— DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS OP THE CHDRCII OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS: CAHETUSAV SELECTED FROM THE REVELATIONS OF GOD, ARD COMPILED BY JOSEPH SMITH Junior. ' OLIVER COWDERY, SIDNEY RIGDON, ' FREDERICK G. WILLIAMS, [Presiding Elders of said Church.] PROPRIETORS . KIBTLANO, OHIO. PRINTED BY F. G. WILLIAMS & CO. FOR THE PROPRIETORS. .1835. M, mr> M-° ; COPY RIGHT 81iC«RE» .iOCOllfliMlI TfO UW. PREFACE. To the members of the church of the Latter pay Saints — Dear Brethren: We deem, it to be unnecessary to . entertain you with a lengthy prefabe jtp the follow- . i mg volume, but merely tosay, that it contains in short, the leading items of the religion whicli we have pro¬ fessed to believe. Tlie first part of the book will be found to contain a series of Lectures as delivered before a Theological elass in this place, and in consequence of their etnbra* eir.g the important doctrine of salvation, we have ar¬ ranged them into the following work: The second part contains items or principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been, given since its organization, as well as from former ones. There may be an aversion in the minds of ‘sortie against receiving any thing purporting to be articles of religious faith, in consequence of there being so many now extant; but if men believe a system, and profess that it was given by inspiration, certainly, the more intelligibly they can present it, the better. It does not make a principle untrue to print it, neither does it make it true not to print it. The church viewing this subject to be of importance, appointed, through their servants and delegates the High Council, your servants to select and compile this work. Several reasons might be adduced in favor of this move of the Council, but we only add a few words. They knew that the church was evil spoken of in ma¬ ny placos — its faith and belief misrepresented, and the iv way of truth thus subverted. By some it was repre¬ sented as disbelieving the bible, by .others as being an enemy to all good order and; uprightness, and by oth¬ ers as being injurious to tire peace of all governments civil and political. ~~ -- - - ,We have, therefore, endeavored to present, though in few Words, our belief, and when we say this, hum¬ bly trust, the faith and principles of tins society as a body. ‘We do not present this little vplume with any other expectation than that we are to bri called to answer to every 'principle advanced, in that driy yhen tlhe se¬ crets of all hearts will be revealed, 'arid the reward of every man’s labor be given him. . " With sentiments of'cstechi arid sincere respect, wri subscribe drirselves your brethren in the bonds of ' ' the gospel of our Lord’ Jesus Christ. JOSEPH SMITH jr. OLIVER COWDERY. ■;JV ' SIDNEY RIGDON. P. G. WILLIAMS. Kiriland, Ohio, February 17, 1885. THE#LOftY. LSCTvjHE first Ox THE HOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF THE Latter Day SaInts. Of Faith. , SECTION I, ; ‘ 1 Faith being the‘fir*t pfinciple irirevealed religion, and ‘the foundation of all righteousness, necessarily claims the first place in a course !of lectures which are designed to unfold to the understanding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 0 ' 2 In presenting the subjectof faith, we shall observe the following order: 3 Firstj Faith itself — whhtit 'i's: : 4 Secondly, 1 The objdiit on which- -it 'rests; and 5 Thirdly, The eflccts which flow from it. 6 Agreeably to this ordei we have first to show what faith is. 7 This author of the epistle to the Hebrews, in the eleventh chapter of that epi;stles Hhcl first’ vexfce, gives the following definition of the wbrd fdith : 8 Now faith ia the Substance [asSurahce] of things hoped fot, the evidence of things hot seen. 9 From this we learn, that faith is fhe assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen f and the principle of action in all intelli¬ gent beings. 10 If men were duly to consider themselves, and turn their thoughts ancf reflections to the operations of lA fi their own minds, they would readily discover that it is faith, and faith only, which is the moving cause of all action, m them; that without it, both mind and liody would be. in a state of inactivity, and all their exertions would cfeffse, both" physical and mentaL 11 VVere this class to go back and reflect upon the history of their lives, from the period of their first reo- ollection, and ask.themselyes, what principle excited them to action, or what gave them energy and activi¬ ty, m all their lawful avocations, callings a ad pursuits, what would be the answer? Would it not be that it was the assurance which we had of the ex- i hence of things which we had not seen, as yet? _ wpt thp hop$ which you had, in consequence ef .your belief in the existence of unseen things, which stimulated yon. to action and exertion, in order, to ob- tain them? Are you not dependant on your faith, or lie lief, for the acquisition of all knowledge, wisdom a,jd intelligence? Would you exert yourselves to obtain wisdom and intelligence, unless you did believe that, vou could obtain them? Would you have ever sown ll you had not believed that you would reap? Would you have e ver planted if , you had not believed that y^u Would, you have ever asked unless you had believed that you would receive? Would you havo UViPr^ought unless you had believed that you would have toimd? , Qp would you havq ever knocked unless you had beueved tlu$ it would have been opened unto you? In a word, is there. any tiling that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had notprevi- o^isJy believed?, Are not all your exertions, of eve •f?rP.b^tioniyour faith? ' O^'may wc nofmsjL or what do you possess, which vou have not obtained by reason of your faith? Your, nui...;nt your lodgings, arc .they not all by ’ R yjn °1 >our faith? Reflect, and ask y-urselvGe, if thaso tilings arc not sq. Turn your thoughts on vour own minds, and see' if faith is; not the moving cause of all action in yourselves: and if the moving . cause in you, is it. not in all other intelligent beings* 12 And* as faith is the, moving cause of all action. in temporal concerns, soitis in spiritual; for the Savior has said, and that truly, that he that hcUeveth and is baptized, shall be saved. Mark 16:16. 13 As we receive by faith, all temporal blessings that we do receive, so we, in like manner, receive. by faith all spiritual blessings, that we do receive. But faith is not only the principle of action, but of power,- .rikso, in ail intelligent beings, whether in heaven, dr on • earth. Thus says the author of the epistle to -the, He¬ brews; 11:3: 14 Through faith wc understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God: so that things which ale seen were not made of things which do appear. • 15 By this we understand that the principle ofipoiwer, which existed in the bosom : of God, by 1 which)* ho worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by rea¬ son of this principle of powgr, existing in the .Deity, that all created things exist— -so that all things: ih heav¬ en, on earth, or under the earth, exist bv reason: of - faith, as it existed in, him. . 16 Had it not been for thei , principle ; of faith ithe worlds would never have been , framed, neither would man have been, formed of the dust— -it is the principle by which Jehovah works, • 18 The Savior says, Matthew 17:19,20, in explaining the reason why the disciples could not cast but;' the devil, that it was because of their unbelief: “For ve¬ rily, I say unto you,’5 said he, “if ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place! and it shall remdve: .and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” ■ 19 Moroni, while abridging and compiling the record ■ of his fathers, has given us the following account of ■faith as the principle of power: He says, page 563, that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek which caus¬ ed the walls of the prison to be wrent, as recorded on the 264th page; that it was the faith of Nephi and Le- hi which caused a change to be wrought upon the hearts of the Lamanites, when they were immersed with the Holy Spirit, and with fire, as seen on the 421st page, and that it was by faith that the mountain Ze- rin was removed, when the brother of Jared spake in the name of the Lord. , See also 565th page. 20 In addition to this we are told in Hebrews, 11:32, 33,34,35, that Gideon, Barak, Samson, . Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, through faith subdu¬ ed kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained prom¬ ises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the vio¬ lence, of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens; and that wo¬ men received their dead raised to life again, &c, &c. 21 Also; Joshua, in the sight of all Israel, bade the sun and moon to stand still, and it was done. Josh. 10:12. 22 We here understand, that the sacred writers say, that all these things were done by faith — It was by faith that the worlds were framed- — God spake, chaos heard, and Worlds came into order, by reason of the faith there was ia him. So with man also — he spake by faith hr1 the1 name 'of Gdd, nnd the sun stood still, tl.id rti&hi prisons'ifety, nons’ mouths tverd clo'secl, the human jieart, lost, its e$- jnity, fire its violence, atmies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion; and all this by rea¬ son of the faith" which "was in them. 23 Had it not been for the /faith which \ya§ i|i -man, they might have spoken to the sun, the moon, the mountain--, prisons, iions, the-humart heart, fire, 'armies,1 th" sword, or to dehth in vain! 24 Faith, i iien, is the first great governing principle •which has cower, dominion, and authority over all things: by >t-they exist, by it they are Upheld, by it Hhey ana changed, di’ hy it they remain, ' agreeably t;> ‘the wili of (led; . Without it, there is no power, and without power there could be no creation, nor osistonce! OF THEOLOGY. Question,— What is .theology? / " •’ Answer. — l! is that revealed science which treats of the t*- injjf ' arid, a (tribute? tit God— his relations to us— the dispensa¬ tions of iiis providence — his will with respect to our actions— and his purposes with respect to our end. [Buck’s Theologi¬ cal ri'clion - s-y, page 58*2. j C], -Who t is the first principle in'this revealed science!? A. Faith. [« i. IF 1.] Q. Why is failhthe first principlein this revetted science? A. ^ Because it is the foundation of all righteousness. Hch J 1:6. "Without faith it is.impossible to, please God. 1st. John, 3:7. Little "children, let- no man deceive yon: he that doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as he [God] is righteous. l. IT 1] Q. What arrangement should be followed in presenting the Wubject of Faith? A. i First, Should be shown what faith is: [$ i. 3.] Secondly, The object upon which it rests: and [4 I ? 4.] Thirdly,’ The effects which flow from it. [§ r. 9 5.] Q. What is faith? A. "It is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence sf things not seen: Heb. 11:1. That is, gt. is the assurance we have of the existence of unseen things. Aod being the assn- 10 r arise which, we have of the existence of unseen things, most be the principle of actionin all intelligent beings. Heb. 11:3. through faith we understand the worlds were framed bv the word of God. [$ i. 4T 8,0.] i Q. How do you prove that faith is the principle of action ha .all intelligent beings! A. First, By duly, considering the operations of my 'own mind; and secondly, by the direct declaration of scripture. — Heb. 11:7. By faitli IVoah, being warned of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving. of hi* .house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Heb. 11:8. By faitli Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and Use went out not knowing whither he w ent. Heb. 11:9. By faith he sojourned in the land# promise, as in a strange cq#i- try; dwelling in tabernacles .with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise, lleb. 1 ? :27, By faith Moses •forsook F.gypt, not Fearing the wrath of the king: for he 'eii- dured as seeing him who is invisible, [ft. If 10, 11.] Q. Is not faith the principle of action in spiritual things as well as in "temporal! A. It is. Q. How do you prove it? A, Heb. 11:6. . Without, faith it is impossible to.pleaw Marjyl6:lfi. He that believptht and is baptized, shall lie saved. Horn. 4:16. Therefore^ it is of faith, that it mjghi be by grace; to the end the promise might be.surp Jo all fjk> seed: not to that only which is of the law, hut to that also which is of the. faith of Abraham, who is the father of usaU. — C>i. IT 12,13.] Q. Is faith any tiling else beside the principle of aetio»; A. It is. Q. What is it! A. It is the principle of power, also. [Jr. If 13.j Q. How do you prove it? A. First, It is the principle of power in the Deity, as, welt «» in Heb. 11:3., .Through faith we understand that, the worlds wbre framed by the word of Godj so that things which are seen were not made .of, things which do appear. — .[**■ 1 14,1,5,10..] , , T ' Secondly^ ft is theppnpiplp of.ppwer.jn.nian.also. Book of Mormon, page 264. Alma and A; nick .i^re delivered ffom prison. Do. page 421. . Neplf. •rvl^W, .with : : ? Lamanites, arc imo -.rsed with the Sjpirit. Do. page 566. .. .bemountajp by t#e faith of tl^e brother, of Jared, .is grooved. Joftu 11 . cnrooai BBurt> . .s 10:12. Tl'.en spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the fx>rd delivered up the AmoriWs-befttfp the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou Moon, in tjie valley of Ajalon. Josh. 10:13. And the sun stood still/ and Ulfc moon stayed, until the peopi* had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? ,.go the sun, stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. Mar. 17:19. Then came tlie disciplek to J’esus apart, and said, Wiiy could not we cast him out? Mat. I T:20. And Jesu* said unto them, Because of your unbelief: tor verily I say un¬ to you, if ye have faith us a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this, mountain, lie-move hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall lie impossible onto you.— Heb. <11:32. And' what shall' I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon* and of Barak, and of Samson, ahd.of Jephtliah,’ of David also, aud Samuel, and of the proph- ots. Ileb. 11:33. -Who through faith subdubd kingdoms, ivrohgHt Righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, lleb. 11:34. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge, of the sword, out; of weakness were- made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Hefa. 11:35. Women received fh.i spilin' o3 Z.2CTURB SECOND. Or Faith. : SECTION II. . 1 Having shown' iii oUr previous lecture “faith its¬ elf — what it is,” vie shall proceed to show secondly ihe object on which it rests. 2 Wd here observe that God is the only supreme governor, and independent being, in whom all fulness and perfection dwells;' who is omnipotent, omnipres- ont, and omnicient;, without beginning of days, or end of life; and that in him every good gift, and every good principle . dwells; and that he is the Father of lights: In him the,, principle of faith dwells indepen¬ dently; and he is thei object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers, for life and salvation. 3 In order to pfeiCijt.this part of the subject in a clear and conspicuous point of light, it is necessary to go back and show the evidences which mankind have had, and the; foundation on which these eviden¬ ces are, or were bascjfl, since the creation, to believe in the existence of a, God, 4 We do not mean; those evidences which are man¬ ifested by the works . of creation, which we daily be¬ hold with our natural eyes:, we are sensible, that af¬ ter a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of creation, throughout their vast forms and varieties, dearly ex¬ hibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1 :20. For the invisible things of him from the creation, of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made: even his eternal power and Godhead. But we mean those evidences by which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men that there was a God who created all things. 5 We shall now proceed to examine the situation of manat. his finest creation.. Moses,, ttoj^iistoriail, has given us the following dim in the fijst. cha,pt. of the book of Genesis, Jjegipning with, the 20th, verse, and closing with the OOtfij,;, We, copy from the New Translation: , , . 6, And the Lor^d, God said ujato 'thp Gnly, Begotten, who was with him from the - beginning, Let us' make man in our image, after our likeness: and it was done. ,7 .And the Lord God said, Iiet thehjfhaye dominion over the fish of .the sea,, and b\jer; the jfbwl of the air, and over the .cattle^ and dver0a}^the earth, and over pvery creeping thing that e'reaps.jdpon, the earth. 8, Sp God created' man in His o.wnknage, in the im-' age of the 'Only, Begotten emoted, he him; male 'and female created hie them. And GocT blessed them, and G,od sgid unto them. Be fruitful,' , and multiply, and replenish the earth,” and subauo” ft: 1 and have domin¬ ion oyer tjje fish of the sea. and over the fowl of the air, and .pyer every living .thing 'that moves upon the earth. 9 And the Lord God said unto man, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the ,fac^,gf aB the earth,,' and evp^y tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding f'eeS; to you if shall be for meat, , , . 10 A^in, Genesis 2 19,20: AridtheLprd God tooty the fhan, and . put' hi^’ into the garden, of Eden, to dress it and $ kejep it.i And the Lord God commanded the man,, saving; ';6f!'evexy 1 tree of the garden you may free]|- eat: J but of the tree of tlie knowledge or good ana evif, you shall riot eat of it, neither shall you touch' if; ''nevertheless,1 you may choose for yourself, for it is given unto you; but re¬ member that I forbid tit: .for in^he day that you’ eat t^reoryori.shad'surery diei • ' ’ 14 11 And out bfj’fije ground the Lord God formed ev- fH-j beast of the1 field, and every fowl of the air, and (Commanded that' they should be, brought unto Adam, » geo what lie whuld call them. * * * And what¬ ever Adam cujlpd ©very living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of th* field. 12 From the foregoing wo learn man’s situation at h.is first creation; ,tho knowledge with which he wa* endowed, and the high and exalted station in which ho was placed — lord, or governor of all things on earth, and at the sdiiie time enjoying communion and intercourse with his Maker, without a vail to separate between. We shall next proceed to examine the ac¬ count given of his fall, and of his being driven out of the garden of Eddn, and' from the presence of the IiOrd. 1 ' 13 Moses proceeds: And they [Adam and Eve] heard tho voice of the Lord God as they were walk¬ ing in the garden in tho cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of tho Lord God among the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called linto Adam, and said unto him, Where are you g6ing? And ho said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I be¬ held that I Was naked, and Thid myself. 14 And the Lord God said unto Adam, Who told vou that you were narked? Have you eaten of the tree whereof 1 told you that you should noteat? If so, you should surely die? And the man said, The wo¬ man whom you gave me, and commanded that she should remain with me, gave me of tho fruit of tho tree, and I did eat, 15 And the Lord Gbd said unto the woman, What is this which you have done? And the woman said, Tho serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 16 And &gain:, the Lord said unto the woman, | greatly multiply your sorrow, and youf cohbepfWhi :1 in sorrow* you "shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to yotir husband, and he shall .rUkr' over you. IT And the Lord God said unto Adam, because' you have hearkened unto the voice of your wife, arid have eaten of the fruit of the tree of which I conn mnnded you, saying, You shall not eat of it! cutset! shall be the ground for your sake : in sorrow you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Thorns also,, and thistles shall it bring forth to you: and you shall oaf the herb of the field. By the sweat of your face shad' you cat bread, until vou shall return unto the ground —for You shall surely die — for out of it you were ta¬ ken; tor dust you were, and unto dust you shall' re¬ turn. This was immediately followed by the fulfill¬ ment of what we previously said: Man was driven, or sent out of Kden. IS Two important items are shown from the for¬ mer quotations: First, After man was created, he. was not left without intelligence, or understanding, do' wander in darkness, and spend an existence in ignor¬ ance and doubt — on the great and important point which edectod his happiness, — as to the real fact bv" whom he was created, or unto whom he was amcha-' .Wo for his conduct God conversed with him fac^tn : faCe : in his presence he was permitted to stand, and from his own mouth he was permitted to .receive ii>- ! sfruction— he heard his voice, walked before him, antlj gazed upon his glory — while intelligence burst upbrf his understanding, and enabled him to give nairas, to1 the vast assemblage of his Maker’s works. 19 Secondly, we have seen, that, though mart did; transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which he was cnduifed. relative to the existence and glory of his Creator; for ,n.o sooner did he hepi;hjs, voice, than he, .sought to hide himself from hisjpcqsgnpe. , , 20 .Haying shown, then, in the first instaneej tha^ God began to converse with imp, immediately after he “breathed into his nostrils the breath of lire,” and that . he did not cease, to manifest; ihimself to; hiip, even after his fall, we shall next pjopeed to show, that, though he.was cast, out fi;om the garden of Eden, his knowledge of the existence of God .was not lost, .nei¬ ther; did Goa cease to manifest his will, unto him.. 21 We next proceed- to presept the accopnt of the direet revelation which man received, after he was cast out of Eden, and further copy, from- the.. New. Translation: .22 After Adam had been driven qpt of .the .gardpp, lip began to till the earth, apd to have dominion over all the beasts of the field,; and to eat his. oread by the s>yeat of his brow., as the Lord had commanded him: and he called upon the name of the Lord , apd so did Eyo his ,wifp,also. And they heap-ci j|i'e voice, of the Lord from the way toward the garden of Eden, speak: ing unto tjiern; ' pud they saw him not, for they were shpt out from jus presence: but.he.gave.iiiitothem copi- mpndinepts that thpy'. should wopjiip'fthe Lord their. Gpil, and, should offer the firstlings of, their flocks for, an. offering unto the Lord, AncfAdam was obedient unto the commandment. 23 And' after mapy days an angel of the Lord ap¬ plied unto, Adam, saying, why do,, you offer sacri¬ fices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him, 1 know not; but the Lord commanded me to offer, sac¬ rifices. 24 And the' angel said unto him, This thing is a sjpailitude of the sacrifice of the , Only Begotten of the Bather, who' is full' ,of grace and truth. ' AnoTyou stiali;do all" that you do in .the nanie of* the Son : and you shall repent and call upon God in his name for- ever. In that day the Holy Spirit fell upon Adam, and bore record of the Father and the Son. 25 This last quotation, or summary, shows this im¬ portant fact, that though our first parents were driven out of the garden of Eden, and were even separated from the presence of God, by a vail, they still retain¬ ed a knowledge of his existence, and that sufficiently to move them to call upon him. And further, that no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to man, and he began to call upon God, than the Holy Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and Son. 26 Moses also gives us an account, in tfie 4th of Genesis, of the transgression of Cain, and the right¬ eousness of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them. He says: In process of time Cain brought of the fruit of the ground, an offering unto the Lord. — And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had riot respect. New satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why are you angry? why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? — And if you do not well, sin lies atthe door, and satas desires to have you; and except you shall hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver you up: and it shall be unto you according to his desire. . 27 And Cain went into the field and talked with his brother Abel. And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew him. And Cain gloried in what he had done, saying, I am free! surely the flocks of my brother will now fall in¬ to my hands. 28 But the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel, your brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper? And the Lord said, What have yon done? the voice of your brother’s blood cries un¬ to me from the ground. And now, you shall be curs¬ ed fromt the earth which has opened her mouth to re¬ ceive your brother’s blood, from your hand. When, you till the ground, she shall not henceforth yield un¬ to you her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond also,, you shall; be in the earth. 29 And; Cain said unto the Lord, Satan tempted me. because-jof my brother’s flocks. And I was also an¬ gry: for liis offering was accepted, and mine was not: ’ My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of men, and from your face shall I be hid also; and J shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it. shall come to pass, every one that finds me will slay me, because of my oath; for these things are not hid from the Lord, And the Lord said unto him,. Therefore, whoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven fold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 30 The object of the foregoing quotations is to show to this class the way by which mankind were first made acquainted with the existence of a God: that it was by a manifestation of God to man, and that God continued, after man’s transgression to manifest him¬ self to him and his posterity: and notwithstanding they were separated from his immediate presence, that, they could not see his face, they continued to hear his voice. 31 Adam thus being made acquainted with God, communicated the knowledge which he had unto his posterity; and it was through this means that the thought was first suggested to their minds that there was a God. Which laid the foundation for the exer¬ cise of their faith, through which they could obtain a. knowledge of his character and also of his glory.. 32 Not only was there a manifestation made unto Adam of the existence of a God, but Moses informs us, as before quoted, that God condescended to talk with Cain after his great transgression, in slaying his brother, and that Cain knew that it was the Lord that was talking with him: so that when he was driven out from the presence of his brethren, he carried with him the knowledge of the existence of a God: and through this means, doubtless his posterity became ac¬ quainted with the fact that such a being existed. 33 From this we can see that the whole human fam¬ ily, in the early age of their existence, in all their different branches, had this knowledge disseminated among them; so that the existence of God became an object of faith, in the early age of the world. And the evidences which these men had of the existence of a God, was the testimony of their fathers in the- first instance. 34 The reason why we have been thus particular o» this part of our subject, is, that this class may see by what means it was that God became an object of faith among men after the fall; and what it was that stir¬ red up the faith of multitudes to feel after him; to search after a knowledge of his character, perfections and attributes, until they became extensively acquain¬ ted with him; and not only commune with him, and behold his glory, but be partakers of his power, and stand in his presence. 35 Let this class mark particularly that the testimo¬ ny which these men had of the existence of a God, was the testimony of man; for previous to the time that any of Adam’s posterity had obtained a manifes¬ tation of God to themselves, Adam their common far¬ ther had testified unto them of the existence of God, and of his eternal power and Godhead. 36 For instance, Abel, before he received the assu- 2* ranee, from heaven that his offerings were acceptable unto God, had received the important information of his father, that such a being did exist, who had crea¬ ted, and who did uphold all things. Neither can there be a doubt existing on the mind of any person, that Adam was the first who did communicate the knowledge of the existence of a God, tohis posterity; and that the whole faith of the world,, from that timo down to the present, is in a certain degree, dependent on the know’ ledge 'first communicated to them by their common progenitor; and it has been handed down to the day and generation in which we live, as we shall show from the face of the sacred records. 37 First, Adam was 130 years old wheii Seth was born. Gen. 5:3. And the days of Adam, after he had begotten Seth, were 800 years; making him 930 years old when he died., Gen. 5:4,5. Seth was 105 wheh Enos was born. 5:6. Elios was 90 when Cainan was born. 5:9. Cainan was 70 when Mahala- leel was born. 5:12. Mahalaleel was 65 when Jared was born. 5:15: Jared Was 162 when Enoch was born. 5:18. Enoch was 65 when Mcthusaleh was born. 5:21. Methusaleh was 187 when Lamech was born. 5:25. Lamech was 182 when Noah was bam. 5:28. 38 From this account it appears that Lamech, the 9th from Adam, and the father of Noah, was 56 years old when Adam died; Methuseleh, 243; Enoch, 308; Jared 470; Mahalaleel, 535; Cainan, 605; Enos, 695; and Seth, 800. 39 So that Lamech, the father of Noah; Methusa¬ leh, Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, Cainan, Enos, Seth, and Adam, were all living at the same time, and be¬ yond all controversy, were all preachers of righteous¬ ness. 40 Moses further informs us, that Seth lived, after he begat Enos, 807 years; making him 912 years old 21 at his death. Gen. 5:7,8. And Enos lived, after ho begat Cainan, 815 years: making him 905 years old when he died. 5:10,11. And Cainan lived, after he begat Mahalaleel, 810 years: making him 910 years old at his death. 5:13,14. And Mahalaleel lived, af¬ ter he begat Jared, 830 years: making him895 years old when he died. .5:16,17; And Jared lived, after he begat Enoch, 800 years: making him 962 y ears old at his death. 5:19,20. And Enoch walked with God, after he begat Methuseleh 3 00 years: making him 865 years old when he was translated. 5:22,23. And Methuseleh lived, after he begat Lamcch, 782 years: making him 969 years old when , he died. 5:26,27. Lamech lived, after he begat Noah, 595 years: ma¬ king him 777 years, old when he died. 5:30,31.. 41 Agreeably to this account, Adam died in the 930th year of the world, Enoch was translated in the 987th, Seth died in the 1042nd, Erios in the 1140th, Cainan in the 1235th, Mahalaleel in the 1290th, Ja¬ red in the 1422nd, Lamech in the 1651st» and Me- thusaleh in the 1656th, it being the same year in which the flood came. 42 So that Noah was 84 years old when Enos died, 176 when Cainan died, 234 when Mahalaleel died, 866 when Jared died, 593 when Lamech died, and 600 when Mcthusaleh died. 43 We can see from this that Enos, Cainan, Maha¬ laleel, Jared, Mcthusaleh, Lumach, and Noah all liv¬ ed on the earth at the shfne time. And that Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared Methimlch, and Lamech, were all acquainted with both Alans anl Noih. 44 From the foreg nag it is easily lobe seen, not only how the knowledge of Gol came into the world, but upon what principle it was preserved: that from the time it was first communicated, it was retained in the minds of righteous then, who taught, not only their own posterity, but the world : so that there was no need of a new revelation to man, after Adam’s cre¬ ation, to Noah, to give them the first idea, or notion of the existence of a God: and not only of a God, but of the true and living God. 45 Having traced the chronology of the world from Adam to Noah, we will now trace it from Noah to Abraham. Noah was 502 years old when Shem was born: 98 years afterward the flood came, being the 600th year of Noah’s age. And Moses informs us that Noah lived after the flood, 350 years: making him 950 years old when he died. Gen. 9:28,29. 46 Shem was 100 years old when Arphaxed was born. Gen. 11:10, Arphaxed was 35 when Salah was born 11 :12. Salah was 30 when Eber was born. 11:14. Eber was 34 when Peleg was born: in whose days the earth was- divided. 11:16. Peleg was 30 when Reu was born. 11:18. Reu was 32 when Se- rug was born. 11:20. Serug was 30 when Nahor was born. 11:22. Nahor was 29 when Terah was born. 11:24. Terah was 70 when Haran and Abra¬ ham were born. 11:26. 47 There is some difficulty in the account given by Moses, of Abraham’s birth. Some have supposed, that Abraham was not born until Terah was 130 years old. This conclusion is drawn from a variety of scriptures, which are not to our purpose at present to quote. Neither is it a matter of any consequence to us, whether Abraham was born when Terah was 70 years old, or 130. But in order that there may no doubt exist upon any mind, in relation to the object lying immediately before us, in presenting the pres¬ ent chronology, we will date the birth of Abraham at the latest period: that is, when Terah was 130 years old. It appears from this* account, that from the flood to the birth of Abraham was 352 years. 48 Moses informs us that Shem lived, after he begat Arphaxed, 500, Gen. 11:11, This added to 10a years, which was his age when Arphaved was horn, makes him 600 years old when he died. Arphaxed lived, after he begat Salah, 403 years. 11:13. This added to 35 years, which was his age when Salah was born, makes him 43S years old when he died. Sa¬ lah lived, after he begat Eber, 403 years. 11:15. — This added to 30 years, which was his age when Eber was born, makes him 433 years old when he died. — Eber lived, after he begat Peleg, 430 years. 11:17. This added to 34 years, which was his age when Pe¬ leg was born, makes him 464 years old. Peleg liv¬ ed, after he begat Reu, 209 years. 11:19. This ad¬ ded to 30 years, which was his age when Reu was bom, makes him 239 years old when he died. Reu lived, after he begat Serug, 207 years. Gen. 11:21. This added to 32 years, which was his age when Se¬ rug was born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Serug lived, after he begat Nahor, 200 years. Gen. 11:23. This added to 30 years, which was his age when Nahor was born, makes him 230 years old when he died. Nahor lived, after he begat Terah, 119 years. Gen. 11:25. This added to 29 years, which was his age when Terah was born, makes him 148 years old when he died. Terah was 130 years old when Abraham was born, and is supposed to have lived 75 years after his birth: making him 205 years old when he died. 49 Agreeably to this last account, Peleg died in the 1996th year of the world, Nahor in the l'997th, and Noah in the 2006th. So that Peleg, ia whose days the earth was divided, and Nahor, the grand-father of Abraham, both died before Noah: the former being 239 years old, and the latter 148. And who cannot but see, that they must have had a long and intimate acquaintance with Noah? 50 Reu died in the 2026th year of the world, Serug in 2049th, Terah ia the 2083rd, Arphaxed in th« 24 2096th, Selah in the 2126th, Shem in the 2158th, Abraham in the 2183rd, and Eber in the 2187th: which was 4 years after Abraham’s death. And Eber was the fourth from Noah. 51 Nahor, Abraham’s brother, was 58 years old when Noah died, Terah 128, Scrug 187, Reu 219, Eber 28.3, Salah 313, Arphaxed 344, and Shem 448. 52 It appears from this account, that Nahor, broth¬ er of Abraham, Terah, Nahor, Serug, Reu, Peleg, Eber, Salah, Arphaxed, Shem, and Noah, all lived on the earth at the same time. And that Abraham was 18 years old when Reu died, 41 when Serug and his brother Nahor died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when Arphaxed died, 118 when Salah died, 150 when Shem died, and that Eber lived 4 years after Abra¬ ham’s death. And that Shem, Arphaxed, Salah, Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor, the brother of Abraham, and Abraham, lived at the same time.-1- And that Nahor, brother of Abraham, Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxed, and Shem, were all acquainted with both Noah and Abraham. 53 We have now traced the chronology of the world, agreeably to the account given in our present bible, from Adam to Abraham, and have clearly deter¬ mined, beyond the power of controversy, that there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God in the world, from the creation of Adam, and the man¬ ifestation made to his immediate descendants, as set forth in the former part of this lecture, so that the students, in this class need not have any dubiety res¬ ting on their minds, on this subject; for they can easily see, that it is impossible for it to be otherwise; but that the knowledge of the existence of a God, must have continued from father to son, as a matter of tradition, at least. For we cannot suppose, that a knowledge of this important fact, could have existed in the mind of any of the before mentioned individ- 25 uals, without their having made it known to their posterity. 54 Wc have now shown how it was that the first thought ever existed in the mind of any individual? that there was such a being as a God, who had crea¬ ted and did upheld all things: that it was by reason of the manifestation which he first made to our father Adam, when he stood in his presence, and conversed with him face to face, at the time of his creation. 55 Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the impor¬ tant fact that there is a God who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge, re¬ specting his character and glory, will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in Seeking after him, until like Enoch the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to be¬ hold him face to face. 56 We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it was, that God became an object of faith for rational beings; and also, upon what foundation the testimony was based, which excited the enquiry and diligent search of the ancient saints, to seek after and obtain a knowledge of the glory of God: and we have seen that it was human testimony, and human testi¬ mony only, that excited this enquiry, in the first in¬ stance in their minds — it was the credence they gave • to the testimony of their fathers — this testimony hav¬ ing aroused their minds to enquire after the knowl¬ edge ot God, the enquiry frequently terminated, in¬ deed, always terminated, when rightly persued, in the most glorious discoveries, and eternal certainty. Question. — Is there a being who has faith in himself indepen- entlyt Answer. — There is. Q. Who is itt A. It is God. S6 Q. How do you prove tliat God has Faith in himself inde¬ pendently? A. Because he is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omnicient; without beginning of days or end of life, and in him all fulness dwells. Eph. 1:23. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Col. 1:19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. [§'u. 2.] Q. Is he the object in whom the faith of all other rational and accountable beings centers, for life and salvation 1 A. He is. Q. How do you prove it? A. Isa. 45:22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Rom. lit 34,35,36. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and .through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for¬ ever. Amen. Isa. 40: from the 8th to the 18th. O Zion that bringest good tidings, [Or, O tlipu that tellest good ti¬ dings to Zion.] get thee up into the high mountain: O Jeru¬ salem, that bringest good tidings, [Or, O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem,] lift up thy voice with strength; lilt it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your Godt Behold the Lord your God will come with strong hand, [Or, against the strong.] and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his •reward is with him, and his work beforeMm. [Or, recompense for his work.] He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he •trail gather his lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bo¬ som, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, weighed the mountains in scales, and th* hills in a ballance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor, hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the ballance: behold he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Leba¬ non is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations are before him as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity? Jer. 51:15,16. He [the Lord] hath made the earth by hi* power, he hath established -the .world by his wisdom, and hath atreached out the heaven by his understanding. When he ut- tereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; '27 ■and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind oat of his treasures. 1st Cor. 8:6. But to us there is 'but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. [» a-* IT 2.] Q. How did men first come to the knowledge of the existence of a God, so as to exercise faith in him? A. In order to answer this question, it will be necessary to go back and examine man at his creation; the circumstances in which he was placed, and the knowledge which he had of God. [$ ii. 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11.] First, When man was created he stood in the presence of God. Gen. 1:27,28. From this we learn that man, at his creation, stood in the presence of his God, and had most per- feet knowledge of his existence. Secondly, God conversed with him after Ids transgression. Gen. 3: from the 8th to the 22nd. [$ u. 13,14,15,16,17.] From this we learn, that, though man did transgress, he was not deprived of the previous knowledge which he had of th* existence of God. [$ n. IT 19.] Tliirdly, God conversed with man after he cast him out of the garden. [$ ii. 22,23,24,25.] Fourthly, God also conversed with Cain after he had slam Abel. Gen. 4: from the 4th to the 6th. [$ n. 26,27,28,29.] Q. What is the object of the foregoing quotation? A. It is that it may be clearly seen how it was that the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men, of the existenoe of God, and how extensively this knowledge was spread among the immediate descendants of Adam. [$ n. 30,31,32,33.] Q. What testimony had the immediate descendants of Adam, in proof of the existence of a God? A. The testimony of their father. And after they were made acquainted with his existence, by the testimony of their father, they were dependant upon the exercise of their own faith, for a knowledge of his character, perfections and attributes, f 4 u. IT 23,24, 2a, 26.] Q. Had any others of the human family, beside Adam, a knowledge of the existence of God, in the first instance, by any other means than human testimony? A. They had not For previous to the time that they could have power to obtain a manifestation for themselves, the all- important fact had been communicated to them by their com¬ mon father: and so, from father to child, the knowledge was 'communicated as extensively, as the knowledge of his exist¬ ence was known; for it was by this means, in the first instance, *at men had a knowledge of his existence. [$ ii. *f 35,36.] 38 Q. How do you know that the knowledge of the existence of God was communicated in this maaner, throughout the differ¬ ent ages of the world? A. By the chronology obtained thro’ the revelations of God. Q. How would you divide that chronology in order to con¬ vey it to the Understanding clearly? A. Into twoparts: Frst, by embracingthat period of theworld from Adam to Noah; and secondly, Irom Noah to Abraham: from which period the knowledge of the existence of God has been so general, that it is a matter of no dispute in what man¬ ner the idea of his existence has been retained in the world. Q. How many noted righteous men lived irom AdamtoNooh? A. Nine; which includes Abel, who was slain by his brother. Q. What are their names? A. Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Mo¬ th usaleh, and Lamech. Q. How old was Adam when Seth was born? A. One hundred and thirty years. Gen. 5:3. Q. How many years did Adam live after Seth was bom? A. Eight hundred. Gen. 5:4. Q. How old was Adam when he died? A. Nine hundred and thirty years. Gen. 5:5. Q. How old was Seth when Enos was born? A. One hundred and five yeaTs. Gen. 6:6. ' Q. How old was Enos when Cainan was born? A. Ninety years. Gen. 5:9. Q. How old was Cainan when Mahalaleel was bom? A. Seventy years. Gen. 5:13. Q. How old was Mahalaleel when Jared was born? A. Sixty five years. Gen. 5:15. Q. How old was Jared when Enoch was bom? A. One hundred and sixty two years. Gen. 5:18. Q. How old was Enoch when Melhusaleh was boml A. Sixty five. Gen. 5:21. Q. How old was Methnsaleh when Lamech waB bom? A. One hundred and eighty seven years. Gen. 5:25. Q. Ho w old was Lamech when Noah was bom? A. One hunored and eig. ty two years. Gen. 5:28. For this chronology see § it. *jl 37. Q. How many years, according to this account, was It Stem Adam to Noah? A. One thousand and fifty six years. Q. How old was Lamech when Adam died? A. Lamech, the ninth from Adam, (including Abel,) >■>? fether of Noah, was fifty sir years old when Adam died. Q, How old was Methusaleh? 29 A. Two hundred and forty three years. Q. How old wo* Enoch? A. Three hundred nnd eight years. Q. How old was Jared? A. Four hundred and seventy years. Q. How old was Mahalaleel? A. Five hundred and thirty five. Q. How old was Cainan? A. Six hundred and five years. Q. How old was Enos? A. Six hundred and ninety five years. Q. How old was Seth? A. Eight hundred. For this item of the account see section second, paragraph 38. Q. How many of these noted men were cotemporary with Adam? A. Nine. Q. What are their names? A. Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methusaleh, and Lamech. [§ n. 39.] Q. How long did Seth live after Enos was born? A. Eight hundred and seven years. Gen. 5:7. Q. What was Seth’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and twelve years- Gen. 5:8. Q. How long did Enos live after Cainan was born? A. Eight hundred and fifteen years. Gen. 5:10. Q. What was Enos’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and five years. Gen. 5:11. Q. How long did Cainan live after Mahalaleel was bom? A. Eight hundred and forty years. Gen. 5:13. Q. What was Cainan’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and ten years. Gen. 5:14. Q. How long did Mahaleel live after Jared was bom? A. Eight hundred and thirty years. Gen. 5:16. Q. What was Mahalaleel’ s age when he died? A. Eight hundred and ninety five years. Gen. 5:17. Q- How long did Jared live after Enoch was born? A. Eight hundred years. Gen. 5:19. Q. What was Jared's age when he died? A. Nine hundred and sixty two years. Gen. 5:20. Q. How long did Enoch walk with God after Methusaleh was born? A. Three hundred years. Gen. 5:22. Q. What was Enoch’s age when he was translatedd? A. Three hundred and sixty five years. Gen. 5:23. Q. How long did Methusaleh live after Lamech was bom* 80 A. Seven hundred and eighty two years. (Jen. HM. Q. What was Methusaleh’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and sixty nine years. Gen. 5.27. Q. How long did Lamech live after Noah was born? A. Five hundred and n e y five ye irs. Gen. 5:30. Q. What was Lamech’s age when he died? A. Seven hundred and seventy seven years. Gen. 5:31. For the account of the last item see [$ ii. 40.] Q. In what year of the world did Adam die? A. In the nine hundred and thirtieth- Q. In what year was Enoch translated? A. In the nine hundred and eighty seventh. Q. In what year did Seth die? A. In the one thousand and forty second. Q. In what year did Enos die? A. In the eleven hundred and fortieth. Q. In what year did Cainan die? A. In the twelve hundred and thirty fifth. Q. In what year did Mahalaleel die? A. In the twelve hundred and ninetieth.. Q. In what year did Jared die? A. In the fourteen hundred and twenty second. Q. In what year did Lamech die? A. In the sixteen hundred and fifty first. Q. In what year did Methusaleh die? A . In the sixteen hundred and fifty sixth. For this account see $ ii. 51. 41. Q. How old was Noah when Enos died? A. Eighty four years. Q. How old when Cainan died? A. One hundred and seventy nine years. Q. Hour old when Mahalaleel died? A. Two hundred and thirty four years. Q. How old when Jared died? A. Three hundred and sixty six years.. Q. How old when Lamech died? A. Five hundred and ninety five years. Q. How old when Methusaleh died? A. Six hundred years. See § ii. 5T 42, for the last item. Q. How many of those men lived in the days of Noah ! A. Six. Q. What are their names? A. Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methusaleh, andT Lamech. [$u. 51 43. Q. How many of those men were eotemporary with Adam 31 aud Noah both! A. Six. Q. What are their names? A. Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methusaleh, and La- mech. [$ii. If 43.] Q, According to the foregoing account, how was the knowl¬ edge of the existence of God first suggested to the minds of men! A. By the manifestation made to our father Adam, when b« was in the presence of God, both before and. while he was in. Eden. [§ 11. fl 44.] Q. How was the knowledge of the existence of God dissemi¬ nated among the inhabitants of the world? A. By tradition from father to son. [$ u. If 44.] Q. How old was Noah when Shem was born? A. Five hundred and two years. Gen. 5:32. 11:10. Q. What was the term of years from the birth of Shem to th« flood? A. Ninety eight. Q, What was the term of years that Noah lived after the flood? A. Three hundred and fifty. Gen. 9:28. Q. What was Noah’s age when Tie died? A. Nine hundred and fifty years. Gen. 9:29. [§ n. 45.]; Q. What was Shem’s age when Arpliaxed was born? A. One hundred years. Gen. 11:10. Q. What was Arphaxed’s age when Salah was born? A. Thirty five years. Gen. 11:12. Q. What was Salah’s age when Eber was born? A. Thirty. Gen. 11:14. Q. What was Eber’s age when Peleg was bom? A. Thirty four years. Gen. 11:16. Q. What was Peleg’s age when Reu was born? A. Thirty years. Gen. 11:18. Q. Wrhat was Reu’s age when Serug was bom? A. Thirty two years. Gen. 11:20. Q. What was Serug’s -age when Nahor was bom?" A. Thirty years. Gen. 11:22. Q. What was Nahor’s age when Terah was bom? A. Twenty nine. Gen. 11:24. Q. WThat Was Terah’s age, when Nahor the father of Abra¬ ham was bom? A. Seventy years. Gen. 11:26. Q. What was Terah’s age when Abraham'was born? A. Some suppose one hundred and thirty years, and others' seventy. Gen. 12:4. 11:26. [§ n. If 46.] Q. What was the number of years from the flood to the birth of Abraham? A. Supposing Abraham to have been born when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old, it was three. hundred and fif¬ ty two years: but if he were born when Terah was seventy years old, it was two hundred and ninety two years. [§ n 47.] Q. How long did Shem live after Arphaxed was born? A. Five hundred years. Gen. 11:11. Q. What was Shem’s age wheri he died? A. Six hundred years. Gen. 11:11. Q. What number of years did Arphaxed live after Salali was oorn? A. Four hundred and three years. Gen. 21:13. Q. What was Arphaxed’s age when he died? A. Four hundred and thirty eight years. Q. What number of years did Salah live after Eber was bom? A. Four hundred and three years. Gen. 11:15. Q. What was Salah’s age when he died? A. Four hundred and thirty three years. Q. What number of years did Eber live after Peleg was bom? A. Four hundred and thirty years. Gen. 11:17. Q. What was Eber’s age wjien he died? A. Four hundred and sixty four years. Q. What number of years did Peleg live after Reu was bom? A. Two hundred and nine years. Gen. 11:19. Q. What was Peleg’ s age when he died? A. Two hundred and thirty nine years. Q. What number of years did Reu live after Serug wt«Wn! A. Two hundred an J seven years. Gen. 11:21. Q. What was Reu’s age when he died? A. Two hundred and thirty nine years. Q. What number of years did Serug live after Nalior was born? A. Two hundred years. Gen.' 11:23. Q. What was Serug’ s age when he died? A. Two hundred and thirty years. Q. What number of years did Nahor live after Terah was born? A. One hundred and nineteen years. Gen. 11:25. Q. What was Nahor’s age when he died? A. One hundred and forty eight years. Q. What number of years did Terah live after Abraham was born? A. Supposing Terah to have been one hundred and thirty years old when Abraham was born, he lived seventy five years; but if Abraham was born when Terah was seventy years old. he lived one hundred and thirty five. Q. What was Terah’s age when he died? 33 A. Two hundred and five years. Gen. 11:32. For this account from the birth of Arphaxed, to the death of Terah, see [$ n. If 48.] Q. In what year of the world did Peleg die? A. Agreeably to the foregoing chronology, he died in the nineteen hundred and ninety sixth year of the world. Q. In what year of the world did Nahor die? A. In the nineteen hundred and ninety seventh. Q. In what year of the world did Noah die? A. In the two thousand and sixth. Q. In what year of the world did Reu die? A. In the two thousand and twenty. sixth. Q. In what year of the world did Serug die? A. In the two thousand and forty ninth. Q. In what year of the world did Terah die? A. In the two thousand apd eighty third. Q. In what year of the world did Arphaxed die? A. In the two thousand and ninty sixth. Q. In what year of the world did Salah die? A. In the twenty one hundred and twenty sixth. Q. In what year of the world did Abraham die? A. In the twenty one hundred and eighty third. Q. hi what year of the world did Eber die? A. In the twenty one hundred aud eighty seventh. ■For this account of the year of the world in which those men died, see [$n: H 49,50.] Q. How old was Nahor, Abraham’s brother, when Noah died? A. Fifty eight years. Q. How old was Terah? A. One hundred and twenty eight. Q. How old was Serug? A. One hundred and eighty seven. Q. How old was Reu? A. Two hundred and nineteen. Q. How old was Eber? A. Two hundred and eighty three. Q. How old was Salah? A. Three hundred and thirteen. Q. How old was Arphaxed? A. Three hundred and forty eight. Q. How old was Shem? A. Four hundred and forty eight. For the last account see [$ u. 51.] Q. How old was Abraham when Reu died? A. Eighteen years, if he were born when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old. Q. What was hi/ age when Se- rug, and Nahor, Abraham’s brother died? A. Forty one years. Q. What was his age when Terah diedt A. Seventy five years. Q. What was his age when Arphaied died? A. Eighty eight.' • ! . Q. What wa.s his age when Salah died? A. One hundred and eighteen years. Q. What was liis age when ‘Shem died? i . A. One hundred arid fifty years. • For this see [§ n. IT 52. p ■ Q. How many noted characters lived from N oah to Abraham * A. Ten. ' ■ ■ Ti ;i Q. What are their names? A. Shem, Arphaxedy Salah, Eber, Peteg, Reu, Serug, ISSa- hor, Terah, and Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Hn, If 52.] Q. How many of these wore oa temporary with Noah? 1 A. The whole. 