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by Cynthia M. Gardner

From antiquity God has commanded his people to keep records. In the days of Adam the people wrote a book of remembrance "by the spirit of inspiration" (Moses 6:5) to identify the faithful, to "know" their fathers (Moses 6:45-46), to define "the right of priesthood" (Abr. 1:31), and to promote literacy (see Moses 6:6). Biblical records indicate similar practices (see Ezra 2:62; Neh. 7:5; Ezek. 13:9; Mal. 3:16). Nephi1, in the Book of Mormon, stressed the importance of family history. In 1 Nephi 3- 5, the Lord commanded Lehi to obtain the brass plates containing a history of his ancestors before leaving Jerusalem, to "enlarge their memory" (Alma 37:8) so that his posterity might know whence and from whom they came and might not lose the language of their fathers. Later, the Savior admonished the Nephites to be accurate and complete in their record keeping (3 Ne. 23:7-13). He also quoted Malachi 3:16-18, which includes a statement about keeping a book of remembrance (3 Ne. 24:16-18).

Latter-day Saints are encouraged to prepare family records as a Book of Remembrance, containing patriarchal blessings, records of ordinations and other sacred information, as well as personal and family histories, spiritual experiences, and other evidences of God's goodness and love (D&C 85:9; 128:7-8, 24). As a latter-day prophet said, "Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity" (Kimball, p. 76).

(See Daily Living home page; Family History home page)

Bibliography

Kimball, Spencer W. "Listen to the Prophets." Ensign (May 1978):76.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.1, Book of Rememberence

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company