THE DOCTRIUS AID CQVEHABT8 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST • LATTER DAY SAINTS; CAREFULLY SELECTED FfiOM THE REVELATION* OF GOD. BY JOSEPH SMITH; PRESIDENT OP SAID CHCBCO. THIRD EDITION. NAUVOO, ILL: PRINTED BY JOHN TAYLOR. 1845. _1L_ J, Entered, according to the act of Congress, in the year 1845 , By 3V. K. Whitney and George Milier, Trustees m Trust of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. in the clerk's office of the district court of Illinois. hit LECTURES ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESU? CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, ORIGINALLY DELIVERED BEFORE A CLASS OF THE ELDERS, IN KIRTLAND, OHIO. LECTURE FIRST. OP FAITH. SECTION I. 1 Faith being the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteous¬ ness, necessarily claims the first, place in a course of lectures which are designed to un¬ fold to the understanding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 2 In presenting the subject of faith, we shall observe the following order: 3 First, Faith itself—what it is: 4 Secondly, The object on which it rests; and 5 Thirdly, The effects which flow from it. 6 Agreeably to this order we have first, to show what faith is. 7 The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, in the eleventh chapter of that epistle, and first verse, gives the following definition of the word faith: 1 * 6 LECTURE OPT FAITH, 8 Now faith is the substance [assurance] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 9 From this we lean), that faith is the as¬ surance which men have of the existence of things which 4hey have not seen; and the principle of action in all intelligent beings. 10 If men were duly to consider them¬ selves, and turn their thoughts and reflections to the operations of their own minds, they would readily discover that it is faith, and faith only, which is the moving cause of all action, in them; that without it, both mind and body would be in a state of inactivity, and all their exertions would cease, both phys¬ ical and mental. 11 Were this class to go back and reflect upon the history of their lives, from the period of their first recollection, and ask themselves, what principle excited them to action, or what gave them energy and activity, in all their law¬ ful avocations, callings and pursuits, what would be the answer? Would it not be that it was the assurance which we had of the ex¬ istence of things which we had not seen, as yet?—Was it not the hope which you had, in consequence of your belief in the existence of unseen things, which stimulated you to action and exertion, in order to obtain them? Are you not dependent on your faith, or belief, for the acquisition of all knowledge, wisdom and intelligence? Would you exert your¬ selves to obtain wisdom and intelligence, un¬ less you did believe that you could obtain them? Would you have ever sown if you lecture on faith. 7 had not believed that you would reap? Would you have ever planted if you had not believed that you would gather? Would you have ever asked unless you had believed that you would receive? Would you have ever sought unless you had believed that you would have found? Or would you have ever knocked unless you had believed that it would have been opened unto you? In a word, is there any thing that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had not pre¬ viously believed? Are not all your exertions, of every kind, dependent on your faith? Or may we not ask, what have you, or what do you possess, which you have not obtained by reason of your faith? Your food, your raiment, your lodgings, are they not all by reason of your faith? Reflect, and ask your¬ selves, if these things are not so. Turn your thoughts on your own minds, and see if faith is not the moving cause of all action in your¬ selves; 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, so it is in spir¬ itual; for the Savior has said, and that truly, that he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. Markxvi: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, also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven, or rectum: on faith. on earth. Thus says the author of the epistle to the Hebrews, xi:3: 14 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God: so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 1 5 By this we understand that the princi¬ ple of power, which existed in the "bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this princi¬ ple of power, existing in the Deity, that all created things exist—so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith, as it existed in him. 16 Had it not been for the principle of faith, the worlds would never have been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust—it is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal, as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute, (for it is an attribute,) from the Deity and he would cease to exist. 17 Who cannot see, that if God framed the worlds by faith, that it is by faith that he ex¬ ercises power over them, and that faith is the principle of power? And if the princi¬ ple of power, it must be so in man as well as in the Deity? This is the testimony of all the sacred writers, and the lesson which they have been endeavoring to teach to man. 18 The Savior says, Matthew xvii: 19,20, in explaining the reason why the disciples could not cast out the devil, that it was because of their unbelief: “For verily, I say unto you,” LECTURE ON FAITH. 9 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 remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” 19 Moroni, while abridging and compiling the record of his fathers, has given us the fol¬ lowing account of faith as the principle of pow. er: He says, page 547, that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek which caused the walls of the prison to be rent, as recorded on the 258th page; that it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi 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 410 th page, and that it was by faith that the mountain Zerin was removed, when the brother of Jared spake in the name of the Lord. See also 548-9th pages, Stereot. Ed. 20 In addition to this we are told in He¬ brews, xi:32,33,34,35, ihat Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the vi¬ olence 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 women 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. x: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 10 LECTURE ON FAITH. framed—God spake, chaos heard, and worlds came into order, by reason of the faith there was in him. So with man also—he spake by faith in the name of God, and the sun stood still, the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell, lions’ mouths were closed, the human heart lost its enmity, fire its violence, armies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion; and all this by reason of the faith which was in them. 23 Had it not been for the faith which was in man, they might have spoken to the sun, the moon, the mountains, prisons, the human heart, fire, armies, the sword, or to death in vain! 24 Faith, then, is the first great governing principle, which has power, dominion, and au¬ thority over all things: by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeably to the will of God. Without it, there is no power, and without pow¬ er there could be no creation, nor existence! OF THEOLOGY. Question. What is theology ? Answer. It is that revealed science which treats of the being and attributes of God—his relations to us —the dispensations of his providence—his will with respect to our actions—and his purposes with respect to our end. [Buck’s Theological Dictionary’ page 582.] Q. What is the first principle in this revealed science! A. Faith. f{ i. H l.] Q. Why is faith the first principle in this revealed science? Because it is the foundation of all righteousness. Heb. xi:f>. Without faith it is impossible to please God. 1st. John, iii:7. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as he [God] is righteous. [} i. f 1.] LECTURE ON FAITH, 11 Q. What arrangement should be followed in present¬ ing the subject of faith? A. First, Should be shown what faith is: [.§ I. IT 3.] Secondly, The object upon which it rests: and [J i. f 4.1 Thirdly, The effects which flow from it. [4 t. H 5.[ Q.. What is faith? A. It is the assurance of things hoped for, the evi¬ dence of things not seen: Heb. xi:l. That is, it is the assurance we have of the existence of unseen things.— And being the assurance which we have of the existence of unseen things, must be the principle of action in all intelligent beings. Heb. xi :3. Through faith we un¬ derstand the worlds were framed by the word of God.— [4 t. f 8, 9.] Q. How do you prove that faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings? A. First, by duly considering the operations of my own mind; and secondly, by the direct declaration of scripture. Heb. xi :7. By faith Noah, being warned of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Heb. xi:8. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after re¬ ceive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out not knowing whither he went. Heb. xi :9. By faith he so¬ journed in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. Heb. xi :27. By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. r4l.1T 10, iM Q.. Is not faith the principle of aetion in spiritual things as well as in temporal? A. It is. Q. How do you prove it? A. Heb. xi :6. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Markxvi;16. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. Rom. iv:16. Therefore, it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed: not to that only which is of tho law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the. father of us all. [4 i. IT 12,13.] Q. Is faith any thing else beside the principle of action ? 12 LECTURE ON FAITH. - Q. What is it? A. It is the principle of power, also. [} l. f 13.] Q. How do you prove it? A. First, It is the principle of power in the Deity, as well as in man. Heb. xi:3. Through faith we under¬ stand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. [} i. If 14,15,16 J Secondly, It is the principle of power in man also.— Book of Mormon, page 257 Alma and Amulek are de¬ livered from prison. Do. page 410. Nephi and Lehi, with the Lanmnites, arc immersed with the Spirit. Do. page 649. The mountain Zelin, by the faith of the broth¬ er of Jared, is removed. Josh, x :12. Then spake Josh¬ ua to the L°>'d in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amoritcs before the children of Israel, and he said in tile sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. Josh.x:l3.— And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still fn the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. Mat, xvii:!9. Then came the disciples, to Jesus apart, and said. Why could not we cast him out? Mat. xvii : 20 . And Jesus said unto them. Because of yoar unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall sttTunto this mountain. Remove hence to yonder place; anti it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you, Hob. xi:32. And what shall I say more? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, of David also and Samuel, and of the prophets, lleb. xi:- 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Heb. xi:34. Quenched the violence of fire, es¬ caped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to llight the ar¬ mies of the aliens. Heb. xi:35. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection. [} t, T 16,17,18,19,20,21,22.] Q. How would you define faith in its most unlimited sense ? A. It is the first great governing principle, which has power, dominion and authority over all things. [I i. ■LECTURE ON FAITH. 13 Q. How do you convey to the understanding more •leaily, that faith is the first great governing principle, which has power, dominion, and authority over ail things? A. By it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeably to the will of God; and without it there is no power; and without power there could be no creation, nor existence! [$ l. t 24.] LECTURE SECOND. OP FAITH. SECTION II. 1 Having shown in our previous lecture •‘faith itself—what it is,” we shall proceed to show secondly the object on which it rests. 2 We here observe that God is the only su¬ preme governor, and independent being, in whom all fulness and perfection dwell; who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; 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 in¬ dependently; and he is the object in whom the faith ol all other rational and accountable beings centres, for life and salvation. 3 In order to present this part of the sub¬ ject in a qlear and conspicuous point of light, it is necessary to, go back and show the evi¬ dences which mankind have had,and the foun¬ dation on which these evidences are, or were based, since the creation, to believe in the existence of a God. 14 LECTURE ON FAITH. 4 We do not mean those evidences which are manifested by the worksof creation, which we daily behold with our natural eyes: we are sensible, that after a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of creation, throughout their vast forms and varieties, clearly exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans i:20. For the invisible things of him from the cre¬ ation of the world are clearly seen, being un¬ derstood 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 situ¬ ation of man at his first creation. Moses, the his¬ torian, has given us the following account of him in the first chap, of the book ot'Genesis, be¬ ginning with the 20th verse, and closing with the 30th. We copy from the new Transla¬ tion: 6 And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, who was with him from the begin¬ ning, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and it w r as done. 7 And the Lord God said, Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over¬ all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. 