1 !, n ■ Q. How many with Abraham’. A. Eight. ■ li’t.* t*;sy im w a! , Q. What are their names? t A. Nahor, Abraham’s brother, Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Se- lah, Arphaxed, and Shem. ffut. ^ 52.] : Q. Howmany were'eotempbrary with both Noah and Abra¬ ham? ’ [ A. Eight. Q. What are thsir names? A. Shem, Arphaxed, Salah, Eber, Reu, Serug: Terah, and Nalior, Abraham’s brother. 5T 52.] Q. Did any of these men die before Noah? A. They did. ■ ' Q. Who were they? A. Peleg, in whose days the earth w as divided, and Nabor Abraham's grand-father. [§ ii. If 49.] ‘ u I Q. Did any one of them live -longer than Abraham? A. There was one. [$ ii. fl. 50.] ! W Q. Who was it? • ' .A A. Eber, the fourth from Noah. [( it. If 60.] Q. In whose days was the earth divided ? A. In the days of Peleg. Q. Where have we the account given that the eaTth was divi¬ ded in the days of Peleg? A. Gen. 10:25. H Q. Can you repeat die sentence?. A. Unto Eber were bom two sons; the name of one was Pe¬ leg; for in his days the earth was divided. 85 Q.. What testimony have men, in the first instance, that there is a Godt A. Human testimony, and human testimony only. [< n. *56.] Q. What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently after a knowledge of the gjlory of God, his perfections and attributes? A. The credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers. H it. H 56.] Q. IlOw do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes?. A. By. devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly, strengthening their faith in him, until like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves. [§ n. * 55.] Q. Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, until a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves? A. It is. Q. How do you prove it? A, From the whole pf the first lecture of the second section. LSCTUK3 THIRD. Of Faith. SECTION III. 1 In the second lecture it was shown, how it was that the knowledge of the existence of God, came in’ to the world,, and by what means the first thoughts Were suggested tq the minds of men, that such a be¬ ing did actually exist; and that it was by reason of the knowledge of liis existence, that there was a foun¬ dation laid for. the exercise of faith in him, as the on¬ ly being in whom faith could center for life and sal¬ vation. For faith could not center in a being of whose existence we had no idea; because the idea of his existence in the first instance, is essential to the exercise of faith in him. Rom. 10:14: “How 3* then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear with¬ out a preacher?” (or one sent to tell them?) So then faith comes by hearing the word of God. ' [New Translation.] 2 Let us here observe* that three things are neces¬ sary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. 3 First, The idea that he actually exists. 4 Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfec¬ tions and attributes. 5 Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will. — For without an acquaintance with these three impor¬ tant facts, the faith of every rational being must bte imperfect and unproductive; but with this understand¬ ing, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 6 Having previously been made acquainted with the way the idea of his existence came into the world, as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to examine his character, perfections and attributes, in order that this class may see, not only the just grounds which they have for the exercise of faith in him, for life and salvation, but the reasons that all the world, also, as far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to exercise faith in him the Father of all living. 7 As we have been indebted to a revelation which God made of himself to his creatures in the first in¬ stance, for the idea of his existence, so in like manner we are indebted to the revelations which he has given to us, for a correct understanding of his char¬ acter, perfections *and attributes; because without the revelations which he has given to us, no man by searching could find out God. Job 11:7,8,9. First 37 Cor. 2:9,10,11: “But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him; but God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God no man knows but by the Spirit of God.” 8 Having said so mych, we proceed to examine the character which the revelations have given of God. 9 Moses gives us the following account in Exodus, 34:6: “And the Lord passed by before him, and pro¬ claimed, The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Psalm 103:6,7,8: “The Lord exe¬ cutes righteousness and judgment for all that are op¬ pressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merci- iid and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mer¬ cy:” Psalm 103:17,18: “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting- to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children, to such as keep his covenant, and to those that re¬ member his commandments to do them;” Psalm 90c 2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ev¬ er you had formed the earth and the world, even; from .everlasting to everlasting, you are Gad.” Heb. il: 10, 11,12: “And you, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of t)ie earth; and the heavens are the yerks ofyonr hands: they shall perish, but you shall remain; and.,they shall wax. old as a garment; and as a vesture shall you fold them- up, and they shall be changed : but you are the same, and your years shall not fail.” James 1:17: “Every good gift, and eve¬ ry perfect gift, is from above, and comes down from the Father of. lights j wjth whom ia,>no variableness, 38 neither shadow of turning.” Malachi 3:6. “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore yd sons of Ja¬ cob are not consumed.” 10 Book of Commandments, chapt 2nd, commen¬ cing in the third line of the first paragraph: “For. God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he turn to the right hand or the left, or vary from that which he has said, therefore his paths are strait, and hie course is one eternal round:” Book of Commandments, chapt. 37:1. “Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same yes¬ terday to-day and forever. ” 11 Numbers, 23:19. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should re¬ pent.” First John, 4:8. “He that loves not, know* not God; for God is love.” Acts, 10:34: “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that* God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accept* ed with him.” 12 From the foregoing testimonies, we learn the* following things respecting the character of God. 13 First, That he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was, after it was created. 14 Secondly, That he is merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting. 15 Thirdly, That he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday to-day and forever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation. 16 Fourthly, That he is a God of truth and cannot Ue. 17 Fifthly, That he is no respecter of persona; ,b*»t in otfWy riation he that fears God and works right¬ eousness is accepted of him. 18 Sixthly, That he is love. 19 An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character, is essentially necessary, in order that the faith of any rational being can center in him for life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first instance, believe hint to be God, that is, the creator and upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in him for life and salvation, for fear there should be a greater than he, who would thwart all his plans, and he, like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfil his promises; but seeing he is God over all, from everlas¬ ting to everlasting, the creator and upholder of all things, no such fear can exist in the minds of, those who put their trust in him, so that in this respect their faith can be without wavering. 20 But secondly; Unless he was merciful, and gra¬ cious, slow to anger, long suffering, and full of good¬ ness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great the frailties and imperfections of men, that un¬ less they believed that these excellencies existed in the divine character, the laith necessary to salvation eould not exist; for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and lia¬ bility to sin, would be in constant doubt of salvation, if it were not for the idea which they have of the excel¬ lency of the character of God, that he is slow to an¬ ger, and long suffering, and of a forgiving disposi¬ tion, and does forgive iniquity, transgression and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly stronig. 21 But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is a God who changes not, in or- •der to have faith in him, as it is to have the idea that he is gracious and long suffering. For without the idea of unchangibleness in the character of the Deity, idea that he changes not, faith lays hold upon the ex¬ cellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, believing he is the same yesterday, to-day and forev¬ er, and that his course is one eternal round. 22 And again, the idea that he is a God of truth and cannot lie, is equally as necessary to the exercise of faith in him, as the idea of his unchangeableness. Fox without the idea that he was a God of truth and could- not lie, the confidence necessary to he placed in his word in order to the exercise [$ iv. 1.] Q. What object had the God of heaven in revealing his at- - tributes to men? A. That through an acquaintance with his attributes they might be enabled to exercise faith in him so as to obtain eter- nallife. [ur. H 2.] Q. Could men exercise faith in God without an acquaintance with his attributes, so as to be enabled to lay hold of eternal life? A. They could not. [§ ir. H 2,3.],: Q. What account is given of the attributes of God in in his revelations? A. First, Knowledge, secondly, Faith, or power, thirdly. Justice, fourthly1. Judgment, fifthly, Mercy, and sixthly truth. $tv. K 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9 and 10.] 52 Q. Where are the reyelationg to be found which give this relation Of the attributes Of God ? A. In the Old and New Testaments, and they are quoted in the fourth lecture, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth paragraphs. * Q. Is the idea of the existence 9f those attributes, in the De¬ ity, necessary in order to enable any rational being to exer- ! c»e faith in him unto life and salvation ? A. It is. Q. How do you prove It? A. By the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth paragraphs in this lecture.* Q. Does the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity, as far as his attributes are concerned, enable a rational being to exercise faith in him unto life and .salvation? A. It does. Q. How do you prove it? A. By the seventeenth and eighteenth paragraphs.* Q. Have the Latter Day Baints aa much authoity given them, through the revelation of the attributes of God, to ex¬ ercise faith in him as the Former Day Saints had? A. They have. Q. How do you prove it ? A. By the nineteenth paragraph of this lecture.* Note. Let the student turn and commit those paragraph* ito memory. X.SCTVBB FIFTH. Of Faith. SECTION V. 1 In our former lectures we treated of die being, character, perfections and attributes of God. What we mean by perfections, is, the perfections which belong to all the attributes of his nature. We shall, in this lecture speak of the Godhead: we mean the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 2 There arc two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things — by whom all things Were created and made, that are created and made, Whether visible , or invisible: whether in heaven, an earth, or in the earth, finder the earth, or throughout the immensity of space — They are the Father and the Son: The Father be¬ ing a personage of spirit, glory and power: possess¬ ing alt perfection and fulness: The Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, a personage of tabernacle, made, or fashioned like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man, or, rather, man was form¬ ed after his likeness, and in his image;— he is also the express ifrtage and likeness of the personage of the Father: possessing all the fulness of the Father, or, the same fulness with the Fathe; being begotten of him; and was ordained from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation for die sins of all those who should believe on his name, and is called the Son because of the ' flesh— and descended in suf¬ fering below that which man can suffer, or, in other words, suffered greater sufferings, and was exposed to more powerful contradictions than any man can be. But notwithstanding all this, he kept the law of God, and remained without sin: Shpwing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the law apd remain also Without sin. And also, that by him a righteous judg¬ ment might come upon all flesh, and that all who walk not in the law of God, may justly be condemned by the law, and have no excuse for their sins. And he' being the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fulness of the glory of the Father — possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things: by whom all things were created and made, that were created and made: and these three ♦54 constitute the Godhead, and are one : The Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power and fulness: Filling all in all — the Son being filled with the fulness of the Mind, glory and power, or, in other words, the Spirit, glory and pow¬ er of the Father — possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Tather — a Mediator for man — being filled with the ful¬ ness of the Mind of the Father, or, in other words, the Spirit of the Father: which Spirit is shed forth -upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments: and all those who keep his command¬ ments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, being trans¬ formed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fulness of his glory, and become one in .him, even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one. 3 From the foregoing account of the Godhead, which is given in his revelations, the Saints have a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto life and salvation, through the atonement and mediation of Jesus Christ, by whose blood they have a forgiveness of sins, and also, a sure reward laid up for them in heaven, even that of partaking of the fulness of ihe Father and the Son, through the Spirit As the Son partakes of the fulness of the Father through the Spir¬ it, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be parta¬ kers of the same fulness, to enjoy the same glory; for as the Father and the Son are one, so in like manner the saints are to be one in them, through the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit; they are to be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. • Question. Of what do the foregoing lectures treat ? . Answer. Of the being, perfections and attributes of the • Deity. [§5. HI.] Q. What are we to* understand by the perfections of the Deity? A. The perfections which belong to his attributes. Q. How many personages are there in the Godhead ? A. Two: the Father and the Son. £-§5. • 1U-] Q. How do you prove that .there ate two personages in the Godhead? A. By the Scriptures. Gen. 1:26. Also §2. H6. And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, who was with him from the beginning, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: — and it was done. Gen. 3:2*2. And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, Behold, the man is become as one of us: to know good and evil, John, 17: 5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self’ with the glory which I had with thee before the world was [$5. H‘2.] , Q. What is the Father ? A. He is a personage of glpry and of power. [$5. *J,2. Q. How do you prove that the Father is a personage of glory and of power ? A. Isaiah 60: 19. The Sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. 1 Chron. 29: 11. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory. Ps. 29: 3. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thun¬ ders. Ps. 79: 9. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name. Romans 1: 23. And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corrupti¬ ble men. Secondly, of power. 1 Chron. 29: 4. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power, and the glory. Jer. 32: 17. Ah! Lord God, behold thou hast made the earth and the heavens by thy great power, and stretched-out arm; and there is noth¬ ing too hard for thee. Deut 4: 37. And because he loved thy fathers therefore he chose their seed after them, and bro’t them out in his sight with his mighty power. 2. Samuel 22: 33. God is my strength and power. Job 26, commenceing with the 7 verse, to the end of the chapter. He stretches out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth upon no¬ thing. He binds up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holds back the fkce of his 56 end. The pillars oflieaveir tremble; and are astonished at hi.* reproof. He divides the sea with his power, and by his un¬ derstanding he smites through the proud. By his Spirit he has garnished the heavens; his hand has formed the crooked serpent. Lo, tlxese are parts of his ways: but how little a por¬ tion is heard of him! But the thunder of his power who caa understand1? Q. What is the Son? A. First, he is a personage of tabernacle. £$5. 5f2.] Q. How do you prove it? A. John 14: 9,10, 11,. Jesus says unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Phi¬ lip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; and how do you say then, Show us the Father? Do you not believe, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself : but the Father that dwells in me, he does the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me. Secondly, and being a personage of tabernacle, was made or fashioned like unto man, or being in the form and likexxess of man. [$5. 1 \2.J Philip. 2. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the tikeness of man, and, being found in fashion as a man, he hum¬ bled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Heb. 2: 14, 16. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. For verily he took not on him the nature- of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Thirdly, he is also in the likeness of the personage of the Father. [$5. 1T2-] Heb. 1: 1,2,3. Clod, who at suudry times, and in divers , manners, spake in time past to the fathers, hy the prophets,-. has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he lids appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express- image of his person. Again, Philip. 2: 5,6. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Clxrist Jesus; who being in the form Of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Q. Was it by the Father and the Son that all things Were created and made, that were created and made? A. It was. Col. 1: 15, 16, 17. Who is the image of the invisible God, the first bom of every creature; for byliim were ail things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth. &7. visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominion*, principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things con¬ sist. Gen. 1:1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Heb. 1: 2. [God] Has in these last days spo¬ ken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all. things, by whom also he made the worlds. Q. Does he possess the fulness of the Father! A. He does. Col. 1 : 19. 2: 9. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Eph. 1 : 23. Which is his [Christ’s] body, the fulness of him that fills all in all. Q. Why was he called the Son? A- Because of the flesh. Luke 1 : 33. That holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. — Math. 3: 1C, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straitway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him: and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Q. Was he ordained of the Father, from before the founda¬ tion of the world, to be a propitiation for the sins, of all those, who should believe on his name? A. He was. 1 Peter, T: IS; 19; 20. For. as much as. yon-; know that you were^not redeemed with corruptible things, as* silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by tra¬ dition from your fathers; but with the precious blood ofChrist., as of a lamb without blemish and. without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifested in these last times for you. Rev. 13: 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, [the beast] whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 1 Corin. 2: 7. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden mystery, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. Q. Do the Father and the Son possess the same mind? A. They do;. John 5: 30. I [Christ] can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me. John 6: 38. For 1 [Christ] came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. John 10: 30. I [Christ] and my Father are one. Q. What is this mind? A. The Holy Spirit. John 15: 26. But when the Com¬ forter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father? even the Spirit of truth, whieh.proceeds front the Father, he •58 ■hall testify of me. [Christ.] Gal. 1; 6. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. Q. Do the Father, Son and Holy Spirit constitute the Godhead? A. They do. [$5. f2.] Let the student commit this paragraph to memory. Q. Does the believer in Christ Jesus, through the gift of the Spirit, become one with the Father and the Son, as the .Father and the Son are one? A. They do. John 17: 20, 21. Neither pray I for these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and 1 in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Q. Does the foregoing account of the Godhead lay -a sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him unto life and salva¬ tion? A. It does. Q. How do you prove it? A. By the third paragraph of this lecture. •uLet the student commit this also. ? X. E G T IT R E'lS ISTH. Of Faith. SECTION VI. 1 Having- treated, in the preceding lectures, of the ideas of the character, perfections and attributes of Ged, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which per¬ sons must have, that the course of life which they pur¬ sue is according to the will of God, in order that they muy be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation. 2 This knowledge supplies animportant place in re¬ vealed religion; for it was by reason of it that the an¬ cients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is invisible. An actual knowledge to any person that 59 ahe course of life whioh he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that ena¬ bled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, aud. to take joyfully the spoiling of their goocls, knowing, (not believing merely,) that they had a more enduring substance. Heb. 10:34. 3 Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the wilt of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of thoir .goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; know¬ ing, {not merely believing,) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a budding of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Sepqnd Cor. 5:1. 4 Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowl¬ edge that the course that they are pursuing is accor¬ ding to the will of God they will grow weary in their uninds and faint; for such has been and always will he the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated religion of heaven, (the only thing which ensures eternal life,) that they will persecute, to the uttermost, all that worship God according to his revelations, re¬ ceive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will, and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, .will enable them to exercise that confidence in him neces¬ sary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear 60 5 For a man to lay down his all, his character and deputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife aiid children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief, or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge: realizing, that when these suflferipgs are ended he will enter into eternal rest; and be a partaker of the glory of God 6 For unless a person does know that he is walking' according to the will of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator, were he to say that lie would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done with the things of this life. But when he has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God. 7 Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salva¬ tion never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should en¬ joy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are weil pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has of¬ fered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice & offering, & that he pas not nor will not seekhis face in 61 wain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain .the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. S It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him ■so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like man- net offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are ac¬ cepted of him. . ■ 9 It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first martyr, obtained knowledge that he was accepted of God. And from the days of righteous Abel to the pres¬ ent time, the knowledge that men have that they are accepted in the sight of God, is obtained by offering sacrifice : and in the last days, before the Lord comes, he is to gather together his saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice. Ps. 50:3,4,5. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from .above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people- 'Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant unto me by sacrifice. 10 Those, then, who make the sacrifice wifi have the testimony th^Jt their course is pleasing in the sight of God, and those who have this testimony will have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown that is laid up for them that love the appear¬ ing of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to ob¬ tain this faith; therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, because the revelations of God do not guarantee unto them the authority so to do; and with¬ out this guarantee faith could not exist 62' 11 All the skints of whom we have account in alt" the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his night, through the sacrifice which they offered unto ■ him: and through the knowledge thus obtained, their faith became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise of eternal life, and to endure us seeing him who is invisible; and were enabled, through faith, to combat the powers of darkhess, contend agains* the wiles of the adversary, overcome the world, and ob¬ tain the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. 12 But those who have not made this sacrifice to God, do not know that the course which they pursue is well pleasing in his sight; for whatever may be their belief or their opinion, it ’is a matter of doubt and un certainty in their mind; and where doubt and uncer¬ tainty is, there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time. So that persons whose minds’ are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence, and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith is weak; and where faith' is weak, the persons will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus: and they will grow weary in their minds, and the ad¬ versary will have power over them and destroy them. Note. This lecture is so plain, and the facts set' forth so self-evident, that it is deemed unnecessary to form a catechism upon it: the student is therefore in* stfucted to commit the whole to memory. rsoTVzna sbvbnth;. Of Faith. SECTION VII L .In the preceding lectures, we treated of what faith-* was, and of the object on which it rested- agreeably ta our plan we now proceed to speak of its effects. 2 As we have seen in our former lectures, that faith, was the principle of action and of power in all intelli¬ gent beings, both in heaven and op earth, it will not be expected that we will, in a lecture of., this descrip- • Iron attempt to unfold all its effects; neither is it ne¬ cessary to our purpose so to do; for it would era- - brace all things in heaven and. on earth, and encom¬ pass albthe creations of God,, with all their endless varieties: for no world has yet been framed that was not framed by faith; neither lias there-been an intel¬ ligent being' on any of God’s creations who did not get there by reason of faith, as it existed in himself or in some other being; nor has there been a change or a revolution in any of the creations of God but it has been effected by faith’: neither will there be a. change or a revolution unless.it is effected in the same , way, in any of the vast creations of the Almighty; . for it is by faith that the, Deity works. 3 Let us here offer some explanation in relation to faith that our meaning may be clearly comprehend¬ ed: We ask, then, what arc we to understand by a i man’s working by faith? We answer: We under¬ stand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith. — ^64 God said, Let there be light, and there was light — Joshua spake and the great lights which God had created stood attiil— Elijah commanded, and the heav¬ ens were stayed for the space of ihree years and six imonths, so that it did not- rain: He again commanded, and the heavens gave iorth rain, — all this was done by faith; and the Savior says, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain, re¬ move, and it will remove; or say to that sycamine tree, Be ye plucked up and planted in the midst of the sea, and it shall obey you. Faith, then, works by words; and with these its mightiest works have been, and will be performed. 4 It surely will not be required of us to prove, that this is the principle upon which all eternty has acted and will act; for every reflecting mind must know, that it is by reason of this power that all the hosts ©f heaven perform their works of wonder, majesty and glory: Angels move from place to place by virtue of this power — it is by reason of it that they are enabled to descend from heaven to earth; and were it not for the power of faith they never could be ministering spirits to them who should be heirs of salvation, nei¬ ther could they act as heavenly messengers; for they would be destitute of the power necessary to enable them to do the will of God 5 It is only necessary for us to say, that the whole visible creation, as it now exists, is tne effect of faith — It was faith by which it was framed, and it is by the power of faith that it continues in its organized form, and by which the planets move round their or¬ bits and sparkle forth their glory: So, then, faith is truly the first principle in the science of theology, and when undrstood, leads the mind back to the be¬ ginning and carries it forward to the end; or in other •words, from eternity to eternity. ■6 As faith, then, is the principle by which the heav- 65 only hosts perform their works, and by which they enjoy till their felicity, we might expect to find it set forth in a revelation from God as the principle upon which his creatines, here below, must act, in order, to obtain the felicities enjoyed' by the saints in the eternal world, and that when God would nndeftako to raise up men for the enjoyment of himself, lie Would teaeii thorn the necessity of living by faith, and the impossibility there was of their enjoying the blessed¬ ness of eternity - without it. seeing that all the bless¬ ings of eternity are the efiects of ’faith. 7 Therefore, it is said, and appropriately too, that without faith it is impossible to please Godi I f it should be asked, Why is it impossible to please God without faith? the answer Would be, liccause, without faith it is impossible for men to be saved; and as God desires the salvation of man he must of course desire that they should have faith, arid he could not be pleased unless they had, or else he could be pleased with their destruction. 8 From this we learn that the many ''exhortations which have been given by inspired men to those who had received the word of the Imrd, to have faith in him, were not mere- commOn-pItice matters, but were for the best of all reasons, and that was, because, without it there was no salvation, neither in this- World nor in that which is to come. When men begin to live by faith they begin to draw near to God; and when faith is' perfected they are like him; and be¬ cause he is saved they are saved also; for they will be in the same situation lie is in, because they have come to him; and when he appears they shall be like him, for they will- see him as he is. 9 As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so is salvation, also. (Wcraean salvation in its most ex¬ tensive latitude of interpretation, whether it is tempo- 66 val or spiritual.) In order to have this subject clear¬ ly set before the mind, let us ask what situation must a person be in, in order to be saved? or what is the difference between a saved man and one who is not saved? We answer from what we have before seen of the heavenly worlds, they must be persons who can work by faith, and who are able, by faith to be ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of sal¬ vation. And they must have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the Lord, otherwise they can¬ not be saved. And what constitutes the real differ¬ ence between a saved person and one not saved, is the difference in the degree of their faith: one’s faith has become perfeet enough to lay hold upon eternal life, and the other’s has not. But to be a little more particular, let us ask, where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimulated, in order that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? or in other words, where shall we find a saved being? for if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain, without much difficulty, what all others must be, in order to be saved — they must be like that individual or they cannot be saved: we think, that it will not be a matter of dispute, that two beings, who are unlike each other, cannot both be saved; for whatever con¬ stitutes the salvation of one, will constitute the salva¬ tion of every creature which will be saved: and if we find one saved being in all existance, we may see what all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype? or where is the saved being? We conclude as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute among those who be¬ lieve the bible, that it is Christ: all will agree in this that he is the prototype or standard of salvation, or in other words, that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interogation, and ask how it is that he is saved, the answer would be, because he is 67 a just and holy being; and if he were any thing different from what he is he would not be saved; for his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else; for if it were possible for him to change in the least degree, so sure he would tail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, author¬ ity and glory, which constitutes salvation; for salva¬ tion consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses, and in no¬ thing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him: Thus says John, in his first epistle, 3:2 and 3: Behold, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be; but we know, that when he shall appear we shall belike him; for we shall see him as he is. And any man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. — Why purify himself as he is pure? because, if they do not they cannot be like him. 10 The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus, 18:2: — ' Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Is¬ rael, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. And Peter says, first epis¬ tle, 1:15 and 16: But as he wbo has called you Is ho¬ ly, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; be¬ cause it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And the Savior says, Matthew, 15:48: Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. If any should ask, why all these sayings? the answer is to be found from what is before quoted from John’s epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him: and if they are not holy, as he is holy, and perfect as he is perfect, they cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy his glory without possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than they could reign in his kingdom without his power. 11 This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Sav- ip essaying, recorded in John's testimony, 4:12: Ver¬ ily, verily 1 say unto you, he that believeth on me, thy vvork'3- that I do shall he do also; and greater works than theao, because. I go unto the Father- — Tins taken in connection with .some of. the sayings in the Saviors prayer, recorded in the 17th chapter, gives great dearness to his expressions: He says, in the 20,21, 22,23, and 24: Neither pray 1 for these alone; but for them also who shall believe on me through their words; that they all may be one, as thou. Father, art in me, , and I in theft; that they also may he one iu us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent. me.: And the glory which thou.gavest me, 1 have gtveil them, that they may be one, even as wc are one; I in them, and th a: in me,- that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hart sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with mo where 1 am: that they may behold my glory which thou. hast given me; for thou loved'est me before the. foundation of the world. J2 All these saying pvt together, five ascU-ar an ac¬ count- of the stale of the glorified- faints as language could give — The i works that Jesus done they were to do, and greater works titan those which lie done among them should vtbev do, and that because he went fp: tho Father. IJo does not say that they should- do ihesp works id time; but; they should do. greater works boepuso he went to the* Father. lie says, in t he 24th vopse: Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me whore I- am; that they may Ixhold my glory. These sayings, taken in connec¬ tion, make it very plain, that the greater works, which those that believed on his name, were to do, were to; I*, done in eternity, where lie was going, and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in an- other part of hid prayer, that he .desired of his Fath¬ er, that those, who believed on, him should be one in him, .as, ho, and the Father, were. one in each other; Neither: pray 1 for these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on nle through their words; that they all niay bo one: that: is, they who behove on him through thoapogdes’ words, as well as the. apostles themselves: that they: all may be one* as tliou, Father, art hi me and I in tlioe: .that they .also may be one in us. . . . 13 What language can be plainer than this? The Savior surely intended to he understood by his dis¬ ciples: and ho so spake that .they plight understand him; for he declares to-his Father, in language not to-be easily mistaken, that he wanted his discipjes, even all of them, to, he asdiimself and the Father: for as. he and the Father wore one, so they might beoue with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated to morp firmly establish this belief, if it needs any thing- to -establish it. He says, And the glory .which, thou gavest me, I have .given them, that; they may be. one, even as wo are one. As much as to say, that unless they have .the glory which the Father had given him, they could not be one with them: For lie says ho had given them the glory that the Father had given him, that they might be one; or in other wdrds, to make them one. 14 This tills up tiro measure of information on thi| subject, and shows most clearly, that the Savior wish* ed his disciples to understand, that they were to b<) partakers with him in all things: not even bis ,g!ot ry excepted. 15 It is scarcely necessary here to observe what have previously noticed: That the glory which thd Father and the Son have, is because they are jus^ and holy beings; and that if they were lack' >ng in one attribute or perfection which they hare* 70 the glory which they have, never could be enjoyed by them; for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it: and if the Savior gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his prayer to his Father: by making them one with him, as he and the Father are one. — In so doing he would give them the glory which the Father has given him; and when his disciples are made one with the Father and the Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see the propriety of the Savior’s saying, The works whichJI do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do, be cause I go to the Father? 16 These teachings of the Savior most clearly show unto us, the nature of salvation; and what he propos¬ ed unto the human family when he proposed to save them — That he proposed to make them like unto him¬ self; and he was like the Father, the great prototype of all saved beings: And for any portion of the hu¬ man family to be assimulated into their likeness is to be saved; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed: and on this hinge turns the door of salvation. 17 Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the ef¬ fect of faith? for as we have previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle; and it is because they are able so to. do that they are saved: for nothing but this could save them. And this is the lesson which the God of heaven, by the mouth of all his holy prophets, has been endeavoring to teach to the world. Hence we arc told, that without faith it is impossible to please God; and that salvation is of faith, that it might be by grace to the end, the prom¬ ise might be sure to all the seed. Romans 4:16. — And that Israel, who followed after the law of right¬ eousness, has not attained to the law of righteous¬ ness. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for 71 they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans 9:32. And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented him, cast out, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that belie veth. Mark, 9:23. These with a multitude of other scriptures, which might be quoted, plainly set forth the light, in which the Savior, as well as the Former Day Saints, viewed the plan of salvation. — That , it was a system of failh — it begins with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained, in relation to it, is the effect of faith, wheth¬ er it pertains to this life or that which is to come. — To this, all the revelations of God bear witness. If there were children of promise, they were the effects of faith: not even the Savior of the world excepted: Blessed is she that believed, said Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her; — for there shall be a per¬ formance of the things which were told her of the Lord; Luke, 1:45: Nor was the birth of John the baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order that his father Zacharias might believe he was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man re¬ ceived according to his faith: according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and no¬ thing was withheld from him when his faith was suf¬ ficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of li¬ ons, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, wax valiant in fight, and put to flight the armies of the aliens; women could, by their faith, receive the dead children to life again: in a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. All things were in subjection t© the Former Day Saints, according as their faith was — By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions, the minister¬ ing of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church 72 of the Jirst born, whose names arc written in heavcity of God the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new.cqveuant, and become familiar with the third heavens^ see and hear, things which were not only un» utto fable, but were unlawful to .utter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, 2nd epistle, 1:1, 2. and 3 says, to the Former Day .Saints: grace and peace l>e multiplied unto you,, through the knowledge of God, and of Je¬ sus our Lord, .according as his divine power hatij given unto us, all things that pertain unto life and godliness, thrqugh the knowledge of him that has -call cd us unto, glory and virtue, in the first epistle, 1:3, 1 and 5 he says, Blessed .hp the God and Father of o.ur Lord Jesus Cl,irist, who accor.ding.to his abundant mercy, has begotten u.s again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Josus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the. power of God through faith unto sal* vation, ready to, bp revealed in the last time. 16 These sayings put together, show the Apostle’s views, most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on the mind of any individual. Lie says that all things that pertain .to life.and godliness were given unto them through tire knowledge of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the knowledge of God? (for there is a great difference between believing in God and knowing him: knowledge implies .more than faith. And no¬ tice, that all things that pertain to life and godliness, were given through the knowledge of God;) the an¬ swer is given, through laith they were to obtain this knowledge; and having power by faith to obtain thq knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness. 17 By these sayings of the Apostle we learn, that ifi was by obtaining a knowledge of God, that men go{ 73 the alt tiling? which pertain to life and godliness; and this •knowledge was the effect of faith. So that all thing; which pertain to life and godliness are the ef¬ fects of faith. 18 From this we may extend1 as far as any circum¬ stances miy require whether on earth or in heaven, and \Vo •will find it the' testimony of all inspired men, or heavenly messengers, that all things that pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith and no¬ thing else: all learning, wisdom, and prudence fail, and every thing else as a means of salvation but faith. This is the reason that the fishermen of Gallilec could tench the world — because they sought by fuitji and by faith obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all things but filth and dross — what he for¬ merly called his gain ho called his loss; yea, and he counted all tiling; but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesuj the Lord. Philipians 3: 7, 8, 9 & 19. Because, to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer the loss of all things: this is the reason that the Former Day Saints knew more, and understood more of heaven, and of heavenly things than all others beside, because this information is the effect of faith — to be obtained by no other means. And this is the reason, that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run into strifes, contentions, darkness and difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to life dis¬ appears with faith, but returns when faith returns; [or when faith comes, it brings its train of attendants vith it — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teach¬ ers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, iengues, interpretation of tongues, &c. All these ap¬ pear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear yhen it disappears from the earth. For these are the meets of faith and always have, and always will at¬ tend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge 74 o T God bo also, with all things which pertain thereto — revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every oth¬ er necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all neces¬ sary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen. PART SECOND. COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, to liia servants of the church of the LATTER bAY SAINTS. SECTION I. 1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him Who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, ve¬ rily I say, hearken ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together; for verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape, and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated: and the rebel¬ lious shall be pierced with much sorrow, for their iniquities shalljbe spoken upon the house-tops, and their secret acts shall be revealed; and the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days, and they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them. 2 Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments,, which I have given them to publish unto you O inhabitants- of the earth: wherefore fear and tremble, O ye people, for what I the Lord have decreed, in them, shall be fulfilled. And verily, I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebel¬ lious; yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure: unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow •? Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the &rth, that all that will hear may hear: prepare ye, prepare ye 76 for that which is to com;, for the Lord is nigh; and the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth; and the arm of the Lord shall be revqaled; and the day cometh, that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord/neither the voice of his ser¬ vants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets, anil apostles, shall be cut off from among the people: for they have strayed from mjnc ordinances, and have broken mine everlas¬ ting covenant; they . seek not the Lc rd , to establish his right¬ eousness, but every mail walkcth' in hits own way, and alter the imago of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance -is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fail: 4 Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servan; Joseph Smith jr. and spake unto him from heaven, anu gav . him commandments; and also gave eppimandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and ai* this that it might bo fuliille l, which was .written by the propli; •ets: the weak things cf the world shall gome forth a,nd break ■dow-o th e mighty aud strong ones, that man should not ,'coun sel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but tha* every man might speak in the name of Gcd, the Lord, even the Savior of the world;, that ihith also might increase in the earth; that mine everlasting covenant might bo established- that the fulness of my gospel might bo proclaimed by the weal! and the simple, unto tho ends of the world, and before king and rulers. 5 Behold I am God and have spoken it: .these commandment: are of me, and were given uni,3,my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding; and inasmuch as they erred it might be mad i known: an 1 inasmuch a s they sought wisdom, they might be instructed: and inasmuch as they sinned they might be chan* teaeil, that they might repent; and inasmuch as they were humble, they -might be mad : strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time: aud after having re. cerved the record of ihe Nephites,. yea, even my servant Joseph Smith jr. might have power to translate through the mercy oj God, by the power of God, the hook of Mormon: and alsoj those to whom these commandments were given, might hav.i power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it fortil out of obscurity, and out of darkness, the only true and livini church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I thff Lord am well pleased, speaking unto the church collective* 77 and not individually; for I the .Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance: nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord, shall be forgiven, and he that repents .not, front him shall be', taken even the light which lie has received, for my Spirit shall not always strive with iaan,.saitb the Lord ofkosls. G And.ftg,ain, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the <*rth, 1 the Lord am willing to make' lliesej.lhings known un¬ to all, flesh, for I am no respecter of persons, end willeth that all men shall know that the day speedily oomelk, the hour is npt yet, hut is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power cvpr his own domin¬ ion; and also,. 4he Lord stall Lava power pyer liis saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the. world. , 7 Search these cornjnanflojents, fer they are true and faith¬ ful. and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall nil he fulfilled. * ' , . . " 8 . What I. the Lord have epolfen,. I have sporea, and I excuse not myself, curd though the heavens end the earth pass away, lay word shall not, pars away, but.shall'all be fulfilled, wheth¬ er by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same: for heboid, and to, the Lord.is God, and the Spirit bear* eth.reqord; and the, record is.,tru?,.and the truth, abideth forev¬ er and ever: Amen.. , . ' 7 LCCTJGN n. / \ The rise of the church of Christ in the. c last days, being cn« thou.