p>

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Here is A Wonderful Church<\/i>. A Testament of Jesus Christ<\/i>.<\/p>

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