8 So God created man in his own image, in the image of the Only Begotten created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the LECTURE ON FAITH. 15 earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and oyer the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. 9 Ansterity had obtained a manifestation of God to themselves, Adam, their common father, had testified unto them of the existence of God, and of his eternal power and Godhead. 36 For instance, Abel, before he received the assurance 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 created, and who did uphold all things. Neither can there be a doubt existing on the mind of any person, LECTURE ON FAITH 23 that Adam was the first who did communi¬ cate the knowledge of the existence of a God, to his posterity; and that the whole faith of the world, from that time down to the present, is in a certain degree, dependent on the knowl¬ edge 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 sa¬ cred records. 37 First, Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born. Gen. v:3. And the days of Adam, after he had begotten Seth, were 800 years; making him 930 years old wheji he died. Gen. v:4,5. Seth was 105 when Enos was born. v:6. Enos was 90 when Cainan was born. v:9. Cainan was 70 when Mahalaleel was born. v:12. Mahalaleel was 65 when Jared was born. v:15. Jared was 162 when Enoch was born. v:lS. Enoch was 65 when Methuselah was born. v:21. Methuselah was 187 when Lamech was born. v:25. Lamech was 182 when Noah was born. v:28. 38 From this account it appears that La¬ mech, the 9th from Adam, and the father of Noah, was 56 years old when Adam died; Me¬ thuselah, 243; Enoch, 308; Jared, 470; Ma¬ halaleel, 535; Cainan, 605; Enos, 695; and Seth, 800. 39 So that Lamech, the father of Noah; Methuselah, Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, Cai¬ nan, Enos, Seth, and Adam, were all living at the same time, and beyond all controversy, were all preachers of righteousness. 2-1 LECTURE ON FAITH. 40 Moses further informs us, that Seth liv¬ ed, after he begat Enos, 807 years; making him 912 years old at his death. Gen. v:7,S. And Enos lived, after he begat Cainan, 815 years: making him 905 years old when he died. v:lQ, 11. And Cainan lived, after he begat Mahalaleel, 840 years: making him 910 years old at his death. v:13,14. And Ma¬ halaleel lived, after he begat Jared, 830 years: making 895 years old when he died. v:16, 17. And Jared lived, after he begat Enoch, 800 years: making him 962 years old at his death. v:19,20. And Enoch walked with God, after he begat Methuselah 300 years: making him 365 years old when he was trans¬ lated. v:22,23. ( According to the Old Testa¬ ment: for Enoch's age see Covenants and Com¬ mandments § 3(Z IT 24/A.) And Methuselah liv¬ ed, after he begat Lamech, 782 years: ma¬ king him 969 years old when he died. v:26, 27. Lamech lived, after he begat Noah. 595 vears: making him 777 years old when he died, v: 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, Enos in the 1140th, Cainan in the 1235th, Mahalaleel in the 1290th, Jared in the 1422nd, X.amech in the 1651st, and Methuse¬ lah in the 1656th, it being the same year in which the flood came. 4'2 So that Noah W'as 84 years old when Enos died, 176 when Cainan died, 234 when Mahalaleel died, 366 when Jared died, >595 LECTURE ON FaITHI §5 when Lamech died, and 600 when Methusa¬ leh died. 43 We can see from this that Enos, Cai- nan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methusaleh, Lamech, and Noah all lived on the earth at the same time. And that Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methusaleh, and Lamech, were all ac¬ quainted with fcoth Adam and Noah. 44 From the foregoing it is easily to be seen, not only how the knowledge of God 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 mem, 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 creation, 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 fShem 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. ix:28,29. . ; 46 Shem was 100 years old when Arphax- ed was born. Gen. xi:10. Arphaxed was 35 when Salah was born. xi:12. Salah was 30 when Eber was born. xi:14. Eber was 34 when Peleg was born: in whose days th« LECTURE ON FAITH. 56 earth was divided, xi: 16. Peleg was 30 when Reu was born. xi:18. Reu was 32 when Se- rug was born. xi:20. Serug was 30 when Nahor was born. xi:22. Nahor was 29 when Terah was born. xi:24. Terah was 70 when Haran and Abraham were born. xi: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 conclu¬ sion is drawn from a variety of scriptures, which are not to our purpose at present to quote. Neither is it a matter of any conse¬ quence 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 im¬ mediately before us, in presenting the present 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. xi:ll. This added to 100 years, which was his age when Arphaxed was born, makes him 600 years old when he died. Arphaxed lived, after he begat Salah, 403 years. xi:13. This added to 35 years, which was his age when Salah was born, makes him 438 years old when he died. Salah lived, after he begat Eber, 403 years. xi:15. This added to 30 years, which was LECTURE ON FAITH. 27 begat Peleg, 430 years. xi:17. This added to 34 years, which was his age when Peleg was born, makes him 464 years old. Peleg lived, after he begat Reu, 209 years. xi:19. This added to 30 years, which was his age when Reu was born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Reu lived, after he begat Serug, 207 years. Gen. xi:21. This added to 32 years, which was his age when Serug was born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Serug lived, after he begat Nahor, 200 years. Gen. xi:23. This added to 30 years, which was his age when Nahor was bora, makes him 230 years old when he died. Na¬ hor lived, after he begat Terah, 119 years. Gen. xi: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 Jthis last account, Peleg died in the 1996th year of the world, Nahor in the 1997th, and Noah in the 2006th. So that Peleg, in whose days the earth was divi¬ ded, and Nahor, the grand-father of Abraham, both died before Noah; the former being 239 years old, and the latter 146. And who can not 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 the 2049th, Terah in the 2083rd, Ar- phaxed in the 2096th, Selah in the 2126th, Shem 2158th, Abraham in the 2183rd, and Eber in the 2187th: which was 4 years after LECTURE ON FAITH. Abraham’s death. And Eber was the fourth from Noah. 51 Nahor, Abraham’s brother, was 58 years old when Noah died, Terah 128, Serug 187, Reu 219, Eber 283, Salah 313, Arphaxed 344, andShem 443. 52 It appears from this account, that Na¬ hor, brother of Abraham, Terah, Nahor,- Se¬ rug, 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 broth¬ er Nahor died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when Arphaxed .died, 118 when Salah died, 150 whenShem died, and that Eber lived 4 years after Abraham’s death. And that Shem, Ar¬ phaxed, Salah, Eber, Reu,. Serug, Terah, and Nahor, the brother of Abuiham, and Abraham, lived at the same time. And that Nahor, brother of Abraham, Terah. Serug. Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxed, andShem, were all acquaint¬ ed 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 determined, beyond the pow¬ er of controversy, that there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God in the world, from the creation of Adam, and the manifestation mode to his immediate descend¬ ants, as set forth in the former part of this lec¬ ture, so that the students, in this class need not have any dubiety resting on their minds, on this subject; for they can easily see, that it isimpossible for it to be otherwise; but that LECTURE ON FAITH. 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 individuals, without their having made it known to their posterity. 54 We 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 created and did uphold all things: that it was by reason of the manifes¬ tation 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 crea¬ tion. 55 Let us here observe, that after any por¬ tion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge, respecting 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 pow¬ er with him to behold him face to face. 56 We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it was, that God became an ob¬ ject of faith for rational beings; and also, up¬ on 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 SO LECTURE ON FAITH. testimony only, that excited this enquiry, in the first instance in their minds—it was the credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers—this testimony having aroused their minds to enquire after the knowledge of God, the enquiry frequently terminated, indeed, al¬ ways terminated, when rightly persued, in the most glorious discoveries, and eternal cer¬ tainty. Question .—Is there a being who has faith iu himself, independently? Answer .—There is. Q. Who is it! A. It is God. Q. How do you prove that God has faith in himself independently? A. Because he is omnipotent, omnipresent, and om- ricient; without beginning of days or end of life, and in him all fulness dwells. Eph. i: 23. Which is his body, the fulnessof him that fillethall in all. Col. i: 19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. [$ ii. T2.J Q. Is he the object in whom the faith of all other ration¬ al and accountable beings centers, for life and salvation! A. He is. Q. How do you prove it? A. Isa. xlv:22. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Rom. xi :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 hint, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen. Isa.40: from the 8th to the 18th. O Zion that bringest good ti¬ dings, [Or, O thou that tellest good tidiDgs to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain: O Jerusalem, that bring¬ est good tidings, [Or, 0 thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem.] lift up thy voice with strength; litt it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 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 be¬ fore him, [Or, recompense for his work.] He shall feed LECTURE ON FAITH. 31 hiB flock like a shepherd: he shall gather his lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured ♦he waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heav¬ en with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who»halh 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 balance: behold he ta- keth up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon 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 van: ty! Jer. li:15,16 He [the Lordl bath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding. When he nttereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. 1st Cor. viii: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. [} ii. V 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 neces¬ sary to go back and examine man at his creation; the cir¬ cumstances in which he was placed, and the knowledge which he had of God. [J ii. IT 3,4,5.6,7,8,9,10,11.] First, when man was created he stood in the presence of God. Gen. i :27,28. From this we learn that man, at his creation, stood in the presence of his God, and had most perfect knowledge of his existence. Secondly, God conversed with him after his transgres¬ sion. Gen. iii: from the 8th to the 22nd. [} ii. V 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 the existence of God. [fii. H" 19. | Thirdly, God conversed with man after he cast him out of the garden. £♦ ii. 11 22,23,24,25.1 Fourthly, God" also conversed with Cain after he had 32 LECTURE ON FAITH. slain Abel. Gen. iv: from the 4th to the 6th. [}ii. V 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 existence of God, and how extensively this knowledge was spread among the immediate discendants of’Adam. [* ii. 1130,31,32,33.] Q. What testimony had the immediate descendants of Adam, in proof of the existence of God? A. The testimony of their father. And after they were made acquainted with his existence, by the testimony of their father, they were dependent upon the exercise of their own faith, fora knowledge of his character, perfec¬ tions and attributes. [J il. T 23,24,25,26.1 Q. H id any other 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 common father: and so, front father to child, the knowledge was comriumicated as extensively, as the knowledge of his existence was known; for it was by this means, in the first instance, that men had a knowledge of his existence. [$ ii. T 35,36.] Q. How do you know that the knowledge of the exis¬ tence of God was communicated in this manner, through¬ out the different ages of the world? A. By the chronology obtained thro’ the revelations of God. Q. How would you divide that chronology in order to convey it to the understanding clearly ? A. Into two parts: First, by embracing that period of the world from Adam to Noah; aud secondly, from Noah to Abraham: from which period the knowledge of the existence of God has been so general, that it is a mat¬ ter of no dispute in what manner the idea of his existence has been retained in the world. Q. How many noted righteous men lived from Adam to Noah ? A. Nine; which includes Abel, who was slain by his brother. Q. What are their names? A. Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methusaleh, and Lamech. Q. How 1 old was Adam when Seth was born? EECTURE ON FAITH. 