-: 1 rig!.! hundred and thirty years since the com¬ ing of our lyord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organised and established agreeably to the laws of our country, by the will arid commandments of God in the fourth month, and cn the sixth, day of the month which is o all yd April: V which commandments were given. to Joseph Smith jr. who* was called of Go! and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to bo the first elder of this church; arid to Oliver Cewiery, who was also called cf God an apostle of Jesus Christ, to bo the second elder of tliis church, and ordained un¬ der his hand: and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesas Christ, to whom be all glory both now and for¬ ever. Amen. 2 After it, was truly manifested unto this first elder that lie had received a remission of his tins he was entangled again in the vanities of the world: but alter repenting, and humbling himself, sincerely, through faith God ministered unto him by 78 an holy angel whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness, and gave unto him conmandments which inspired him, and gave him power from on high, by the means which were before pre¬ pared, to translate the book of Mormon, which contains a rec¬ ord of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, and to the Jews also, which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto, the world by them, proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old, thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, to-day, and forever. — Amen. 3 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work; and those who receive it in faith and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life; but those who harden their hearts in unbelief and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation, for the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear wit¬ ness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 4 By these things we know that there is a God in heaven who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the frainer of heaven and earth and all things which are in them, and that he created man male and female; after his own image and in his own likeness created, he them, and gave unto them commandments that they should \ love and serve him the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship. But by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man. 5 Wherefore the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son. as it is written in those scriptures which have Jjeen given of him; he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them; he was crucified, died, and rose again the third day ; and ascend¬ ed into heaven to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father, that as many as would believe and be baptized, in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end should be saved: not on¬ ly those who believed after he came in the meridian of time in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life, as well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father, and of the Son, which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. 6 And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be sa¬ ved in the kingdom of God. And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true: and we know, also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength; but there is a possibility that man may fell from grace and depart from the living God. Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fell into temptations; yea, and even let those who are sanctified, take heed also. — And we know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither adding to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the holy scriptures, or the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gill and power of the Holy Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of an¬ gels: and the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name, both now and ever. — 7 And again by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism. "jr- All those who humble themselves before God and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite- spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly re¬ pented of all their sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have re¬ ceived of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church, 8 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and mem¬ bers of the church of Christ. An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize, and to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and to administer bread and wine — the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ — and to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures; and to teach, expound exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giv¬ ing of the Holy Ghost — and to take the lead of all meetings. 00 0 The elders are to conduct the westings os they ere I d by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revela¬ tions of God. 10 The priests duty is to preach, teach, expound, ejchorl, vnd baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house it each member, and exhort them to pray . vocally and in se¬ cret, and attend to all family duties and he may also ordain ither priests^ teachers, and deacons — and he is to take the iad of meetings when there is no eider present, but when here is an elder present he is only to preach, teach, expound, ixhort, and baptize, and visit the houqe of each member, ex¬ horting them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties. In all these duties the priest is Ip, assist the el¬ der if occasion requires. 11 The teacher’s duty is to watch over . the church always, and be with, and strengthen them, and see that there is no in¬ iquity in the church, neither hardness with each other; neith¬ er lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; and see tkat the church meet together often, and also see dial all the members do their duty — and he is to take .the lead of meetings in the absence cf the elder or. priest — and, is t> be .assisted alwsjs. in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion re¬ quires; but neither teasers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands; they are however to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite ail to come unto Christ. 12 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be erdained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him : and he is to be ordained by the, power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him. 13 The several elders composing this church of Christ are to Kieet in conference oijce in three months, or from time to time, as said conferences shall direct or appoint: and said conferen¬ ces are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time. Jr 14 The elders are to receive their licences from other elders by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the con¬ ferences. 15 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate from him at the time, which cer¬ tificate whan presented to an elder, shall entitle Mm to a li¬ cense, whieh shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling — or he may receive it from a conference. 16 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, with¬ out the vote of that church; but the presiding ciders, travel- ting bishops, high counsellors, high priests, and elders, mtfy have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the churcl), that a vote may be called. 17 Every president of the high priesthood, (or presiding el- der,) bishop, high counsellor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high counsel, or general conference. 18 , The duty of the members after they arc received by baptism : 19 The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to ex¬ pound all things concerning the church of Christ to their un¬ derstanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being coniirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders: so that all things may >be done in order. And the member: shall manifest before the church and also before the elders, by u godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it_- that there may be works and faitli agreeable to the holy scrip- tyres — walking in holiness before the Lord. 29 Every member of the church of Christ having children, is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to day their hands upon them in the name of JesUs Christ, and ■bless them in his name. > 21 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he riias arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. 22 Baptism is to be administered in "the following manner tmto all those who repent: The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself fot, baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having jbeen commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name «f the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. 23 It is expedient that the church meet together often to par¬ take of bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord Jesus: and the elder or priest shall administer it: and after this manner qhatl he administer it: he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying, O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesu Christ t bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who par¬ take 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 nanje of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 89 84 The manner of administering the wine: He shail take thtf Cup also, and say, O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in thd 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. > 25 Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or be¬ ing overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct. 26 It shall be the duty of the several churches composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to at¬ tend the several conferences, held by the elders of the chnrch, with a list of the names of the several members uniting them¬ selves with the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some priest, so that a regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book, by one of the el¬ ders, whoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time:-— and also, if any have been expelled from the church; so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names. 27 All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter certifying that they are regular members and in good standing; which certificate rnay be signed by any elder oir priest, if the member receiving the letter is personally acquaint¬ ed with the elder or priest, or ; t may be signed by the teaches, or deacons of the church. SECTION III. ON PRIESTHOOD. 1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely: tSef Melchizedek, and the Aaronic, including the Levitical priest¬ hood. Why the first is called the Melchizedek priesthood, r» because Melchizedek was such a great high priest: before hiw day it was called the holy priesthood, after the order of the Son of God ; bpt opt of respect or reverence to the name of the Su¬ preme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the clnjrch, in ancient days, called' that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek priesthood. 2 All other authorities, or offices in the church are appenda¬ ges to this priesthood; but there are two divisions, or grand heads — one is the Melchizedek priesthood, and the other is ther Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood. 3 Th? office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Mel- chizedek. The Melchizedek priesthood holds the right of* presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church, in all ages of the world, to. administer in spiritual things. 4 The presidency of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church. 5 High priests, after the order of the Melchizedek priesthood, have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direc¬ tion of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest, (of the Levitical order,) teacher, deacon and member. 6 An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present. 7 The high priest, and elder, are to administer in spiritual things, agreeably to the covenants and commandments of the church ; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present. 8 The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because it, was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations. Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchize¬ dek priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordi¬ nances. The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood and holds the keys, or authority of the eame. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a litteral descendant of Aaron. But as a high priest, of the Melchizedek priesthood, has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found; provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands ofthe presidency of the Melchizedek priesthood. 9 The power and authority of the higher or Melchizedek priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings ofthe church — to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven — to have the heavens opened unto them — to commune with thejgeneral assembly and church of the first bom, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant. 10 The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic priest¬ hood, is, to hold the keys of the ministring of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances — the letter of the gospel — the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,, agreeably to the covenants and commandments. 84 11 Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding, offices growing out of, or appointed of, or from among those who are ordained to the several offices in thess two priesthoods. Of the Melchizedek priesthood, three presiding high priests, cho¬ sen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and up-, held by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the presidency of the church. The twelve travel¬ ling counsellors are called to be the twelve apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ, in all the world: thus differ¬ ing from other officers in the church in tlie duties of their call ¬ ing. And they form a quorum equal in authority and power to the three presidents, previously mentioned. The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witness ■ es unto the Gentiles and in ail the world. Thus differing fron[i other officers ih the church in the duties of their calling: and, they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the twelve especial witnesses or apostles, just named. And every descis- ion made by either of these quorums, must be by the unanim¬ ous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions in order to make their decis¬ ions of the same power or validity one with the other. [A majority may form a quorum when circumstances' render it impossible to be otherwise.] Unless this is the case, their de-' eisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the decis¬ ions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchizedek, and were righteous and holy men. The decisions of these quorums, or either of them are to be made in all righteousness: in holiness and low¬ liness of heart; meekness and long suffering; and in faith and vir¬ tue and knowledge; temperance, patience, godliness brot mrly kindness and charity, because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowl¬ edge of the Lord. And incase that any decision, of these quorums, is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought be¬ fore a general assembly of the several quorums which consti¬ tute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision. 12 The tw'elve are a travelling, presiding high council, to of¬ ficiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the presidency of the church, agreeably to the institution of heav¬ en; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same, in all nations: first unto the Gentiles, and secondly un¬ to the Jews. 13 The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the twelve, or the travelling high council, in building np the church and regulating all the affairs of the 05 same, in all nations: first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews: — the twelve being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ: and first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews. 14 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the trav- elling high council. 15 The high council in Zion, forms a quorum equal in'author- ity, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the twelye at the stakes of Zion. 16 It is the duty of the travelling high councilfto cal! upon the seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel, in stead ofany others. 17 It is the duty of the twelve in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be desig¬ nated unto them by revelation. 18 The order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal de¬ scendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner: 19 From Adam to Beth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of 69 years, and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam’s) death, and received the promise of God by his father, that his posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be preserved unto the end of the earth, because he [Seth] was a perfect man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father’s, insomuch that he seemed to be like imto his father in all things; and could be distinguished Horn him only by his age. 20 Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years, and fonr months, by the hand of Adam. 21 God called upon Cainan in the wilderness, in the fortieth year of his age, and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak: he was eighty seven years old when he received his ordination. 22 Mahalaleel was 496 years and seven days old when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 23 Jared was 200 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him. 24 Enoch, was 25 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, and he was 65 and Adam blessed him — and he saw the Lord: and he walked with him, and was before his face continually: and he walked with God 365 years: making him 430 years old when he was translated. 25 Methuselah was 100 years old when he was ordained un¬ der the hand Of Adam. 26 Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Seth. 27 Noah was 1 0 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah. 28 Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch and Methuse¬ lah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posteri¬ ty, who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto them* and they rose up and blessed A^dam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Arch angel. And Hie Lord administered comfort ufito Adam, and said unto him, 1 have set thee to be at the head: a multitude of nations shall come of thee; and thou art a prince over them for ever. 29 And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation, and notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his poster¬ ity unto the latest generation. These things were all writ¬ ten in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time. 30 It is the duty of the twelve, also, to ordain and set in or¬ der all the other officers of the church, agreeably to the rev¬ elation which,eays : 31 To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws, respecting church business: Verily, I say unto you, says the Lord of hosts, There must needs be presi¬ ding elders, to preside over those who are of the office of an elder; and also priests, to preside over those who are of the office of a priest; and also teachers to presjde over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner; and also the' deacons: wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as they are ap¬ pointed, according to the covenants and commandments of the Church; then names the high priesthood, which is the great¬ est of all. Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed, of the high priesthood, to preside over the priesthood; arid he shall be called president of the high priesthood of the church, or, in other words, the presiding high priest over the high priesthood of the church. From the same comes the adminis¬ tering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the Ikying on of the hands. 32 Wherefore the office of a bishop is not equal unto it; for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things: nevertheless, a bishop must be shosen from the high priest- (hood; unless he is a literal cteeoendani of Aaron; fbr unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood. Nevertheless, a high priest, that is after the order of Melchizedek, may be set apart unto the minis¬ tering of temporal thingB, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth, and also to be a judge in Israel, to do the busi* ness of the church to sit in judgment upon transgressors, upon testimony, as it shall be laid before him, according to the laws, by the assistance of his counsellors, whom he has choBen, or will chose among the elders of the church. This Is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron, but’ has been ordained to the high priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. 33 Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants Uf Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, un¬ til the borders of Zion are enlarged, and ic becomes necessary to have otlierbishops, or judges in Zion, or elsewhere: and ir> asmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the same office. 34 But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal right to the presidency of this priesthood, to the keys of this ministry, to dpt in the office of bishop independently# without counsellors, except in a case where a president of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is tried; to sit as a judge in Israel. — And the decision of either of these councils, agreeably to the commandment which says; 35 Again, verily, I say unto you: The most important busi¬ ness of the church, and the most difficult cases of the church, inasmuch as there is not satisfaction upon the decision of the bishop, or judges, it shall be handed over and carried up unto the council of the church, before' the presidency of the high priesthood; and the presidency of the council of the high priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counsellors; and thus the presidency of the high priesthood, and its counsellors shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the church. And after this decision it shall be had in remembrance no more before the Lord; for this is the highest council of the church of God, and a final decision upon controversies, in spiritual matters. 36 There is not any person belonging to the church, who is exempt from this council of the church. 37 And in as much as a president of the high priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve counsellor* of the high priesthood; and their decision upon hi* head shall be an end of controversy concerning him. Thu transmit, immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full statement of the testimony accompanying their decision, to the high council of the seat of the tirst presidency of the church. Should the parties, or either of them, be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high, council of the seat of the first presidency of the church, and have arc -hearing, which case shall there be conducted, accor¬ ding to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made. 12 This council of high priests abroad, is only to be called on the most difficult cases .of church matters': and no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to call such council. The i ravelling or located high priests abroad, have power to sav whether it is necessary to call such a council or not. 1 3 There is a distinction between the high council of travel, ling high priests abroad, and the travelling high council compo¬ sed of the twelve apostles, .in their decisions: From the de ¬ cision of the former there can be an appeal, but from the de¬ cision of the latter there cannot. The latter can only be cal¬ led in question by the general authorities of the church in case of transgression. >4 Resolved that the president, or presidents of the seat of the tirst presidency of the church, shall have power to deter¬ mine whether any such case, as may be appealed, is justly en¬ titled to a re-hearing, after examining the appeal and the ev¬ idences and statements accompanying it. 15 The twelve counsellors then proceeded to cast lots, cr ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and the following was the result: namely: — OLIVER COWDERY, No. 1 JOHN JOHNSON No. 7 JOSEPH COE SAMUEL H. SMITH 2 ORSON HYDE 3 JARED CARTER 8 3 LUKE JOHNSON “ 4 JOSEPH SMITH sen. “ 10 JOHN S. CARTER “ 5 JOHN SMITH “ 1 1 SYLVESTER SMITH “ 6 MARTIN HARRIS “ 12. After prayer the conference adjourned. SECTION VI. Revelation explaining the parable of the reheat and the tares , December 6, le'32. ON FKSESTHOOD. 1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servants, concern¬ ing the parable of the wheat, and •39 And again, the order of the house prepared for the pres¬ idency of the school of the prophets, established for their in- Btruction in all things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the high- 108 priests, even down to the deacons: and this shall be the order of the house of the presidency of the school: He that is ap¬ pointed to be president, or teacher, shall be found standing in his place, in the house, which shall be prepared for him. Therefore, he shall be first in the house of God, in a place that the congregation in the house may hear his words care¬ fully and distinctly, not with loud speech. And when Ire cometh into the house of God, (for he should be first in the house; behold this is beautiful, that he may be an example,) 40 Let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees before God, in token, or remembrance, of the everlasting covenant, and when any shall come in afler him let the teacher arise, and with uplifted hands to heaven; yea, even directly, salute his brother or brethren with these words: 41 Art thou a brother or brethren, I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token, or remembrance of the ev¬ erlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellow¬ ship^ a determination that is fixed, immovable and unchang- able, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God, in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen. 42 And he that is found unworthy of this salutation, shall not have place among you; for ye shall not suffer that mine house shall be polluted by them. 43 And he that cometh in and is faithful before me, and is a brother, or if they be brethren, they shall salute the president or teacher with uplifted hands to heaven with this same pray¬ er and covenant, or by saying, Amen, in token of the same. 44 Behold, verily I say unto you, this is a sample unto you lor a salutation to one another in the house of God, in the school of the prophets. And ye are called to do this by pray¬ er' and thanksgiving as the Spirit shall give utterance, in all your doings in the house of the Lord, in the school of the prophets, that it may become a sanctuary, a tabernacle? of the Holy Spirit to your edification. 45 And ye shall not receive any among you, into this scliool save he is clean from the blood of this generation: and he shall be received by the ordinance of the washing of feet; for unto this end was the ordinance of the washing of feet instituted. 46 And again, the ordinance of washing feet is to be adminis¬ tered by the president, or presiding elder of the church. It is to be commenced with prayer: and after partaking of bread and wine he is to gird himself, according to thejpattern given in the thirteenth chapter of John’s testimony concerning pie*. Amen. 109 SECTION VIII. Revelation given April, 1829, to Oliver Cotcdery, and Joseph Smith jr. 1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed unta my word, whicli is quick and powerful, sharper than a two- edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and mas tow: Therefore give heed unto my words. 2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is cal¬ led of God; therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion: seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold he that hath eternal life is rich. 4 Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but rspentance unto this generation: keep my command¬ ments and assist to bring forth my work according to my com¬ mandments, and you shall be blessed. 5 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above: and if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous: therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou rnayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, convince them of the error of their ways. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with 'sa’e- red things. If thou wilt do good, yea and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation. 6 Verily, verily I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me, and behold as of¬ ten as thou hast inquired, thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time. 110 7 Behold thou k no west that thou hast inquired of me, and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things, that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth; yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God, that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart: I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee, that the words or the work which thou hast been writing is true. 8 Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant Joseph faithfully in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be, for the word’s sake. Admonish him in his faults and also receive admoni¬ tion of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate: have patience, faith, hope and charity. t) Behold thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee be¬ cause of thy desires; therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. 10 Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto my own and my own received me not. — 1 am the light which shine th in darkness, and the darkness eontprehendeth it not. 11 Verily, verily I say unto you, if you desire a further wit¬ ness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things; did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter! What greater witness can you have than from God! And now behold, you have received a witness, for if I have told you things which no man knoweth, have you not received a witness! And behold I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate even as my servant Joseph. 12 Verily, verily I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back be¬ cause of the wickedness of the people; and now I command you, that if you have good desires, a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven, then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those ports of my scrptures which have been hidden because of iniquity. IS And now, behold I give unto you, and, also unto my ser¬ vant Joseph the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established. 14 Verily, verily I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and mimstry, blessed are ye, fcr they can do no more unto you than unto me; and if they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory: . but if they reject not my Ill words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they; and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors. 15 Verily, verily I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold there will 1 be in the midst of them: even so ani I in tire midst of you. Fear not to do good my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap: therefore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward: Ld Therefore fear not little flock, do good, let earth and hell combine against yori, for if ye rre built upon my Rock, they cannot prevail. Behold I do not condemn you, go your ways and sin no more: perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you; look unto :nc in every thought, doubt not, fear not: behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet: be faithful; keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of iieuven: Amen. SECTION IX. Revelation given to Joseph Smith , jr. and Oliver Cotedery, July, 1830. 1 Behold thou wast called and chosen to write the book of Mormon, and to my ministry; and I have lifted thee up out of thy afflictions, and have counselled theef that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies, and thou hast been delivered, from the powers of satan, and from darkness! Nevertheless, thou art not excusable in thy transgressions; nevertheless go .thy way and sin no more. 3 Magnify tliine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Coles ville, Fayette and Manchester, and they shall support thee: and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally; but if they receive thee not, I will send upon them a cursing instead of a blessing. 3 And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Com¬ forter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church, and it shall be given thee in the very moment, what thou shalt speak and write; and they shall hear it, or I will send unto them a cursing instead of a blessing: 4 For thou shalt devote all thy service in Zion. And in this thou shalt have strength; Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many: but endure them, for lo, I am with you, even 112 unto the end of thy days. And in temporal labors thou shall hot have strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy ‘calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures. And continue in laying on of the hands, and confirming the churches. 5 And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bearing my name before the world; and also to the church. And he shall not •aappose that he can say enough in my cause; and lo I am with him to the end. In m^ he shall .have glory, and not of •himself, whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds or free: And at all times and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men. 6 Require not miracles, except I shall command you; except casting out devils; healing the sick; and against poisonous serpents; and against deadly poisons; and these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you, by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled, for ye shall do accor¬ ding to that which is written. And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not, in my name, ye shall leave a curs'ng instead of a blessing, by casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your feet by the wayside. 7 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command to be smitten in my name, and behold I will smite them according to your words, in mine own due time. And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law. And thou shalt take no purse, nor scrip, neither staves, neither two coats, for the church shall give unto thee in the very hour what thou need- est for food, and for raiment, and for shoes, and for money, and for scrip: For thou art called to prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time. Yea, and also, all those whom thou hast ordained. And they shall do even according to this pattern. Amen. SECTION X. Revelation given in the presence of six elders, in Fayette, . New-York, September, 1830. 1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chick¬ ens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my 113 Voice, and bumble themselves before me, and call upon mein t nighty prayer. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, that at t his time your 6ins are forgiven you, therefore ye refeeive these tilings: but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you. 2 Verily 1 say unto you, that ye are chosen out of the world to declare' my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump: lift up your hearts and be glad for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom; and as it is written, Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer ac¬ cording to my command, ye shall receive; and ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts: wherefore the de¬ cree hath gone forth from the Father, that they shall be gath¬ ered in unto one place, upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts, and be prepared in all things, against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked:' for the hour is nigh, arid the day soon at Stand, when the earth is ripe: and all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, and T will bum them up, saith 'the Lord of hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth: for the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken by mine apostles must be fulfilled; for as they spoke so shall it come to pass; for I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked Shall not stand. And again, verily, verily I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, ti.e twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my com¬ ing in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge (lie whole house of Israel, oven as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else; for a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth: yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteous¬ ness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may lie one. 4 But behold, I say unto you, that before this great day shall' come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven: and there shall be greater signs in heaven above, and in the earth beneath; and there shall be Weeping and wailing among the hosts of 114 men; and there shall he a great hailstorm seal lortli to destroy the crops of the earth: and it shall come to [kiss, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon, the wicked, for they will not repent: for the cup of mine in¬ dignation is full: for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear rue not. 5 Wherefore I the Lord God will send forth flies Upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhaWtarJs there¬ of, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots *to come in upon then), and their tongues shall be stayed' that they' shall uot utter against me, and their flesh shall Tall froin olf their Ivones, and their eyes from their sockets: and it shall come to pass, that the beasts of the forests, and the fowls of the air, shall devour them up: and that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast, down by de¬ vouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, which spoke of these things, which have nol come to pass, btxt surely must, as I live, lor abomination shall not reign. ti And again, verily, verily I say unto you, that when the thousand years are ended,, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but fora little season; and the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shdll be consum¬ ed, and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; for all old tilings shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts: the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea, and not one hair, neither mote, shall be, lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand. 7 But behold, verily 1 say unto- you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth; yea, even all; and the righteous shall he gathered on my right hand nhto eternal life i awl the wicked on m3' left hand will I be ashamed to own be¬ fore the Father: wherefore I will say unto them, depart from tnc ye cursed into everlasting Are, prepared for the devil and bis angels. 8 And now behold I say unto you, never at any time, have I declared from mine own mouth, that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power; but remember, that all my judgments are nof given unto men j. and as the words have gone forth out of m3' mou'h, even so, shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the; last shall be first in all things, whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit; for _ iiy the power of my Spirit, created I them: yea, all things both spiritual and temporal: firstly spiritual, secondly tem¬ poral, which is the beginning of my work: and again, firstly temporal, and secondly spiritual; which is the last of my work: speaking unto you. that you may naturally understand, hut unto myself my works have 'no end, neither beginning; lint i i is given unto you, that ye may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed. !) Wherefore, verily I say unto you, that all things nnto me are spiritual, and not at any time hate I given unto you a law which was temporal, neither any man, nor the children of men: neither Adam your fathe", whom I created: behold I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and T gave unto him commandment, but no temporal command¬ ment gave I unto him; for my commandments are spiritual:' they are not natural, nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual; 10 And it came to pass, that Adam being tempted of the de¬ vil, for behold the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power: and a:so a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency: and they were thrust down, . and thus came the devil and his angels; and behold, there is a place prepared for them from the beginning, which place is hell: and it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves, for if they never should have bitter, they could not know the sweet. 1 1 Wherefore, it came to pass, that the devil tempted Adam and he partook the forbidden fruit, and transgressed the com¬ mandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the dev¬ il, because he yielded unto temptation. Wherefore, I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from th garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression: wherein he became spiritually drad: which is the first death, even that same death, which is the last death, which is spirit¬ ual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say, Dejtert ye cursed. 12 But behold I say unto you, that I the Lord God gave un¬ to Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the tomporal death, until 1 the Lord God should sen-, f rth an, gels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine only begotten Son: and thus did I the Lord God appoint unto nian the days of his probation; that by his natural death, he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe, and they 116 that belies o not, unto eleriidl daniEatipii, lor they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not, for they will love darkness rather than light, und their deefls' are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to' obey. 13 But behold I say unto you, that little children are re eemed from the foundation of the world, tlirough mine Only begotten: Wherefore they' cannot sin, for power is not given unto satan tp tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; for it is given unto them even ap 1 will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hancj of their fathers. 14 And again I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded to repent? and he that hath no under¬ standing, it remaineth in me to do according ns it is written, And now, I declare no more unto you at. this lime. Amen. SECTION XI. Iiccdation to Joscjih Smith jr, and Sidney Higdon, December, 1830. 1 Listed to the voice of the Lord y our God, even Alpha, and, Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eter¬ nal round, the same to-day as yesterday and forever. 1 tun Je¬ sus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins ol the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sous of God, even .one in me as 1 tun in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be cue. 2 Behold, verily, verily I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. 1 hu,ve heard thy prayers and prepared thee for a greater work. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold thou wast sent forth even as John, to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah which should come, and thou knew it not. Thou didst baptize bv water unto repentance, bat they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt bap¬ tize by water, and they shall receive .the Holy Gl>ost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old. , 3 And it shall come to pass, that there shall be a great work in the land even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations shall be made manifest, in the eyes ol'all people: for I am God and mine arm is not shortened and I will show miracles, signs and wonders, unto all those who believe on my nutoe. And whoso shall ask it in my name, in faith, they shall Cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive’ their' sigh*, And 'thi'dbaf'to hear,1 and the dumb to speak, awl the lame to walk: and the time speedify cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the Chil¬ dren of men: but without faith shall not any thing be shown forth except desolations upOii Babylon, the same which ha:; made all nations drink of the wins of the wrath of her forni- oation. And there1 are none that doethgood dxeept those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I .have sent, forth to this generation: 4 Wherefore, I have'called upon the wCak things- of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by tl>-' power of my Spirit: and their arm shali be my arm, and 1 will be their shield and their buckler, and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me: and their enemies shall be wnder*heir feet: and I will let fell the sword in their behdlf; and by the fire of mine indignation will! preserve them. And the poor and the -meek shall have the gospel preached un¬ to them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand: and they shall learn the para¬ ble of the fig-tree: for even now already summer is nigh, and I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of ray servant Joseph: and in weakness have I blessed him, and I bav;- fiv-en unto him the keys of t-he mystery of those things which ave been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, an¬ other will I plaut in his stead. 5 Wherefore watch over him that his faith fail not, and i: shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that know- eth all things: and a commandment I give unto thee, that thou shalt write for him: and the scriptures shall be given even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect : for they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming, for they shall be purified even as I am pure. And now I say unto you, tarry with him and- he shall journey with you: forsake him not and surely these things shall be fulfilled. And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold it shall be given unto him to prophesy: And thou shalt preach my gospel, and call op the holy proph¬ ets to prove his words, as they shall be giVen hirn. G Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound, and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good: and satan shall tremble; and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills, and flourish: and Israel shall be saved in mine own due time. And by the keys which I h%ve given, sftall they be led and no more be confounded at all. l ift up your hearts and be glad: Alio vour redemption drawetli nigh. Fear not little flock, the king¬ dom is yours u^til I come. Behold I come quickly; even so: SECTION. XII. Revelation given January, 1631. 1 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts ol‘ heaven, before the world was made- the same which knoweth all tilings, for all things are present, before mine eyes: 1 am the same w'liich spake and the world was made, and all things came by me: 1 am ilie same which have taken the Lion of Enoch into mine own bosom: and ver¬ ily I say, even as many as have believed on my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I plead before the Father for them: But behold the residue of the wicked have I kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day, which shall come at the end of the earth: and even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts, and vro, w’o, wo is their doom. 2 But behold, verily, verily I say unto you, that mine eyes are upon you; I am in your midst and ye cannot see me, but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me and know' that I am: for the vail of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day: wherefore gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold the kingdom is yours and the ene my shall not overcome. 3 Verily I say unto you, ye are clean but not all: and there is none else with whom I am well pleased, for all flesh is corrup¬ tible before me, and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven, which causeth silence to reign, and all eterni¬ ty is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned: and behold the enemy is combined. 4 And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction, in process of time, and ye knew it not, but now I tell it unto you, and ye sue blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your heaits of unbelief, for verily some of you are guilty before me; but I will be merciful unto your weakness. Therefore, he ye strong from henceforth; fear not for the kingdom. i» j-ouis: and lor jour.' salvation 1 give unto you a commandment, idr I lihve heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before inn, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and ‘I ain no respecter of persons. And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool: wherefore, again I will stand up¬ on it: and I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater rich¬ es, even a land of promise; a land flowing with nnlk and hon¬ ey, upon which there shall be no cnrse when the Lord cometh: and I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts: and this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away. 5 But verily I say unto you, that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you — Wherefore, hear my voice aud follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws, when I come, for I am your Lawgiver, and what can stay my hand? But verily I say unto you. teach one another according to the office where with _ I have appointed you, and let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before' me. And again I say unto you, et every man esteem his brother as himself: for what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter to them, ahd they serve him obedient¬ ly, and he saith unto the one, be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other, be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there, and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just. 6 Behold, this I have given unto you a parable, and it is even as I am: I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine. And agam I say unto you, that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives: Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, bat ye know not the hearts of them in your own land: I tell you these things because of your prayers: where¬ fore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you, by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears, with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth: but if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. 7 And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be "gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blame- 'less: wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the command. • meat, that ye should go to the Ohio: and there I will give un¬ to you my law : and there you shall be endowed with power • from On highland- trod thence, whichsoever I will shall go 120 forth among all nations, apd it shall be told them what they shall do: for I have a great work laid up in store: for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithcrspever I will, and no power shall stay my hand. 8 And now I give unto the church in these parts, a com¬ mandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of tjie church; and they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief, that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which I have commanded them; and this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of this church. And they that have farms that cannot be sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good. See that all things are pre¬ served, and when men are endowed with power from on high, and sent forth, all these tilings shall be gathered unto the bo¬ som of the church. 9 And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people; for ye shall have the riches of eternity: and it must needs be that the- riches of the earth is mine to give: but beware of pride, lest ye become as the N.ephites of old. And again I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every roan, both elder, priest, teacher and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be tin- warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, even so: Amen. SECTION XIII. Rcrclativn given February, 1831. 1 Hearken, .. O yo elders of my church who have assembled yourselves together, in my name, even Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, the Savior of the world; inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep my commandments; again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you: for verily I say, as ye have assembled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith 1 commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one thing, and Lave asked the Father in my name, even so ye shall re- 2 Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment, that ye shall go forth m my name, every hue- 121 ofyou, excepting my servants Joserh Smite, jr. and Sidney Rigdon. And I give unto them ii' commandment that they shall go forth for a little season; and it shall be given by the power of my Spirit when they shall return: an.ije shall go forth in the power of ray Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by- two, in my nanf, lifting iip your voices as'with the voice of a. trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God: and ye shall go forth baptizing fvith water, saying, Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. ' 3 And from this place' ye shall go forth into the regions westward, and inasraucli as ye shall find them that will re¬ ceive you, ye shall build up my church in every region, until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you, from on h;gh, when the city of the New Jerusalem shall be prepar¬ ed that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and 1 Will be your God. And again. I say unto you, that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office wherewith t have appointed him. And it shall come to pass that if he transgress another shall be appointed in his stead; even so: 4 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up ray church, except he be ordained by some One who has authority, and it is known to’tfte church that he has authority, and has been reg¬ ularly ordained by the heads of the church. 