The Great Prologue

by Mark E. Petersen

"This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of his omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. "If the Lord had not prepared the way by laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical governments of the world) to have laid the foundations for the coming of his great kingdom. The Lord has done this. "His hand has been over this nation, and it is his purpose and design to enlarge it, make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth."

Genres: Religion, History, Lds, Nonfiction, Government, Politics

136 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book recounts the providential founding of America by starting at the beginning, with the "long range view." The author covers two thousand years of history prior to the founding of America, the people, the battles, the discoveries, and awakening that had to happen in order for a nation of liberty to be established.

Beginning with the awakening in the Dark Ages, through the Magna Charta, the Reformation, and the physical discovery of America, the author details each event through the light of providence. The view that emerges is the divine understanding and realization of the foreordained "promise land."

[Connor Boyack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes the case for why America was a necessary precursor to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ties together the importance of both political and religious liberty, and shows what things are needed to continue to preserve them.

[Shirley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book in my possession for several years, and was culling through my many volumns trying to decide which books to donate. I ran across this book, and decided to read it before actually passing it on. I'm glad I did. It was an easy one-day read, but so well researched and written. The book just brought to mind so many truths and events that were prophesied anciently, and we've seen them fulfilled. It was a testimony to me of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, Our founding father's inspired of the Lord, and of God's plan for his faithful children. I hope to be one of them.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s good for anyone that is new to this information but I didn’t learn anything knew. The font is messed up in my version. It was difficult to read.

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now that this is almost 40 years old, it's probably most useful as a window into a strong current of historical Mormon thought from the mid-70's. Most of it is dedicated to casting large swathes of history as a setup to the Lord restoring His church through Joseph Smith. The historic aspects are simplistic to the point of inaccuracy, so if you're looking for more than the Pilgrims coming to seek religious freedom and the founding fathers all being magically perfect, you'll be disappointed. Mostly the book cheers for the LDS Church and the United States as a nation deliberately created by God to establish the church. It was probably done this way, at least in part, because of the bicentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that was coming up at the time.

The main topic is exhausted after 100 pages and the remaining 30 are just doctrinal filler. I thought the chapter titled "Other Sheep" might be good if it addressed what Mormons who live outside the US might get out of this "history has all come down to God setting up the United States just to restore his church" perspective, but it doesn't express any awareness that anyone outside the US exists.

[Mashell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first several chapters are a compilation of Book of Mormon prophecy, through Nephi, that links up promises dating back to Abraham and his covenant with the Lord with the formation of the United States of America and its Constitutional protections and rights for the purpose of the restoration of the Gospel. The book gets a little slow during the last two or three chapters but I have a greater love and appreciation for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, Benjamin Franklin and others who helped establish this nation. It is worth noting: " . . .that the men whom the Lord chose were stawarts of superior attainment, men of stature, of refinement, and of exceptional education for those days. They were truly qualified."

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. Basically runs through Nephi's vision of the future (from his perspective) of the American continent and matches it with the fulfillment and what is left to come. Also includes prophesies from modern prophets (Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, and Wilford Woodruff) concerning the future of the United States.

Some of the material seems dated, meaning that Elder Peterson doesn't respond to some issues that have been brought up since the 1970s. He did talk a little bit about how even though Columbus was not the first European to "discover" the Americas, yet it was Columbus that Nephi saw in his vision. Elder Peterson gives some good explanations for why this is so.

[Jaren Martineau · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first several chapters are an amazing compilation of scriptural prophecy that links up promises dating back to the ancient Biblical prophet Abraham and his covenant with the Lord with the formation of the United States of America and its Constitutional protections and rights for the ultimate purpose of the restoration of the Gospel. The books gets a little slow towards the end, but is an excellent read on the subject at hand and has been recommended as a read in General Conference in the past and is quoted several times in various Ensign articles and other Church talks. I think it is out of print now, but there are many copies floating around and it isn't hard to find.

[Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic and inspiring book that covers the birth of this Nation and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and continues through until the Second Coming of the Savior to the earth when the Kingdom of Heaven shall join with the Kingdom of God, and Christ shall reign personally upon the earth.

Although I can see why critics of the Lord's true church as well as those who refuse to acknowledge the divine foundings of America might severely dislike this book, every Latter-Day Saint, especially every American Saint, should read this book. I am asking both my daughters to complete this work.

[Taylor Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book telling of the glory of this nation, and the purposes behind the Lord's divine plans was quite good. It is a quick and rudimentary look into Mormon belief and theory. It was written a long time ago, and in the recent years I have seen a bundle of attempts in creating a similar book. Quite frankly the recent attempts might be longer, and might appeal to Mormon masses more because of the author's prestige, or the catchy titles, but they lack the unmatched veracity of a book written by an apostle of the Lord. I only give this book three stars because near the end it becomes not much more than a feeble attempt to wrap up a good book by the overuse of scripture quotations.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

LDS readers will enjoy this powerful book that provides insight into how Nephi's revelations concerning the discovery and settlement of America, followed by the Revolutionary War and the adoption of the Constitution were fulfilled. I was reminded of historic facts I haven't thought about in awhile, plus I learned many new things that give me greater appreciation for the role America's birth played in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's interesting to read about our forefathers from a religious perspective. Mark E. Petersen was an apostle during my teen years and a great teacher. This book did not disappoint and was an enlightening read.

[Lindsey Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I've read it about 3 times. It's a great basic introduction to the establishment of America as well as God's hand in so doing. Told from an LDS perspective, there is a lot of reference to the scriptures and the Book of Mormon. I feel like this gives a great overview with some awesome reminders of how the land in which I live is a blessed land and that it is my duty to protect it and serve God in the process.

[Chris King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book on Mugga's recommendation. It was a good read, I've always liked Mark E. Petersen's work, on my mission I loved his work because he was so fearless and knowledgeable in defending the truth. This book is written in that same style of right v. wrong, good v. evil, there is no middle ground, no gray area, which is fine. A good historical foundation of what leads up to the restoration.

[Zinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty basic book on the LDS perspective of the Lord's hand in bringing an end of the Dark Ages and the establishment of the U.S. Constitution as a prelude to the "great and marvelous work" of the last days. A good book to start a teenager or a liberal adult with before they read deeper doctrines on government from other church leaders.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will re-read this one. Highly recommend it. I appreciated the American history along with how the scriptures reference/reveal the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. An easy, quick, but insightful read.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes events leading up to the Restoration and eventually the Second Coming. It focuses particularly on the establishment of America and its government. I found some great gems in here. It's pretty short, but not a light read.

[Kourtneyjjarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book in understanding the Lord's plan for this great Nation of ours.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book as a teenager and was very impressed. Later I was able to get the author's signature on a Book of Mormon when he came to our mission conference in Knoxville, TN!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend to anyone wanting a brief refresher course regarding the divine nature of the land of America. I hate to say it, but the last few chapters were a "snore" for me.

[Denna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read something patriotic for my own celebration of Independence Day and chose this book. It did it for me. Helped me love and appreciate this great country even more.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the history lesson.