33 A. One hundred and thirty years. Gen. v:3. . Q. How many years did Adam live after Seth was born? A. Eight hundred. Gen. v 4. Q. How old was Adam when he died? A. Nine hundred and thirty years. Gen. v :5. Q. How old was Seth when Enos was born? A. One hundred and five years. Gen. v:6. Q. How old was Enos when Cainan was born? A. Ninety years. Gen. v:9. Q. How old was Cainan when Mahalaleel was born? A. Seventy years. Gen.v:12. Q,. How old was Mahalaleel when Jared was born? A. Sixty five years. Gen. v:15. Q. How old was Jared when Enoch was born? A. One hundred and sixty two years. Gen.v:18. Q,. How old was Enoch when Methusaleh was born? A. Sixty five. Gen. v:2l. Q. How old was Methusaleh when Lantech was born ’ A. One hundred and eighty seven years. Gen. v :25. Q. How old was Lantech when Noah was born ? A. One hundred and eighty two years. Gen. v :28. For this cronology see } it. If 37. Q. How many years, according to this account, was it from Adam to Noah? A. One thousand and fifty six years. Q. How old was Lantech when Adam died? A. Lamech, the ninth from Adam, (including Abel,) and father of Noah, was fifty six years old when Adam died. Q. How old was Methusaleh? A. Two hundred and forty three years. Q. How old was Enoch? A. Three hundred and 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 wasCainun? 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, para¬ graph 38. Q. How many of these noted men were cotemporary with Adam? A. Nine. 34 LECTURE ON FAITH* Q. What are their names? A. Abel, Seth, Enos, Cpinan, Mahalaleei, Jared, Enoch, Methusaleh, and Lamech. [jii. IT 39.] Q. How long did Seth live after Enos was born?. A. Eight hundred and seven years. Gen. v:7. Q. What was Seth’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and twelve years Gen. v:8. Q How long did Enos live after Cainan was born? A. Eight hundred and'fifteen years. Gen.'vtlO. Q. What was Enos’ age when he died ? A. Nine hundred and five years. Gen. v:li. Q. How long did Cainan live after Mahalaleei was born? A. Eight hundred and forty years. Gen.v:13. Q. What was Cainan’s age when he died* A. Nine hundred and ten years. Gen. v:14. Q. How long did Mahalaleei live after Jared was born? A. Eight hundred and thirty years. Gen. v:l6. . Q. What was Mahalaleel’s age when he died? A. Eight hundred and ninety five years. Gen. v:17. Q. How long did Jared live after Enoch was born? A. Eight hundred years. Gen. v:l9. 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 Methu¬ saleh was born? A. Three hundred years. Gen. v:22. Q. What was Enoch’s age when he was translated? A. Three hundred and sixty five years. Gen. v :23. Q. How long did Methusaleh live after Lamech was born? 4. Seven hundred and eighty two years. Gen.v:26. Q. What was Methusaleh’s age when he died? A. Nine hundred and sixty nine years. Gen. v:27. Q. How long did Lamech live after Noah was born? A. Five hundred and ninety five«years. Gen. v :30. Q. What wasLamech’s age when he died? A. Seven hundred and seventy seven years. Gen. v:3l. For the account of the last item see [4 it. T 40.1 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? LECTURE ON FAITH 35 A In the eleven hundred and fortieth* Ci 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 wh3t 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 [i it. IT 41.1 Q. How old was Noah when linos died? A. Eighty four years. Q. How old when Cainan died? A. One hundred and seventy nine years. Q. How 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 i ii. IT 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, and Lamech. [{ii. f 43.] Q. How many of those men were cotemporary with Adam and Noah both? A. Six. Q. What are their names? A. Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methusaleh, and Lamech. [i ii. IT 43.J Q. According to the foregoing account, how was the knowledge of the existence of God first suggested to the minds of men? A. By the manifestation made to our father Adam, when he was in the presence of God, both before and while he was in Eden. [} ii. f 44.] Q. How was the knowledge of the existence of God disseminated among the inhabitants of the world? A. By traditionfrom father to son. [f ii. T 44.] Q. How old was Noah when Shem was born ? A. Five hundred and two'years. Gen. v:32. xi:10. LECTURE ON FAITH 56 Q. What was the term of years from the birth of Sheta to the flood ? -■ ' A. Ninety eight. Q. What was the term of years that Noahlived after the flood? A. Three hundred and fifty, lien. ix:28. Q. What was Noah’s age when he died? A Nine hundred and fifty years. Gen. ix :29. [} it. V45.] Q. What was'Shem’s age when Arphaxed was born? A. One hundred years. Gen. xi:10. Q. What was Arphaxed’s age whenSalah was born? A. Thirty five years. Gen. xi:l2. Q. What was Salah’s age when Eber was born ? A. Thirty. Gen. xi:l4. Q. What was Eber’s age when Peleg was bom? A. Thirty four years. Gen. xi:IC. Q. What was Peleg’s age whenReu was born? A. Thirty years. Gen. xi: 18. t*. What was Reu’s age when Serug was born? A. Thirty two years. Gen. xi:20. Q. What was Serug’sage when Nahor was born A. Thirty years. Gen. xi:22. t... What was Nuhor’s age when Terah was born? A. Twenty nine. Gen xi: 24. ^ . What was Terah’s age, when Nahor the father of Altraham was bom' 1 A. Seventy years. Gen. xi: 26. Q. What was Terah’s age when Abraham was bom? A. Some suppose one hundred and thirty years, and others seventy. Gen. xii:4. xi:26. [? u. 1146.1 Q. What was the ftumber of years from the flood to the birth of Abraham? A. Supposing Abraham to have been bom when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old, it was three hun- red and fifty two years: but if he was born when Terah was seventy years old, it was two hundred and ninety two years. T} n IT 47.] Q. How long did Shem live after Arphaxed was born? A. Five hundred years. Gen. xi: 11. Q. What was Shem’s age when he died? A. Six hundred years. Genxi:ll. Q,. What number of years did Arphaxed live after Salah was born? A. Four hundred and three years. Gen. xxi: 13. Q. What Was Arphaxed’s age when he died? A. Four hundred and thirty eight years. LECTURE ON FAITH. 37 Q. Whatnumber of years did Salah IiveafterEber was born? A. Four hundred and three years. Q. What was Salah’s age when he died? A. Four hundred and thirty three yearn. Q. What number of years did Eber live after Peleg was born? A. Four hundred and thirty years. Gen. xi: 17. Q. What was Eber’s age when he died? A. Four hundred and sixty four years. Q. What number of years did Peleg live after Reu was born? A. Two hundred and nine years. Gen. xi: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 was born? A. Two hundred and seven years. Gen. xi:2I. 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 Nahor was born? A. Two hundred years. Gen. xi: 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. xi: 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 Abra¬ ham was born? A, Supposing Terah to have been one hundred and thirty years old when Abraham was born, he lived sev¬ enty five years; but if Abraham was born when Terah was seventy years old, he lived one hundred and thir¬ ty five, Q, What was Terah’s age when he died ? A, Two hundred and five years, Gen, xi: 32 For this account from the birth of Arphaxed, to the ■ death of Terah, see [5 n T 48,1 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? 38 LECTURE ON FAITH 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, ti. In what yearof the world did Terah die? A. In the two thousand and eighty third. Q. In what year of the world did Arphaxed die? A. In the two thousand and ninety 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. In what year of the world did Eber die? A. In the twenty one hundred and eighty seventh. For this account of the year of the world in which those men died, see [} ii. IT 49,50.] Q. How old was Nahor, Abraham’s brother, when No¬ ah died? A. Fifty eight years. Q. How old was Terah? A. One hundred and twenty eight. Q. IIow 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 ii. If 51.] Q. How old was Abraham when Rue died? A. Eighteen years, if he was born when Terah was one hundred ana thirty years old. Q. What was his age when Serug, and Nahor, Abra¬ ham’s brother, died? A. Forty one years. Q. What was his age when Terah died? A. Seventy five years. Cl. What was his age when Arphaxed died? A. Eighty eight. LECTURE ON FAITH. 39 Q. What was his age when Salah died? A. One hundred and eighteen years. Q. What was his age when Shem died? A. One hundred and fifty years. For this, see [{ii. “S 52.] Q.. How many noted characters lived from Noah to Abraham? A. Ten. Q. What are their names? A. Shem, Arphaxed, Salah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Nahor, Abraham’s brother. H ii. H 52.] Q. How many of these were cotemporary with Noah? A. The whole. Q. How many with Abraham? A. Eight. Q,. What are their names? A. Nahor, Abraham’s brother, Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxed, and Shem. [} ii. If 25.] ' Q. How many were cotemporary with both Noah and Abraham? A. Eight. Q. What are their names? A. Shem, Arphaxed, Salah, Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor, Abraham’s brother. [} ii. T 52.] Q. Did any of these men die before Noah? A. They did. Q. Who were they ? A. Peleg, in whose days the earth was divided, and Nahor, Abraham’s grand-father. If 49 ] Q. Did any one of them live longer than Abraham? A. There was one. [} ii. H 50.] Q. Who was he? A. Eber, the fourth from Noah. ii. T 50.] Q,. In whose days was the earth divided? A. In the days of Peleg. , Q. Where have we the account given that the earth was divided in the days of Peleg? A. Gen. x: 25. Q. Can you repeat the sentence? A. Unto Eber were born two sons; the name of one was Peleg; for in his days the earth was divided. Q. What testimony have men, in the first instance, that there is a God * A. Human testimony, and human testimony only [} ii V 26. Q. What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? 40 LECTURE ON FAITH. A. The credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers. ("$ ii. f 56.] Q. How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes? A. By devoting themselves to his service, through pray¬ er 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. [J ii. 155. Q. Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, un¬ til a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves f A. It is. Q. How do you prove it? A. From the whole of the first lecture of the second section. LECTURE THIRD. OF FAITH. SECTION III. I In the second lecture it was shown, how it was that the knowledge of the existence of God, came into the world, and by what means the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men, that such a being did actually exist: and that it was by reason of the knowledge of his existence, that there was a foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him, as the on¬ ly being in whom faith could centre for life and salvation. For faith could not centre 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. x:14: “How 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 without a preacher?” (or one sent to tell them?) LECTURE ON FAITH. 41 So then faith comes by hearing the word of God. [New Translation.] 2 Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, 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, perfections and attributes. 5 Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing, is accord¬ ing to his will. For without an acquaintance with these, three important facts the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding, 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 exist¬ ence, we shall proceed to examine his charac¬ ter, 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 instance,for the ideaof hisexistence, so in like manner we are indebted to the rev¬ elations which he has given to us, for a cor- 42 LECTURE ON FAITH. rect understanding of his character, perfec¬ tions and attributes; because without the rev¬ elations which he has given to us, no man by- searching could find out God. Job xi:7,8,9. First Cor. ii:9,10,ll: “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 much, we proceed to ex¬ amine the character which the revelations have given of God. 9 Moses gives us the following account in Exodus, xxxiv:6: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Psalm ciii:6,7,8: “The Lord executes right¬ eousness and judgment for all that are op¬ pressed. He made known his ways unto Mo¬ ses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy:” Psalm ciii:l7,18: “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlast¬ ing to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children, to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.” Psalm xc:2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed LECTURE ON FAITH. 43 the earth and the world, even from everlast¬ ing to everlasting, you are God.” Heb. i:10, 11,12: “And you, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heav¬ ens are the works of your 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 i:17. “Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights; with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Malachi iii:6. “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not con¬ sumed.” 10 Book of Commandments, chapt. 2nd, commencing in the third line of the first para¬ graph: “For God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he turn to the right hand or the left, or vary frorp that w 7 hich he has said, therefore his paths are strait, and his course is one eternal round:” Book of Com¬ mandments, chapt. xxxvii:l. “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 yester¬ day to-day and forever.” 11 Numbers, xxiii: 19. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should, repent.” First John, iv:8. “He that loves not, knows not God; for God is love.” Acts, x:34. Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every na- 44 LECTURE ON FAITH. tion he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted with him.” 12 From the foregoing testimonies, we learn the following things respecting the char¬ acter 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 gra¬ cious, 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 lie. 17 Fifthly, That he is no respecter of per¬ sons; but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him. 18 Sixthly, That he is love. 19 An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character, is essentially necessa¬ ry, in order that the faith of any rational be¬ ing can centre in him for life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first instance, believe him to be God, that is, the creator and uphold er of all things, he could not centre 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 LECTURE ON FAITH. 45 • promises; but seeing he is God over all, from everlasting to everlasting, the creator and up¬ holder 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 with¬ out wavering. 20 But secondly: Unless he was merciful, and gracious, slow to anger, long suffering, and full of goodness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great the frailties and imperfections of men, that unless they believ¬ ed that, these excellencies existed in the divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could not exist; for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and liability to sin, would be in constant doubt of salvation, if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of the character of God, that he is slow to anger, and long suf¬ fering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong. 21 But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is a God who changes not, in order to have faith in him, as it is to have the idea that he is gracious and long suffering. For without the idea of un¬ changeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place of faith. But with the idea that he changes not, faith lays hold upon the excellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, believing he is the same yesterday, to-day and forever, and that his course is one eternal round. LECTURE ON FAITH. ’ 46 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. For without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise of faith in him, could not exist. But having the idea that he is not man that he can lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in him. 23 But it is also necessary that men should have an idea that he' is no respecter of per¬ sons; for with the idea of all the other excel¬ lencies in his character, and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him, because if he were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether they were authorized to do it at all, but all must be confusion; but no soon¬ er \ire the minds of men made acquainted with the truth on this point, that he is no re¬ specter of persons, than they see that they have authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life the richest boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, and that every man in every nation has an equal privilege. 24 And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love; for with all the other excellencies in his character, without this one to imfluence them, they could not have such powerful dominion over the minds of men; but when the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who can not see the just ground that men of every na LECTURE ON FAITH. 47 tion, kindred and tongue, have to exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life? 25 From the above description of the char¬ acter of the Deity which is given him in the revelations, to men, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him among every people, nation and kindred, from age to age, and from generation to generation. 26 Let us here observe that the foregoing is the character which is given of God in his revelations to the Former Day Saints, and it is also the character which is given of him in his revelations to the Latter Day Saints, so that the saints of former days, and those of latter days, are both alike in this respect; the “Latter Day Saints” having as good grounds to exercise faith in God, as the for¬ mer day saints had; because the same charac¬ ter is given of him to both. Q. What was shown in the second lecture? A. It was shown how the knowledge of the existence of God came into the world—iii. VI.] Q. What is the effect of the idea of his existence among A. It lays the foundation for the exercise of faith in him. [I iii. V 1.1 Q. Is the idea of his existence, in the first instance, necessary in order for the exercise of faith in him? a. it is. r» iii. v 1.3 Q. How do you prove it? A. By the sixteenth chapter of Romans and fourteenth verse. [} iii. V 1.] Q. How many things are necessary for us to understand, respecting the Deity and our relation to him, in order that we may exercise faith in him for life and salvation? A. Three. [} iii. V 2.] Q. What are they? ■4* First, that God does actually exist: Secondly, oofc LECTURE ON FAITH. rect idensof his character, his perfections and attributes; and Thirdly, that the course which we pursue is according to his mind and will. [} iii. IT 3,4,5.] Q. Would the idea of any one or two of the above men¬ tioned things, enable a person to exercise faith in God? A. It would not, for without the idea of them all, faith would be imperfect and unproductive. [} iii. IT 5.] Q. Would an idea of these three things lay asure found¬ ation for the exercise of faith in God, so as to obtain life and salvation? A. It would; for by the idea of these three things, faith could become perfect, and fruitful, abounding in right¬ eousness unto the praise and glory of God. [J iii. IT 5.] Q. How are we to be made acquainted with the before mentioned things respecting the Deity, and respecting ourselves? A. By revelation. [§ iii. IT 6.] Q. Could these things be found out by any other means than by revelation?. A. They could not. Q. How do you prove it? A. By the scriptures: Jobxi:7,8,9. I Corinthians 1:9, 10.11. [6 iii. 117. Q. W hat things do we learn in the revelations of God respecting his character? A. We learn the sftc following things. First that ho was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it was created. Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in good¬ ness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be so to everlasting. Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there variableness with him, and that his course is one eternal round. Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and cannot lie. Fifthly, that he is no respecter of persons; and Sixthly, that he is love. iii. H 12,13,14,15,16,17,18.] Q. Where do you find the revelations which give us this idea of the character of the Deity? A. In the bible and book of commandments, and they are quoted in the third lecture. [§ iii. f 9,10,11.] Q. What effect would it have on any rational being not to have an idea that the Lord was God, the creator and up¬ holder of all things? A. It would prevent him from exercising faith in him unto life and salvation. ^ Q.^ Why would it prevent him from exercising faith in A. Because he would be as the heathen not knowing LECTURE ON FArTH. 49 but there might be a being greater and more power¬ ful than he, and thereby he be prevented from fulfilling his promises. [$ iii. IT 19 ] Q,. Does this idea prevent this doubt? A. It does; for persons having this idea are’enabled thereby to exercise faith without this doubt. [§ iii. 19.] Q. Is it not also necessary to have the idea that God is merciful and gracious, long suffering and full of goodness? A. It is. [$ iii. IT 20.] Q. Why is it necessary ? A. Because of the weakness and imperfections of hu¬ man nature, and the great frailties of man; for such is the weakness of man; and such his frailties, that he is li¬ able to sin continually, and if God were not long suffering, and full of compassion, gracious and merciful and of a for¬ giving disposition, man would be cut off from before him in consequence of which, he would be in continual .doubt and could not exercise faith: for where doubt is, there faith has no power, but by man’s believing that God is full of compassion and forgiveness, long suffering and slow to anger, he can exercise faith in him and overcome doubt, so as to be exceedingly strong. iii. IT -20.] Q. Is it not equally as necessary that man should have an idea that God changes not, neither is there variable¬ ness with him, in order to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation? A. It is; because without this, he would not know how soon the mercy of God might change into cruelty, his long suffering into rashness, his love into hatred, and in consequence of which doubt, man would be incapable of exercising faith in him, but having the idea that he is unchangeable, man can have faith in him continually, believing that what he was yesterday he is to da}', and will be forever. iii. 21.] Q. Is it not necessary also, for men to have an idea that God is a being of truth, before they can have perfect faith in him? A. It is; for unless men have this idea they cannot place confidence in his word, and not being able to place confidence in his word, they could not have faith in him; but believing that he is a God of truth, and that his word cannot fail, their faith can rest in him without doubt. [6 iii. IT 22.] Q. Could man exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life unless he believe that God was no respecter of persons? 5 50 LECTURE ON FA1TII. A. He could not; because without this idea he could not certainly know that it was his privilege so to do, and in consequence of this doubt his faith could not be suffi¬ ciently strong to save him. [6 iii. f 23.] Q. Would it be possible for a man to exercise faith in God, so as to be saved, unless he had an idea that God was love? A. He could not; because man could not love God, unless he had an idea that God was love, and if he did not love God, he could not have faith in him. [$ iii. If 24.] Q. What is the description which the sacred writers give of the character of the Deity calculated to do? A. It is calculated to lay a foundation for the exercise of faith in him, as far as the knowledge extends among all people, tongues, languages, kindreds and nations and that from age to age, and from generation to generation. «iii. If 25.] Q. Is the character which God lias given of himself, uniform? A. It is, in all his revelations, whether to the Former Day Saints, or to the Latter Day Saints, so that they all have the authority to exercise faith in him, and to expect by the exercise of their faith, to enjoy the same blessings. [5 iii. U26.] LECTURE FOURTH. OP FAITH. SECTION IY. 1 Having shgwn in the third lecture, that correct ideas of the character of God are nec¬ essary in order to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation, and that without cor¬ rect ideas of his character, the minds of men could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoy¬ ment of eternal life, and that correct ideas of his character lay a foundation as far as his character is concerned, for the exercise of LECTURE ON FAITH. 51 faith, so as to enjoy the fulness of the bless¬ ing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even that of eternal glory; we shall now proceed to show the connection there is between correct ideas of the attributes of God, and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life. 2 Let us here observe, that the real design which the God of heaven had in view in ma¬ king the human family acquainted with his at¬ tributes, was, that they through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be en¬ abled to exercise faith in him, and through the exercise of faith in him, might obtain eter¬ nal life. For without the idea of the exist¬ ence of the attributes which belong to God, the minds of men could not have power to ex¬ ercise faith on him so as to lay hold upon eter¬ nal life. The God of heaven understanding most perfectly the constitution of human na¬ ture, and the weakness of man, knew what was necessary to be revealed, and what ideas must be planted in their minds in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in him unto eternal life. 3 Having said so much we shall proceed to examine the attributes of God, as set forth in his revelations to the human family, and to show how necessray correct ideas of his at¬ tributes are, to enable men to exercise faith in him. For without these ideas being plant¬ ed in the minds of men, it would be out of the pow T er of any person or persons to exer¬ cise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine communications made to man in the first instance, were designed to 52 LECTURE ON FAITH. establish in their minds the ideas necessary to enable them to exercise faith in God, and through this means to be partakers of his glory. 4 We have, in the revelations which he has given to the human family, the following account of his attributes. 5 First, Knowledge. Actsxv:18. Known unto God are all his works from the be¬ ginning of the world. Isaiah xlvi:9,10. Re¬ member the former things of old; for I am God and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning , and from ancient time the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. 6 Secondly, Faith, or power. Heb. xi:3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. Gen. i:l. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Isaiah xiv:24,27. The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? 7 Thirdly, Justice. Ps. lxxxix:14. Jus¬ tice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne. Isaiah xlv:21. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take council togeth¬ er: who has declared this from the ancient time? Have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior. Zeph. v:5. The just Lord is in the midst LECTURE ON FAITH. 