Moroni's Didache

[Bernard Gui]

While reading Moroni 6 the other evening, I noticed some things that reminded me of one of the earliest Christian writings, the Didache. (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/didache.html) Although its author is unknown, the Didache gives a fascinating glimpse into the practices of the Church at the time of the Apostolic era. Included in the Didache is kind of a "Handbook of Instructions," if you will. It is these parts that were jogged in my memory as I read Moroni 6. 

 

On further inspection, I found that other parts of the Book of Moroni hold similarities with the Didache.

Now I say up front I am no expert on early Christian writings, so I will expect your indulgence as I make some modest propositions, and I invite comments and even wonder if someone more qualified than I would be interested in taking a closer look. I am aware of the dangers of finding parallels, but this does interest me, as I hope it will interest some of you.

 

Starting with this post, I will present parts of the Didache followed by verses from Moroni, ask for comments, and then post more comparisons. Is the Book of Moroni a  Mormon Didache?

 

 

CHAPTER 7 
CONCERNING BAPTISM 
1) And concerning baptism, baptize this way: After reviewing all of this teaching, baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in living (running) water.....
4) But before the baptism, let the overseer fast, and also the one being baptized, and all others who are able; Be sure to instruct the one being baptized to fast one or two days before.

 6:1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

 3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

8: 10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.

 

 

CHAPTER 8 
CONCERNING FASTING AND PRAYER 
1) Be careful not to schedule your fasts at the times when the hypocrites fast.... 
3) Pray in this manner three times per day.....

CHAPTER 14 
THE SABBATH ASSEMBLY 
1) Every day, gather together, eat a meal, and give thanks after having first confessed your sins, that your sacrifice may be pure. 
2) Discourage anyone who has a disputation with his brother to gather with you, until they are reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be defiled. 
3) For this is the sacrifice that was spoken of in our teaching: 
"In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, and My Name is marvelous among the nations."

6:5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

 9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

 

 

CHAPTER 9 
THE THANKSGIVING SACRAMENT 
1) Now concerning the Thanksgiving meal, give thanks in this manner. 
2) First, concerning the cup: 
We thank You, our Father, 
For the Holy Vine of David Your servant, 
Whom You made known to us through Your Servant; 
May the glory be Yours forever. 
3) Concerning the broken bread: 
We thank You, our Father, 
For the life and knowledge 
Which You made known to us through Your Servant; 
May the glory be Yours forever. 
As this broken bread was scattered over the mountains, 
And was gathered together to become one, 
So let Your Body of Faithful be gathered together 
From the ends of the earth into Your kingdom; 
for the glory and power are Yours forever. 
5) But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving, unless they have been baptized; for concerning this is taught, "Do not give what is holy to dogs."

4:1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—

 2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:

 3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

5:1 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:

 2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 22, 2014 by Bernard Gui

[Bernard Gui]

CHAPTER 10 
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION 
1) After the meal, give thanks in this manner: 
2) We offer thanks, Holy Father, 
For Your Holy Name which fills our hearts, 
And for the knowledge, faith and eternal life, 
You made known to us through Your Servant.... 


7: 22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.

 23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come.

25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.

 31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.

 32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

 

Yours is the glory forever. 
3) Almighty Master, You created all things for Your own purpose; 
You gave men food and drink to enjoy, 
That they might give You thanks; 
But to us You freely give spiritual food and drink, 
And eternal life through Your Servant.


4) Foremost, we thank You because You are mighty; 
Yours is the glory forever. 


5) Remember Your Body of Servants, 
To deliver it from everything evil 
And perfect it according to Your love, 
And gather it from the four winds, 
Sanctified for Your kingdom which You have prepared for it; 
For the power and glory are Yours forever.

 7: 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

 14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

 15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

 16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

 


6) Let Your grace come, 
And let this world pass away. 
Hosanna to the God of David! 
May all who are holy, come; 
Let those who are not, repent. 
Maranatha. Amen.

7: 33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

 34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

7: 9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.

[Bernard Gui]

CHAPTER 11 
CONCERNING TEACHERS, EMISSARIES, AND PROPHETS 
TEACHERS: 
1) Whoever comes to teach you in accordance with all these things we've written here, receive him. 
2) But if the teacher himself goes astray, teaching another doctrine which would undermine this doctrine, do not hear him; but if his teaching provokes you to greater righteousness and increases your knowledge, welcome him.

PROPHETS: 
7) Do not test or judge any prophet who speaks according to the Spirit. 
 But be warned; not everyone who speaks according to the Spirit is a prophet, but only those who walk in the Spirit. Therefore, from their consistent behaviors can you discern the false prophet. 


7: 3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

 4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men.

 5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.

 6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.

 7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.

 8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.

 9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.

 10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift.

 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.

 

9) And every prophet who commands food to be brought to him in the Spirit will not eat from it, unless he is a false prophet; 
10) Every prophet will teach the truth, but if he doesn't practice his own words, he should be regarded as a false prophet. 
11) And every prophet who has proven that they are in fact genuine, whose illustrations occasionally appear too worldly when teaching about the Body of Believers, yet he scrupulously does not teach others to copy his illustrations, shall not be judged negatively among you, for God will judge righteously. For his example came from the ancient prophets. 
12) Whoever says in the Spirit, "Give me money," or something similar thing, do not listen to him. But if he solicits that you give to the needy, none should judge him.