5 And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this dhurch, shall teach tiie principles of Jby gospel which are in the bib! • and the book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel; and they' shall observe the covenants and 'church ar¬ ticles to do them, and these shall be tiieir teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit; and the Spirit shall be given unto you by ibe prayer of faith, and if ye receive not the Spir¬ it, ye shall not teach. And all this ye shall observe to do as * 1 have commanded, concerning your teaching, until the ful¬ ness of my scriptures are given. And as ye shall lift up yoUr voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seem • eth me goqd; for behold,- the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son. 6 And now. behold I speak unto the' church: Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness, in this ’ world, nor in the world to come. 7 And again, I say, thou shalt not kill: but to thatjiilletii shall die. Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and wi!) not repent, shall be cast out. Thou shalt not lie; he that iieth and will not repent, shall be cast out. 'Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, anti shall cleave unto bet and none else; and he thatlooketh upon a woman to lust alter her, shaft deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit, and if he repents not he shall be cast out. Thou shalt not commit adultery ; and he that connnitteth adultery and repeuteth not, shall be cast out; but he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive; but if he doeth it again,- he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out. Thou shalt not speak evil of thy 'neighbor, nor do him any harm. Thou knojvest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures: he that sinneth and repeuteth not, shall be cast out. 8 If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments. And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties lor their support, that w;hieh thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken— and inasmuch as ye impart of, your substance unto the poor,, ye Will do i. unto me — and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counsellors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall or has appointed and set apart for that purpose. 9 And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and alter that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannct be taken from the church, agree¬ able to my commandments, every man shall be made account¬ able unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which lie has received by consecration, inasmuch as is sufficient for himself and family. 10 And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary far their support, after this first consecration, which is a residue, to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to adminis¬ ter to those who have 'not, from time to time, that every man who lias need may be amply supplied, and receive according to his wants. Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my store house, to administer to- the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bish¬ op and his council, and for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of '■ worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is here¬ after to be revealed, that my covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall come to my temple. And this I do for the Salvation of my people. 11 And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and re- t twnteth not, shall be cast out of the church, and shall not re¬ ceive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and 4ae the 'needy of ray church, or in other words, unto me, for inas- much as yc do it unto the least of -these ye do it unto me— for it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets, shall be fulfilled; for 1 will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles, unto the poor of my people who are of the luflse of Israel. 12 And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart, let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands, and let all things be done in cleanliness before me. Thou shalt not be idle; Tor lie that is idle shall noteat the bread, nor wear the garments of the laborer. And whosoever among you are- sick, and have not faith to be heal¬ ed, but believe, shall be nourished with -all tenderness with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy. And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name, and if they die they shal’l die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me. Thou shalt live togetl-er in love, ir.scmuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that d-e, and more especially for those that have not hope of - a glorious resurrec¬ tion. And it shall eome to pass, that those that die in me, shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them, and they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is hitter! 13 And again, it shall come to pass, that he that has faith in me to be healed, and is not -appointed unto death, shall be healed: he who lias faith to see shall see: he who has faith to hear shall hear: the lame who have’ faith to leap shall leap; • and they who have Hot faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sonfc: and inasmuch as they • break not my laws, thou shalt bear their infirmities. 14 Thou shalt stand in the place of thy stewardship: thou shalt not take thy brother’s garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt- receive of tiiv brother; and if thou obtainest more than that whiclnVould' be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my store house, that all things may be done accor¬ ding to that which I have said. 15 Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have -appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety; and it is ex¬ pedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full. And I give unto you a commandment, that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kind¬ reds, tongues and people. 16 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in niy scriptures for a law, to be my law, to govern my church; and lie that doeth accov- 124 ding to theSethliigs', shall be saved, and he that, doeth' them not shall be damned, if he continues. 17 If thou shaft ask. thou shift receive revelation upon re Voli¬ tion; knowledge upon knowledge, that thou rnayest knew the mysteries, and peaceabletfiings: that winch brin goth joy, that, which bringeth life eternal. Thou shaft ask, and it shall bo revealed unto you in mane own due time, where the New Je¬ rusalem shall be built, 18 And behold, it shall come to pass, that my servants shall be sent forth to the east, and to the west, to the north, and to the south; and even now, let him that goeth t6 the east., tc-ach them that shall be converted to flee to the west; and this in consequence of that wiiich is coming on the earth, and of se¬ cret combinations. Behold thou shaft observe all these things . and great, shall be thy reward' for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not giv¬ en to know them. Ye shall observe the law's which ye haw received, and be faithful. And ye shall hereafter receiv- churclr covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you. both here, and in the New Jerusalem. Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liber¬ ally, and upbraid him not. Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church, have been given: even so Amen. lit The priests anti teachers shall hive their stewardships, even as the' members, ant! the eiders; or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counsellors, in all things are to have their families supported out of the properly which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned; or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services; either a stewardship, or Qtherwise, as may be thought best, dr decided by the coun¬ sellors and bishop. And the bishop also; shall receive his sup¬ port, or a just remuneration for all his sendees, in the church. 20 Behold, verily I say unto" you, that whatever persons among you having put a, vay their companions tor the caus<- of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lovliness of heart that this is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among' you; but if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the sake of adultery, and they themselves are the offenders, and their companions arc living, they shall be cast out from among you. And again I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and careful, wdth all inquiry, that ye receive none such among you if they are married, and if they are not married, they shall repent of all their sins, or ye shall not' receive them. VI And Ilgam, e.very person who, belougelh to this church of « 'lirist shall observe to keep all the commandments and cove¬ nants of the church; And it shall come to pass, that if any per¬ sons among you shall kill, they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; For remember,, that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proven according to the laws of the land. 22 And if any man or woman shall commit adultery, lie cr she shall be tried bpfore two elders of the church or more, and every word shall ba established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy. But if there are more than two witnesses it is better: but he or she shall be condemned by the month of two witnesses, and the elders shall lay the case before the, church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to tire law of God. And if it can be, it is necessary tlia.t the, bishop is present also. And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come before you. And if a manor woman shall rob, he or she shall he delivered up unto the law of the. land. And ifheorshe shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. Ifhe or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall! be delivered -up unto the law, even that of God. 23 And if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her .and thee alone; and if he of she confess, thou shalt be reconciled. And if he or she con- less not, thou shalt deljver him or her up unto the church, not to the members but to tire eklers. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world. Apd if thy brother or sister offend many,. lie or she shall be chastened before many, And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be re,i baked openly, that he or she may be' ashamed. And if ho or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God. .If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be re¬ buked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to con iess in secret to him or her whom, he or she has offended, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her. And thus shall ye coi: duct in all things. SECTION XIV. 4 Revelation given February, 1831. 1 O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give car to the words which I shall speak unto you: for behold, verily, verily 120 I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment' for p. law unto my churcu, through him whom I have appointed un¬ to you, to receive commandments and revelations from my- hand. And this ye shall know assuredly, that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and rev¬ elations until he be taken, if he abide in me. 2 But verily, verily I say unto you, that none else shall bt- appointed unto this gift except it be through him, ferdf it be taken from him he shall not have power, except to appoint another in his stead: and this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments: , and this I give unto you, that you may not be .deceived: that you may know they are not of me. For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordain¬ ed of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received, and shall receive through him whom I have appoint¬ ed. 3 And now behold I give unto you a commandment, that when ye ,are assembled together, ye shall instruct and edify- each other, that ye may know how to act and direct un¬ church how to act upon the points of my law and command-' ments, which I have given: and thus ye shall become instruc¬ ted in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all ho¬ liness before me, that inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have received. Inasmuch1 as ye do it not, it shall he taken even that which ye have re¬ ceived. Purge yc out the iniquity which is among you: sanc¬ tify yourselves before me and if ye desire the glories of the kingdom, appointive my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and uphold him before me by the prayer of faith. And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom, provide for him food and raiment and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish the work, wherewith I have commanded him: and if ye do it not, he shall remain unto them that have received him, that I may reserve unto myself a pure people before me. 4 Again I say, heurken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the tilings which I have put into your hands by tiie power of my Spirit: and ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctity yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken. 5 Hearken ye, for behold the great day of the Lord is nigh at hand. For the day cometh that the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven; the heavens shall shake and the earth 127 .ihiil tremMe, and the trump of God'shall sound both long and !oud, and shall say to the sleeping nations: Yc saints arise and live: Ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call ag»in: wherefore gird up your loins, least ye be found among the wicked. Lilt up you- voices and spare not. Cr.ll upon the. nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free: saying, Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord: for if I, who am a man, do lift up my voice and call upon you to repent, and ve hate me, what will ye say when the day com- eth when the thunders shall utter their voices from the ends of the earth, speaking to the ears of all that live, saying: Re¬ pent, and prepare for the groat day of the Lord? yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east un¬ to the west, and shall utter forth their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all tingle, that hear, saying these words: Repent ye, for the great day of the Lord is come ! 6 And again, the Lord shall utter his Voice out of heaven, saying: Hearken, O ye nations of the earth, and hear tho words . of that God who made you. O ye nations of the earth, how often wou.hl 1 have gathered you together as a hen gath- ereth her chickens undS- her wings, but ye would not? How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants; and by the ministering of angels; and by mine own voice; and by the roioe of . tliunderings; and by the voice of lightnings; and by the voice. of tempests; and by the voice of earth¬ quakes; and great hailstorms; and by the voice of famines, and pestilences of every kind: ajid by the great sound of a trump; and by the voice of judgment; and by the voice of mercy al! the day long; and by the voice of glory, and honor, apd the riches of eternal lift; and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not? Behold the day l.as come, when -the cup of the wrath of mine indignation is full. 7 Behold, verily I say-unto you, that these are the words of the Lord vocr God: wherefore, labor ye, labor ye, in my vine¬ yard for the last time: lor the last time call upon the inhabit¬ ants of the earth, for in mine own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment: and my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth: for the great Millennial, which f have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come: for sa- tqn shall be. bound; and when lie is loosed again, he shall on¬ ly reign for a little season, and then-cometh the end of the earth; and he that liveth in righteousness, shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye; and tiie earth shall pass away so as by fire; and tho wicked shall go anav into unquenchable fire; and their end no man knoweth on earth, nef ever shall know, until they come .before ir,c ia -judgment. i28 8. Hearken ye to these Words; behold I am Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds. Be sober. Keep all my commandments; even so: Amen. SECTION XV. llctclation given March 7, 1S31. i. Hearken, O ye people of my church to whom the kingdom lias been given: hearken ye , and give car to him who laid the foundation of the earth; who made the heavens and.all the host thereof, and by whom all things were made which live and move and have a being. And again I say, hearken unto mv voice, lest death shall overtake you: in an hour when ye think not the su. inner shall; be past, and the harvest' ended, and your souls not saved. Listen to him who is the Advo¬ cate with tire Father, who is. pleading your cause before him: saying, Father behold the sufferings anil death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased: behold tie blood of thy Son which waS.shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified: wherefore, Father spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come un¬ to me and have everlasting life. 2 Hearken O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen to- -gether, and hear my voice while it is called to-day and harden uot your hearts: for verily I say unto you that 1 am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world; a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended! it not: I came unto my own and my own re¬ ceived me not; but unto as many as received me gave 1 power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God, and even unto them that believed on my name, gave I power to obtain eternal life. And even so I have sent mine everlasting cove¬ nant into the world; to be a light to die world, and to be a stan¬ dard for my people and lor the Gentiles to seek. to it; and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me. Wherefore come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my [strong reasoning; wherefore hearken ye together and lei me show it unto you, even mv wisdom, the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren, who were separated from the earth, and were received unto my¬ self — a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come— o day which was sought for by all holy men. and th vant Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr. return, and also Oliver Cowdery with them, to accomplish the residue of the work, which I have appointed unto them in their own land: and the residue as shall be ruled by the conferences. 14 And let no man return from this land, except he bear r»- oord by the way, of that which he knows and most assuredly believes. Let that which has been bestowed upon Zita Peterson, be taken from him: and let him stand as a member in the church, and labor with his own hands, with the breth¬ ren, until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins, for he oonfesseth them not, and he thinketh to hide them. 15 Let the residue of the elders of this church, who are Do¬ ming to this land, some of whom are exceedingly blessed even above measure, also, hold a conference upon thus land. And let my servant Edward Partridge direct the conference, which 140 shall be held by them. And let them also return, preaching the gospe1 by the way, bearing record of the things which are re¬ vealed unto them: for verily the sound must go forth from this place into all the world: and unto the uttermost parts of the earth,, the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe. And behold the Son of man cometh: Amen. • SECTION XIX. Revelation given in Zion, August, 1831. 1 Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who have come up unto this land with an eye single to my glory, according to my commandments: for them that live shall inherit the earth, and them that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them, and they shall receive a crown in the man¬ sions of my- Father, which I have prepared for them; yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth; and it shall bring forth in its strength: and they shall also be crowned with blessings from above; yea and with commandments not a few; and with rev¬ elations in their time: they that are faithful and diligent be¬ fore me: 2 Wherefore I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord. thy God, with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength: and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou shalt not steal. Neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do any thing like unto it. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto tlie Lord thy God in righteousness: even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your la¬ bors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; neverthe¬ less thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days, and at all times; but remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations, and tliv sacraments, unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord. 3 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart, that thy fasting may be perfect, or in other words, that thy joy may be full. — 141 Verily this is fasting and prayer; or, in other words, rejoicing and prayer. 4 And inasmuch as ye do these things, with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts, and countenances; not with much laugh¬ ter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful coun¬ tenance; verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this the fulness of the earth is yours: the beasts of the fields, and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees, and walh- eth upon the earth: yea, and the herb, and the good things which cometh of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards: yea, all things which cometh of the earth, in the season thereof, is made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye, and to gladden the heart: yea, for food and for raiment, for taste, and for smell, to strengthen the bo¬ dy, and to enliven the soul. 5 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man: for unto this end were they made, to be used with judg¬ ment, not to excess, neither by extortion: and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. Behold this is according to the law and the prophets: wherefore trouble me no more concerning this mat¬ ter, but learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness, shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. I the Lord have spoken it and the Spirit beareth record. Amen. SECTION XX. Revelation given in Kirtland, August, 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye people, and open your hearts, and give ear from afar: md listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord, and his will con¬ cerning you: yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled against the wicked, and rebellious; who wil- leth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve: who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure; and destroyeth when he please; and is able to cast the soul down to hell. 2 Behold I the Lord utter my voice, and it shall be obey¬ ed. Wherefore verily I say, let the wicked take heed, and let the rebellious fear, and tremble. And let the unbelieving hold their lips, for the day of wrath shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh shall know that I am God. And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation. 142 3 Verily I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs: and there have been such even from the begin¬ ning. Butbehold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. Yea, signs cometh by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God. Yea, signs cometh by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith, no man pleaseth God: and with whom God is angry, he is not well pleased: wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation. 4 Wherefore I the Lord am not pleased with those among you, who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory: nevertheless, I gave commandments and many have turned away from my com¬ mandments, and have not kept them. There were among you adulterers and adulteresses; some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain with you: that hereafter shall be revealed. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judg¬ ments shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people. 5 And verily I say unto you, as I have said before, he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear: wherefore I the Lord have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and who¬ soever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which bumeth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection. C And now behold, I the Lord saith unto you, that ye are not justified because these things are among you, nevertheless he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall over¬ come, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth, when the day of transfiguration shall come; when the earth shall be transfigured, even according to the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount: of which account the ful¬ ness ye have not yet received. 7 And now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I would make known my will unto you, behold 1 will make it known unto you, not by the way of commandment, for there are ma¬ ny who observe not to keep my commandments, but unto him that keepeth my commandments, I will give the mysteries of ray kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living wa¬ ter, springing up unto everlasting life. 8 And now, behold this is the will of the Lord your God concerning his saints, that they should assemble themselves to- 143 gether unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth pestilence. Behold the land of Zion, I the Lord holdeth it in mine own hands: nevertheless, I the Lord renderth unto Csesar the things which are Ctesar’s: wherefore I the Lord willeth, that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advantage of the world, that you may have claim on the world, that they may not be stirred up unto anger: for satan putteth it into their hearts to anger against you, and to the shedding of blood: wherefore the land of Zion shall not be obtained but by purchase, or by blood, otherwise there is none inheritance for you. And if by pur¬ chase behold you are blessed; and if by blood, as you are for¬ bidden to shed blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ya shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to receive an inheritance. 9 1 the Lord am angry with the wicked; I am holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth. I have sworn in my wrath and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man and the saints also shall hardly escape: nevertheless, I the Lord am with them, and will come down in heaven iron} the presence of my Father, and consume the wicked with un¬ quenchable fire. And behold this is not yet, but by and by: wherefore seeing that I the Lord have decreed all these things upon the face of the earth, I willeth that my saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion; and that every man should take righteousness in his hands, and faithfulness upon his loins, and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth; and declare both by word and by flight, that desolation shall come upon the wicked. Wherefore let my disciples in Kirtland, ar¬ range their temporal concerns, which dwell upon this farm. 10 Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the care thereof dis¬ pose of the land, that he may be prepared in the coming spring, to take his journey up unto the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face thereof, excepting those whom I shall re¬ serve unto myself, that shall not go until 1 shall command them. And let all (die moneys which can be spared, it matteretli not unto me whether it be little or much, sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive. 1 1 Behold I the Lordjwill give unto my servants 3 oseph Smith, Jr. power, that he shall be enabled to discern by the Spirit those who shall go up unto the land of Zion, and'those of my disciples who shall tarry. 12 Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store, or in other words, the store yet for a little season. Nevertheless let him impart all the money which he can impart, to be sent up on- 144 to the land of Zion. Behold these things are in his own hands, let him do according to wisdom. Verily I say, let him be or¬ dained as an agent unto the disciples that shall tarry, and let him be ordained unto this power; and now speedily visit the church¬ es, expounding these things unto them, with my servant Oliver Cowdery. Behold this is my will, obtaining moneys even as I have directed. 13 He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world. He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion, shall re¬ ceive an inheritance in this world, and his works -shall ^follow him; and also, a reward in the world to come; yea, and bles¬ sed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city, and he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and have kept the faith, blessed is he; nevertheless it is ap¬ pointed to him to die at the age of man: wherefore children shall grow up until they become old, old men shall die; but they snail not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in tjie twinkling ot an eye: wherefore, for this cause preached the apostles unto the world, the resurrection of the dead: these things are the things that ye must look for, and speaking after the manner of the Lord, they are now nigh at hand; and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the Son of man, and until that hour, there will be foolish virgins among the wise, and at that hour cometh an entire separation of the righteous and the wicked; and in that day will 1 send mine an¬ gels, to pluck out the wicked, and cast them into unquencha¬ ble fire. 14 And now behold, verily I say unto you, I the Lord am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon, he exalted him¬ self in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit: wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord,, and he shall make another; and if the Lord receive it not, be¬ hold he standetli no longer in the offico which I have appointed him. 15 And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be ordained unto this power: for this is a day of warn¬ ing, and not a day of many words. For I the Lord am not to be mocked in the last days. Behold I am from above, and my power lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and searcheth all things: and the day cometh that all things shall be subject unto me. Behold I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Wherefore let all men be- 145 Ware, how they take my dame in their lips: for behold verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation; who useth the name of tire Lord, and useth it in vain, having not authority. Wherefore let the church repent of their sins, and I the Lord will own them, otherwise they shall be cut oft. 16 Remember, that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit, and in this there is no condemnation; and ye receive the Spir¬ it through prayer: wherefore without this, there remaineth condemnation: Let my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home as they are taught through prayer, by the Spirit. These things remain to overcome, through pa¬ tience, that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; otherwise, a greater condemnation: Amen. SECTION XXI. A Revelation giren in Kirtland, September, 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you, O ye elders of my church, hearken ye, and hear, and receive my will con¬ cerning you: for verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world: wherefore I will have compassion upon you. There are those among you who have sinned; but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins. 2 I will be merciful unto you, for I have given unto you the kingdom: and the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom, shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, jr. through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances. There are those who have sought occasion against him without cause; nevertheless he has sin¬ ned, but verily I say unto you, I the Lord forgiveth sins unto those who confess their sins before me, and ask forgiveness, who have not sinned unto death. My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and sorely chastened: wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, let God judge be¬ tween me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. And he that repentelh not of his sins, and confesseth them 146 not, then ye shall bring hinv before the church, and do with' him as the Scriptures saith onto you. either by commandment, or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God might be glo¬ rified, not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in* the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your Lawgiver. 3 Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things. Be¬ hold I the Lord was angry with him Who was my servant Ez¬ ra Booth; and also, my servant Isaac Morley; for they kept not the law, neither the commandment; they sought evil in their hearts, and I the Lord withheld my Spirit. They con¬ demned for evil, that thing in which there was no evil; never¬ theless I have forgiven my servant Isaac Morley. And also iny servant Edward Partridge, behold he hath sinned, and sa- tan seeketh to destroy his soul; but when these things are made known unto them, they repent of the evil, and tl)ey shall be forgiven. 4 And now verily I say, that it is expedient in me that my servant Sidney Gilbert, after a few weeks, should return up¬ on his business, and to bis agency in the land of Z»&il; and that which he hath. seen and heard may be made known unto my disciples, that they perish not. And for this cause havel spoken these tilings. And again, 1 say unto you, that my servant Isaac Morley may not be tempted abcjve that which he is able to bear, and counsel wrongfully to your hurt, I gave commandment that this farm should be sold. I willeth not that my servant Frederick G. Williams should sell his farm, for I the Lord wllleth to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years, in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, that thereby 1 may save some; and af¬ ter that day, I the Lord will not hold any guilty, that shall go, with an open heart, up to the land of Zion: for I the Lord re- quireth the hearts of the children of men. 5 Behold noyv it is called to-day, (until the coming of the Son of man) and verily it is sffday of sacrifice, and a cay for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming;) for alter to-day cometh the burning; this is speaking after the manner of the Lord; for verily I say, to-morrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall bo as stubble: and I will burn them up, for 1 am the Lord of hosts; and I will not spare any that remaineth in Babylon. Where¬ fore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called to-day.— And it is not meet that my servants, Newel K. Whitney and; Sidney Gilbert should sell their store, and their possessions here, for this is not wisdom until the residue ofthe church, which remainethin this place, shall go up unto the land of Zion. w 6 Behold it is said in my laws, or forbidden to get in debt to thine enemies; but behold it is not said at any time, that the Lord should not take when he please, and pay as seemeth him good: wherefore as ye are agents, and ye are on the Lord’s er¬ rand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord, is the Lord’s business, and he hath set you to p-ovide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in the land of Zion; and behold I the Lord declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it; but all things must come to pass in their time; wherefore be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that Which is great. 7 Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days; and the rebellious shall be cut off out of thejand of Zion, and shall be sent away and shall not in¬ herit the land: for verily I say that the rebellious are not of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they shall be plucked out. Behold I the Lord have made my church in these last days, like unto a judge sitting on an hill, or in an high placf, to judge the nations: fpr it shall come to pass, that the inhabi¬ tants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion: and Bars, and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they wiia are not apostles and prophets shall be known. 8 And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counsellors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships, shall be condem¬ ned, and others shall be planted in their stead: for behold 1 say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her, and she1 shall be an ensign unto the people: and there shall come unto her out of every nation un¬ der heaven. And the day shall come, when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones: the Lord hath spoken it: Amen. , SECTION XXII. A Revelation, given November, 1831, to Orson Hyde, Luke John¬ son, Lyman Johnson and, William E. McLcUin. ' The mind and will qf the Lord, as made known by the voice of the Spir¬ it to a conference concerning certain ciders; and ulso certain ' items, as made known, in addition to the covenants and com¬ mandments. My servant, Orson Hyde, was called, by his ordinance, to proclaim the everlasting gospel, by the Spirit of the living God, 148 from people to people, am from land to land, in the congrega¬ tions of the wicked, in th hr synagogues, reasoning with and expounding all .scriptures unto them: and behold and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go iorthi and this is the ensamp. nto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by tin- Holy Ghost; and whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture; shall be the w ,i of the Lord; shall be the mind of the Lord; shall be the word of the Lord; shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation; behold this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants: where¬ fore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, ior 1 the Lord am witli you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me even Jssub Christ, tlia i am the Son of the living God; that I was; that I am; and l I am to come. This is the word of the Lord unto you ny. servant, Orson Hyde; and also unto my servant, Luke Johnson, and unto my servant, Lyman Johnson, and unto my servant, William E. McLellin; and un¬ to all the faithful elders of my church: Go ye into all the world; preach the gospel to every creature; acting in the au¬ thority which I have given you; baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and he that beliereth, and is baptized, shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned; and be that believeth shall be blessed with signs following, even as it is written: and unto you it, shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of man; and of as many as the Father shall bear record, to you it shall be given power to seal them up unto eternal life: Amen. 2 And now concerning the items in addition to the covenants and commandments, they are these: There remaineth hereafter in the due litpe of the Lord, other bishops to be set apart us. to the church to minister even according to the first: where¬ fore they shall be high priests who are worthy, and they studl be appeunted by the first presidency of the Melnhizedek priest¬ hood, except they be literal descendants of Aaron; and if they be literal descendants of Aaron, they have a legal right to tbs bishopric, if they are the first born among the sons of Aaron: for the first bom holds the right of presidency over this priest¬ hood, and the keys or authority of the same. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant and the first born of Aaron-, but as a high priest of the Melchizedek priesthood, has author¬ ity to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in tha office of bishop when no literal' descendant of Aaron can be 149 fbund; provided he is called and set apart, and ordained unto this power under the hands of the first presidency of the Mel- ©hizedek priesthood. And a literal descendant of Aaron, al¬ so, must be designated by this presidency, and found worthy, and anointed, and ordained under the hands of this presidency, otherwise they are not legally authorized to officiate in their priesthood: but by virtue of the decree concerning their right of the priesthood descending from father to son, they may claim their annointing, if at any time they can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by re vela cion from the Lord under the hands of the above named presidency. 3 And again, no bishop or high priest, who shall be set apart for this ministry, shall be tried or condemned for any crime save it be before the first presidency of the church; and inas¬ much as he is found guilty before this presidency, by testimo¬ ny that cannot be impeached, he shall be condemned, and if Ue repents lie shall be forgiven, according to the covenants and commandments of the church. 4 And again, inasmuch as parents have children irr Zion, or in any of her stakes which are orgr. .zed, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of re pen; ance; faith in Christ the Son of the living God; and of baptise d and the gift of the Ho¬ ly Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the head of the parents, for this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized: and their children, shall be baptized for the re¬ mission of their sins when eight j ars old, and receive the laying on of the hands: and they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord. And the in¬ habitants of Zion shall also observe i he Sabbath day to keep it holy. And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appoint- d to labor, in all faithful¬ ness, for the idler shall be had in rer <- mhrance before the Lord. Bow I the Lord am not well pleased t th the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; a ad their children are also growing up in wickedness; They also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eye are full of greediness. These tilings ought not to be, and must be done away from among them: wherefore let my servant Oliver Cowder-y, carry these sayings unto the land of Zion. And a commandment I give unto them, that he that obs rveth 'not his prayers be¬ fore the Lord in the season thereof, let him be had in re¬ membrance before the judge of my people. These sayings a.-e true and faithful: wherefore n uisgress them not, neither take therefrom. Behold I am Alpha and Omega, and I corns quickly: Amen. 150 SECTION XXIII. Revelation given May, 1831. 1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and give unto him directions: for it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people: for it must needs be that they are op- ganized according to my laws, if otherwise they will be cut off: wherefore let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has chosen, in whom I ain well pleased, appoint un to this people their portion, every man equal according to their families, according to their circumstances, and their wants and needs; and let my servant Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance ip the church, until he transgresses and is not accounted worthy by the voice of the churcn, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church: and if he shall transgress, and is not ac¬ counted worthy to belong in the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he lias consecrated unto tlue bishop for the poor and the needy of my church: therefore, hie shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on that por¬ tion that is deeded unto him. And thus, all things shall be made sure according to the laws of the land. 2 And let that which belongs to this people, be appointed unto this people; and the money which is left Unto this peo¬ ple, let there be an agent appointed unto this people, to take the money to provide food and raiment, according to the wants of this people. And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye maybe one, even as I have commanded you. 3 And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another church; wherefore if another church would receive money of this church, let them pay unto this church again according as they shall agree; and this shall be done through the bishop or the agent, which shall be ap¬ pointed by the voice of the church. 4 And again, let -the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church, and let all things, both in money and in meat, which is more than is needful for the want of this people, be kept iu the hands of the bishop. And let him also reserve unto hi m¬ self, for his own wants, and for the' wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according 151 to my laws; arid I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I the Lord shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence; and the hour and the day is not given u-ito them: wherefore let them act upon this land as for years; and litis shall turn unto them for their good. 5 Behold, this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all churches. And whoso is found a faithful, a just and a wise steward, shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life. Verily I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ, who cometh .quickly, in an hour you think not: even so. Amen. SECTION XXIV. Revelation mi prayer, giveti October, 1831. 1 Hearken, and la, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going, forth is unto the ends of the earth; yea, whose voice is unto men, Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straight. The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from, thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain with¬ out hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth; yea, a voice crying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the bridegroom; pray unto the Lord; call upon hi.-: holy name; make known his wonderful works among the people, call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth; that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of man shall come down heaven, clo¬ thed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth: wherefore, may: the king¬ dom of God go forth, that the kingdom, of heaven may come, that thou O God may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power and glory, forever and ever: Amen. SECTION XXV. Revelation given November, 1831. 1 Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together, whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and Whose desires have come up be¬ fore me. Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you; and t fee 152 heavens and the earth are in -mine hands, and the riches - of eternity are mine to give. Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you, but behold, verily I say unto you, there were tears in your hearts; and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive. 2 And now I the I ord give unto you a testimony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you: youreyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, jr. : and his- lan¬ guage you have known; and his imperfections you have known; and you have sought in. your hearts knowledge, that you might express beyond his language: this you also know-: now-seek ye out of the book of commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; or if there be any among you, that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true: but if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true: for ye know that thereis .no unrighteousness in -them; and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are rot sufficiently humble, the vail shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am; not with the carnal, neither na¬ tural mind, but with the spiritual; for no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God: neither can any natural man abide the presence of God; neither after the carnal mind; ye are not able to abide the pre¬ sence of God now, neither the ministering of angels: where¬ fore continue in patience until ye are perfected. 4 Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, ia mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which was eonferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. Amen. SECTION XXVI. Revelation given November, 1831. 1 Behold and hearken, O ye inhabitants of Zion, and all ye people of my church, who are far off, and hear the word of the Lord which I give unto my servant Joseph Smith, jr. ; and also unto my servant Martin Harris; and also unto my ser¬ vant Oliver Cowdery; and also unto my servant John Whit- 133 mar; and also unto my servant Sidney Rigdon; and also unto my s'rvant Win. W. Phelps: by the way of commandment un¬ to them, for-I give unto • them a- commandment: wherefore hearken and hear, for thus saith the Lord unto them, I the Lord have appointed them, and ordained them to be stewards over the revelations, and commandments which I have given unto them, and which I shall hereafter give unto them; and wiaccount of this stewardship will I require of them in ths day of judgment: wherefore I have appointed unto .them, and this is . their business in the church of God, to manage them and the ■concerns thereof, yea, the benefits thereof: 2 Wherefore a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not give these things unto the church, neither unto the world, nevertheless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needfiil for their necessities, and their wants, it shall be giv¬ en into my storehouse, and.the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion, and unto their generations, inas¬ much as they become heirs according to the laws of the king¬ dom. S Behold this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship; even as 1 the Lord have appointed, or shall here¬ after appoint unto any man. And behold none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither, the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth ths Lord’s storehouse; neither h ■ who is appointed in a steward' ship over temporal things: lie who is appointed to adminis¬ ter spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship, to administer in temporal things; yea, even more abundantly, which abund¬ ance is multiplied unto them through the manifestations of the Spirit: nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit, shall be withheld. 4 Now this- commandment I give unto my servants for their benefit while they remain, for a manifestation of my blessings upon their heads, and fora reward of their diligence; and for their security for food and for raiment, for an inheritance; for houses and for lands, in .whatsoever circumstances I the Lord shall place them, and whithersoever I the Lord shall send them: for they have been faithful over many tilings, and have done well inasmuch as they have not sinned. Behold [ the Lord am merciful and will bless them, and they shall enter in¬ to the joy of. these things: even so. Amen. 154 SECTION XXVII. , Revelation given in Zion, July, 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together, according to my commandments, in this land which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints: wherefore this is the land of prom¬ ise, and the, place for the city of Zion. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will receive wisdom here is wisdom.— Behold the place which is now called Independence, is the oenter place, and the spot for the temple is lying westward upon a lot which is not far Tom the court house: wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints; and also every tract lying westward, even unto the line run¬ ning directly between J ew and Gentile. And also every traet bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are ena¬ bled to buy lands. Behold this is wisdom, that they may ob¬ tain it for an everlasting inheritance. 2 And let my servant Sidney Gilbert, stand in the office which I have appointed him, to receive moneys, to be an agent unto the cimrch, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be in righteousness, and as wisdom ahall direct. 3 And let my servant. Edward Partridge, stand in the office which I have appointed him, to divide the saints their inher¬ itance, even as I have commanded: and also those whom he has appointed to assist him. 4 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store, that he may sell goods without fr.iud, that he may obtain money to buy lands for the good of the saints; and that he may ob¬ tain whatsoever things the disciples may need to plant them in their inheritance. And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert ■obtain a licence, (behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand,) that he may send goods l so unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks, employed in his ser¬ vice, and thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death. 5 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and be established as a printer unto the church: and lo, if the world receiveth his wri¬ tings, (behold here is wisdom,) let him obtain whatsoever he ean obtain in righteousness, for the good of the saints. An 155 let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I hav* •ommandcd, in whatsoever place I shall appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select, that all things may be right before me, as it shall be proved by the Spirit through him. — And thus let those of whom I have spoken, be planted in the land of Zion, as speedily as can be, with their families, to do those things even as I have - poker:. 6 And now concerning the gathering, let the bishop and the agent make preparations for those families which have been commanded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance. And unto the residue of both elders and members, further directions shall be given hereafter: even so. Amen. SECTION XXVIII. Revelation given Novernier, 1831. 1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver CowderS^i feke, it is not wisdom in me that lie should fee entrusted "wffti" the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful: wherefore I the Lord willeth that my servant John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery. And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which lie shall observe and know, concerning my church, and also that lie receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery, and others. 