53 thereof. Zech. ix:9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jeru¬ salem: behold, thy King comes unto thee: he is just, and having salvation. 8 Fourthly, Judgment. Ps. lxxxix:14. Jus¬ tice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne. Deut. xxxii:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth, and without iniquity: just and right is he. Ps. ix:7. But the Lord shall endure forever: he has prepared his throne for judgment. Ps. ix:16. The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes. 9 Fifthly, Mercy. Ps. lxxxix:15. Mercy and truth shall go before his face. Exodus xxxiv:6. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious. Neh. ix:17. But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. 10 And Sixthly, Truth. Ps. lxxxix:14. Mercy' and truth shall go before thy face. Exodus xxxiv:6. Long suffering and abun¬ dant in goodness and truth. Deut. xxxii:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment. A God of truth and without iniquity: just and right is he. Ps. xxxi:5. Into thy hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. 11 By a little reflection it will be seen, that the idea of the existence of these attrk butes in the Deity, is necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith in him. For without the idea of the existence of these at¬ tributes in the Deitv, men could not exercise 5* 54 LECTURE ON FAITH. faith in him for life and salvation ;< seeing that without the knowledge of all tilings, God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures; for it is by reason of the knowl¬ edge which he has of all things, from the be¬ ginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures, by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men, that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him. 12 And it is not less necessary that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute power in the Deity. For, unless God had power over all things, and was able, by his power, to control all things, and there¬ by deliver his creatures who put their trust in him, from the power of all beings that might seek their destruction, whether in heaven, on earth, or in hell, men could not be saved; but with the idea of the existence of this attribute, planted in the mind, men feel as though they had nothing to fear, who put their trust in God, believing that he has power to save all who come to him, to the very uttermost. 13 It is also necessary, in order to the ex¬ ercise of faith in God, unto life and salvation, that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute justice, in him. For without the idea of the existence of the attribute jus¬ tice, in the Deity, men could not have confi¬ dence sufficiently to place themselves under his guidance and direction; for they would be filled with fear and doubt, lest the Judge of LECTURE ON FAITH. 55 all the earth would not do right; and thus fear, or doubt, existing in the. mind, would preclude the possibility of the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. But, when the idea of the existence of the attribute justice, in the Deity, is fairly planted in the mind, it leaves no room for doubt to get into the heart, and the mind is enabled to cast itself upon the Al¬ mighty without fear and without doubt, and with most unshaken confidence, believing that the Judge of all the earth will do right. 14 It is also of equal importance that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute judgment, in God, in order that they may exercise faith in him for life and salva¬ tion; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, it would be impos¬ sible for men to exercise faith in him for life and salvation, seeing that it is through the ex¬ ercise of this attribute that the faithful in Christ Jesus are delivered out of the hands of those who seek their destruction; for if God were noLlo come out in swift judgment against the workers of iniquity and the powers of darkness, his saints could not be saved; for it is by judgment that the Lord delivers his saints out of the hands of all their enemies; and those who reject the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But no sooner is the idea of the existence of this attribute, planted in the minds of men, than it gives power to the mind for the exer¬ cise of faith and confidence in God, and they are enabled, by faith, to lay hold on the prom¬ ises which are set before them, and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to 56 LECTURE ON FAITH. which they are subjected by reason of the per¬ secution from those who know not God, ami obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: believing, that in due time the Lord will come out in swift judgment against their enemies, and they shall be cut off from before him, and that in his own due time he will bear them otl conquerors and more than conquerors in all things. 15 And again, it is equally important that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute mercy, in -the Deity, in order to exercise faith in him for life and salvation. For, without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, afflictions and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness’ sake, but when the idea of the existence of this attribute is once established in the mind it gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints: believing that the mercy of God will be poured out up¬ on them in the midst of their afflictions, and that he will compassionate them in their suf¬ ferings; and that the mercy of God will lay hold of them and secure them in the arms of his love, so that they will receive a full reward for all their sufferings. 16 And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea of the ex¬ istence of the attribute truth, in him. For, without the idea of the existence of this attri¬ bute, the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty: all would be confusion and doubt; but with the idea of LECTURE ON FAITH. 57 the existence of this attribute in the Deity, in the mind, all the teachings, instructions, prom¬ ises and blessings, become realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with cer¬ tainty and confidence: believing that these things, and all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time; and that all the cur¬ sings, denunciations and judgments, pronoun¬ ced upon the heads of the unrighteous will al¬ so be executed in the due time of the Lord: and by reason of the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its deliverance and sal¬ vation as being certain. 17 Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the before mentioned attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen, that as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and sal¬ vation. For in as much as God possesses the attribute knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints necessary for their salva¬ tion: and as he possesses the attribute power, he is able thereby to deliver them from the power of all enemies; and seeing also, that justice is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with them upon the principles of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be granted unto them for all their afflictions and suffer¬ ings for the truth’s sake. And as judgment is an attribute of the Deity also, his saints can have the most unshaken confidence, that they will, in due time, obtain a perfect deliverance out of the hands of all their enemies, and a complete victory over all those who have 53 LECTURE ON FAITH. sought their hurt and destruction. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity, his saints can have confidence that it will be exer¬ cised toward them; and through the exercise of that attribute toward them, comfort and consolation will be administered unto them abundantly, amid all their afflictions and trib¬ ulations. And lastly, realizing that truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to re¬ joice amid all its trials and temptations, in hope of that glory which is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and in view of that crown which is to be placed upon the heads of the saints in the day when the Lord shall distribute rewards unto them, and in prospect of that eternal weight of glory which the Lord has promised to bestow upon them, when he shall bring them into the midst of his throne to dwell in his presence eternally. 18 In view, then, of the existenoe of these attributes, the faith of the saints can become exceedingly strong: abounding in righteous¬ ness unto the praise and glory of God, and can exert its mighty influence in searching af¬ ter wisdom and understanding, until it has ob¬ tained a knowledge of all things that pertain to life and salvation. 19 Such, then, is the foundation, which is laid, through the revelation of the attributes of God, for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation; and seeing that these are attributes of the Deity, they are unchangea¬ ble—being the same yesterday to-day and forever—which gives to the minds of the Lat¬ ter Day Saints the same power and authority LECTURE ON FAITH. 59 to exercise faith in God, which the Former Day Saints had: so that all the saints, in this respect have been, are and will be alike, until the end of time; for God never changes, there¬ fore his attributes and character remain forev¬ er the same. And as it is through the revela¬ tion of these that a foundation is laid for the exercise of faith in God unto life and salvation, the foundation, therefore, for the exercise of faith, was, is and ever will be the same. So that all men have had, and will have an equal privilege. Q. What was shown in the third lecture? A. It was Fhown that correct ideas of the character of God are necessary in order to exercise faith in him unto life and sal ration; and that without correct ideas of his character, men could not have power to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation, but that correct ideas of his character, as far as his character was concerned in the exercise of faith in him, lav a sure foundation for the ex¬ ercise of it. [} iv. V 1. Q. What object had the God of heaven in revealing his attributes to men? A. That through an acquaintance with his attributes they might be enabled to exercise faith in him sq as to obtain eternal life. [§iv. 12. Q. Could men exercise faith in God without an acquaint¬ ance with his attributes, so as to be enabled to lay hold of eternal life? A. They could not. [$ iv. 2,3. Q. What account is given of the' attributes of God in his revelations? A. First, Knowledge; secondly. Faith, or Power; third¬ ly, Justice; Fourthly, Judgment; fifthly, Mercy; and sixth¬ ly Truth. [} iv. T 4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10. Q. Where are the revelations to be found which give this relation of the attributes of God? A. In the Old and New Testaments, and they are quo¬ ted in the fourth leetpre, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth paragraphs * 60 LECTURE ON FAITH. Q,. Is the idea of the existence of those attributes, in the Deity, necessary in order to enable any rational being to exercise 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~salvn lion? A. It does. Q,. How do you prove it? A. By the seventeenth and eighteenth paragraphs* Q. Have the Latter Day Saints as much authority giv¬ en them, through the revelation of the attributes ot God, to exercise 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.* JVote.* Let the student turn and commit thoso para¬ graphs to memory. LECTURE FIFTH. OF FAITH. SECTION V. 1 In our former lectures we treated of the 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 are 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 LECTURE ON FAITH. 61 made, whether visible or invisible: whether in heaven, on earth, or in the earth, under the earth, or throughout the immensity of space— They are the Father and the Son: The Father being a personage of spirit, glory and power: possessing all 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 like¬ ness of man, or, rather, man was formed after his likeness, and in his image;—he is also the express image and likeness of the personage of the Father: possessing all the fulness of the Father, or, the same fulness with the Fa¬ ther; being begotten of him, and was ordain¬ ed from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his name, and is called the Son because of the flesh—and descended in suffering 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: Showing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain also without sin. And also, that by him a right¬ eous judgment 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 62 LECTURE ON FAITH. mind with the Father, which mind is the Ho¬ ly Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great, match¬ less, governing and supreme power over all things: by whom all tilings were created and made, that were created and made: and these three constitute the Godhead, and are one: The Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power and ful¬ ness: Filling all in all—the Son being filled with the fulness of the Mind, glory and pow¬ er, or, in other words,.the Spirit, glory and power of the Father—possessing all knowl¬ edge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power; in the express im¬ age and likeness of the Father—a Mediator for man—being filled with the fulness 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 commandments 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 transformed into the same image or likeness, even the ex¬ press im,age 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 Ho¬ ly Spirit are one. 3 From the foregoing account of the God¬ head, which is given in his revelations, the Saints have a sure foundation laid for the ex¬ ercise of faith unto life and salvation, through LECTURE ON FAITH. 