 3:1 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers—

 2 After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said:

 3 In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen.

 4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.

 

CHAPTER 15 
BISHOPS AND DEACONS; REPROOF 
1) Therefore, appoint for yourselves, worthy bishops and deacons. Make sure that they are men who are meek, not lovers of money, but truthful and proven. They will provide among you the services of prophets and teachers. 
2) Do not despise them, rather they should be honored, together with the prophets and teachers. 
3) Correct each other in peace, not in anger. But if one among you wrongs another, do not befriend and console the offender, until he reconciles.

6: 1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

 2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

 3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

 4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

 


4) Concerning your prayers, giving, and works, perform them according to our teachings.

4:1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—

[Bernard Gui]

CHAPTER 16 
WATCHFULNESS; THE COMING JUDGMENT 
1) Guard your lives. Keep your menorah's (lamps) burning, and ever prepared, for the hour is not known. 


7: 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

 

2) Gather together frequently, pursuing that which will benefit your souls, otherwise the entire time of your faith will be nearly worthless if you have not persevered to the end. 


6:5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

8:  25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;

26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.

 

3) For in the last days false prophets and corrupters will be multiplied, and the sheep will become wolves, and love will be turned into hate.

7: 16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

 


4) As lawlessness increases, they will hate and persecute and betray one another. And then the deceiver of the world will appear as a son of God, and will perform signs and wonders, and the earth will be delivered into his hands, and he will do abominable things that will surpass all evil done since the beginning. 


7: 10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift.

 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.

 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

 

5) Then all mankind will be tried by fire, causing many to fall away and perish. But those with enduring faith will be saved from by the One Who was cursed. 


8: 28 Pray for them, my son, that repentance may come unto them. But behold, I fear lest the Spirit hath ceased striving with them; and in this part of the land they are also seeking to put down all power and authority which cometh from God; and they are denying the Holy Ghost.

 29 And after rejecting so great a knowledge, my son, they must perish soon, unto the fulfilling of the prophecies which were spoken by the prophets, as well as the words of our Savior himself.

 

6) Then the signs of truth will appear: First, the sign of heaven opening. Then, the sign of the trumpet sounding. And third, the resurrection of the dead. 
7) Yet, not of all, but as it is said: "The Judge will come, and all His angels." 
 Then the world will see the judgment coming on the clouds of heaven.

10:  33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

 34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Edited June 22, 2014 by Bernard Gui

[mfbukowski]

While reading Moroni 6 the other evening, I noticed some things that reminded me of one of the earliest Christian writings, the Didache. (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/didache.html) Although its author is unknown, the Didache gives a fascinating glimpse into the practices of the Church at the time of the Apostolic era. Included in the Didache is kind of a "Handbook of Instructions," if you will. It is these parts that were jogged in my memory as I read Moroni 6. 

 

On further inspection, I found that other parts of the Book of Moroni hold similarities with the Didache.

Now I say up front I am no expert on early Christian writings, so I will expect your indulgence as I make some modest propositions, and I invite comments and even wonder if someone more qualified than I would be interested in taking a closer look. I am aware of the dangers of finding parallels, but this does interest me, as I hope it will interest some of you.

 

Starting with this post, I will present parts of the Didache followed by verses from Moroni, ask for comments, and then post more comparisons. Is the Book of Moroni a  Mormon Didache?

In my opinion, you are exactly right.

The Didache is perhaps the first statement of a philosophically pragmatic way of defining lifestyles which work for humanity- in that it defines righteous living as "The Way of Life" and sinful living as "The Way of Death"

We call that today the Plan of Happiness- if you live the gospel you will have a happy life, if you do not, you will suffer the consequences of sin.

This is found in spirit throughout the Book of Mormon, and pretty explicitly in Alma 32 where "truth" is defined as what is "sweet" to you and gives you happiness. It is also reflected in the passages you have selected.

To me, the Didache is clearly the most "Mormon" of ancient Christian writings, and indeed I see that as historical evidence that the Restoration is indeed a return to the central notions of the early church. Historical evidence is in the eye of the beholder obviously, especially in spiritual matters, but nevertheless I think the parallels are unmistakable.

Edited June 22, 2014 by mfbukowski

[Bernard Gui]

In my opinion, you are exactly right.The Didache is perhaps the first statement of a philosophically pragmatic way of defining lifestyles which work for humanity- in that it defines righteous living as "The Way of Life" and sinful living as "The Way of Death"We call that today the Plan of Happiness- if you live the gospel you will have a happy life, if you do not, you will suffer the consequences of sin.This is found in spirit throughout the Book of Mormon, and pretty explicitly in Alma 32 where "truth" is defined as what is "sweet" to you and gives you happiness. It is also reflected in the passages you have selected.To me, the Didache is clearly the most "Mormon" of ancient Christian writings, and indeed I see that as historical evidence that the Restoration is indeed a return to the central notions of the early church. Historical evidence is in the eye of the beholder obviously, especially in spiritual matters, but nevertheless I think the parallels are unmistakable.