2 And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth, should send forth the accounts Of their stewardships to the laud of Zion; for the land of Zion shall' be a s>at and a place to re¬ ceive and do all these things: nevertheless, let my servant John Whitmer travel many times from place to place, and from church to church, that he may the more easily obtain knowledge: preaching and expounding, writing, copying, se¬ lecting and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the chufch, and for the rising generations, that shall grow «p on the land of Zioh, to possess it from generation to gen¬ eration, forever and ever. Amen. 15G SECTION XXIX. A Revelation to Joseph- Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, Janua¬ ry, 1832. The word of the Lord unto them concerning the Mere of the church of the living God, established in the last days, making known the will of the Lord unto the elders, what they shall do until conference. 1 For verily thus- saith the Lord, it is expedient in me, that they should continue preaching the gospel, and in exhortation to the churches, in the regions round about, until conlerence: and then behold it shall be made known unto them, by the voice of the conference, their several missions. 2 Now verily I say unto you, my servants Joseph Smith, jr. . and Sidney Rigdon, saith the Lord, it is expedient to translate again, and inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in the re¬ gions round about until conference, and after that it is expedi¬ ent to continue the work of translation, until it be finished. And let this be a pattern unto the elders until further know¬ ledge, even as it is written. Now I give no fPipte unto you at this time. Gird up your loins and be sober: even so. Amen. omfuiesthoo® am® caixem®., SECTION XXX. Ravelation to Joseph Smith, jr. given July, 1828, concerning ear - tain- manuscript son the firstpart of the book of Mormon, which had been taken from the possession of Martin Harris. 1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God, cam not be frustrated, neither can they come to nought, for God doth not walk in crooked paths; neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said: therefore his paths are strait and his course id one eternal round. 2 Remember, remember, that it ismot the work of God that id frustrated, but the work of men:- for although a man may have many revelations, and have power to- do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will, and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance • of ajust God upon him. 8 Behold, you have been intrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember, also, the prsmises which were made to you, if you did not transgress Tthem; and behold, how oft you have transgressed the command¬ ments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persua¬ sions of men: for behold, you should not have feared man mora than God, although men set at nought the counsels of God, and despise his words, yet you should have been faithful and he would have extended his arm, and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble. 4 Behold thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do th» work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall, but remember God is merciful: therefore, repent of that which thou hast done, which is contrary to the ■commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and -art again ealled to the work; except thou do this, thou slialt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift. 5 And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee s ght and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was sacred, into the hands of a wicked man, who has set at nought the counsels of God, and has broken the most sacred promises, which were made before God, and has depen¬ ded upon his own judgment, and boasted in his own wisdom, and this is the reason that thou hast lost thy privileges for a season, for thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to bo Irampled upon from the beginning. 6 Nevertheless my work shall go forth, for, inasmuch as th» knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Sav¬ ior come unto my people; and to the Nephites, and the Jacob¬ ites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the tes¬ timony of their fathers; and this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaeliles, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity •f their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations: and for this very purpose are these plates pre¬ served which contain these records, that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and -that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name; and that through their repentance they might be saved: Amen. 158 SECTION XXXI. Revelation to Joseph Smith, Sen., given February, 1829. 1 Now, behold, a marvellous v ork is about to come forth among the children of men, therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your hearty might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day; therefore, ii' ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work, for behold the field is white already to harvest, and lo, he that tlirusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perish not, but bringeth salvation to his soul, and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualifies lnm for the work. 2 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.— Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. SECTION XXXII. Revelation given March, 1829. 1 Behold I say unto you, that as my servant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that, you, my servant Joseph Smith, jr. have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me: and now behold, this shall you say unto him, He who spake unto you said unto you, I the Lord am God, and have given these things unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and have commanded you that you shall stand as a witness of these things, and I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I command you; and you have no power over them ex¬ cept I grant it unto you. And you have a gift to translate the plates: and this is the first gift that 1 bestowed upon you, and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished. 2. Y'erily I say unto you, that wo shall come unto the inhab¬ itants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words: for hereafter you shall be ordained and go forth and deliver my words unto the children of men. Behold if they will not be¬ lieve my words, they would not believe you, my servant Jo¬ seph, if it wrere possible that you could show them all these 159 things winch I hare committed unto you. O this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation, mine anger is kindled against them. 3 Behold verily, I say unto you, 1 have reserved those things which I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations; but this generation shall have my word through you; and in addition to your testimony the testimony of three at my servants, whom 1 shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things: and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you, yea, they shall know of a surety that these things are true: for from heaven will I declare it nnto them: I will give them power that they may behold and view these things as they are; and to none else will I grant this power, to receive this same testimony, among this gener¬ ation, in this, the beginning of the rising up, and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness — clear as the moon and fair as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of iny word; and behold whosoever believeth on my words them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit. And you must wait yet a little while; for ye are not yet ordained — and their testimo¬ ny shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this genera¬ tion ifthcy harden their hearts against them: for a desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out, from time to time, if they re¬ pent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away, and utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming. Behold, I tell you these things even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem, and my word •hall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified. 4 And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and yield to the persua¬ sions of men no more; and that you be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you, and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain. 5 And now again I speak unto you, iny servant Joseph, con¬ cerning the man that desires the Witness: Behold I say unto hint he exalts himself and does not humble himself sufficiently before me: hut if he will bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and faith, in the sincerity of his heart, then will I grant unto him a view of the things which he desires to see. And then he shall say unto the people of this generation, behold I have seen the things which the Lord has shown unto Joseph Smith, jr. and I know of a surety that 160 they are true, fori have seen them: for they have been shown unto me by the power of God •’and not of man. And I the Lord command him, my servant Martin Harris, that he shall aay no more unto them concerning these things, except b« shall say 1 have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God: ana ;.:ese are the words which he shall say. But if he deny this he will break the covenant ■Which he has before covenants- 1 with me, and behold he it condemned. And now except he humble himself and ac¬ knowledge unto me the things tb;it he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that lie will keep nay command¬ ments, and exercise faith in mi-, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such view's; for I wii! grant unto him no view* of the things of whichl hav spoken. And if this be th* easel command you, my ser.rnt Joseph, that you shall sajr unto him, that he shall do i . more, nor trouble me any mar* concerning this matter. 6 And if this be the case, behold I say unto tliee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop .’for a season, even until I command thee again: then thou mayest translate again. And except thou do this, behold thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the thing* whichl have intrusted with tliee. And now because 1 foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee: yea, I foresee that if my •errant Martin Harris humbleth not himself, and receive* witness from my hand, that he will fall into. Iran sgression ; and there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off tbs face of the earth: and for this cause, that thy days may b* prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandment*: yea, for this cause I have said, stop and stand still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby thou may- ost accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee; and if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou *balt be lifted up at the last day. Amen, SECTION XXXIII. A Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Coxed cry, in Harmony, Pennsylvania , April, 1829, x alien they desired to knoxv xvhethcr John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth.— Translated from parchment, xcritten and hid up by himself. 1 And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what de- sirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto ro* power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee- 161’ And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily, I say unto thee', because thou desiredst this thou shnlt tarry until 1 come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people. 2 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me; but thou desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say up- to thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has de¬ sired that he might do more, or a greater work, yet among men than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel: he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth; and I will make '■thee to minister for him and for thy brother James: and uiito you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come. 3 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired. SECTION XXXIV. Revelation given April, 1829. 1 Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily I say unto you, that assu¬ redly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so sure shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which have been spoken, by the manifestation of my Spirit; yea, .behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart ■ 2 Now, behold this is the Spirit of Revelation: behold this is the Spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red sea on dry ground: therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver .you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. 3 O remember these words, and keep my commandments.— Remember this is your gift. Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron: beaold it has told you many things: behold there is no other power save the power of God that can cause this gift of Aaron to be will* K 162 you; therefore, doubt not, for it is the gifl of God, and yo* shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands; for it is the work of God. And therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you and you shall have knowledge concerning it: remember, that with¬ out faith you can do nothing. Therefore, ask in faith. Trifle not with these things: do not ask for that which you ought not: ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those an¬ cient records which have been hid up, that are sacred, and ac¬ cording to your faith shall it be done unto you. Behold, it is I that have spoken it: and I am the same who spake unto you from the beginning. Amen. SECTION XXXV. Revelation given to Oliver Cotcdcry, April, 1829. 1 Behold I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to write for my servant Joseph Smith, jr. even so I would that you should continue until you have fin¬ ished this record, which I have intrusted unto him: and then behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate. 2 Be patient my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time. Be¬ hold the work which you are called to do, is to write lor my servant Joseph; and behold it is because that you did not con¬ tinue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you. Do not murmur my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you alter this manner. 3 Behold you have not understood, you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought, save it was to ask me; but behold I say unto you, that j ou must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you: therefore, you shall feel that it is right; but if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong: therefore, you cannot write that which is sa¬ cred, save it be given you from me. 4 Now if you had known this, you could have translated ; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now. 163 Behold it was expedient when you commenced, but you feared and the time is past, and it is not expedient now: for, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is made up? and neither of you have I condemned. 5 Do this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day- Amen. SECTION XXXVI. Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. May, 1829, informing him of the alteration if the Manuscript of the fore part of the hook of Mormon. 1 Now, behold I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given onto you to trans¬ late, by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them; and you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened; never¬ theless, it is now restored unto you again, therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the re¬ mainder of the work of translation as you have begun: do not run faster, or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent un¬ to the end: pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer satan and that you may escape the hands of the servants of satan, that do uphold his work. Be¬ hold, they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man ill whom you have trusted, has sought lo destroy you. And for this cause I said, that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to take away the tilings wherewith you have been intrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your gift, and because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold wicked men have taken them from you: therefore, you have delivered them up; yea, that which was sacred unto wickedness. And behold satan has put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your bands; and behold I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read con¬ trary from that which you translated and caused to be written; and on this wise the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work; for he has put it into their 164 hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught' you in the tvords which you liave pretended to translate. 2 Verily I say unto you, that I will not suffer that satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing, for behold he has put it into their hearts to get thee to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to translate it over again; and then behold they say and think in their hearts, we will see if God has given him power to translate, if so, he will also give him jr» wer again; and if God giveth him power again, or if he translate again, or in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold we have the same with us, and we have altered them: therefore, they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power: therefore, we will destroy him, and also the work, and we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that we may get glory of the world. 3 Verily, verily I say unto you, that satan has great hold upon their hearts; he sjtirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good, and their hearts are corrupt, and full of wicked¬ ness and abominations, and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God, but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment; yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work; yea, he saith unto them, Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy: behold this is no harm, and thus he flattereth them and telleth them that it is no sin to lie, that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may- de¬ stroy him, and thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggelh their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare; and thus he go- eth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. 4 Verily, verily I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive, because he supposes that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God. 5 Now, behold they have altered those words, because satan saith unto them, He hath deceived you: and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to get thee to tempt the Lord thy God. 6 Behold I say unto you, that you shall not translate again those words which have gone forth out of your hands; for be¬ hold they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words. For, behold, if you should bring forth 165 the same words they will say that you have lied; that you have pretended to translate, but that you have contradicted your¬ self: and behold they will publish this, and satan will harden the hearts of the people to stir them up to anger against you, that they will not believe my words. Thus satan thinketh to overpower your testimony in this generation, that the work may not come forth in this generation: but behold here is wis¬ dom, and because I show unto you wisdom, and give you com¬ mandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation. 7 Marvel not that I said unto you, here is wisdom, show it not unto the world, for I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved. Behold I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous; but as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous: therefore, I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter. 8 And now, verily I say unto you, that an account of those things that you have written, which have gone out of your hands, are engraven upon the plates of Nephi; yea, and you remember, it was said in those writings, that a more particu¬ lar account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi. 9 And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi, is more particular concerning the things, which in my wisdom I would bring to the knowledge of the people in this account: therefore, you shall translate the en¬ gravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained; and be¬ hold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi, and thus I will confound those who have altered my words. I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. 10 Behold they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account ofNephi. Behold there are many things engraven on the plates of Nephi, which do throw greater views upon my gospel: therefore, it is wisdom in me, that you should trans¬ late this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work. And behold, all the remainder of this work, does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy pro¬ phets, yea, and also my disciples desired in their prayers, should come forth unto this people. And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto .them according to their faith in their prayers; yea, and this was their faith, that my gospel 166 which I gave unto them, that they might preach in their day?, might come unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and also, all that had become Lamanites, because of their dissensions. 11 Now this is not all, their faith in their prayers were, that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land; and thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel, in this land, might have eternal life; yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people, they may be. 12 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers, will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up. 13 And for this cause have 1 said, if this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them. Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but 1 say this to build up my church: therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: hut it is they who do not tear me, neither keep my command¬ ments, but buildeth up churches unto themselves, to get gain; yea, and all those that.do wickedly, and buildeth up the king¬ dom of the devil; yea, verily, verily I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the centre. 14 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God: I came unto my own, and my own received me not. I am the light which fehineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. I am he who said other sheep have I which are not of this fold, unto my disciples, and many there were that understood me not. 15 And I will show unto this people, that I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of Jacob: and I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my name: yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel, which Was ministered unto them, and behold they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine: yea, and (he on¬ ly doctrine which is in me; and this 1 do, that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention: yea, catan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention, con¬ cerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures, and do not understand them: therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery, for behold, I will gather them as a hen gatheretn her chickens tinder her wings, if they will not harden their hearts: yea, if 167 they will com?, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. 16 Behold this is my doctrine: whosoever repenteth and ■eometli unto me, the same is my church; whosoever declareth more or less than this, the' same is not of me, but is against me: therefore, he is not of my church. 17 And now, behold whosoever is of my church, and endu- teth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my Rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 18 And now, remember the words of him who is the life and the light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen. SECTION XXXVII. Revelation given to Hyrum Smith, May, 1829. 1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged ■sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word. 2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, who¬ so desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, ■and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God; yea, whoso¬ ever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall receive; if you will knock, it shall be opened unto you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich; behold he that hath eternal life is rich. 4 Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be done unto you: and, if you desire you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing hut repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work according to my command¬ ments, and you shall be blessed. 5 Behold thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee: for behold it is I that speaketh: behold I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee. 168 6 And now, verily, verily I say unto thee, put your trust itt that Spirit which leadeth to do good: yea, to do justly; to walk humbly; to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. 7 Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy, and then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which is pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive. 8 Behold I command you, that you need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called: wait a little lon¬ ger, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine; and then behold, according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith, shall it be done unto you. 9 Keep ray commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit: yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things ot which have been spoken: yea, the translation of my work: be patient until you shall accomplish it. 10. Behold this is your work, to keep my commandments: yea, with all your might, mind, and strength: seek not to de¬ clare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit, and my word: yea, the power of God unto the convin¬ cing of men: but no w hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men; and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men; or that which is now translating: yea, until you have obtain¬ ed ail which 1 shall grant unto the children of men in this generation; and then shall all things be added thereunto. 11 Behold thou art Hyruna, my son; seek the kingdom of God and all things shall be added according to that which is just. Build upon my rock, which is my gospel; deny not the Spirit of revelation, nor the Spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things: therefore, treasure up in your hearts until the time which is in my wisdom, that you shall go forth: behold I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickles to reap. 12 Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God: I am the life and the light of the: world: I am the same who came unto my own, and my own received me not: but verily, verily I say un¬ to you, that as many as receiveth. me, them will 1 give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name. Amen. SECTION XXXVIIl kcvelatton given to Joseph Knight, Sen. May, 1829. 1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is ’quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word. 2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore who¬ so desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickft: with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: yea, whoso¬ ever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. 4 Behold I speak unto you, and also to all those tvho have desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love> having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be intrusted to his care. 5 Behold I am the light and the life of the world, that speak- eth these words: therefore, give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen. SECTION XXXIX. Revelation given to David Whitmer, June, 1829. 1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word. 2 Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore, who¬ so desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: yea, whoso¬ ever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you Will knock it shall be opened unto you. 3 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my com¬ mandments in all things, and if you keep my commandment* 170 and endure to the end, you shall have eternal life; which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. 4 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a wit¬ ness of the things of which you shall both hear and see; and also, that you may declare repentance unto this generation. 5 Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth; a light which cannot be hid in darkness: wherefore, i must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. And behold thou art David, and thou art called to assist: which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen. SECTION XL. Revelation given to John Whilmer, jr. June, 1829. 1 Hearken my servant Johh, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak un¬ to you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you. 2 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my command¬ ments: 3 And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. SECTION XLI. Revelation given to Peter Wldtmer, June, 1829. 1 Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak un¬ to you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you. 2 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my command¬ ments: 171 3 And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. SECTION XUI. Revelation to Oliver Coiedery, David JVhilmer and Martin Har¬ ris, June, 1829, given previous to their viewing the plates con¬ taining the book of Mormon: 1 Behold I say unto you, that you must rely upon my wordy which if you do, with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also the breastplate, the sword of La¬ ban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the red sea; and it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old. 2 And after that you have obtained faith, and have sees them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God; and this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, . jr. may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men, in this work. And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, jr. has seen them, for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith: and he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true. 3 Wherefore you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him; and if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the fates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is suf- cient for you: and you shall be lifted up at the last day. — And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen. i n SECTION XLIII. kevelation to Joseph Smith, jr. Oliver Coicdcry and Davit! Whitmcr, making known the calling of twelve apostles in these last days, and also, instructions relative to. building up the church of Christ, according to thefulness of the gospel; Given m Fayette, New York, June, 1829. 1 Now behold, because of the thing which, you, my servant Ol¬ iver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words: behold 1 have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true: wherefore you know that they are true; and ifyou know that they are true, behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel. and my rock; wherefore, it you shall build up my church upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates ofhell shall not prevail against vou. 2 Behold the world is ripening in iniquity, and it must needs be, that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles, and also the house of Israel: wherefore as thou hast been baptized by the hand of my servant, Joseph Smith, jr. according to that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled the thing which I commanded him. And now marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me: wherefore if he shall be dili¬ gent in keeping my commandments, he shall be blessed unto eternal life, and his name is Joseph. 3 And now Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and also unto David Whitmer, by the way of commandment: for behold I command all men every where to repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with that same calling with which he was called. Remem¬ ber the worth of souls is great in the sight of God: for behold the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh: wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him on conditions of repent¬ ance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth. — Wherefore you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days, in crying repentance unto this people, and bring save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father? 4 And now if your joy will be great with cne soul, that you 173 have broagM unto me into the kingdom of my Father how great will be yoUrjoy, if yon should bring many souls unto me! Ell,, i/ave mV trospel before you, and my rock, and my Behold vo a havemj “3 m„ n/me in faith believing that fcSSS: »d .l,Sf h“ « .he Ho!, W*. thick manifesteth all things, which is expedient unto the children of men And if you have not faith, hope and charity, you can do nothing. Contend against no church, save it be ^ church of the devil. Take upon you the name « TIHJf a"d speak the truth in soberness, and as many as repent, and are bap U zed in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved. Behold Jesus Christ, is the name Which is given of the Father, and there .noneote * given whereby man can be saved: whercforeallrnen must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, tor in that name shall they be called at the last day : wherefore if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father. 5 And now behold, there are others who are called to de¬ clare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew: yea, even twelve: Ld the twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name: and the twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name, with full purpose of heart: and if they desire to take upon tnem my name, with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into raU l the : world » to preach my gospel unto every creature: and they are they who are ordained ‘of me to baptize in my name according to that which is written; and you have that which is written be¬ fore you: wherefore you must perform it according to the words which are written. And now I speak -mto the t^lve B-riiold mv o-race is sufficient for yon: you must walk uprightly before me and sin not. And behold you are they who are or¬ dained of me to ordain priests and teachers to declare my gos¬ pel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is m you, and eccording to the callings and gifts of God unto men. and I Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have ^pokeuit. These words are not of men, nor of man, but of me. there¬ fore you shall testify they are of me, and not of man, for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you: for they are given by my Spirit unto you: and by my power you can read them one to another: and save it were by my power, you could not have them: wherefore you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words. , , 6 And now behold I give unto you, Oliver Cowderj , and a.so unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the twelve who shall have the desires of which I have spoken; and by 174 their desires and their works, you shallknow them: and when you have found them you shall show these things unto them. And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name: and you must preach unto the world, saying, you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ: for all men must repent and be baptized; and not only men, but women and children, who have arriven to the years of accountability. 7 And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things: and by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance; and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father: wherefore the blessings which I give Unto you, are above all thiilgs. And after that you haye received this, if you keep not my commandments, you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father. Behold I Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit, have spoken it. Amen. SECTION XLIV. A commandment of God and not of man to Martin Harris, given (Manchester, New York, March. 1830, ) by him who is eternal: 1 I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world: I having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father concerning me: having done this, that I might subdue all things unto myself: retaining all power, even to the destroying of satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works, and the deeds which he hath done. And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I God am endless: where¬ fore, I revoke not the judgments wliich I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth: yea, to those who are found on my left hand; nevertheless it is not written, that there shall be no end to this torment; but it is written endless torment. 2 Again, it is written eternal damnation: wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon ti e hearts of the children of men, allogether for my name’s glon : wherefore, I will explain unto you, this mystery, for it is meet unto you, to know even as mine apostles. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. For behold, the mystery of Godliness, how 175 great is it? for behold I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for endless ia my name; wherefore — Eternal punishment ) Endless punishment is God’s punishment: $ 's God’s punishment: wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the command¬ ments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. in my name: and it is by my almighty pow¬ er that you have received them: therefore I command you to repent, repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore: how sore you know not 1 how exquisite you know notl yea, how hard to bear you know not! For behold, I God have suf¬ fered these things for all, that they might not suffer, if they would repent, but if they would not repent, they must suffer even as I: which suffering caused myself, even God, the great¬ est of all to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit: and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink: nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men: wherefore, I command you again to repent lest I humble you by my almighty power, and that you con¬ fess your sins lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit. And I command you, that you preach nought but repentance; and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me; for they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive: Wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish: learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meek¬ ness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me: I am Jesus Christ: I came by the will of the Father, and I do his wiP. 3 And again: I command thee, that thou si.alt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. Nor seek thy neighbor’s life. And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to the printing of the book of Mormon, which contains the truth and the word of God, which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant: that they may believe the gos¬ pel, and look not for a Messiah to come who has already come. 4 And again: I command thee, that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart: yea, before the world as well as in secret; in public as well as in private. And thou shalt declare glad tidings; yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt 176 be permitted to see. And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against ravilers. And of tenets thouslialt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith . on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism and by fire; yea, even the Holy Ghost. 5 Behold, this is a great, and the last commandment which 1 shall give unto you concerning this matter: for this shall suf¬ fice for thy daily walk even unto the end of thy life. And misery thou shalt receive, if thou wilt slight these counsels; yea, even destruction of thyself and property. Impart a por¬ tion of thy property; yea, even part of thy lands and all save the support of thy family. Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage. Leave thy house and home, except when thou shalt desire to see thy family. And speak freely to all: yea, preach, exhort, declare the truth, even with a loud voice; with a sound of rejoicing, crying hosanna! hosanna! blessed be the name of the Lord God. 6 Pray always and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing: yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth, and corruptibleness to the extent thereof. Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness; or canst thou run about lon¬ ger as a blind guide; or canst thou be humble and meek and conduct thyself wisely before me: yea, come uiito me thy Sa¬ vior. Amen. SECTION XLV. Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrurn Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sen. anel Joseph Knight, Sen. given April, 1830. 1 Behold I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold thou art blessed, and art under no condemnation. But be ware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation. Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world; and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from hence¬ forth and forever. Amen. 2 Behold I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words: for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever; and this because of thy family. Amen. 3 Behold I speak a few words unto you, Samuel: for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy 'calling is to exhorta¬ tion, and to strengthen the church. Alia thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen# 4 Bfehold I speak a few words Unto you, Joseph: for thou al¬ so art under no condemnation, and thy calling also is to ex¬ hortation, and to strengthen the church. And this is thy du¬ ty from henceforth and forever. Amen. 5 Behold 1 manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that ‘ you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before the world, as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places. — And behold it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may meeive the reward of the laborer. Amen. SECTION XL VI. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. given April 6, 1830. 1 Behold there shall be a record kept among you, and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apos • tie of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of youT Lord Jesus Christ; being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unlo the most holy faith: which churchwas organ¬ ized and established, in the year of your Lord eighteen hun¬ dred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April. 2 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words, and commandments, which he shall give unto you, as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me: for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine Own mouth, in all patience and faith; for by doing these things, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you: yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you; and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory. — For thus saith the Lord God, him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good; and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard: yea, his weeping for Zi¬ on I have seen, and I w'lll cause that he shall mourn for her no longer, for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works. 3 For behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard, with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me, by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus wTas crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world; yea, for the remission of sins unlo the contrite heart. Wherefore, it behooveth me, that he should be ordain- 178 ed by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle; this being an or¬ dinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name; and the first preacher of this church, unto the church, and before the world; yea, be¬ fore the Gentiles: yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo, to the Jews, also. Amen. SECTION XLVII. Revelation to the church qf Christ, which teas established in these last days, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty: Given April, 1830, in consequence of some desi¬ ring to unite with the church without re-baptism, who had pre¬ viously been baptized. 1 Behold I say unto you, that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and an ever¬ lasting covenant; even that which was from the beginning. _ Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing; for you cannot enter in at the straight gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works; for it is because of your dead works, that 1 have caused this last covenant, and this church to be built up unto me; even as in days of old. Wherefore enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen. SECTION XLVIII. Revelation given July, 1830. 1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, iny daughter, for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daugh¬ ters in my kingdom. A revelation I give unto you concerning my will, and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of vir¬ tue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion. Behold thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee, and from the world, wliich is wisdom in me in a time to come. 2 And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant Joseph Smith, jr. thy husband, in his afflictions with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness. And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for ascribe. 179 while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever 1 will. And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit: for he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt re¬ ceive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much. And thou needst not fear, for thy hus¬ band shall support thee in the church: for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatso¬ ever 1 will, according to their faith. 3 And verily I say unto thee, that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better. And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred Hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church: for my soul delighteth in the song of the heart: yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me. And it shall be answered with a blessing upon tneir heads. — Wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 4 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of j>ride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. And verily, verily I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen. SECTION XLIX. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. Oliver Coicdery and John lVhit- mer, given July, 1830. 1 Behold, I say unto you, that you shall let your time be de¬ voted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church, at Colesville; and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you shall go to the west, to hold the next conference; and then it shall be made known what yOu shall do. And all things shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith,- for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen. SECTION L. Revelation given September, 1830. 1 Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful. For 180 behold I say unto you, that it matteretli not what ye shall eaf, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory; remember¬ ing unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins: wherefore a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink of your enemies: where, fore you shall partake of none, except it is made new among you, yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth. 2 Behold this is wisdom in me: wherefore marvel not for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the book of Mormon, containing the fulness of my ever¬ lasting gospel; to whom I have committed the keys of the rec¬ ord of the stick of Ephraim; and also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things, or the restorer of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days: and also John the son of Zach arias,, which Zacnari- as he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias; which John I have sent unto you, my ser¬ vants, Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto this first priesthood which you have received, that you plight be called and ordained even as Aaron: and also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turn¬ ing the hearts of the fa! hers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse: and also, with Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham your fathers; by whom the promises re¬ main; and also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, 'the prince of all, the ancient of days: 3 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you tmd confirmed you to be apostles and especial witnesses of my name, and hear the keys of your ministry: and of the same things which I re¬ vealed unto them: unto whom I have committed the keys of pay kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things both which are in heaven and which are on earth: and also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world: wherefore lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all ye may be able to stand. Stand, therefore, having 181 your loins girt about with truth; having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace which I have sent mine angels to commit un¬ to you, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; and take the hel¬ met of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which 1 will pour out upon you, and my wprd which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up kthat where I am ye shall be also. Amen. SECTION LI. ^ Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery, September, 1830. 1 Behold I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee, that thou shalt be heard by the church, in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concern¬ ing the revelations and commandments which I have given. 'i But behold, verily, verily I say unto thee, no-one shall.be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph Smith, jr. for he receiv- eth them even as Moses; and thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church. And if thou art]led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto' the church, thou mayest doit. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom: And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; for I have given him the keys of the mysteries and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead. 3 And now, behold I say unto you, that you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings, thou shalt cause my church to be established among them, and thou shalt have revelations but write them not by way of commandment. And now be¬ hold I say unto you, that it is not revealed, and no man know- eth where the city shall be built, but it shall be given hereaf¬ ter. Behold I say unto you, that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites. 4 Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference and my servant Joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by the voice of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell. And again, thou shalt take thy brother Hiram 182 Page between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me, and that satan deceiveth him: for behold these things have not been appointed unto him: neither shall any thin;* be ap¬ pointed unto any of this church contrary to the church cov¬ enants, for all things must be done in order and by common Consent in the church, by the prayer of faith. 5 And thou shalt assist to settle all these things according to the covenants of the church before thou shalt take thy jour¬ ney among the Lamanites. And it shall be given thee from the time that thou shalt go, until the time that thou shalt re¬ turn, what thou shalt do. And thou must open thy mouth at all times declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. — SECTION LII. Revelation to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, jr. and John Whitmer, given September, 1830. 1 Behold I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength, as you ought: but tour mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the tilings of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto vou have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been per¬ suaded by those whom I have not commanded: wherefore you are left to inquire for yourself, at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received. And your home shall be at your father’s house, until I give unto you further command- ' ments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the regions round about. Amen. 2 Behold I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take your journey with your brother Oliver, for the time has come, that it is expedient in me, that you shall open your mouth to de¬ clare my gospel: therefore, fear not but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you. — And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer, and faith, for his and your deliver¬ ance: for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites: and none have I appointed to be his counsellor, over him, in the church, concerning church mat¬ ters, except it is liis brother Joseph Smith, jr. Wherefore give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my com¬ mandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal life. Amen, 3 Behold I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt 185 commence from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump. And jrnur labor shall & at your brother Philip Burroughs’, and in that region round about: yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command yoa to go .from hence. And your whole labor shall be in Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen. SECTION LIII. Revelation to Thomas B. Marsh, given September , 1830. 