An Amazing Story From Elder Russell M Nelson's Grandfather's Journal
The story given by Elder Russell M Nelson, President of the quorum of the 12 apostles at Rootstech conference, 11 February 2017.
My grandfather Andrew Clarence Nelson died when my father was seventeen years old so I never knew him, He is the only one of my four grandparents I never knew. When my grandfather A.C. Nelson was a young husband and father, just 27 years old, his father died. Then, about three months later, his father, now deceased, came to visit him. The date of that visit was April 6th 1891. Grandfather Nelson was so impressed by his father’s visit he wrote the experience in his own journal for his family and friends. These are my grandfathers words describing that sacred experience.
Andrew Clarence Nelson.
I was in bed when father entered the room. He came and sat on the side of my bed. He said,
“Well my son, as I had a few spare minutes so I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes. I am feeling well my son and have had very much to do since I died.”
“What have you been doing since you died father?”
“I have been travelling together with apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died, that is, since three days after I died when I received my commission to preach the gospel. You cannot imagine son how many spirits there are in the spirit world that have not yet received the gospel. But many are receiving it and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forward to their friends who are still living to administer for them in the Temple. I’ve been very busy preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“Father, can you see us at all times and know what we are doing?”
“Oh no my son, I have something else to do. I cannot go when or where I please, There is just as much and much more order in the spirit world than in the other world. I have been assigned work to do and it must be performed.”
“We intend to go to the Temple and get sealed to you father, as soon as we can.”
“That my son is pertly what I came to see you about. We will yet make a family and live throughout eternity.”
“Father, is it natural to die?”
“It is just as natural to die as it is to be born, or to pass out of that door”. Here he pointed to the door.
“When I told the folks when I could not last long it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the spirit world. The paper you gave me son is dated wrong. But it makes no particular difference. Correct records are kept here.”
“Father, is the gospel as taught by this church true?”
“My son, do you see that picture?” Pointing to a picture of the First Presidency hanging on the wall.
“Yes I see it.”
“Well, just as sure as you see that picture, just as sure is the gospel true. The gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power of saving every man and woman that will obey it, and in no other way can they obtain salvation in the Kingdom of God. My son, always cling to the gospel. Be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the priesthood, be true, be faithful to the covenant you have made with God. . Never do anything that would displease God. Oh what a blessing is the gospel. My son, be a good boy!”
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“Father, is it natural to die?”
“It is just as natural to die as it is to be born, or to pass out of that door”. Here he pointed to the door.