63 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 ful¬ ness of the Father and the Son, through the Spirit; as the Son partakes of the fulness of the Father through the Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be partakers of the same fulness, to enjoy the same glory; for as the Father and Son are one, so in like manner the saints are to be one in them, thro* the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Christj and the gift of the Holy Spirit; they are to be heirsof God andjoint heirs with Jesus Christ. , Q. Of what do the foregoing lectures treat? A. Of the being, perfections and attributes of the Dei ty. [}v. T 1. Q. What are we to understand by the perfections of the s Deity? A. The perfections which belong to his attributes. Q. How many personages are there in the Godhead? A. Two: the Father and Son. [§ v. If 1. Q. How do you prove that there are two personages in the Godhead 1 * A. By the scriptures. Gen. i: 26. Also § ii. T 6. 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. iii: 22. And the Lord God said unto the Only Begotten, Behold, the man is become as one of us: to know good and evil. John, xvii: 5. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee be* fore the world was. [& v. IT 2. Q. What is the Father? A. He is a personage of glory and of power. [§ v. T 2. Q. How do you prove that the Father is a personage of glory and of power? A. Isaiah lx: 19. The sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light 64 LECTURE ON FAITH. unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. iChron. xxix: 11. Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory. Ps. xxix: 3. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thunders. Ps. lxxix:9. Help us, O God of our sal¬ vation, for the glory of thy name. Romans i:23. And change the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible men. Secondly, of Power, i Chron. xxix: 9. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power, and the glory. Jer. xxxii: 17. Ah! Lord God, behold thou hast made the earth and the heavens by thy great power, and streatched-out arm; and there is nothing too hard for thee. Deut. iv: 37. And because he loved thy fathers therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought them out in his sight with his mighty power, ii. Samuel xxii: 33. God is my strength and power. Job xxvi, commencing with the 7th verse, to the end of the chapter. He stretches out the north over the empty place, and hangs the earth upon nothing. He binds up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holds back the face of his throne, and spreads his cloud upon it. He has compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble, and are aston¬ ished at his reproof. He divides the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smites through the proud. By his Spirit he has garnished the heavens; his hand has formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his power who can nnderstand? Q. What is the Son? A. First, he is a a personage of tabernacle. [§ v. IT 2. Q. How do you prove it? A. John xiv: 9,10,11, Jesus says unto him, Have I been so long '.time with yon, and yet have you not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath 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. Be¬ lieve 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 likeness of man. [{ v. IT Philip, ii. 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 66 lecture on faith. reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and being found in fash¬ ion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Heb. ii: 14,10. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise tookpartof 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. [} v. 1J 2. Heb. i. 1,2,3. God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past to the fathers, by the proph¬ ets, has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glo¬ ry, and the express image of his person. Again, Philip, it. 5,6. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the form of God, thought it not rob¬ bery 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. i: 15,16,17. Who is the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature; foi by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whethci they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers; all things were created by him and for him; and he is be¬ fore all things, and by him all things consist. Gen. i: 1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Heb. i.2. (God) Has in these last days spoken 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 1 A. He does. Col. i: 19. ii: 9. For it pleased the Fath¬ er that in him should all fulness dwell. For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Eph. i: 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 i: 33. That holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. Math, iii: 16,17. And Jesus, when he was bapti¬ zed, 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 be¬ loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. LECTURE ON FAITH. Q. Was he ordained of the Father, from before the foundation of the world, to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his name? A. He was. 1 Peter, i: 18, 19,20. For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, os 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 fdr you. Rev. xiii: 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. ii:7. But w'e 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 v: 30. I (Christ) can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just; because 1 seek not my own will, but the will of the Fath¬ er who sent me. John vi:38. For I (Christ) came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me. John x: 30. I (Christ) and my Father are one. Q. What is this mind ? A. The Holy Spirit. John xv: 26. But when the Com¬ forter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Fath¬ er, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Fa¬ ther, he shall testify of me, [Christ.] Gal. iv: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 IT 2.] 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 xvii: 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 I 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 fife and salvation? LECTURE ON FAITH. 67 A. It docs. How do you prove it? A. By the third paragraph of this lecture. Let the student commit this also. LECTURE SIXTH. OP FAITH. SECTION yi. 1 Having treated, in the preceding lectures, of the ideas of the character, perfections and attributes of God, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which persons must have, that the course of life which they pursue is accor¬ ding to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation. 2 This knowledge supplies an important place in revealed religion; for it was by rea¬ son of it that the ancients were enabled to en¬ dure as seeing him who is invisible. An ac¬ tual knowledge to any person that the course of life which 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 enabled the ancient saints to en¬ dure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing, (not believing merely,) that they had a more enduring substance. Heb. x:34. 3 Having the assurance that they were pur¬ suing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not 68 LECTURE ON FAITH. only the spoiling of their goods, and the was¬ ting of their substance, joyfully, but also to sutler death in its most horrid forms' knowing, (not merely believing,) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God; a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Second Cor. v:l. 4 Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God, that unless that they have’* an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint; for such has been and al¬ ways will be 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 utter¬ most, all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and direc¬ ted by his will, and drive them to such ex¬ tremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heav¬ en, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exer¬ cise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God. 5 For a man to lay down his all, his char¬ acter and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his LECTURE ON FAITH. 69 lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowdedge 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 sufferings are end¬ ed 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 he w ould 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, nev¬ er 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 salvation 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 enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are do¬ ing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing 70 LECTURE ON FAITH. 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 and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. 8 It is in vain for persons to fancy to them¬ selves 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 eter nal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same’sacrifice, and through that offer¬ ing 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 right¬ eous Abel to the present 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. 1:3,4,5. 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 peo¬ ple. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant unto me by sacrifice. LECTURE ON FAITH. 71 10 Those, then, who make the sacrifice will have the testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of God, and those who nave 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 appearing 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 obtain this faith; there¬ fore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, because the revelations of God do not guar¬ antee unto them the authority so to do; and without this guarantee faith could not exist. 11 All the saints of whom we have account in all the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his sight, thrqugh 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 en¬ abled, through faith, to combat the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of the ad¬ versary, overcome the world, and obtain the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. 12 But those who have not made this sac¬ rifice 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 opin¬ ion, it is a matter of doubt and uncertainty in their mind; and where doubt and uncertainty i?, there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt 72 LECTURE ON FAITH. 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 un¬ shaken confidence, and where unshaken con¬ fidence 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 en¬ counter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary 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 instructed to commit the whole to memory. LECTURE SEVENTH. OP FAITH. SECTION VII. 1 In the preceding lectures, we treated of what faith was, and of the object on which it rested: agreeably to 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 intelligent beings, both in heaven and on earth, it will not be expected that we will, in a lecture of this description attempt to unfold all its effects; neither is it necessary to our purpose so to do; for it would embrace all LECTURE ON FAITH. 73 things in heaven and on earth, and encompass all the creations of God, with all their endless varieties: for no world has yet been framed that was not framed by faith; neither has there been an intelligent being on any of God’s cre¬ ations 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 ef¬ fected 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 Al¬ mighty; for it is by faith that the Deity works. 3 Let us here offer some explanation in re¬ lation to faith that our meaning may be clear¬ ly comprehended: We ask, then, what are we to understand by a man’s working by faith? We answer: We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words in¬ stead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith—God said, Let there be light and there was light—Joshua spake and the great lights which God had created stood still—Elijah commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, s< > that it did not rain: He again commanded, and the heavens gave forth rain,—all this was done by faith; and the Sayior says, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain, remove, 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 7 74 LECTURE ON FAITH. 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 eternity has acted and will act; for every reflecting mind must know, that it is by reason of this power that all the hosts of heaven per¬ form their works of wonder, majesty and glo¬ ry: Angels move from place to place by vir¬ tue 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, neither 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 the 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 idle planets move round their orbits and spar¬ kle forth their glory: So, then, faith is truly the first principle in the science of theologt, and when understood, leads the mind back to the beginning 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 heavenly hosts perform their works, and by which they enjoy all their felicity, we might to find it set forth in a revelation from God as the principle upon which his creatures, here below, must act, in order to obtain the LECTURE ON FAITH. lb felicities enjoyed by the saints in the eternal world, and that when God would undertake to raise up men for the enjoyment of himself, he would teach them the necessity of living by faith, and the impossibility there was of their enjoying the blessedness of eternity without it, seeing that all the blessings of eternity are the effects of faith. 