1 Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work. Behold you have had many afflictions because of your family: nevertheless I will bless you, and your family: yea, your little ones, and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church. 2 Lift up your heart and rejoice for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed; and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. You shall de¬ clare the things which have been revealed to my servant Jo¬ seph Smith, jr. You shall begin to preach from this time forth; yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned: therefore thrust in your sickle with all your soul; and your ■sins are forgiven you; and you shall be laden with sheaves up¬ on your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore your family shall live. 3 Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a lit¬ tle time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them ; yea, I will open the hearts of the people and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand; and you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered. Be* patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast. 4 Behold I say unto you, that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not into the world, for they will not receive you. Go your way Whithersoever I will, and it shall be giv¬ en you by the Comforter what you shall do, and whither you shall go. Pray always, lest you enter into temptation, and lose your reward. Be faithful unto the end and, lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen. SECTION LIV. Revelation to Parley P . Pratt and Zila Peterson, given Octo¬ ber, 1830. 1 And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, behold I say unto him, that as I live I will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart; and tiiat which I have appointed unto him, is, that lie shall go with my servants Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, jr. into the wilderness, among the Lamanites; and Ziba Peterson, also, shall go with them, and I myself will go with them and be in their midst: and 1 am their Advocate with the Father, and no¬ thing shall prevail. And they shall give heed to that which is written and pretend to no other revelation, and they shall pray always that I may unfold them to their understanding; and they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen. SECTION LV. Revelation to Ezra Thayrc and Northrop Sweet, given October 1830. 1 Behold I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick.’ and powerful, sharper than a two edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit: and is a discenaer of the thoughts and intents of the heart. For verily, verily 1 say unto you, that ye are called to lift up your voices as' with the sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto a < ; coked and a perverse generation: for behold the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and for the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard. And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit: and there is mine which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances, because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds. 2 And verily, verily 1 say unio you, that this church have 1 established and called forth out of the wilderness: and even so will I gather mine elec t from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will t -heye in me, and hearken unto my voice: yea, verily, verily I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest: wl. i > -i.re thrust in your ruckles, and reap With all your might, iulnd and strength. Open your mouths and they shall be filleii; am y ou shall become even as Nephi 185 of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness: yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall he laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo I am with you: yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying, Repent, repent and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight: lor the kingdom of heaven is at hand: yea, repent and be bap¬ tized evGry one of you; for a remission of your sips: yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometli the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. 3 Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, this is my gospel, and remember that they shall have faith in me, or they can in no wise be saved: and upon this Rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; and ye shall remember the church articles and covenants to keep them: and whoso having faith you shall confirm in my church, by the laying on of the hands, and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them. And the book of Mormon, and the holy scriptures, are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things: wherefore be faithful, praying al¬ ways, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom; for behold, verily, verily I say unto you, that I come quickly; even so: Amen. SECTION LVI. . "Revelation to Orson Pratt, given November, 1830. 1 My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I the Lord God shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer, the light and the life of the world: a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not: whoso loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God: wherefore you are my son, and blessed are you because you have believed, and more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel; to lift up your voiefe as with the sound of a trump, both "long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation; preparing the way of the Lord for his second com¬ ing; for behold, verily, verily I say unto you, the time is soon at hand, that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory, and it shall be a great day at the time of my com? mg, for all nations shall tremble. 2 But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stare shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great de¬ structions await the wicked: wherefore lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken. Therefore prophesy and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost; and if you are faithful behold I am with you until I come: and veri¬ ly, verily I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer; even so. Amen. SECTION JLVII. Revelation to Edward Partrige, given December , 1830. 1 Thus saith the Lord God, the mighty One of Israel, behold I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump; and I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom: and you shall declare it with a loud voice, saying, Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God. 2 And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all men, that as many as shall come before my ser¬ vants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr. embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations, crying re¬ pentance, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward gener¬ ation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh. 3 And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with single, ness of heart, may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God: wherefore gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple; even so. Amen. SECTION LVlil. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given December, 1830. 1 Behold I say unto you, that it is not expedient in me that ye should translate any more until ye shall go to the Ohio; and this because of the enemy and for your sakes. And again, I say unto you, that ye shall not go until ye have preached my gospel in those parts, and have strengthened up the church 187 whithersoever it is found, and nlore especially in Colesville: for behold they pray unto me in much faith. 2 And again a commandment I give unto the church, that it is expedient in me that they should assemble together at the Ohio, against the time that my servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them. Behold here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come; even so. Amen. SECTION LIX. . Regulation to James Covill, given January , 1831. 1 Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus Christ, the light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not: the same which came in the meridian of time unto my own, and my own received me not; but to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons, and even so will I givp unto as many as will receive me', power to become my sons. 2 And verily, verily I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel, receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel, re¬ ceiveth not me. And this is my gospel: repentance and bap¬ tism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. 3 And now behold I say unto you, my servant James, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee: and verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now right before me at this time, and behold I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head: — nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride, and the cafes of the world: but behold the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee, Arise and be bap¬ tized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known. And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a greater work. Thou shalt preach the fulness of my gospel which I have sent forth in these last days; the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel. 4 And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith and I will be with thee and go be¬ fore thy face. Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish. Behold, verily, verily I 188 say unto theer thou art not called to go into the eastern coun¬ tries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio. And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves to the Ohio,, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the chil¬ dren of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. — And from thence men shall go forth into all nations. 5 Behold, verily, 'verily Isay unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon the nations, but I , cannot deny my word: wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers in¬ to my vineyard, that it may be pruned for the last time. And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fulness of my gos¬ pel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment: wherefore go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand ; crying Hosanna! blessed be the name of the most high God. Go forth baptizing with wa¬ ter, preparing the way before my face, for the time of my coming; for the time is at hand: the day nor the hour no man knoweth, but it surely shall come, and he that receiveth these things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered unto mein time and in eternity. 6 And again, it shall come to pass, that on as many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coining, and shall know me. Behold I come quickly; even so. Amen. SECTION LX. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given Jan¬ uary, 1831, explaining why James Govill, obeyed not the rev¬ elation which was given unto him. 1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my ser¬ vant James Covill was right before me, for lie covenanted with me, that he would obey my word. And he received the word with gladness, but straightway satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution, and the cares of the world, caused him to reject the word; wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remamelh in me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen. SECTION LXI. Revelation given February, 1831. 1 Hearken and hear, O ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest bles- 189 sings! ye that hear me: and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings. Hearken, O ye elders Of my church whom r have called: be¬ hold 1 give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word, and by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church, and have all things right before me, ‘<1 And I will be your Ruler when' I Come: and behold, I come quickly: and ye shall see that my law is kept. Ho that re- ceiveth my law and doeth it the same. is my disciple; and ho that saith he receiveth It and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you: for it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the king¬ dom, should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast before swine. 3 And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph Smith; jr. should have a house built, in which to live and translate. And again it is meet that my servant Sidney Rigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as he keepeth my command¬ ments. And again, I have called my servant Edward Par¬ tridge, and give a commandment, that he should be appoin¬ ted by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto, the church, to leave his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church; to see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him, in my laws in the day that I shall give them. And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathaniel of Old, in whom there is no guile. These words are given unto you, and they are pure before me: where¬ fore beware how you hold them, for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day of judgment; even so. Amen. SECTION LXII. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given Feb¬ ruary, 1831. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is ex¬ pedient in me that tire elders of my church should be called to¬ gether, from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some other way. 2 And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faith¬ ful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together. And it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round about, and preach repentance unto the people; and ma¬ ny shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to- 190 organize yourselves, according to the laws of man; that you! enemies may not have power over you, that you may be pre¬ served in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws, that every band may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people. 3 Behold I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept un¬ til aft things may be done according to my law which ye have received. Amen. SECTION LXIII. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and John Whitmer, given March, 1. Behold it is expedient in me that my servant John should write and keep a regular history, and assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things [which shall be given you, until he is called to further duties. Again, verily I say unto you, that he can also lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expedient. 2 And again, I say unto you, that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church record and history continually, for Ol¬ iver Cowdery I have appointed to another office. Wherefore it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Com¬ forter, to write these things; even so. Amen. SECTION LXIV. Revelation given March, 1831. 1 It is necessary that ye should remain, for the present time, in your places of abode, as it shall be suitable to your circum¬ stances; and inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart to the eastern brethren; and inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in those regions round p bout as seem- eth them good, for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live for the present time. 2 It must needs be necessary, that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteous¬ ness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase lands for an inheritance, even the city. The place is not yet to be reveal¬ ed, but after your brethren come from the east, there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed; and they shall be ap¬ pointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement, to lay the foundation of the city; and then ye shall begin to be 101 gathered with your families, every man according to his fami¬ ly, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments, which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive; even so. Amen. SECTION LXV. 'f Revelation to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Lemon Cop¬ ley, given March, 1831. 1 Hearken unto my word, my servant Sidney, and Parley, and Lemon, for behold, verily I say unto you, that I give un¬ to you a commandment, that you shall go and preach my gos¬ pel, whioh ye have received, even as ye have received it, unto the shakers. Behold I say unto you, that they desire to know tlie truth in part, but not all, fop they are not right belore me, and must needs repent: wherefore I send you, my servants Sidney and Parley, to preach the gospel unto them; and my- servant Lemon shall be ordained unto this work, that he may reason with them, not according to that which he has received of them, but according to that which shall be taught him by vou, my servants, and by so doing I will bless him, otherwise he shall not prosper: thus saith the Lord, for I am ■ God and have sent mine only begotten Son into the world, for the redemp¬ tion of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not, shall be damned; 2 And they have done unto the Son of man even as they lis¬ ted; and he has taken Ids power on the right hand of his glo¬ ry, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he de¬ scends on the earth to put all enemies under his feet: which time is nigh at hand: I the Lord God have spoken it: but the lw>nr and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heav¬ en, nor shall they know until he comes: wherefore I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except them which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of: wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent unto you mine ev¬ erlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning, and that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the na¬ tions of the earth shall bow to it; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself, shall be laid low of power: wherefore I give unto you a com¬ mandment, that ye go among this people and say unto them, like unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter: Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end; repent and be baptized in 192 the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy command¬ ment, for the remission of sins: and whoso doeth this, shall re¬ ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of this church. 3 And again, I say unto you, that whoso forbid deth to mar¬ ry, is apt ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God un¬ to man: wherefore it is lawful that ne should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation; and that it might be fil¬ led with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made. And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats, that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of God; for behold the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is ordained for the use of man, for food, and for raiment, and that lie might have in abundance, but it is not given that one man should possess that which is above another: wherefore the world lieth in sin; and wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or that wastetli flesh and hath no need. 4 And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son of man com¬ oth not in the form of a woman, neither of a man travelling on the earth: wherefore be not deceived, but continue in steadfest- ness, looking forth for the heavens to be shaken; and the earth to tremble, and to reel to and fro as a drunken man; and for the tvalleys to be exalted; and for the mountains to be made low; and for the rough places to become smooth: and all this when the angel shall sound his trumpet. "> But before the great day of the Lord shall come, Jacob shall flourish in the wilderness; and the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose: Zion shall flourish upon the hills, and rejoice upon the mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. Behold I say unto you, go forth as 1 have feommanded you; repent of all your sins; ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you: behold I will go before you, and be your rereward; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded: behold I am Jesus Christ, and 1 come quickly; even so. Amen. SECTION LXVI. Revelation given June, 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders whom he hath called and chosen, in these last days, by the voice of his Spirit, saying, I the Lord will make known unto you what I will that ye shall do from this time until the next conference, which 193 shall be held in Missouri, upon the land which I will conse¬ crate unto my people, which are a remnant of Jacob, and those who are heirs according to the covenant. 2 Wherefore, verily 1 say unto you, let my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as preparations cun be made to leave their homes, and journey to tire land of Missouri. And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it shall be made known unto them what they shall do: and it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made known un¬ to them the land of your inheritance. And inasmuch as they are not faithful, they shall be cut off, even as I will, as seem- eth me good. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Corrill take their journey speedi¬ ly: and also my servant John Murdock, and my servant Hy- rum Smith, take their journey unto the same place by the way of Detroit. And let them joufney from thence preaching the word, by the way, saying none other things than that wjiich the prophets and apostles have written, and that which is taught them by the Comforter, through the prayer of faith. — Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the laying on of the hands by tiie water’s side: for thussaith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness: for the days cometh that I will send forth judgment unto victory. And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for satan desireth to sift him as chaff. 4 And behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over ma¬ ny things. And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived, for satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations: wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances: he that speaketh, whose spir¬ it is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if lie obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power, shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the rev1 eiations, and truths which I have given you. 5 And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me: wherefore by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases, under the whole heavens. And the days have come, according to men’s faith it shall be done unto them. Behold this commandment is given unto all the elders whom I have chosen. And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Thomas B. Marsh, and my servant Ezra Thayre, take their journey also, preaching the 194 word by the way, unto this same land. And again, let my servant Isaac Morley, and my servant Ezra Booth, take their journey, also preaching the word by the way unto the same land. 6 And again, let my servants Edward Partridge and Martin Harris, take their journey with my servants Sidney Rigdori and Joseph Smith, jr. Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvy Whitlock also take their journey, and t preach by the way unto this same land. Let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt take their journey, and preach by the way, even unto this same land. And let my servants Solomoh Hancock and Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same land, and preach by the way. Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott also take their journey. Let my ser¬ vants Levi Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin also take their jour¬ ney. Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey. Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William Carter also take their journey. 7 And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah J. Griffin, both be ordained and also take their journey: yea, verily I say, let all these take their journey unto one place, in their sever¬ al courses, and one man shall not build upon another's foun¬ dation, neither journey in another’s track. He that is faith- fill, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit. 8 And again, I say unto you, let my servants Joseph Wake¬ field and Solomon Humphrey take their journey into the eas¬ tern lands. Let them labor with their families, declaring none other things than the prophets and apostles, that which they have seen, and heard, and most assuredly believe, that the prophecies may be fulfilled. In consequence of transgres¬ sion, let that which was bestowed upon Heman Basset, be ta¬ ken from him, and placed upon the head of Simonds Rider. 9 And again, verily I say unto you, let Jared Carter be or¬ dained a priest, and also George James be ordained a priest. — Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and de¬ clare the word in the regions among them. And let them la¬ bor with their own hands, that there be no idolatry nor wick¬ edness practiced. And remember in all things, the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple. And again, let my servants Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge, take with them a recommend from the church. — And let there be one. obtained for my servant Oliver Cowdery also: and thus, even as I have said, if ye are faithful, ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice upon the land of Mis¬ souri, which ig the land of your inheritance, which is now the- 195 land of your enemies. But behold I the Lord will hasten the city in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and with rejoicing. Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of God, and I will lift them up at the last day; even so. Amen. SECTION LXVI. Revelation to Sidney Gilbert, given June, 1831.. 1 Behold I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I' have heard your prayers, and you have called upon me, that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, con¬ cerning your calling, and election in this church, which 1 the Lord have raised up in these last days. 2 Behold I the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, giveth unto you a commandment, that you shall forsake the world. Take upon you mine ordinances, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance, and remission of sihs, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. And also to be an agent unto this church in the place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according to commandments which shall be given hereafter. 3 And again, verily I say unto you. you shall take your jour¬ ney witli my servants Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Behold these are the first ordinances which you shall receive: and the residue shall be made known in. a time to come, ac¬ cording to your labor in my vineyard. And again, I would that ye should learn that it is he only who is saved, that endu-‘ reth unto the end; even so. Amen. SECTION LXVII. Revelation to Neioel Knight, given June, 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for tlie sins of the world. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, my ser¬ vant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office where¬ with I' have appointed you: and if your brethren desire to es¬ cape their enemies let them repent of all their sins; and be¬ come truly humble before me and contrite: and as the covenant which they made unto me, has been broken, even so it has be¬ come void and of none eflect; and wo to him by whom this of¬ fence cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea; but blessed are they who have 19G kept the covenant, and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy. 2 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you: and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, audio pay moneys for you. And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites. And af¬ ter you have done journeying, behold I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place lor you. it And again, be patient in tribulation until 1 come: and be¬ hold I come quickly, and my reward is with the, and they who have sought me early, shall find fest to their souls; even so. Amen. SECTION LXVIII. Revelation to William IV. Phelps, given June, 1831. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant William.' yea, eVen the Lord of the whole earth, thou art called and cho¬ sen and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you'sliall have a remission ofy'our sins, and a reception of the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of hands. And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of nty Servant Joseph Smith, jr. to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; and on whomsoever you shall lay your hands, if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to give the Holy Spirit. 2 And again, you shall be ordained to assist my servant Oli¬ ver Cowdery to do the work of printing, and of selecting, and writing "books for schools, in this church, that little children also may receive instruction before me as is pleasing unto me. And again verily I say unto you, for this cause you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, that you may be planted in the land of your inherif- ance, to do this work. 3 And again let my servant Joseph Coe also take his journey with them. The residue shall be made known hcrc-after; cTen as I will. Amen. 197 SECTION LXIX. Revelation given June, 1831. 1 Hearken O ye people who profess my name, saith the Lord your God, for behold mine anger is kindled against the rebellious, and tiiey shall know mine arm and mine indigna¬ tion in the day of visitation and of wrath upon the nations. — And he that will not take up Ills cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved. 2 Behold I the Lord commandeth, and he that will not obey shall be cut off in mine own due time: and after that I have commanded and the commandment is broken, wherefore I the Lord command and revoke, as it seemeth me good; and all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious saith the Lord: wherefore I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my servant 'ij'honias, that he shall take up his journey speedily to the land of Missouri; "and my servant Selah J. Griffin shall also go with him: for behold I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servants Selah J. Griffin and 'Newel Knight, in consequence of the stiffneckedness of my people which are in Thompson; and their rebellions: wherefore let my servant Newel Knight remain with them, and as many as will go may go, that are contrite before me, and be led by him to the land which I have appointed. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, that my servant Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride, and of his selfishness, and obey the farmer commandment which I have given him con¬ cerning the place upon which he lives; and if he will do this, as there shall be no divisions made upon the land, he shall be appointed still to go to the land of Missouri; otherwise he shall receive the money which he has paid, and shall leave the place, and shall be cut off out of my church, saith the Lord God of hosts: and though the heaven and the earth pass away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be fulfilled. 4 And if my servant Joseph Smith, jr. must needs pay the money, behold I the Lord will pay it unto him again in the land of Missouri, that those of whom he shall receive may be rewarded again, according to that which they do. For accor¬ ding to that which they do, they shall receive; even in lands for their inheritance. Behold thus saith the Lord unto my •people, you have many things to do, and to repent of: for be¬ hold your sins have come up unto me, and are not pardoned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways. And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 5 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls! and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judg¬ ment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved! Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, who will not labor with their own hands! 6 But blessed are the poor, who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance: for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs: for behold the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice: and their generations shall inherit the earth from gen¬ eration to generation, forever and ever. And now I make an end of speaking unto you; even so. Amen. SECTION LXX. Revelation given August, 1831. 1 Behold, thuB saith the Lord unto the elders of his church, who are to return speedily to the land from whence they came. Behold it pleaseth me, that you have come up hither; but with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful un¬ to me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have, for I the Lord ruleth in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth; and in the day when I shall make up my jewels, all men shall know what it is that bespeaketh the power of God. But verily I will speak unto you concerning your jour¬ ney unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey speedily for the place which is called St. Louis. And from thence let my servants Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, take their journey for Cincinnati: and in this place let them lift up their voice, and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath •or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them. For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you. 3 And let the residue take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among the congre¬ gations of the wicked, until they return to the churches from whence they came. And all this for the good of the churches; for this intent have I sent them. And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given him, a por¬ tion unto mine elders, who are commanded to return; and he that is able, let him return it by the way of the agent, and he that is not, of him it is not required. And now I speak of the residue who are to come unto this land. Behold they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked: wherefore, 1 give unto them a commandment thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time: neither shalt thou •bury thy taleut that it may not be known. 4 And after thou hast come up unto the land of Zion, and hast proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily return proclaim¬ ing my word among the congregations of the wicked. Not in haste,'* neither in wrath nor with strife: and shake off. the dust of thy feet against those who receive thee not, not in their presence, lest thou provoke them, but in secret, and wash thy feet as a 'estimony against them in the day of judgment. — Behold this is sufficient for you, and the will of him who hath sent you. And by the mouth of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. it shall be made known concerning Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowder/, the residue hereafter; even so. Amen. SECTION LXXI. Revelation given August, 1831. 1 Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who has ail power, who is from everlasting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you O ye elders of my church, who are assem¬ bled upon this soot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I the Lord forgiveth sins, and am merciful unto those who con¬ fess their sins with humble hearts: but verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders, to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief: nevertheless, I suffer¬ ed it that ye might bear record: behold there are many dan¬ gers upon the waters and more especially hereafter, for I the Lord have decreed, in mine anger, many destructions upon the waters; yea, and especially upon these waters; neverthe- 200 leas, all flesh is in mine hand, and he that is faithful among ’ you, shall not perish by the waters. 2 Wherefore it is expedient that my servant Sidney Gilbert, and my servant William W. Phelps, be in haste upon their errand and mission: nevertheless I would not suffer that ye should part until you are chastened for all your sins, that you might be one; that you might not perish in wickedness; but now verily I say, itbehoveth me that ye should part: wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps, take their former company, and let them take their journey in haste that they may fill their mission, and through faith they shall overcome; and inasmuch as they are faithful, they shall be preserved, and I the Lord will be with them. And let the res¬ idue take that which is needful for clothing. Let my servant Sidney Gilbert take that which is not needful with Him, as you shall agree. And now behold, for your good I gave unto you a commandment concerning these things; and I the Lord will reason with you as with men in days of old. 3 Behold I the Lord in the beginning, blessed the waters, but in the last days by the mouth of my servant .lohn, I cursed the waters: wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters, and it shall be said in daj’s to come, that none is able to go up to the land of Zion, upon the wa¬ ters, but he that is upright in heart. And, as I the Lord in* the beginning cursed the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it, in its time, for the use of my saints, that they may partake the fatness thereof. And now I give unto you a com¬ mandment, and what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall forewarn your brethren concerning these waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in her snares: I the Lord have decreed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof, and I revoke not the decree: I the Lord was angry with you yesterday, but to-day mine anger is turned away. Wherefore let those con¬ cerning whom I have spoken, that should take their journey in haste, again I say unto you, let them take their journey in haste, and it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go by water or by land: let this be as it is made known unto them according to their judgments, hereafter. 4 And now, concerning my servants Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, let them come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the canal, while jour¬ neying unto their homes, or in other words, they shall not come upon the waters to journey, save upon the canal. Be¬ hold I the Lord have appointed a way for the journeying of 201 my saints, and behold this is the way: that after they leave the canal, they shall journey by land, inasmuch as they are commanded to journey and go up unto the land of Zion; and they shall do like unto the children of Israel, pitching their tents by the way. 5 And behold this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren: nevertheless unto whom it is given power to com¬ mand the waters, unto him it is given by the Spirit to kno .v all his ways: wherefore let him do as the Spirit of the living God commandeth him, whether upon the land or upon the waters, as it remaineth with me to do hereaftei; and unto you it is given the course for the saints, or the way for the saints of the camp of the Lord, to journey. And again, verily I say junto you, my servants Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the con¬ gregations of the wicked, until they arrive at Cincinnati; and m that place they shall lift up their voices uuto God against that people: yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness; a people who are well nigh ripened for des¬ truction; and from thence let them journey for the congrega¬ tions of their brethren, for their labors, even now, are wanted more abundantly among them, than among the congregations of the wicked. 6 And now concerning the residue, let them journey and de¬ clare the word among the congregations- of the wicked, inas¬ much as it is given, and inasmuch as they do this they shall rid their garments, and they shall be spotless before me; and let them journey together," or two by two, as seemeth them •good, only let my servant Reynolds Gaboon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom I am well pleased, bo not sep¬ arated until they return to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me. And now verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good chedr little children, for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you, and in¬ asmuch as you have humbled yourselves beiore me, the bles¬ sings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful, and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death; even so. — 202 SECTION LXXII. Revelation given August , 1831. 1 Behold and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God; even Jesus Christ, your advocate who know* eth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted: and verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion: wherefore your mission is not yet full: nevertheless ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon, and they rejoice over you; and your sins are for¬ given you. 2 And now continue your journey. Assemble yourselves u] - on the land of Zion, and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High; and then you may return to bear record; yea, even all together, or two* by two, as seemeth you good; it mattereth not unto me, only be faith¬ ful, and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations of the wicked. Behold I the Lord have brought you together that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri. I the Lord promised the faithful and cannot lie. 3 I the Lord am willing, if any among you desireth to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all things. These things remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit. — Behold the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo I am with the faithful always; even so. Amen. SECTION LXXIII. An explanation of the epistle to the first Corinthians, 7th chapter, 1 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband, else were your children unclean, but now are they holy. ' 2 Now in the days of the apostles the law of circumcision was had among all the Jews, who believed not the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it carne to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumci¬ sion, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that his chil¬ dren should be circumcised and become subject to the law of Moses, which law was fulfilled. 203 2 And it came to pass that the children being brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, and give heed to the traditions of their fathers, and believed not the gospel of Chrst, where¬ in they become unholy: wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord but of himself, that a believer should not be uni¬ ted to an unbeliever except the law of Moses should be done away among them, that their children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might be done away, which saith, that little children are unholy: for it was had among the Jews: but little children are holy being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ: and this is what the scriptures mean. SECTION LXXIV. Revelation given October, 1830. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant, William E. McLelin, blessed are you, inasmuch as you, have turned away from your iniquities, and have received my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Savior of the world, even of as many as believe on my name. Verily 1 say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the ful¬ ness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life, and be made partakers of the glories, which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old. 2 Verily I say unto you, my servant William, thaf you arc clean, but not all; repent therefore of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you. And now verily I the Lord will show unto you what I will concerning you, or what is my will con¬ cerning you, behold, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should proclaim my gospel from land to land) and from city to city, yea, in those regions round about where it has not been proclaimed. 3 Tarry not many days in this place: go not up unto the land of .Zion, as yet; but inasmuch as you can send, send; otherwise think not of thy property. Go unto the eastern lands; bear testimony in every place, unto every people, and in their syna¬ gogues; reasoning with Ihe people. 4 Let my servant, Samuel H. Smith go with you, and for¬ sake him not, and give him thine instructions: and he that is faithful shall be Vnade strong in every place, and I the Lord will go with you. 204 5 Lay your hands upon the sick and they shall recover. Re¬ turn not till I the Lord shall send you. Be patient in afflic¬ tion. Ask and ye shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened unto you. Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unright¬ eousness. Commit not adultery, a temptation with which thou hast been troubled. Keep these sayings for true and faithful, and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many people to Zion, with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads. Con¬ tinue in these things, even unto the end, and you shall have a crown of eternal life at the right hand of my Father, who is full of grace and truth. Verily thus saith the Lord your God, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION LXXV. Revelation given March, 1832. The order given of the Lord to Enoch, for the purpose of establishing the poor. 1 The Lord spake unto Enoch, saying, Hearken unto me saith the Lord your God, who are ordained unto the high priesthood of my church, who have assembled yourselves to¬ gether, and listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wis¬ dom, that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have presented before me, saith the Lord God: for verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand, and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the store¬ house for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion, or in other words, the city of Enoch, for a per¬ manent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven, that you may be equal in the bands of heavenly things, yea and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things; for if ye are not equal in earthly things, ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things: for if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare your¬ selves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you. 2 And now, verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient that1 all things be done unto my glory, that ye should, who are join¬ ed together in this order; or in other words, let my servant Ahasdah, and my servant Gazelam, or Enoch, and my servant Pelagoram, sit in council with the saints wjpeh are in Zion; otherwise satau seeketh to turn their hearts away from the 205 truth, that they become blinded, and understand not the things which are prepared for them: wherefore a commandment I give unto you, to prepare and organize yourselves by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken. 3 And he who breaketh it shall lose his office and standing in the church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of satan until the day of redemption. Behold tliis is the prepa¬ ration wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation, and the ensample, which I give unto you whereby you may accom¬ plish the commandments which are given you, that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shail descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world, that you may come up unto the crown prepared for you, and be made rulers over many kingdoms, saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath established the foundations of Adam-ondi- Ahnian; who hath appointed Michael, your prince, and estab¬ lished his feet, and set him upon high; and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of days or end of life. 4 Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children, and ve have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father has in his own hand?, and prepared for you; and ye cannot bear all tilings now, nevertheless be of good cheer, for 1 will lead you along: the kingdom is yours and the blessings there¬ of are yours: and the riches of eternity are yours: and he who receiveth all things, with thankfulness, shall be made glorious, and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more: wherefore do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you; for ye are the church of the first born, and he will take you up in the cloud, anil appoint every man his portion. And lie that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen. SECTION LXXVI. Revelation given March, 1833. 1 Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Jared Carter should go again into the eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to city, in the power of the ordi¬ nation wherewith he has been ordained, proclaiming glad ti¬ dings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel, and I will send upon him the Comforter which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go; and inasmuch as he is faithful I 206 will crown him again with sheaves: wherefore let your heart be glad my servant Jared Carter, and fear not saith your Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION LXXVII. Revelation given March, 1832. 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant Stephen Burnett, go ye, go ye, into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature that cometh under the sound of your voice, and inasmuch as you desire a companion I will give unto you my servant Eden Smith: wherefore go ye and preach my gos¬ pel, whether to the north, or to the south; to the east, or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss: therefore declare the things which ye have heard and verily believe, and know to be true. Behold this is the will of him who hath, called you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION LXXVIII. Revelation given August, 1832. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto my servant John Murdock, thou art called to go into the eastern countries from house to house, from village to village, and from city to city, to pro¬ claim mine everlasting gospel unto the inhabitants thereof, in the midst of persecution and wickedness; and whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and you shall have power to declare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit; and whoso re¬ ceiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom and bles¬ sed are they, for they shall obtain mercy; and whoso rejecteth you shall be rejected of my Father, and his house: and you shall cleanse your feet in the secret places by the way for a testimony against them. 2 And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to con¬ vince all of their ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of me in the volume of the book. — And now verily I say unto you, that it is not expedient that you should go until your children are provided for, and kindly gent up unto the bishop in Zion, and after a few years, if thou desirest of me thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess thine inheritance; otherwise thou shaft continue proclaiming my gospel until thou be taken. Amen. 207 SECTION LXXIX. Revelation given March, 1832. 1 Verily, verily I say unto yoa my servant Frederick G. Williams, listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling where¬ with you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counsellor unto my servant Joseph Smith, jr. unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth always unto the presidency of the high priesthood: therefore, verily I acknowledge him and will bless him, and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful in council, in the office which I have ap¬ pointed unto you, in prayer always vocally, and in thy heart, in public and in private; also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren; and in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow-beings, and will promote the glory of him who is your Lord: wherefore, be faithful, stand in the office which I have appointed unto you, succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees: and if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortal¬ ity and eternal life' in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION LXXX. A word of icisdomfor the benefit of the council of high priests, as¬ sembled in Kirtland, and church; and also, the saints in Zion : to be sent greeting: not by commandment, or constraint; but- by revelation and the word of toisdom: showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days. Given for a principle with p i c adapted to the - capacity of the weak, and the weakest of all saints, icho are or can be called saints. 1 Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, in conse¬ quence ot evils and designs which do, and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by. revelation, that inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong, drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together, to offer up your sacraments before him. And behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of. your own make. And again, strong drinks are not for the bellj', but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobac¬ co is not for the' body, neither for the belly; and is not good for man; but is an in rb for bruises, and all sick cattle, to be used with judgmr nt and skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body, or belly. 1 ■2 And again, veiily ( say unto you, all wholesome herbs God' hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man.— Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof. All these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Yea, flesh also o1 beasts and of the fowls of the air, I the Lord hath ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Never¬ theless, they are to be used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me, that they should not be used only in times of winter or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained forthe use of man, and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man, but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild ani¬ mals that run or creep on the earth; and these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine, and excess of hun¬ ger. 3 All grain is good for the food of man, as also the fruit of the vine, that which yield eth fruit, whether in the ground ot aboye the ground. Nevertheless wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls, and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks; as also other grain. And all saints wlpo rememher to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones and shall find wisdom, and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint: and I the Lord give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. SECTION LXXXI. Revelation given August, 1833. 1 Verily I Say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of iny Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble, and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth; verily, verily I say urn • you, blessed are all such fdr they shall obtain, for I the Lord snow- «tb mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will. 20& that I may he justified, when I shall bring them into judg* ment. 2 Behold I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, I the Lord am well pleased that there should be a school in Zi¬ on: and also with my servant Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me: and inasmuch as he eontinueth to abide in me, he shall continue to preside over the school, in the land of Zion, until 1 shall give unto him other commandments; and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, in expounding all scrip¬ tures and mysteries to the edification of the school, and of the church in Zion: and to the residue of the school, I the Lord am wiMini*to show mercy, nevertheless there are those that must ndd fine chastened, and their works shall be made known: The axJPfejblaid at the root of the trees, and every tree that bringeth nbt forth good fruit, shall be hewn down and cast in¬ to the fire; I the Lord have spoken it. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know theii hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice; yea, every sacrifice which I the Lord shall command, they are all accepted of me, for I the Lord will cause them to bring forth as 'a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit. 3 Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that an house should be built unto me in the land of Zion, like unto the pat¬ tern whieh I have given you; yea, let it be built speedily by the tithing of my people: behold this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I the Lord require at their hands, that there may be an house built unto me for the salvation of Zion: for a place of thanksgiving, for all saints, and for a place of itl- •struction for all those who are called to the work of the minis¬ try, in all their several callings, and oiSces: that they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry: in theory} in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you. 4 And inasmuch as my people buil d an house unto me, in 1 the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it? yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it? and all the pure in heart that shall come into it, shall see God: •but if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there, for I will not com# into unholy temples. 5 And now behold if Zion do these things, she shall prosper and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and 310 very terrible; and the nations of the earth Bha.ll honor her, and- shall say, surely Zion is the eiiy of our God; anil surely Zion Cannot tail, neither Jbc moved out of her place, tor God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there, and he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation, and her high tower: therefore verily thus saith the Lord let Zion rejoice, lor this is Zion, the pure iv heart: therefore let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn: for behold and lo, vengeance cometh speed ly upon the ungodly, ac the whirlwind, and who shall escape it: the Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day: and the report thereof shall vex all people; y et, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come: lor the inoign*Uttft,of the Lord is kindled against their abominations, ami ml 0 eii wick¬ ed works: nevertheless Zion shall escape ifshe , Observe to do all tilings whatsoever I have commanded her, but if she ob¬ serve not to do whatsoever 1 have commanded her, 1 will vis¬ it her according to all be>. works' with sore idHiction; with pestilence; with plague; with sword; with vengeance, with devouring lire: nevertheless, let it be read this mice in their ears, that I the Lord have accepted of their offering; and ifshe sin no more, none of these things shall cornu upon her, and i will bless her with blessings, and multiply. a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her generations, forever and ever, saith the Lord your God. Amen. SECTION LXXXIL Revelation given May, 1833. 1 Verily thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh their sins and cometh unto me, and enlieth on my name, and obeyeth my - voice, and kcepetb my coin- Itqandments, shall see my face, and know that 1 am, and that I am the true light that Iighteth every man that eometh into the world: and that 1 am in the Father and the Father in me, and *he Father and I are one: the Father bouause he gave me of '4iis fulness; and the Son because 1 was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwell among the sons of men: I was Mi the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest; and John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory; and the fulness of John’s recoid is here¬ after to be revealed: And he bore record, saying, I saw’ his glory that he was in the lieginning before the world wus: there¬ fore, in the beginning the Word was; for he was the Word, even the messenger ol salvation, the light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world 211 because tLe worlt was made by him; and jut him was the life of men a%i the light at men. The worlds were made by him. lien were made by him. All things were made by him, and through him, and of.him: And I John bare record that I be¬ held hu glory, as the. glory of the Only Begotten ofthe Fath¬ er, full ut' grace and truth; even the Spirit of truth .which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. 2 And 1 John saw that he received not of the Fulness at the first, but, received grace lor grace: and lie received not of the fulness at first, but continued Hour, grace to grace, until he re¬ ceived a fulness: and thus he was called the Son of God, be¬ cause he received not of the fulness at the first. And 1 John bare record, audio, the , heavens were upened and the Holy t> Ghost descended upon him in . the form of a dove, and sal upon him, aud. tflerd came a voice out of heaven saying, this is my beloved Son. And 1 Jehu bare record that he received, a ful¬ ness of the glory of the Father; and he received all power, both iu heaven and on earth; and the glory of the Father was with aim, for lie dwelt. in him. 3 And it shall come to pass that if you are faithful, you shall receive the fulness of the record of John. I give unto you these say iiyjs that you inay understand and know how to wor¬ ship, and know what yon worship, that you may conie unto the Father in my name,, and in due time receive of his fulness for if yoii keep my commandments you shall receive of his ful¬ ness and bo glorified in ine as i am in the Father: therefore, I say unto, you, you shall receive grace for grace. 4 And now verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the first born; and all those who are be¬ gotten through me, are partakers of the glory of the same, and pre thexhurch of the first born. Ye were also in the begin¬ ning witii the Father : that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of .'tr.uth; and truth is, knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; and whatsoever is more or less than tills, is the spirit of that wished one, who was a liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God: T rm the Spirit of truth. And John bore record of me, saying, he received a. fulness of truth: yea, even of all truth, and no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments, receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth, and knoweth all things. 5 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also, .other- 212 wise there is no existence. Behold here is the agency of mi.«f and here is the condemnation of man because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest Unto them, and they re¬ ceive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light, is under condemnation, for man is spirit. The ele¬ ments are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connect¬ ed, receiveth a fulness of joy; and when separated, man connot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple. 6 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth: light and truth forsake th that evil one. Every A spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having * redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fa¬ thers. But I have commanded you, to bring up your children in light and truth: but verily 1 say unto you, my servant Fred¬ erick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemna¬ tion; you have not taught your children light and truth, ac¬ cording to the cbmiriandments, and that wicked one hath pow¬ er, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. — And now a commandment I give unto you, if you will be de¬ livered; you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house. 7 Verily I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments, concerning his Children: therefore, firstly set in order thy house. 8 Verily I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, jr. or, in oth¬ er words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me. 1 called you servants for ihe world’s sake, and ye are their servants for my sake, and now verily I say unto Joseph Smith jr. you have not kept the 'dommmandments, and must needs stand rebuked be¬ fore the Lord. Your family must needs repent and forsake feome things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings', or be removed out of their place. What I say unto one I say unto all: pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place. 9 My servant Newel K. Whitney, also a bishop of my church, hath need to be chastened and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always or they shall be removed out of-their place. 10 Now I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the 21S acceptable year of the Lord, and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance, and by your prayer of faith with one consent, I will uphold him. 11 And let my servants Joseph Smith, jr. and Frederick G. Williams, make haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith, and inasmuch you keep my sayings, you shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come. 1 2 And verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my scriptures, and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen. SECTION LXXXIII. Revelation given same date. 1 And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, a command¬ ment I give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of lay¬ ing out and preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the stake of Zion, here in the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house: and behold it must be done according to the pat¬ tern which I have given unto you. And let the first lot on. the south, be consecrated unto me for the building of an house for the presidency, for the work of the presidency, in obtaining revelations; and for the work of the ministry of the presidency, in all things pertaining to the church and kingdom. 2 Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built fifty-five by sixty-five feet in the width thereof, and in the length thereof, in the inner court; and there shall be a lower court, and an higher court, according to the pattern which shall be given unto you hereafter: and it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, according to the .order of the priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be given un¬ to you hereafter: and it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of the presidency. And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there: but if there shall come into it any unclean thing my glory shall not be there; and my presence shall not come into it. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, the second lot on the south shall be dedicated unto me for the buildii g of an house unto me, for the work of the printing of the translation of my scriptures, and all things, whatsoever I shall command you; and it shall be fifty five by sixty five feet in the width thereof, and the length thereof in the inner court; and there shall be 214 a. lower and a higher court: and this house shall be wholly dedicated uiito the Lord from the foundation thereof,' for , the wqrk of the printing, in all things whatsoever I shall com* maud you, to be holy, undsfiled, according to the pattern in all things, as it shall be given unto you. 4 And on the third lot shall niy servant Ilyrum Smith re¬ ceive his inheritance. And on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Jared Carter receive tlfpir inheritance that they may do the work which I have appointed unto them, to be a committee to build mine houses, according to the commandment, which I ti e Lord God have given unto you. These two houses £)<■ not to be built until I give unto you a commandment concerning them. 6 And now 1 give unto you no more at this time. Amen. SECTION LXXXIV. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. given March, 1833. 1 Thus saiththe Lord, verily, verily I say unto you, my sen, thy sins are forgiven thee, according to thy petition, ior thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren, hjive come up into my ears: therefore thou art blessed from henceforth tl at bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is Coming forth for the last time. 2 Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shull nev¬ er be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come: nevertheless, through you si all the ora¬ cles be given to another; yea, even unto the church. And al) they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them, lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall, when tbe storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rain* descend, and brat upon their house. 3 And again, verily I say unto thy brethren Sidney Ttigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and thpy are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom: as also through your administration the Keys of the school of the prophets, which I have commanded to be organized, that thereby they may be perfected in their ministry for the salvation of Lion, and of the nations of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe, that through your Administration, they may receive the word, and through their administration, the word may go forth unto the ends of tha earth, unto the Gentiles first, and then behold, and lo, they ■hall turn unto the Jews: and then cometh the day when thi 2H arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph of the gos¬ pel of their salvation. 4 For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this pow¬ er, by tne administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them, for the revelation of Jesus Christ. 5 And now verily I say unto you, I give unto you a com¬ mandment, that you continue in the ministry and presidency, and when you have finished the translation of the prophets, you shall from tltenceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the school; and from time to time, as shall be manifest by the Comforter, receive rev Nations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom, and set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues and people. And this shall be your busi¬ ness and mission in all your lives to preside in counsel and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom. Be not ashamed neither confounded; but be admonished in all your highmindedness and pride, for it bringetfa a snare upon youf souls. Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and un¬ cleanness far from you. 6 Now verily, 1 say unto you, let there be a place provided as soon as it is possible, for the family of thy counsellor and scribe, even Frederick G. Williams: and let mine aged servant Joseph Smith, sen. continue with his family upon the place where he now lives, and let it not be sold until the mouth Of tha Lord shall name. And let thy counsellor, even Sidney Rigdon, remain where he now resides, until the mouth of the Lord shall name. And let the bishop search diligently, te ob¬ tain an agent; and let it be a man who has got riches in store; a man of God and of strong faith; that thereby he may be e:> abled to discharge every debt: that the storehouse of the Lord may not be brought into disrepute before the eyes of the peo¬ ple. Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and a'-' things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly* and remember the eovenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. Let your families be small, especially mice aged servant Joseph Smith, sen. as pertaining to those who do not belong to your families; that those things that are pc Vided for you, to bring to pass my work, are not taken ircjJ you and given to those that are not worthy, and thereby you are hi mired in accomplishing those things which I have com- iShnded you. 7 And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will the, r.ij 216 handmaid, Vienna Jaques, should receive money to bear he? expenses, and go up unto the land of Zion; and the residue of the money may be consecrated unto me, and she be rewarded in mine own due time. Verily I say unto you, that it is meet in mine eyes, that she should go up unto the land of Zion, and receive an inheritance from the hand of the bishop, that she may settle down in peace inasmuch as she is faithful, and not be idle in her days from thenceforth. 6 And behold, verily I say unto you, that ye shall write this commandment, and say unto your brethren in Zion, in love greeting, that I have called you also to preside over Zion in mine own due time: therefore let them cease wearying me concerning this matter. Behold, I say unto you, that your brethren in Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them: nevertheless, I am not well pleased with many things: and I am not well pleased with ray servant William E. McLel- in, neither withmy servant Sidney Gilbert; and the bishop al¬ so; and others have many things to repent of: but verily 1 say unto you, that I the Lord will contend with Zion and plead with her strong ones, and chasten her, until she overcome® and is clean before me: for she shall not be removed out of her place: I the Lord have spoken it. Amen. SECTION LXXXV. Revelation given August, 1833. 1 Verily I say unto you, my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in every tiling give thanks, waiting patiently on the Lord: for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are record¬ ed with this seal and testament: the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted: therefore he giveth.this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant, that they shall be fulfilled, and all things wherewith you have been afflicted, shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory saith the Lord. 2 And now verily I say unto you, concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them, and that law of the land,, which is constitutional, supporting that principle of free¬ dom, .in maintaining rights and privileges belongs to all man¬ kind and is justifiable before me: therefore I the Lord jpatifi- eth you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land: and as per¬ taining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than these. 217 Cometh of evil. I the Lord God maketh you free: therefore ye are free indeed: and the law also maketh you free: never¬ theless when the wicked rule the people mourn: wherefore honest men and wise men should be sought for, diligently, and good men and wise men, ye should observe to uphold; olherwise whatsoever is less than these, cometh of evil. 3 And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God: for he will give unto the faithful, line upon line; precept upon pre¬ cept: and I will try you, and prove you herewith: and who¬ so layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again; even life eternal: therefore be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my cov¬ enant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy: for if ye will not abide in my covenant, ve are not worthy of me: therefore renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligent¬ ly to turn the hearts of their children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. And again the hearts of the Jews unto the prophets; and the prophets unto the Jews, lest I come and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all' flesh be consumed before me. Let not vour hearts be troubled, for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have pre¬ pared a place for you, and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also. 4 Behold I the Lord am not well pleased with many who are in the church at Kirtland, for they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the -pride of their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things, and ob¬ serve the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them. Verily I say unto you, that f the Lord will chas¬ ten them and will do whatsoever I list, if they do not repent and observe all things whatsoever I have said unto them. — And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do whatsoever I command you, I the Lord will turn away all wrath and indig¬ nation from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. 5 Now I speak unto you, concerning your families: if men will smite you, or your families, once and ye bear it patient¬ ly and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; but if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accoun¬ ted unto you as being meeted out a just measure unto you. — And again if your enemy shall smite vou the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred fold. And again if he shall smite. 218, you the third tirue, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you ibur lold: and these three testimonies shall utand against your enemy, if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out. And now verily J say unto you if that enemy shall escape my vengeance that lie be not brought into judg¬ ment before me, then ye shall see to it, that ye warn linn in my name that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children's children unto the third and lourth feneration: and then if he shall come upon you, or your cliil- ren, ir your children’s chilurqn, unto the third and fourth generation: I have delivered Untie enemy into thine hands, and then if thou wilt spare him thou shall be rewarded lor thy righteousness: and a, so thy children and thy children’s chil¬ dren unto (he third and fourth generation: nevertheless thine enemy is in thine hands, and if iliou reward him according to his works, thou art justified, if he has sought tbyiiie, and thy life is endangered by him; thine enemy is in thine hands, and thou art justified. 6 Behold this is the law I gave unto my servant Nephi; and thy father Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles. Aud again this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, t,.ngue, or peo¬ ple, save I the Lord commanded them. And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim War against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue, and if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should urmg these .testimonies before the Lord; then I the Lord would give unto •them a commandment, andjustity them in going out to batUo against that nation, tongue, or people, and I the Lord would fight their battles, and their children’s battles and their chil¬ dren’s. children until they had avenged themselves on ail their enemies, to the third and fourth generation, behold this is an ensample unto all people, sai'h the Lord your God, for justifi¬ cation before me. 7 And again verily I say unto you, if, after thine enemy lias come upon thee the first time, lie repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness thou shaft forgive him and shall hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy, and so on unto the second and the third time; and as oft as thine enemy re- jpenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against .thee, thou shaft forgive him, until seventy times seven; andif Jie trespass against thee and repent not the first time, never¬ theless thou shalt forgive him: and- if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt for- 21# give him; and if he trespass against thee the third time and repent not thou shalt also forgive him; bat if he trespass against thee the fourth time, thou shalt not forgive him but shall bring these testimonies before the Lord, and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and eward the four fold in all things wherewith he has tresspassed against you; and if he do this tlipu sbalt forgive him with all thine heart, and if he do not this, I t he Lord w ill avenge thee of thine enemy and hun¬ dred fold; and upon his children, and upon his children's chil¬ dren, of all them that hale me, unto the third and fourth gen¬ eration: hut if the children shall rpmit, or the children’s chil¬ dren and turn unto the Lord their God with all their hearts, and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four fold for all their trespasses, wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed or their father’s fathers then thine indignation shall be turned away and ven¬ geance shall no mpre come upon them, sailh the Lord your God, andtheir trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen. SECTION LXXXVI. Revelation given April, 1832, showing the order given to Enoch- and the citurch in his day. 1 Verily, verily I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch, as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I the Lord forgive you; nevertheless there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly ; yea, even all of you have sinned, but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth and refrain from sin lest sire judgments fall upon your heads: for unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greaterflight shall receive the greater condemna¬ tion. Ye call upon/ tny name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings which I give unto you, ye Become transgressors, and justice and judg- ment is the penalty which is affixed unto ray law: therefore, what I say unto one I say unlo ail, watch, for the adversary •weadeth his dominions and darkness reigneth: and the anger -of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and none • doeth good, for all have gone out of the way. 2 And now verily I soy unto you, I the Lord will not lay any sin to your charge: "go your ways and sin no more: but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith *he Lord your God. 3 and again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new com- 7 220 mandment, that you may understand my will concerning yon?; or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation, f the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I siy, ye have no promise. 4 Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my servant Alam and Ahashdah, Mahalaleel and Pelagoram, and my servant Gazelam, and Horah, and Olihah, and Shale- manasseh, and Mehemson, be ' bound together by a bond and covenant that cannot be broken by transgression except judg¬ ment shall immediately follow, in your several stewardships, to manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of Zion, and in the land of Shinehah, for I have consecrated the land of Shinehah in mine own due time for the benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a stake to Zion: for Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness: her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened: yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments: therefore I give unto you this- commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord. Behold here is wisdom, also, in me, for your good. And you are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just: and all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon hisnaleut, that every man may gain other tal¬ ents; yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church, every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God. 5 This order I have appointed to be an everlasting order unt* you and unto your successors, inasmuch as you sin not: and the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffitings of sa- tan until the day of redemption. 6 And now verily I say unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you. Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you, for even yet the kingdom is yours, and shall be forever if you fall not from your steadfastness; even so. Amen. SECTION LXXXVII. Revelation given January, 1832. 1 Verily, verily I say unto you, I who speak even by the Voice of my Spirit; even Alpha and Omega, your Lord and your God: hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard. Be¬ hold I say unto you, that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle, but labor with your mights lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump proclaim¬ ing the truth according to the revelations and commandments Which I have given you, and thus if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life. 2 Therefore verily I say unto my servant William E. MeLeF- in T revoke the commission which I gave unto him, to go un¬ to the eastern countries, and I give unto him a new commis¬ sion and a new commandment, in the which I the Lord chas- teneth him for the murmurings of his heart; and he sinned, nevertheless I forgive him and say unto him again, go ye into the south countries; and let my servant Luke Johnson go with him and proclaim the things which I have commanded them, calling on the name of the Lord for the comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them, praying always that they faint not; and inasmuch as they' do this, I will be with them even unto the end. Behold this is the will of the Lord your God concerning you; even so. Amen. 3 And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let my servant Orson Hyde and my servant Samuel H. Smith take ' their journey into the eastern countries, and proclaim the things which ! have commanded them: and inasmuch as they are faithful, lo L will be with them even unto the end. And again, verily I say unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and unto my servant Orson Pratt, they shall also take their journey into the east¬ ern countries: and behold and lo, I am with them also even unto the end. And again I say unto my servant Asa Dodds and unto my servant Calves Wilson, that they also shall take their journey unto the western countries, and proclaim my gospel even as I have commanded them. And he who is faith- mi shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted up at the last day. And again, I say unto my servant Major N. Ashley and my servant Burr Riggs, let them take their journey also unto the south country: yea, let all those’ take their journey as I have commanded them, going from house to house, and from village to village, and from city to city; and in whatsoever 422 house ye enter, and they receive you, leave your blessings up¬ on thai house; and in whatsoever house ye enter, and they re¬ ceive you not, ye shall depail speedily ironV that house, and shake oT. the dust of your feet as a testimony against them; and you shall be filled with joy and gladness and know this, that in the day of judgement you shall he judges of that house, and condemn them; and it shall be more tolerable for the hea¬ then in the day of judgment, than for that house: therefore gird up your loins and be faithful and ye shall overcome all things and bo lifted up at the last day; even so. Amen. 4 And again thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders ofmy church, wiio have given your names that you might know his will concerning you: behold I say unto you'lhai u is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to supprt the families of those who are called and must needs be, sent unto the world to prpciaimlhe gospel unto the world: wherefore I the Lord give unto yon this eomrnandrapni, that ye obtain places for your families, inasmuch us your brethren are willing to open their hearts: and let all such as can, obtain places for their families, and support of tbo Church for them, not fail logo into thc.wcjfld; wnether to the east, or to the west, or to the north, or to the south, let them ask and they shall receive; knock and if shall he opened unto them, and made known from on high, even by the Comforter, whither they shall go. 5 And again verily I say unt6 you that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide and ha shall in no wise lose his crown; and let him tabor in the church. Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repents and mends his -ways. Wherefore let my servant Simeon Carter and my ser¬ vant Emer Harris be united in the ministry. And also my servant Ezra Tliayre and my servant Thomas B. Marsh. Also my servant Hyrurn Smith and my. servant Reynolds Cahoon; and also my servant Daniel Sianjon and my servant Seymour Brunson; and also my servant Silvester Smith and my servant Gideon Carter; ami also my servant Ruggles Lames and my servant Stephen Burnett; and also my servant Micah B. Wet- ton and also my servant Eden Smith; even so. Amen. SECTION LXXXVIII. Revelation given April , 1832. 1 Verily thus saith the Lord, in addition to the lav/s of tha ahurch concerning women and children, those who belong to- 223 the church, who have lost their husbands or fathers: women have claim on their husbands tor their mainlainance until their husbands are taken: and if the/ are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in tiie church, and if they are not taitnful, they shall not have fellowship in the church ; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land. 2 All children have claim upon their parents for tlioir maim tainaiiee until they are of age; and after that, they have claim opon the church; or, in other words upon the Lord’s store¬ house, if their parents have not wherewnh to give them inher¬ itances. And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecra¬ tions of the church, that widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor. Amen. SECTION LXXXIX. Regulation given December , 1831. 1 Hearken tiad listen to the voice of the Lord, O ye who have assembled yourselves together, who are the high priests of my church, to whom the kingdom and power has been given. For verily thus sailli the Lord, it is expedient in me, for a bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you unto the church in this part of the Lord’s vineyard: and verily in this tiling ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of ev¬ ery steward, to render aa account of bis stewardship, both in time and in eternity. For he who is faithful and wise in time, is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for them of rcy Father. Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church in this part of my vineyard, shall render an account of their stewardship, unto the bishop which shail be appointed of me, in this part of my vineyard. These things shall be had on re¬ cord to bo handed over unto the bishop in Zion; and the duty of the bishop shall be made known by the commandments which have been given, and the voice of the conference. 2 And now, verily 1 say unto you, my servant Newel K. Whitney is the man who shall be appointed, and ordained un¬ to this power: this is the will of the Lord your God, your Re¬ deemer; even so. Amen. . 3 The word of the Lord, in addition to the law which has been given, making known the duty of the bishop, which has been ordained unto the church in this part of the vineyard: which is verily this: to keep the Lord’s storehouse; to receiva the funds of the church in this part of the vineyard; to take ■a account of the elders as before has been commanded, and to administer to their wants, who shall pay for that which they receive, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay; that this also may be consecrated to the good of the church, to the poor and needy: and he who hath not wherewith to pay, ah account sjiall be taken and handed over to the bishop of Zion, who shall pay the debt out of that which the Lord shall put into his hands: and the labors of the faithful who labor in spiritual things, in administering the gospel and the things of the kingdom, unto the church, and unto the world, shall answer the debt unto the bishop in Zion: thus it cometh out of the church, for according to the law every man that com¬ eth up to Zion, must lay all things before the bishop in Zion. 4 And row, verily I say unto you, that as every elder in this part of the vineyard, must give an account of his stewardship unto the bishop in this part of the vineyard, a certificate from the judge or bisbop in this part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth every man acceptable, and answereth air things, for an inheritance, and to be received as a wise stew¬ ard, and as a faithful laborer; otherwise he shall not be accept¬ ed of the bishop in Zion. And now, verily I say unto you, let every elder who shall give an account unto the bishop of the church, in this part of the vineyard, be recommended by the church or churches, in which he labors, that he may render himself and his accounts approved in all tilings. And again, let my servants who are appointed as stewards over the litera¬ ry concerns of my church, have claim for assistance upon the bishop or bishops, in all things, that the revelations may be published, and go forth unto the ends of the earth, that they also may obtain funds which shall benefit the church, in all things; that they also may render themselves approved in all tilings and be accounted as wise stewards. And now, behold this shall be an ensample for all the extensive branches of my church, in whatsoever land they shall be established. And now I make an end of my sayings. Amen. 5 A few words in addition to the laws of the kingdom, re¬ specting the members of the church; they that are appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto Zion; and they who are pri¬ vileged to go up unto Zion. Let them carry up unto the bishop a certificate from three elders of the church, or a certificate from the bishop, otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of Zion, shall not be accounted as a wise steward. This is also an ensample. Amen. ' SECTION XC. Revelation gieen December, 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, jr. aad Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come, that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the king¬ dom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of spirit and power, which shall be given unto you, even as I will. 2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the re¬ gions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you. Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you, where¬ fore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the com¬ mandments and revelations which are to come. Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth let him understand and receive also; for unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abun¬ dantly, even power: wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you, both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made mani¬ fest. Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and if any man lift his voice against you, he shall be confounded in mine own due time: wherefore, keep these commandments: they are true and faithful, even so. Amen. SECTION XCI. A 1'ision. 1 Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior; great is his wisdom; marvellous are his way§; and the extent of his doings, none can find out; his purpose* fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand: from , eternity to eternity, he is the same and his years never fail. - ' 2 For thus saith the Lord, I the Lord am merciful and gra¬ cious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness, and in truth unto the end; great shall be their reward, and eternal shall be their glory; and to them will I reveal all mysteries; yea, all the hidden mysteries 226 of my kingdom from day* of old; and for ages to come will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concern¬ ing all things pertaining to my kingdom; yea, even the won¬ ders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will 1 show them, even the things of many generations; their wis¬ dom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven: and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to nought; for by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will; yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. 3 We, Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, being in the Spirit on the sixteenth of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, by the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened, and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God; even those things which were from the beginning before the world was, which were ordained of the Father, through hi* only begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, even from the beginning, of whom we bear record, and the record which we bear is the fblness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom We saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision; for while we were doing the work of translation, which the Lord had appointed, unto us, we came to the twenty ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John, which was given unto us a* follows: — speaking of the resurrection of the dead, . oncerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of man — and shall come forth; they who have done good in the resurrection of the just, and they who have done evil in the resurrection of the unjust. Now this caused us to marvel, for it was given unto us of the Spirit: and while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our under¬ standings, and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about; and we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness; and saw the holy angels, and they who are sanctified before hi* throne, worshiping God and the Lamb, who worship him for¬ ever and ever. And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, lastofall, which we give of him, that he lives; for we saw him, even on the- right hand of God; aad we heard the voice bearing record that he is the only begotten of the Father; that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created ; and the in¬ habitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. And tliis we saw also, and. bear record, that an angel of God, 227 who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the only begotten Son — whom the Father loved, and who was in the bosom of the Father — and was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son, and was called Perdi¬ tion; for the heavens wept over him; hen as Lucifer, a son of the morning; and we beheld and lo, he is fallen! is fallen! even a son of the morning. And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vis¬ ion; for we beheld satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God, and his Christ; wherefore he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasses them round about. And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom he made war and overcame, for thus came the voice of the Lord unto us. 4 Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves, through the power of the devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth, and defy my power: they are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom* I say it had been better for them never to have been born; for they are vessels of wrath doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his an¬ gels, in eternity: concerning whom I have said there is no for¬ giveness in this world nor in the world to come: having deni¬ ed the Holy Spirit, after having received it, and having denied the only begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him un¬ to themselves, and put him to an open shame: these are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels, aud the only ones on whom fhe sec¬ ond deatli shall have any power; yea, verily the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath; for all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds were made. And this is the gos¬ pel, the glad tidings tvhiqji the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us, that he came into the world, even Jesus to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteous¬ ness; that through him all might be saved, whom the Father had put into his power, and made by him; who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition, who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him: wherefore he saves all except them; they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his 15* 228 angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not and the fire i* not quenched, which is their torment., and the end thereof, nei¬ ther the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows, nei¬ ther was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them' who are made partakers thereof: never¬ theless I the Lord show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again: wherefore the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, nei¬ ther any man except them who are ordained unto this condem¬ nation. And we heard the voice saying, Write the vision for lo! this is the end of the vision of the sufferings of the un- 5 And again, we bear record for we saw and heard, and lliis, is the testimony of the gospel of Christ, concerning them who come forth in the resurrection of the just: they are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name, and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the command¬ ment which he has given, that, by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and re¬ ceive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed, unto this power; and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true: they are they who are the church of the first-born: they are they into whose hands the Father has given all things: they are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his ful¬ ness, and of his glory, and are priests of the Most High after the order of Melchizedek, which was after tbe order of Enoch, which was after the order of the only begotten Son: where¬ fore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God: wherefore all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs, and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s; and they shall overcome all things: where¬ fore let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet: these shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever: these are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven, to reign on the earth over his people: these are they who shall have part in the first resurrection: these are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just: these are they who are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all: these are they who have come to an innumerable compa¬ ny of angels; to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the first born: these are they whose names are written 229 in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all: these are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the me¬ diator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood: these are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God the highest of all; whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical. 6 And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold arid lo! these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the first born, who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun of the firmament. Behold, these are they who died without law; and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gos¬ pel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it: these arc they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men: these are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness; these are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father: wherefore they are bodies terres¬ trial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun: these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus: wherefore they obtained not the crown Over the kingdom of our God. And now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord comman¬ ded us to write while we were yet in the Spirit. 7 And again, we saw the glory of the telestial, which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the stars differ from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament; these are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus: these are they who deny not the Holy Spirit: these are they who are thrust down to hell: these are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil, until the last resurrection, un¬ til the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work: these are they who receive not of his fulness in the eter¬ nal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial; and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial; and also the telestial receive it of the administer¬ ing of angels, who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them, for they shall be heirs of salvation. And thus we saw in the heavenly vis¬ ion, the glory of the telestial which surpasses all understand¬ ing; and no man knows it except him to whom God has re¬ vealed it. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial, which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, 230 and in power, and in might, and in dominion. And thus vre saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things; where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever: before whose throne all things bow in humble rever¬ ence and give him glory forever and ever. They who dwell in his presence are the church of the first bom; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having receiv¬ ed of his fulness and of his grace; and he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion. And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the sun is one. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the moon is one. And the glory of the telestial is one, even aB the glory of the stars is one for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so difiers one from another in glory in the teles¬ tial world: for these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas: these are they who say they are some of one and some of another; some of Christ; and some of John; and some of Moses; and some of Elias; and some of Esaias; and some of Isaiah; and some of Enoch, but received not the gos¬ pel; neither the testimony of Jesus; neither the prophets: nei¬ ther the everlasting covenant; last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up un¬ to the church of the first born, and received into the cloud: these are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie: these are they who suffer the wrath of God on the earth: these are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire: these are they who are cast down to heU and suffer the wrath of Almighty God until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all ene¬ mies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work, when he shall deliver up the kingdom and present it unto the Father spotless, saying: I have overcome and have trodden the wine¬ press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God: then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign forever and ever. But behold and lo, we saw the glory and the inhab¬ itants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the sea shore, and heard the voice of the Lord saying: These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever: for they shall be judged according to their works; and every man shall receive accor¬ ding to his own works, and his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared, and they shall be servants of the Most High, but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come, worlds without end. This is the end of the vision which we 231 saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the Spirit. 8 But great and marvellous are the works of the Lord and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpasses all understanding in glory, and in might, and in do¬ minion, which he commanded us we should not write, while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter; neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him and purify them¬ selves before him; to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves; that through the power and man¬ ifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion forever and ever. — Amen. SECTION. XCII. Revelation given March , 1833. 1 Verily, thus sailh the Lord unto you, concerning the Apoc¬ rypha, there are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correct: there are many things con¬ tained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men. Verily I say unto you, that it is not need¬ ful that the Apocrypha should be translated. Therefore, whoso readeth it let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; and whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain ben¬ efit therefrom; and whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefitted: therefore, it is not needful that it should be trans¬ lated. Amen. section xcm. Revelation to Enoch, on the order of the Church for the benefit take away incumbrances, that are upon the house name! among you, that he may dwell therein; even so. Amen. 235 SECTION XCVII. Revelation given December, 1333. 