Well, we certainly see eye to eye on this. Regarding the Two Ways...

Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways.

23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves--to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.

(2 Nephi 10:23-24)

What do you think of the comparable passages in Moroni?

Edited June 22, 2014 by Bernard Gui

[Spammer]

The Didache describes a church that practices baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit not only by immersion but also by pouring water over the head three times; fasts each week on both Wednesdays and Fridays; prays the Our Father three set times per day; and organizes worship liturgically - the priest consecrates the cup (vine of David) and the broken bread with a series of set prayers and gives thanks after communion with another series of set prayers.  None of this sounds particularly 'Mormon'.  It does sound orthodox Catholic.  I think finding Mormonism in the Didache is a stretch.

Edited June 22, 2014 by Spammer

[ChristKnight]

The Didache describes a church that practices baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit not only by immersion but also by pouring water over the head three times; fasts each week on both Wednesdays and Fridays; prays the Our Father three set times per day; and organizes worship liturgically - the priest consecrates the cup (vine of David) and the broken bread with a series of set prayers and gives thanks after communion with another series of set prayers.  None of this sounds particularly 'Mormon'.  It does sound orthodox Catholic.  I think finding Mormonism in the Didache is a stretch.

 

Also interesting is the connection of offering a pure sacrifice and the Eucharist, with reference to Malachi 1:11-"¹¹ For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."  Catholics/Orthodox naturally view this prophecy as being fulfilled in the sacrificial Eucharistic liturgy.

 

Another interesting thing is that it discusses prophets, supporting prophets, etc.  Any thoughts on that? 

[mfbukowski]

The Didache describes a church that practices baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit not only by immersion but also by pouring water over the head three times; fasts each week on both Wednesdays and Fridays; prays the Our Father three set times per day; and organizes worship liturgically - the priest consecrates the cup (vine of David) and the broken bread with a series of set prayers and gives thanks after communion with another series of set prayers.  None of this sounds particularly 'Mormon'.  It does sound orthodox Catholic.  I think finding Mormonism in the Didache is a stretch.

We only fast once a month, do not say the Our Father, and immerse for baptism, but we do all the rest.

But what is important is the two ways. We are closer to Orthodox practice in the temple than RC practice

[mfbukowski]

Also interesting is the connection of offering a pure sacrifice and the Eucharist, with reference to Malachi 1:11-"¹¹ For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."  Catholics/Orthodox naturally view this prophecy as being fulfilled in the sacrificial Eucharistic liturgy.

That of course is a matter of interpretation.

I see it as referring to a worldwide church, in which prayers rise day and night.

[Bernard Gui]

The Didache describes a church that practices baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit not only by immersion but also by pouring water over the head three times; fasts each week on both Wednesdays and Fridays; prays the Our Father three set times per day; and organizes worship liturgically - the priest consecrates the cup (vine of David) and the broken bread with a series of set prayers and gives thanks after communion with another series of set prayers.  None of this sounds particularly 'Mormon'.  It does sound orthodox Catholic.  I think finding Mormonism in the Didache is a stretch.

Why not address the similarities between the Book of Moroni and the Didache. After all, the intent of Moroni appears to be the same as the intent of the writer of the the Didache and they address similar issues. I"m not asking for a discussion of Catholicism

[Yirgacheffe]

Also interesting is the connection of offering a pure sacrifice and the Eucharist, with reference to Malachi 1:11-"¹¹ For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."  Catholics/Orthodox naturally view this prophecy as being fulfilled in the sacrificial Eucharistic liturgy.

 

Another interesting thing is that it discusses prophets, supporting prophets, etc.  Any thoughts on that? 

 

 

That of course is a matter of interpretation.

I see it as referring to a worldwide church, in which prayers rise day and night.

 

I thought that  "a worldwide church, in which prayers rise day and night." would be part of what  ChristKnight was referring to when he said "Catholics/Orthodox naturally view this prophecy as being fulfilled in the sacrificial Eucharistic liturgy"

 

[mfbukowski]

The usual Catholic interpretation is that Malachi is referring to the Catholic Eucharist, and I was disagreeing with that interpretation. Of course my interpretation could refer to the LDS church as restored, whereas what I took to be his interpretation could not be. Maybe in fact he was pointing out that it could be taken either way, because of that word "sacrifice"

Psalm 51:17 says

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

 

So I find it difficult to think that the "sacrifice" Malachi is talking about applies to the Eucharist.  Surely the prayers of the faithful, offering their sacrifices of a broken spirit and contrite heart is what is being referred to as "incense".


Of course it would be up to him to clarify, if he likes.

[mfbukowski]

Why not address the similarities between the Book of Moroni and the Didache. After all, the intent of Moroni appears to be the same as the intent of the writer of the the Didache and they address similar issues. I"m not asking for a discussion of Catholicism

This is a very interesting point, but this is a terribly busy season for me to continue at this time.