7 Therefore, it is said, and appropriately too, that without faith it is impossible to please God. If it should be asked, Why is it impos¬ sible to please God without faith? the answer would be, because, without faith it is impossi¬ ble for men to be saved; and as God desires the salvation of man he must of course desire that they should have faith, and 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 exhor¬ tations which have been given by inspired men to those who had received the word of the Lord, to have faith in him, were not mere common-place matters, but were for the Lest 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 be¬ gin to live by faith they begin to draw near to God; and when faith is perfected they are like him; and because he is saved they are saved also; for they will be in the same situation he 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. (We mean salva- 76 LECTURE ON FAITH. tion in its most extensive latitude of interpre¬ tation, whether it is temporal or spiritual.) In order to have this subject clearly set before the mind, let us ask what situation must a per¬ son 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 spir¬ its to them who shall be heirs of salvation. 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 difference between a saved person and one not saved, is the difference in the degree of their faith: one’s faith has become per¬ fect 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 assimilated, in order that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? or in other words, w here shall we find a saved being? for if we can find a saved being, we may ascer¬ tain, without much difficulty, what all others must be, in order to be saved: we think, that it will not be a matter of dispute, that two be¬ ings, who are unlike each other, cannot both be saved; for whatever constitutes the salva¬ tion of one, will constitute the salvation of every creature which*will be saved: and if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype? LECTURE OK FAITH. ' 77 or where is the saved being? We conclude as to the answer of this question, there will be no dispute among those who believe 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 interrogation,Tind ask how it is that he is saved, the answer would be, because he is 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 fail of sal¬ vation and loose all his dominion, power, au¬ thority and glory, which constitutes salvation; for salvation consists in the'glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses, and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him: Thus says John, in his first epistle, iii: 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 be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And any man that has this hope in him purifies him¬ self, even as he is pure. Why purify himself as he is pure ? Because, if they do not thtey cannot be like him. 10 The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus, xix. 2: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. And Peter says, first epistle, i: 15 and 16: 7* lecture on eaith. 73 But as he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And the Savior says, Matthew, xv: 48: Be ye per¬ fect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. If any should ask, why all these say¬ ings? 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 ho¬ ly, and perfect as he is perfect, they cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy his glory with¬ out 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 Savior’s saying, recorded in John’s testi¬ mony, iv: 12:- Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these because I go unto the Father. This taken in connection with some of the sayings in the Savior’s prayer, recorded in the 17th chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions: He says, in the 20,21, 22,23 and 24: Neither pray I 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 thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that LECTURE ON FAITH. 79 the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am: that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me; for thou lovedest me before the foundation of the world. 12 All these sayings put together, give as clear an account of the state of the glorified saints as language could give—The works that Jesus done they were to do, and greater works than those which he done among them should they do, and that because he went to the Father. He does not say that they should do these works in time; but they should do greater works because he went to the Fath¬ er. He says, in the 24th verse; Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory. The^e 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 be done in eternity, where he was going, and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father, that those who believed on him should be one in him, as he, and the Father were one in each other: Neither pray I for these (the apos¬ tles) alone, but for them also who shall be¬ lieve on me through their words; that they all may be one: that is, they who believe on him through the apostles’ words,. as well as the apostles themselves: that they all may be 80 LKCTUUE ON FAITH. one, as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee: thaj they also may be one in us. 13 What language can be plainer than this? The Savior surely intended to be understood by his disciples: and he so spake that they might understand him; for he declares to his Father, in language not to be easily mistaken, that he wanted his disciples, even all of them, to be as himself and the Father: for as he.and the Father were one, so they might be one with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated to more 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 we 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 he says he had given them the glory that the Fa¬ ther had given him, that they might be one; or in other words, to make them one. 14 This fills up the measure of information on this subject, and shows most clearly, that the Savior wished his disciples to understand, that they were to be partakers with him in all things: not even his glory excepted. 16 It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have, previously noticed: That the glory which the Father and the Son have, is because they are just and holy beings; and that if they were iacking in one attribute or perfection which they have, 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 LECTITRE on faith. 81 gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his prayer to‘his Fa¬ ther: 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 giv¬ en 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 pro¬ priety of the Savior’s saying, The works which I do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do, because I go to the Father? 16 These teachings of the Savior most clear¬ ly show unto us the nature of salvation; and what he proposed unto the human family when he proposed to save them—That he proposed to make them like unto himself; and he was like the Father, the great prototype of all sa¬ ved beings: And for any portion of the hu¬ man family to be assimulated into their like¬ ness 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 effect 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 are 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 promise might be sure to all the seed. Romans iv:16. And that Is- 82 LECTURE ON FAITH. rael, who followed after the law of righteous* ness, has not attained to the law of righteous* ness. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the w r orks of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans ix: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 be¬ lieve, all things are possible to him that be- lieveth. Mark, ix:23. These with a multi¬ tude of other scriptures, which might be quo¬ ted, plainly set forth the light, in which the Sa¬ vior, as well as the Former Day Saints, view¬ ed the plan of salvation. That it was a sys¬ tem of faith—it begins with faith, and con¬ tinues by faith; and every blessing which i3 obtained, in relation to it, is the effect of faith, whether 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 prom¬ ise, 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 performance of the things which were told her of the Lord; Luke, i:45: Nor was the birth of John the baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order that his father Zacharias might be¬ lieve he was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salva¬ tion, it is a matter of faith: every man receiv¬ ed according to his faith: according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the LECTURE Oil FAITH. 83 mouths of lions, 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 their dead children to life again : in a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. All things were in subjection to the Former Day Saints, according as their faith was. By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church of the first born; whose names are written in heaven, of God the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become familiar with the third heavens; see and hear things Which were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to ut¬ ter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, 2nd epistle, i: 1,2 and 3, says to the Former Day Saints : grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us unto glory and virtue. In the first epistle, i:3, 4 and 5 he says, Bless¬ ed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, w r ho, according to his abundant mercy, has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus 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 salvation, ready to be re¬ vealed in the last time. 34 LECTURE ON FAITH. 13 These sayings put together, show the Apostle’s views, most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on the mind of any individual. He says that all things that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the knowledgeofGod? (for there is a great difference between believing in God and knowing him: knowledge implies more than faith. And notice, that all things that pertain to life amj godliness, were given through the knowledge of God;) the answer is given, through faith they were to obtain this knowledge; and having power by faith to ob¬ tain the knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness. 19 By these sayings of the Apostle we learn that it was by obtaining a knowledge of God, that men got the knowledge of all things which pertain to life and godliness; and this knowledge was the effect of faith. So that all things which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith. 20. From this we may extend as far as any cii-cumstances may require, whether on earth or in heaven, and we 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 nothing 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 Galli- lee could teach the world—because they sought LECTURE ON FAITH. 85 by faith and by faith obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all things but filth and dross—what he formerly called, Lis gain he called his loss; yea, and he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowl¬ edge of Christ Jesus the Lord. Philipians iii: 7, 8, 9 and 10. 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 For¬ mer 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 disap¬ pears with faith, but returns when faith re¬ turns; for when faith comes, it brings its train of attendants with it—apostles, prophets, evan¬ gelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowl¬ edge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpreta¬ tion of tongues, &c. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have, and always will attend it. For where faith is, there will the. knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto —revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every necessary thing in order that the pos¬ sessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise LECTUB.E ON FAITH. faith will prevail with him. And he who pos¬ sesses it, will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen. THE COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, TO HIS SERVANTS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY 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, verily I say, heark¬ en ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together; for veri¬ ly 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 rebellious shall be pierced with much sor¬ row, for their iniquities shall be 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. COVENANTS AND 2 Behold, this is mine authority, and the au¬ thority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given th^m 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 un¬ to 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 rebellious; 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 man. 3 Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, 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 revealed; and the day cometh, that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets, and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people: for they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have bro¬ ken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but ev¬ ery man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the COMMANDMENTS. 