1 Verily, I say unto you, concerning your brethren who havo been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance, I the Lord have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted in con¬ sequence of their transgressions; yet, I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. 2 Therefore, they must needs be chastened, and tried, even ns Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son; for all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. 3 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and conten¬ tions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous de¬ sires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed light¬ ly my counsel; but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me. 4 Verily, I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins my bow¬ els are filled with compassion toward them: I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mercy. I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former com¬ mandment which I have given unto you, that I would let fall the sword of mine indignation in the behalf of my people; and even as I have said, it shall come to pass. Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations, and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full. And in that day, all who are found upon the watch tower, or in ■other words, all mine Israel shall be saved. And they that have been scattered shall be gathered: and all they who have mourned shall be comforted; and all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. Therefore, let you* hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mins hands: be still, and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scat¬ tered, they that remain and are pure in heart shall return and come to their inheritances; they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy; to build up the waste places of Zion. And all these things, that the prophets might be fulfilled. — And behold, there is none other place appointed than that 236 which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed for the work of the gathering of my saints, until the day cometh when there is found no more room for them; and then I have other places which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be called stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of Zion. 5 Behold it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together. And every ebrruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of heaven, or of the fish of the sea, that dwell up¬ on all the face of the earth, shall be consumed; and also, that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new; that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the earth. And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts; yea, the enmity of all flesh shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall aak it shall be given unto him. And in’ that day satan shall not have power to tempt any man. And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old, and his life shall be as the age of a tree, and when he dies he shall not sleep, (that is to say in the earth,) but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his' rest shall be gloriohs. Yea, veri¬ ly I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come he shall reveal all things; things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew; things of the earth by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof; things most precious; things that are above, and things that are beneath; things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heav¬ en. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their live* for my sake, yet shall thety partake of all this glory. Where¬ fore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy i* not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul: and seek the face of the Lord al¬ ways, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life. When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they arc accounted as the salt of the earth, and the savor of men.— They are called to be the savor of men. Therefore, if that •alt of the earth lose its savor, behold it is thenceforth good 237 for nothing, only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. Behold, here is wisdom concerning .the children of Zi¬ on: even many, but not all: they were found transgressors, therefore, they must needs be chastened. He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted. (J And now, I will show unto you a parable that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion: a certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto, his servants, go ye into my vineyard, even upon this very ehoice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees; and set watchmen round about them and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower; that mine olive r trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall come to spoil, 'and take unto themselves the fruit of my vineyard. Now the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them; and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build the tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves, and what need hath my lord of this tower? and consulted for a long time, saying among themselves, what need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace? Might not this money be given to the exchangers? for there is no need of these things! Arid while they were at variance one with another, they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord: and the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge, and the servants of the no¬ bleman arose, and were affrighted, and fled: and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees. 7 Now behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, call¬ ed upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? ought ye not to have done even as 1 commanded you? and after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof, built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you? and behold, the watchman upon the toyrer would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off: and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer. And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants, Go and gather together the residue of my servants; and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also, among all my set- vants, wlio are the strengtli of mine house,- save those only whom I have appohited to tarry; and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it i» mine, I have bought it witli money. Therefore gel ye straight¬ way unto my land; breakdown the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen: and in¬ asmuch ns they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies; that by and by, I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land. 8 And the servant said unto his lord, when shall these thing* bet And he said unto his seivant, when I will: go ye straight- way, and do nil things whatsoever 1 have commanded you: and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you; a liiithful and wise Btewnrd in the midst of mine house; a ruler in my kingdom. And his servant went straightway, and done all things whatsoever his lord commanded him, and after many days nil things were fulfilled. !) Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch aB they are will¬ ing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation, that the work of the gathering together of my saints may con¬ tinue, that 1 may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled. Therefore, I must gather together my peo¬ ple according to the parable of the wheat and the lares, tliut the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward every man according a* his work shall be, while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with un¬ quenchable fire. Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the churches, that they shall continue to gather together unto the places which I have appointed; nevertheless, ns 1 have said unto you in a former commandment, let not your gather¬ ing be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things, he prepared before you, and in order that all tilings be prepnred before you, observe the commandments which i have given concerning these things, which saitli, or teacheth, to purchase all the lands by money, which can he mirchased for money, in the region roundabout the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of my saints; all the land which can be purchased in Jackson county, and the counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand. 10 Now verily I say unto you, let all the churches gather together all their moneys; let these things he done in their tune, be not in haste; and observe to have all things prepared 239 before you. And let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this counsel, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion. There is even now already in store a sufficient; yea, even abundance to redeem Zion, and establish her waste places no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call them¬ selves after my name willing to hearken to my voice. And, again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers, and are in authority over you, according to the laws and constitution of the people which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles, that every man may act in doctrine, and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto them that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this pur¬ pose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land bv thcshedding of blood. 11 Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion? I will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge, (for men ought always to pray and not faint,) which saith, There was in a city a judge which feared not God, nei¬ ther regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, avenge me of mine adversary. — And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her contin¬ ual coming, she weary me. Thus will I liken the children of Zion. 12 Let them importune at the feet of the Judge; and if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; and if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the President; and if the President heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation, and in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off these wicked, unfaith¬ ful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites and unbelievers; even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.. — Pray ye therefore, that their ears may he opened unto your ■340 cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them. What I have said unto you, must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; that wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; that I may proceed tq bring to pass my act, my strange act, an d perform my work, my strange work. That men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God. 13 And, again Isay unto you, it is contrary to my command¬ ment, and my will, that my servant Sidney Gilbert should sell my store house, which I have appointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies. Let not that which I have ap¬ pointed, be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name: for this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people, in conse¬ quence of those things which I have decreed, and are soon to befall the nations. Therefore, it is my will that my people should claim, and hold claim, upon that which I have appoint¬ ed unto them, though they should not be permitted to dwell thereon;, nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell there¬ on; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and works meet for my kingdom, they shall dwell thereon; they shall build, and another shall not inherit it: they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat the fruit thereof; even so. Amen. section xcyin. - Rerdation given to Enoch, concerning the order of the churckfior the benefit of the poor. 1 Verily I say unto you my friends, I give unto you coun¬ sel and a commandment, concerning all the properties which belong to the order, Wfhich I commanded to be organized and established, to be an united order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I come, with promise immutable and unchangeable, that inas¬ much as those whom I commanded were faithful, they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings; but inasmuch as they were not faithful, they were nigh unto cursing. There¬ fore inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the com¬ mandment, but have broken the covenant, by covetousness and with feigned words, I have cursed them with a very 6ore and grievous curse: for I the Lord have decreed in my heart, that inasmuch as any man, belonging to the order, shall be found a transgressor; or, in other words, shall break the covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be cursed in his life, . and 241 shall be trodden down by whom I will, for I the Lord am not to be mocked in these things: and all this that the innocent among you, may not be condemned with the unjust; and that the guilty among you may not escape, because I the Lord Lave promised unto you a crown of glory at my right Land. There¬ fore inasmuch as you are found transgressors, ye cannot escape my wrath in your lives: inasmuch as ye are cut off by trans¬ gression, ye cannot escape the buffetings of satan until the day of redemption. 'Z And I now give unto you power from this very hour, that if any man among you, of the order, is found a transgressor, and repenteth not of the evil, that ye shall deliver him over unto the buffetings of satan; and he shall not have power to bring evil upon you. It is wisdom in me: therefore a com¬ mandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves, and appoint every man his stewardship, that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is appoint¬ ed unto him: for it is expedient that 1 the Lord should make every man accountable, as stewards over eartlily blessings, whicii I have made and prepared for my creatures. I the Lord stretched out the heavens, and builded the earth as a very han¬ dy work; and all things therein are mine; and it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine: but it must needs be done in mine own way: and behold this is the way, that I the Lord have decreed to provide for my saints: that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low; for the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare, yea, I pre¬ pared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. Therefore if any man shall take of the abundance wliich I have made, and impart not his por¬ tion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor, and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment. 3 And now, verily I say unto you, concerning the properties of the order: let my servant Peiagoram have appointed unto him the place where he now resides, and the lot ofTahhanes, for his stewardship, for his support while he is laboring in my vineyard, even a3 I will when I shall command him; and let all things be done according to counsel of the order, and uni¬ ted consent, or voice of the order which dwell in the land of Shinehah. And this stewardship and blessing, I the Lord confer upon my servant Peiagoram, for a blessing upon him, and his seed after him; and I will multiply blessings upon him, inasmuch as he shall be humble before me. 4 And again, let my servant Mahemson have appointed unto 242 him, for Lis stewardship, the lot of land which my servant Zombre obtained in exchange for his former inheritance, for him and his seed after him; and inasmuch as he is faithful f will multiply blessings upon him and his seed after him. And let my servant Mahemson devote his moneys for the proclaim¬ ing of my words, according as my servant Gazelam shall direct. 5 And again, let my servant Shedcrlaomach have the place upon which he now dwells. And let my servant Olihah have the lot which is set off joining the house which is to be for the Laile-shine-house, which is lot number one: and also the lot upon which his father resides. And let my servant Shederla- omach and Olihah have the Lane-sliine-house and all things that pertain unto it; and this shall be their stewardship which shall be appointed unto them; and inasmuch as they are faith¬ ful, behold I will bless, and multiply blessings upon them: and this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appoint¬ ed them, for them and their seed after them; and inasmuch as they are faithful, I will multiply blessings upon them and their seed after them; even a multiplicity of blessings. 6 And again, let my servant Zombre have the house in which he lives, arid the inheritance, all save the ground which has been reserved for the building of my houses, which pertains to that inheritance; and those lots which have been named for my servant Olihah. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply blessings upon him. And it is my will thathe should sell the lots that are laid off for the building up of the city of my saints, inasmuch as it shall be made known to him by the voice of the Spirit, and according to the counsel of the order; and by the voice of the order. And this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto him, for a bles¬ sing unto him, and his seed after him; and inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon him. 7 And again, let my servant Ahashdah have appointed unto him, the houses and lot where he now resides, and the lot and building on which the Ozondah stands; and also the lot which is on the corner south of the Ozondah; and also the lot on which the Shule is situated: And all this I have appointed un¬ to my servant Ahashdah, for his stewardship, for a blessing upon him and his seed after him, for the benefit of the Ozon¬ dah of my order, which I have established for my stake in the land of Shinehah; yea, verily this is the stewardship which I have appointed unto my servant Ahashdah; even this whole Ozondah establishment, him and his agent, and his seed after him, and inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my command¬ ments , which I have given unto him, I will multiply blessings upon him, and his seed after him, even a multiplicity of blessings. 8 And again, let my servant Gazelam have appointed unto him, the lot which is laid off for the building of my house, which is forty rods long, and twelve wide, and also the inheritance upon which his father now resides; and this is the beginning of the stewardship which I have appointed unto him, tor a bles¬ sing upon him, and upon his father, for behold, I have reserv¬ ed an inheritance for his father, for his support: therefore he shall be reckoned in the house of my servant Gazelam; and I will multiply blessings upon the house of my servant Gazelam, inasmuch as he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings. 9 And now a commandment I give unto you concerning Zi¬ on, that you shall no longer be bound as an united order to your brethren of Zion, only on this wise: after you are organ¬ ized you shall be called the united order of the stake of Zion, the city of Shinehah. And your brethren, after they are or¬ ganized, shall be called the united order of the city of Zion: and they shall be organized in their own names, and in their own name; and they shall do their business in their own name, and in their own names: and you shall do your business in your own name, and in your own names. And this I have commanded to be done for your salvation and also for their salvation in consequence of their being driven out and that which is to come. The covenants being broken through trans¬ gression, by covetousness and feigned words: therefore, you are desolved as a united order with your brethren, that you are not bound only up to this hour, unto them, only on this wise, as I said, by loan, as shall be agreed by this order, in council, as your circumstances will admit, and the voice of the coun¬ oil direct. 10 And again, a commandment I give unto you concerning your stewardship which I have appointed unto you: behold all these properties are mine, or else your faith is vain, and ye are found hypocrites, and the covenants which ye have made unto me are broken: and if the properties are mine then ye are stewards, otherwise ye are no stewards. But verily 1 say unto you, I have appointed unto you to be stewards over mine house, even stewards indeed: and for this purpose I have com¬ manded you to organize yourselves, even to shinelah my words, the fulness of my scriptures, the revelations which I have giv¬ en unto you, and which I shall hereafter, from time to time, give unto you, for the purpose of building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand. 11 And ye shall prepare for yourselves a place for a treasury, and consecrate it unto my name; and ye shall appoint one 244 among you to keep the treasury, arid he shall bo ordained un¬ to this blessing; and there shall be a seal upon the treasury, and all the savred things shall !>■■> delivered into the treasury, and no man among you shall call it his own, or any part ofit, for it shall belong to you all with one accord; and 1 give it un¬ to you from this very hour: an I row see to it. that ye go to and make use of the stewardship which 1 have .;j pointed unto you, exclusive of the sacred things, lor the pin | < so ot shine- fane these sacr'd things, as I have said: an : the ..vails of the sacred things shall ha had in the ir -saury, and a m >ul shall be upon it, and it shall not be used or taken out of the treasury by any one, n .itlier shall the seal b * loosed which shall be placed upon it, only by tlie voice of the order, or by command¬ ment. And thus shall ye preserve all the avails of the sacred things in the treasury, lor sacred and holy purposes: and this shall he called the sacred treasury of the Lord: and a seal shall be kept upon it that it may be holy and consecrated unto the Lord. 12 And again, there shall be another treasury prepared and a treasurer appointed to keep the treasury, and a seal shall be placed upon it; and all moneys that you receive in your stew¬ ardships, by improving upon the properties which 1 have ap¬ pointed unto you, in houses or in lands, or in cattle, or in all things save it be the holy and sacred writings, which 1 have reserved unto myself for holy and sacred purposes, shall bo cast into the treasury as fast as you receive moneys by hun¬ dreds or by fifties, or by twenties, or by tens, or by fives, or in other words, if any man among you obtain five talents let him cast them into the treasury: or if he obtain ten, or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred, let him do likewise; and let not any man among you say that it is his own, for it shall not be called his, nor any part of it; and there shall not any part of it be used, or taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and common consent of the order. And this shall be the voice and com¬ mon consent of the order: that any man among you, say unto •Jie treasurer, I have need of this to help me in my steward¬ ship. if it be five lalente, or if it be ten talents, or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred, the treasurer shall give unto him the sum which lie requires, to help him in his stewardship, until lie be found a transgressor, and it is manifest before tiio council of the order plainly, that lie is an unfaithful, and an unwise stew¬ ard; but so long as he is in full fellowship, and is faithful, and wise in his stewardship, this shall be his token unto the treas¬ urer that the treasurer shall not withhold. Hut in case of transgression the treasurer shall be suhj 'ct unto the council and voice of the order. And in case the treasurer is found aa 245 unfaithful, and an unwise steward, he shall be subject to the counsel and voice of the order, and shall be removed out of his place, and another shall lie appointed in his stead. 13 And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts, behold it is my will Unit you should pay all your ut-bls; and it is my will that you should humble yourselvm before me, and obtain this blessing by your diligence and humility, and the prayer of faith : and inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold I will sullen the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means un¬ to you for your deliverance. Therefore write speedily unto Cainhannoch, and write according to that which shall be dic¬ tated by my Spirit, and I will solten the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken away out of their minds to bring a'Hiction upon you. And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call on my name, behold I will give you the victory: I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once, out of your bondage: inasmuch as you ob¬ tain a chance to loan money by hundreds, or thousands, even until you shall loan enough to deliver yourselves from bondage, it is your privilege, a*l pledge the properties which I have put into your hands, this once, by giving your names, by common consent, or otherwise, as it shall seem good unto you: I give unto y u this privilege, this once, and b -hold, if you proceed to do the things which I have laid before you, according to my commandments, all these things are mins, and ye are my stewards, and the master will not suffer his bouse lobe broken up: even so. Amen. SECTION XCIX. Revelation given November, 1834. 1 It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church in the land of Freedom and the regions round about, and should preach my everlasting gospel and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in (he ad¬ joining countries, and devote his whole time in this high and holy calling which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things ne¬ cessary shall he added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire. 2 And again, verily T say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, an ' it nvertaketh the world as a thief in the night: therefore, gird up your loins that you may be the chib 246 dren of the light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief. 3 And -again, verily I say unto you,' there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men: therefore, blessed is my ser¬ vant Warren, for I will have mercy on him, and notwithstan¬ ding the vanity of his heart I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me; and I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continues to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church, I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father: even so. — Amen. 247 SECTION C. APPEK3SIX. 7 Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you; the Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple: the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungod¬ ly among you. For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O 3Te people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry. Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Call your sol¬ emn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let ev¬ ery man call- upon the name of the Lord; yea, verily I say un¬ to you, again, the time has come when the voice of the Lord is unto you, Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 2 Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto for¬ eign lands; call upon all nations; firstly, upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews. And behold and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about: yea, let the cry go forth among all people; Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom: behold and lo the Bridegroom com- eth, go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour. Let them, therefore, who are among the Gentiles, flee unto Zion. And let them who be of Judah, flee unto Jerusalem, unto the mountains of the Lord’s house. Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon. But verily thus saith the Lord, let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you: and he that goeth, let him not look back, lest sudden destruction shall come upon him. 3 Hearken and hear O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen ye elders of my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord, for he calleth upon all men and he commandeth all men ever y where to repent: for behold the Lord God hath sent 248 forth the angel, crying through the midst of heaven, saying; Prepare ye tne way of the Lord, and make his paths strait, for the hour of his coining is nigh, when the Lamb shall stand upon mount Zion, and with him a hundred and flirty tour thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads: wherefore, prepare ye fur the coming cf the Bridegroom: go ye, go ye out to meet him, for behold he shall stand upon the mount of Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and upon the land of Zion; and he shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem, and his voice shall be heard among all people, and it shall be a voice as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, which shall break down the mountains, and the vallies shall not be found: he shall command the great deep and it shall be driven back into the north countri s, and the islands shall become one land, and the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion, shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided. And the Lord even the Sav¬ ior shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh. And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance betore the Lord, and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves, and they shall ■mite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an high way shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them, and in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land. — And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the chil¬ dren of Ep..raim my servants. And the boundaries of the ev¬ erlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And then shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim; and they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy. Behold this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows. And they also of the tribe of Judah, after their pain, shall be sanctified in holiness before the Lord to dwell in his presence day and night forever and ever. 4 And now verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, 1 have sent forth mine angel, flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some, and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth.: and this gospel shall be preached unto eve¬ ry nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, and the so*- 249 rants of God shall go forth, saying, with a loud voice: Fear God and give glory to him: f >r the hour of his judgment ia come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and sea, and the fountain of waters, calling upon the name of the Lord day and night, saying: O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that tiioa wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. And it shall be answered upon their heads, for the presence of the Lord shall be as the melting lire that burnetii, and as the fire which causeth the waters to boiL O Lord, thou shall come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence. When thou doetli terrible things, tilings they look not for; yea, when thou comnst down and the mountains flow down at thy presence, thou shalt meet him who rejoiceth and worketb right 'ousness, who remember thee in thy ways: for since the beginning of the world have not men heard nor perceived by the ear, neither hath any eye seen, O God, besides thee, how great tilings thou hast prepared for him that waiteldi for thee. 5 And it shall be said, Who is this that cometh down from God in heaven width died garments: yea, from the region* which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel, travel¬ ling in the greatness of his strength? And he shall say I am. lie who spake in righteousness, mighty to save. And the Lord shall ba rad in Iii3 apparel, and his garments like him that treaddelh in the wine vat, and so great shall be the glory of his presence, that the sun shall hide his face in shame; and the moon shall withhold its light, and the stars shall be hurled from their places: and his voica shall be heard, I have trodden the wine-press alone, and hava brought judgment upon all peo¬ ple; and none was with me; and I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their biood hav: I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all uy rai¬ ment: for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart. And now the year of my redeemed is come, and they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them, according to his goodness, and according to liis loving kindness, forever and ever. In all their afflictions he was afflicted. And the angel of his presence saved them: and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bare them, and carried them all the days of old; yea, and Enoch also, and they who were with him; the proph¬ ets wiiowiri before him, and Noah also, and they who were before him. an J Moses also, and they who were before him, and from Moses to Elijah, and (rom Elijah to John, who were with Christ in his resurrection, and the holy apostles, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, shall be in the presence of the 250 Lamb. And the graves of the saints shall be opened, and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon mount Zion, and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem, and they shall sing the song of the Lamb day and night forever and ever. (> And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness, and simplicity, to prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth; and for the Lord’s errand in the day when the weak should confound the wise, and the lit¬ tle one become a strong nation, and two should put their tens of thousands to flight; and by the weak things of the earth, the Lord should thresh the nations by the power of his Spirit. And for this cause these commandments were given; they were commanded to be kept from the world in the day that they were given, but now are to go forth unto all flesh. And this according to the mind and will of the Lord, who ruleth over all flesh; and unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord, shall be given eternal life. And upon them that hearken not to the voice of the Lord, shall be fulfilled that which was written by the prophet Moses, that they should be cut off from among the people. 7 And also that which was written by the prophet Malachi: For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud; yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall bum them up saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Where¬ fore this shall be the answer of the Lord unto them: In that day when I came unto my own, no man among you received me, and you were driven out. When I called again, there was none of you to answer, yet my arm was not shortened nt- all, that I could not redeem, neither my power to deliver. — Behold at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, and dieth for thirst. 1 clothe the heavens with blackness, and make sackcloth their covering. And this shall ye have of my hand, ye shall lay down in sor¬ row. 8 Behold and lo there are none to deliver you, for ye obeyed not my voice when I called to you out of the heavens, ye be¬ lieved not my servants; and when they were sent unto you ye received them not: wherefore they sealed up the testimony and bound up the law, and ye were delivered over unto dark¬ ness: these shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Behold the Lord your God hath spoken it. Amen. 251 SECTION Cl. IIASBIAGE. 1 According to the custom of all civilized nations, marriage is regulated by laws and ceremonies: therefore we believe, that all marriages in this church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, should be solemnized in a public meeting, or feast, prepared for that purpose: and that the solemnization should be perfor¬ med by a presiding high priest, high priest, bishop, elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority. We believe that it is not right to prohibit members of this church from marrying out of the church, if it be their determination so to do, but such persons will be considered weak in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and thanksgiv¬ ing; and at the solemnization, the persons to be married, stand¬ ing together, the man on the right, and the woman on the left, shall be addressed, by the person officiating, as he shall be directed by the holy Spirit; and if there be no legal objections, he shall say, calling each by their names: “You both mutual¬ ly agree to be each other’s companion, husband and wife, ob¬ serving the legal rights belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wlfolly for each other, and from all others, during your lives.” And when they have answered “Yes,” he shall pronounce them “husband and wife” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and bjr virtue of the laws of the coun¬ try and authority vested in him: “may God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants from henceforth and forever. Amen.” 3 The clerk of every church should keep a record of all mar¬ riages, solemnized in his branch. 4 All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is bap¬ tized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. In¬ asmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we be¬ lieve, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband, neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All children are bound by law to obey their parents; and to influence them to embrace any religious faith, or be baptized, or leave their pa¬ rents without their consent, is unlawful and unjust. We be¬ lieve that all persons who exercise control over their fellow 202 beings, and prevent them from embracing the truth, will har* to answer tor that sin. SECTION CII. Of Govohi moists and laws in General That cur belirf, with regard to earthly governments ar.d laws in general , may not he misinterpreted nor misunderstood , tee have thought proper to pr esent , at the close of this relume, our opinion cancer mng the same. 1 We believe that Governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man, and that he holds men accountable lor their acts in relation to them, either in making laws or administer* ing them, for the good and safety of society. 2 We believe that no Government can exist, in peace, ex¬ cept such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conciencc, the right and control ot property and the protection of life. 3 We believe that all Governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enfbrc; the laws of the same, and that sue!) as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people, (if a Republic.) or the will of the Sovereign. 4 We believe that religion is instituted of God, and that men are amenable to him and to him only for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinion prompts them to infringe up¬ on the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of wor¬ ship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate lornis fer pub¬ lic or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should re¬ strain crime, but never control conscience: should punish guilt, but never surpress the freedom ofthesoul. 5 We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective Governments in which they reside, while pro¬ tected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such Governments, and that sedition and rebellion are unbe¬ coming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all Governments have a right to enact such laws 'as in their own judgments are best calculated to se¬ cure the public interest, at the same time, however, holding sac¬ red the freedom of conscience. 6 We believe that every man should be honored in his sta¬ tion; rulers and magistrates as such — being placed for the pro¬ tection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilly ; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without 253 them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror: human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man, and divine laws, given of heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker. 7 We believe that Rulers, States and Governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws (or the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right, injustice, to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence is shown to the law's, and such re¬ ligious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy. 8 We bdiove that the commissiin of crime should be punish¬ ed according to the nature of the off ' nee: that murder, treason, robbery, theft and the breach of the general peace, in all re¬ spects, should be punished according to their criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that Govern¬ ment in which the offence is committed: and for the public peace and tranquility, all men should step forward and use their ability in bringing offenders, against good laws, to pun¬ ishment. 9 We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil Government, whereby one religious society is foster¬ ed and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied. 10 We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct according to the rules and regulations of such societies, provided that such dealing be for fellowship and good standing: but we do not believe that any religious society has authority fo try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world’s goods, or put them in jeopardy either life or limb, neither to inflict any physical punishment upon them, — they can only excommunicate them from their society and withdraw from their fellowship. 11 We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for re¬ dress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted, or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same: but we believe that all men are justified m defending themselves, their friends and property, and the Government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons, in times of exigences, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and re¬ lief afforded. 12 We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of 254 the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to inter¬ fere with bond-servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor bap¬ tize them, contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to meddle with, or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situations in this life, thereby jeop¬ ardizing the lives of men: such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every Cor- erument allowing human beings to be held in servitude. 255 GENERAL ASSEMBLY. At a General Assembly of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, according to previous notice, held on the 17 th of August, 1835, to take into consideration the labors of a certain committee rchich had been appointed by a General Assembly of Septem¬ ber 24, 1834, asjolloics: “The Assembly being duly organized, and after transacting certain business of the church, proceeded to appoint a commit¬ tee to arrange the items of doctrine of Jesus Christ, for the government of his church of the Latter Day Saints, which church was organized and commenced its rise on the 6th day of April, 1830. These items are to be taken from the bible, book of Mormon, and the revelations which have been given to said church up to this date, or shall be until such arrange¬ ment is made. “Elder Samuel H. Smith, for the assembly, moved that pre¬ siding elders, Joseph Smith, jr. Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rig- don and Frederick G. Williams compose said committee. The nomination was seconded by elder Hyrura Smith, whereupon it received the unanimous vote of the assembly. (Signed.) OLIVER COWDERY, ] ORSON HYDE. S Clerks.” Wherefore Presidents O. Cowdery and S. Rigdon, proceed¬ ed and organized the high council of the church at Kirtland, and Presidents W. W. Phelp3 and J. Whitiner proceeded and organized the high council of the church in Missouri. Bishop Newel K. Whitney proceeded and organized his counsellors of the church in Kirtland, and acting Bishop John Corrill, organi¬ zed the counsellors of the church in Missouri: and also Presidents Leonard Rich, Levi W. Hancock, Sylvester Smith and Ly¬ man Sherman, organized the council of the seventy; and also, Elder John Gould, acting President, organized the travelling Elders; and also Ira Ames, acting President, organized the Priests; and also Erastus Babbit, acting President, organized the Teachers; and also William Burgess, acting President, or¬ ganized the Deacons; and also Thomas Gates, assisted by John Young, William Cowdery, Andrew H. Aldrich, Job L. Lewis and Oliver Higley, as Presidents of the day, organized the whole assembly. Elder Levi W. Hancock appointed cho¬ rister: a hymn was then sung and the services of the day open¬ ed by the prayer of President O. Cowdery, and the solemni¬ ties of eternity rested upon the audience. Another hymn w;a» sung: after transacting some business for the church the amB. •nee adjourned for one hour. 256 Afternoon. — After a hymn wii sung, President Cow* dery arose and introduced the ‘-Book ot' doctrine and cove¬ nants of the church of the Latter Day Saints,” in bel.alf of the committee: he was followed by President Rigdon, who explained the manner by which they intended to obtain the voice of the assembly for or against said book: the otbi r two committee, named above, Were abs rnt. According to said ar rangement W. VV. Phelps bore record that the book presented to the assembly, was true. President John Whitmer, also arose, and testified ll at it was true. Elder John Smith, taking the lead of the high council in Ki rlland, bore record that the revelations in said book were true, and' that the lec¬ tures were judiciously arranged and compiled, and were profit¬ able for doctrine; whereupon the high council of Kirtland ac¬ cepted and acknowledged them as the doctrine and covenant* of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Elder Levi Jackman, ta¬ king the lead of the high council of the church in Missouri, bore testimony that the revelations in said book were true, and the said high council of Missouri accepted and acknow¬ ledged them as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. President W. W. Phelps then read the written testimony of the Twelve, as follows. “The testimony of the witnesses to the book ofthe Lord’s commandments, which he gave to his church through Joseph Smith, jr. who was appointed by the voice ofthe church forthis purpose: we therefore feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every crea¬ ture upon the face of all the earth, and upon the islands" of the sea, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men, and are verily true. AVe give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper: and it is through the grace of God, the Father, and hi3 Son Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege ofbearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always, that the children of men may he profited thereby.” Elder Leonard Rich bore record of the truth of the book and the council of the Seventy accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine an J covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Bishop N. K. Whitney bore record of the Iruth of the book, and with his counsellors, accepted and acknowledged it as tire doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Acting Bishop, John Corrill, bore record of the truth of tha book, and with his counsellors, accepted and acknowledged it w tha doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous 257 vote. Acting President, John Gould, gave his testimony in favor ofthe book, and with the travelling Elders, accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Ira Ames, acting President of the Priests, gave his testimo¬ ny in favor of the book, and with the Priests, accepted and ac¬ knowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Erastus Babbit, acting President of the Teachers, gave his testimony in favor ofthe book, and they accepted and acknow¬ ledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. Wm. Burges acting President of the Deacons, bore record of the truth of the book, and they accepted and acknowledged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous The venerable President, Thomas Gates, then bore record of the truth of the book, and with his five silver-headed as¬ sistants, and the whole congregation, accepted and acknowl¬ edged it as the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote. The several authorities, and the general as¬ sembly, by a unanimous vote, accepted of the labors of the committee. President W. W. Phelps then read an article on Marriage, which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote. President O. Cowderythen read an article on “governments and laws in general,” which was accepted and adopted, and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote. A hymn was then sung. President S. Rigdon returned thanks, after which the assembly was blessed by the Presiden¬ cy, with uplifted hands, and dismissed. * THOMAS BURDICK, ) WARREN PARRISH, > Clerks. SYLVESTER SMITH, ) Q Section x sr i i x Preface 1 of faith 2 of faith 3 of faith 4 of faith 5 of faith 6 of faith 7 of faith PART SECOND. Section 1 Preface to the commandments 2 Articles and Covenants 3 Priesthood 4 Revelation of September 22-3, 1832 5 Minutes of the High Council 6 Parable of the wheat &c. 7 Revelation called the “olive leaf” 8 do to O. Cowdery & J. Smith jr. 9 do to J. Smith jr. & O. Cowdery 10 do to six elders, September, 1830 11 do to J. Smith jr. & Sidney Rigdon 12 do of January, 1831 13 do of February — the law 14 do to the church, February, 1831 15 do prophecy of March, 1831 16 do on the gifts, March, 1831 17 do on the Spirit May 1831 18 do on the foundation of Zion August 1831 19 do on the Sabbath August 1831 20 do to the church August 1831 21 do of September 11, 1831 22 do to O. Hyde, L. & L. Johnson, Wm. E. McLel- in and items of law do to Edward Partridge May 183 do on prayer October 1831 do testimony of the commandments Nov. 1831 17* Paf 5 12 35 44 52 58 63 •Sr 77 82 89 95 99 100 109 111 112 116 118 120 126 128 132 134 136 149 141 145 147 150 151 ib 26 do on stewardships November 1831 It 27 do of Zion July 1831 If 28 do to O. Cowdery & J. Whitmer Nov. 1831 If 29 do to J. Smith jr. & Sidney Rigdon Jan. 1832 If 30 do to J. Smith jr. July 1828 31 do to J. Smith Senior, February, 1829 If 32 do to J. Smith jr. & Martin Harris, March, 1829 33 do whether John tarried on earth April 1829 1 34 do to O. Cowdery April 1829 li 35 do to O. Cowdery April 1829 1 36 do on losing some of the book of Mormon May 1829 1' 37 do to H. Smith May 1829 1 38 do to J. Knight Sen. May 1829 1 39 do to D. Whitmer June 1829 40 do to J. Whitmer June 1829 1 41 do to Peter Whitmer jr. 1&29 42 do to-O. Cowdery, D. Whitmer & M. Harris, January 1829 1 43 do to choose Twelve June 1829 1 44 do to Martin Harris March 1830 1 45 do to O. Cowdery, H. Smith, S. H. Smith, &c. April 1829 1 46 do to J. Smith jr. April 6, 1830 1 47 do on re-baptism April 1830 1 48 do to Emma Smith July 1830 49 do to J. Smith jr. O Cowdery & J. Whitmer July 1830 1 50 do on sacrament and priesthood Sept. 1830 51 do to O. Cowdery and the church Sept. 1830 1 52 do to D. Whitmer, P. Whitmer jr. & J. Whitmer, September, 1830 1 63 do to T. B. Marsh SeDtember 1830 1 54 do to P. P. Pratt, & Z. Peterson Oct. 1830 1 55 do to E. Thayre & N. Sweet Oct. 1839 56 do to O. Pratt Nov. 1830 1 57 do to E. Partridge, Dec. 1830 1 58 do to J. Smith jr. & S. Rigdon, Dec. 1830 59 do to J. Covill, January 1831 1 60 do in answer to the above, January 1831 1 61 do appointing E. Partridge bishop, Feb. 1831 62 do calling the elders together, Feb. 1831 1 63 uo to J. Smith jr. & J. Whitmer, March 1831 1 64 do to settle certain families for the present, March 1831 65 do to S. Rigdon, P. P. Pratt & L. Copley, March 1831 1 66 do for certain elders to go to Missouri, June 1831 66 do to S. Gilbert, June 1831 67 do to N. Knight, June 1831 68 do to W. W. Phelps, June 1831 69 do to T. B. Marsh, E. Thayre, &c. June 1831 70 do to certain men to return from Mo. Aug. 1831 71 do upon the bank of the Missouri, Aug. 1831 72 do to certain elders do. do. Aug. 1831 73 do explanation on Corinthians, 74 do to Wm. E. McLelin, &c. Oct. 1830 75 do on the order of Enoch, &c. March 1832 76 do to J. Carter, March 1832 77 do to S. Burnett, March 1832 78 do to J. Murdock, March 1832 79 do to F. G. Williams, March 1832 80 do A word of wisdom, 81 do for a school in Zion, Aug. 1833 82 do John’s record of Christ, May 1833 83 do on building the Lord’s House, May 1833 84 do concerning the keys of Kingdom, March 1833 85 do the laws of the ancients Aug. 1833 86 do on the order of Enoch April, 1832 87 do to several elders, Jan. 1832 88 do in addition to the law, April 1832 89 do appointing a bishop in Kirtland, Dec. 1831 90 do to J. Smith jr. & S. Rigdon, Dec. 1831 91 do the vision, 92 do concerning the Apocrypha, March 1833 93 do on the order of Enoch, &c. March 1833 94 do to J. Smith jr. & S. Rigdon, Oct. 1833 95 do chastening, June 1833 96 do showing the order of Enoch’s stake, June 1833 97 do the parable, Dec. 1833 98 do on Enoch’s order for the poor, 99 do to W. A. Cowdery, Nov. 1834 100 Appendix 101 Marriage, 102 Governments and laws in general, General Assembly, 192 195 ib 196 197 198 199 202 ib 203 204 205 206 ib 207 ib 208 210 213 214 216 219 221 222 223 225 ib 231 ib 232 233 1 234 235 340 245 247 251 252 255 1*1 ' *: : r of» • Mt : .:• .W #U- . n V> h.t ; . ,t • . .-ft! -i "■ . •(*»•<* >\ i ■ -l f. • . r t i - - vn- ivs v .(•;» • oh ' ' I -til i f» * 1. . t 4««*M • I • • *l v> < ■ h&T-u . on 4 H i- i '■ W /.-i.:* 1 t.vnxn *'» ;1 : ■ . : .. 1 :o : • i-i it.) ..!> V. i i‘ l.;-'SV ■ 1 jt i«S £S$.f. ;& ■ *at 0. *> • . : l .o^- ; n«&.v: 4i i&l t>T r' ' ' >'• . • c:> l«. > ' > '“II yut'f 'if.t ob S ... ...wf Mitfek 3>vw* .•oilihaJxs.* '-'-tl ■ •■•'‘I ill ff ..licaWoi SC • KrtH*w> n «»*'.» w' ./ ai'-teofii b/-; :..lt • «<•; > ;vii. :r. s | fai ; naa •'«* fl**J ":<> .r.sviv/ t : '»* 11 )).;r ; ,i • J.-i.i rae'.t HJU» ii.ill ; ? •’.* ■ r» » A <4-1 Jrt 4) sift "h .viiv . sift a\ • Ufl ■ • I-J ■ .O . ;i ■ >7? v. 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