Eternal Misery | 1 Nephi 8:13-14, 23-28

River of Filthiness

The river represents the gulf between good and evil, the waters of which represent sin, filthiness and hell—the domain of Satan. Those in Lehi's dream that fall in and are drowned in the depths of the gulf are those that refuse to turn to the Lord and die in their sins and fall under the influence of Satan. Nephi says the line between the righteous and the wicked was also placed by God or the justice of God, "like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God." I have found that the contrast between the river and the tree is one of the main themes of Lehi's vision. I have a choice: happiness versus misery, righteousness versus wickedness, life versus death, salvation versus being cast off. "The final state of the souls of men is to dwell in the kingdom of God, or to be cast out because of that justice of which I have spoken. Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God."

	1 Nephi 8:13-14 1 Nephi 12:16 1 Nephi 15:26-36 Helaman 5:23-28
	GULF, noun 1. A recess in the ocean from the general line of the shore into the land, or a tract of water extending from the ocean or a sea into the land, between two points or promontories; a large bay; a gulf and a bay differ only in extent. 2. An abyss; a deep place in the earth. 3. A whirlpool; an absorbing eddy. 4. Anything insatiable. INSA'TIABLE, adjective Incapable of being satisfied or appeased; very greedy; as an insatiable appetite or desire; insatiable thirst.

Mists of Darkness

The only influences Satan has on this side of the justice of God are the mists of darkness or the temptations of the devil "which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost." The Lord provides solutions to all of life's problems—the word of God or scripture fights against the temptations of the devil.

1 Nephi 8:23 1 Nephi 12:17, 19 1 Nephi 15:24

Great and Spacious Building

The building and the people in it represent the world and the pride and wisdom of the world, the "vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men." It is often represented by Egypt, Babylon or Jerusalem.

The group that made it to the tree but afterwards gave heed to the pride and wisdom of the world and became ashamed of Christ were probably saints who outwardly were following Christ but inwardly were still full of pride and care of worldly things. Perhaps, it also represents those that were led to the Atonement but would not allow Christ to take their burdens because of pride, fear or lack of faith.

The remedy for this ailment is faith, hope, patience, meekness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned with an eye single to the glory of God.

1 Nephi 8:24-28 1 Nephi 11:35-36 1 Nephi 12:18