A Marvelous Work and a Wonder [Hardcover]

Le Grand Richards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1976

At the conclusion of Elder LeGrand Richards' presidency of the Southern States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1937, he left with the missionaries an outline entitled "The Message of Mormonism." This outline was prepared to assist the missionaires in their study and presentation of the gospel in a systematic and logical manner. It has since been used in a number of missions and by stake missionaries. Repeated requests and suggestions that it be printed have influenced the decision to enlarge upon the original outline and have it published in book form. It is here presented under the title "A Marvelous Work and A Wonder."

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 424 pages
• Publisher: The Deseret Book Company; Enlarged edition edition (June 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877471614
• ISBN-13: 978-0877471615
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #548,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book., August 20, 2004

By 

J. Bonnette (BTR, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Missionary Reference Library) (Paperback)

I read this book a while back and liked it. Although, I must say that I wasn't on the offensive going in as some other reviewers were. I read it for pleasure, not to make suit. I thought the book to be concise and easy to follow, laying out the author's beliefs in a non-obtrusive way. I have since passed it on to several of my friends to read. I would recommend it to others.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent discussion of Mormon beliefs., May 25, 2000

By 

L. Troy Beals (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Hardcover)

Le Grand Richards was an Apostle (the second highest ranking church council in the LDS church) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He died in the Early 1980's. This is his defintive work. It is one of the only books Mormon Missionaries are allowed to read while they are serving their 1.5 or 2 year missions. The book discusses Mormon beliefs from marriage to temples to what Mormons believe about Heaven and Hell. Anyone investigating the church has not really investigated until they read this book, (other than the Book of Mormon, of course). It is easy to read and powerfully written.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Marvelous Book!, November 5, 2004

By 

Kevin D. Taylor (Corvallis, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Hardcover)

This work of gospel scholarship is pivotal to any legitimate study of Mormonism. Evidently, the Missionary Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers this book to be a pivotal one, as well, since it is included in the Missionary Reference Library (a series of reference books which all full-time L.D.S. missionaries are supposed to have).

The fact that this book excites the rage of anti-mormons--I use the term "anti-mormon" to distinguish the bigoted from the civilized non-mormons--only serves to empower the Mormon Cause (in the words of Brigham Young, "Every time you kick Mormonism, you kick it upstairs.")

In general, I will simply state that this book illustrates, in its text, the peerless majesty of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter, "this Church"). It demonstrates, among other things, that: a.) this Church strictly upholds the doctrines and liturgical procedures set forth in Scripture, including the Bible; b.) this Church has been the means through which God has restored the precepts and powers previously lost to the world, and c.) all of this comes as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, including Bible prophecy.

One thing in particular that must be borne in mind, I believe, in reading "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder," is the principle of Prophetic Dualism, spoken of in numerous scholarly writings (in and out of the Mormon Church). This principle reminds us that Scripture might be--and often is--fulfilled more than only once. Of course, the general interpretation and overall meaning of a scriptural passage are the same, always. But, the application can vary.

For example, in referring to Isaiah 6:9-10, Jesus said that this passage was "fulfilled" in the multitude which stood hearing Him upon the sea shore (Matthew 13:14-15). This multitude, naturally, was assembled at a sea side in Palestine. And yet, years later, in Acts 28:25-27, the Apostle Paul applied this exact same prophecy of Isaiah to: a.) the unbelievers at Rome (not Palestine!), and b.) those among whom Isaiah ministered (Paul calls them "our fathers").

So, here we have the same prophecy of scripture fulfilled in three different groups of people. Hence, the doctrine of Prophetic Dualism, which must ever be kept in mind when studying "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder". Otherwise, some might rashly object to Legrand Richards' claims that certain prophecies are fulfilled in the Mormon Church, blurting such things as, "Heresy! That passage of scripture has been fulfilled, already!"

But, I digress. Another great feature of this book is its monumental list--in the back--of over 40 principles of truth and doctrine which set the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from all other denominations and religious groups. Many have scoffed at the Mormon Church, asking, in essence, "What's so special about Mormonism? How is it any different from the countless other churches in Christianity?" Well, this list of 40+ points answers that very question most effectively.

One final point. In reading "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder," one must be willing to accept that revelations of knowledge ultimately come not through "flesh and blood"--that is to say, tangible or physical--evidence (Matthew 16:17). It is an evil and adulterous generation which seeks after a physical sign, after all.

To any that would yearn to question those things which God has elected to keep hidden, I will simply say that intellectual curiosity is nothing shameful, as such, "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." (2 Timothy 2:23).