89 likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall per¬ ish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall: 4 Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calam¬ ity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith jr. and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; and also gave com¬ mandments to others, that they should pro¬ claim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world; that faith also might increase in the earth; that mine everlasting covenant might be establish¬ ed; that the fulness of my gospel might be pro¬ claimed by the weak and the simple, unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers. 5 Behold I am God and have spoken it: these commandments are of me, and were given un¬ to 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 made known: and inasmuch as they sought wisdom, they might be instruct¬ ed; and inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent; and in¬ asmuch as they were humble, they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and 90 COVENANTS AND receive knowledge from time to time: and af¬ ter having received the record of the Nephites, vea, even my servant Joseph Smith jr. might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the book of Mor¬ mon: and also, those to whom these command¬ ments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity, and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which 1 the Lord am well pleased, speaking unto the church collec¬ tively and not individually; for I the Lord can¬ not look upon sin with the least degree of al¬ lowance: nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord, shall be forgiven, and he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has re¬ ceived, for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of hosts. 6 And again, verily I say unto you, O inhab¬ itants of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh, for I am no respecter of persons, and willeth that all men shall know that the day speedily com- eth, the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own do¬ minion; and also, the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idu¬ mea, or the world. 7 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and prom¬ ises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. COMMANDMENTS. 91 8 What I the Lord have spoken, T have spok¬ en, and I excuse not myself, and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same: for behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth re¬ cord, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever: Amen. SECTION II. 1 The rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeably to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April: which commandments were giv¬ en to Joseph Smith jr. who was called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church; and to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God an apos¬ tle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand: and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins he was entangled again in the vani ties of the world; but after repenting, and hum¬ bling himself, sincerely, through faith, God 92 COVENANTS AND ministered unto him by an holy angel whose countenance was as lightning, and whose gar¬ ments were pure and white above all other whiteness, and gave unto him commandments 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 record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gen¬ tiles, 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 genera¬ tions 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 spo¬ ken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness 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 un¬ changeable God, the framer of heaven and COMMANDMENTS. 93 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 devlish, and became fall¬ en man. 5 Wherefore the Almighty God gave his only begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him; he suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them; he was crucified, died, and rose again the third day; and ascended 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 only those who believed after he came in the meridian ot time in the flesh, but all those from the begin¬ ning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in-the words of the holy proph¬ ets, 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 eter¬ nal, without end. Amen. COVENANTS AND 94 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 saved 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 Saviour 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 fall from grace and depart from the living God. Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temp¬ tations; yea, and even let those who are sanc¬ tified, 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 ol his book, the holy scriptures, or tlie revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the voice of God; or the ministering of angels: and the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name, both now and ever. Amen. 7 And again by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism. 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 repent¬ ed of all their sins and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a de¬ termination to serve him to the end, and truly COMMANDMENTS. 95 manifest by their works that they have receiv¬ ed 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 members 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 bap¬ tized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, ac¬ cording to the scriptures; and to teach, ex¬ pound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; and to confirm the church by the lay¬ ing on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost—and to take the lead of all meetings. 9 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God. 10 The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, ex¬ pound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties: and he may al¬ so ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons —and he is to fake the lead of meetings when there is no elder present, but when there is an elder present he is only to preach, teach, ex¬ pound, exhort, and baptize, and visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vo¬ cally and in secret, and attend to all family du¬ ties. In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires. 96 COVENANTS AND 11 The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with, and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other; nei¬ ther lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; and see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty— and he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest—and is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires: but nei¬ ther teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands; they are however to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ. 12 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him: and he is to be or¬ dained 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 meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time, as said conferences shall direct or appoint: and said conferences are to do whatever church busi¬ ness is necessary to be done at the time. 14 The elders are to receive their licences from other elders by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences. 1 5 Each priest, teacher, or deacon who is ordained by a priest, may take a Certificate from him at the time, which certificate when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a, li¬ cense, which shall authorize him to perform commandments. 97 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 or¬ ganized branch of the same, without the vote of that church; but the presiding elders, trav¬ elling bishops, high counsellors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordain¬ ing, where there is no branch of the church, that a vote may be called. 17 Every president of the high priesthood, (or presiding elder,) bishop, high counsellor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direc¬ tion of a high council, or general conference. 18 The duty of the members after they are received by baptism: The elders or priests are to have a suffi¬ cient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament, and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders; so that all things may be done in order. And the members shall mani¬ fest before the church and also before the el¬ ders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures— walking in holiness before the Lord. 19 Every member of the church of Christ having children, is to bring them unto the el¬ ders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. 9 COVENANTS AND 20 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. 21 Baptism is to be administered in the fol¬ lowing manner unto all those who repent:— The person who is called of God and has au¬ thority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Then shall he im¬ merse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. 22 It is expedient that the church meet to¬ gether often to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord Jesus: and the elder or priest shall administer it: and after this manner shall he administer it: he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying,0 God, the eternal Fath¬ er, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thv Son, and witness unto thee O God, the eternal Father, that they are whiling to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remem¬ ber him and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 23 The manner of administering the wine: He shall take the cup also, and say, O God, COMMANDMENTS. the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son which was shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, O God, the eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 24 Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct. 25 It shall be the duty of the several churches composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences, held by the elders of the church, with a list of the names of the sev¬ eral members uniting themselves 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 elders, 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. 26 All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter certify¬ ing that they are regular members and in good standing; which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest, if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the el- 100 COVENANTS AND der or priest, or it may be signed by the teach ers, or deacons of the church. SECTION III. ON PRIESTHOOD. 1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely: the Melchisedek, and the Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchisedek priesthood, is because Melchisedek was such a great high priest: before his day it was called the holy priesthood , after the order of the Son of God; but out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too fre¬ quent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek priesthood. 2 All other authorities, or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood; but there are two divisions, or grand heads—one is the Melchisedek priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood. 3 The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchisedek. The Melchisedek 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 admin¬ ister in spiritual things. 4 The presidency of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church. 5 High priests, after the order of the Mel¬ chisedek priesthood, have a right to officiate COMMANDMENTS. 101 in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things, and also in the office of an elder, priest, (of the Levitical order,) teacher, deacon and member. 7 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 admin¬ ister in spiritual things, agreeably to the cove¬ nants and commandments of the church; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher au¬ thorities present. 8 The second priesthood is called the priest¬ hood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their gene¬ rations. Why it is called the lesser priest¬ hood, is because it is an appendage to the great¬ er, or the Melchisedek priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances. The bishopric is the presidency of this priest¬ hood and holds 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 of Aaron. But as a high priest, of the Melchisedek priesthood, has authority to officiate in all the lesser offi¬ ces, 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 of the presidency of the Melchisedek priesthood. 9 The power and authority of the higher or Melchisedek priesthood, is to hold the keys of 9* 102 COVENANTS AND all the spiritual blessings of the church—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven—to have the heav¬ ens opened unto them—to commune with the general assembly and church of the first born, 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 priesthood, is, to hold the keys of the ministering 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 command¬ ments. 11 Of necessity there are presidents, or pre¬ siding offices growing out of, or appointed of, or from among those who are ordained to the several offices in these two priesthoods. Of the Melchisedek priesthood, three presiding high priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church, forma quorum of the px-esidency of the church. The twelve travelling counsellors are called to be the twelve apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ, in all the world: thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. 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 witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of COMMANDMENTS. 103 their calling: and they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the twelve especial wit¬ nesses or apostles, just named. And every decision made by either of these quorums, must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other; [A majority may form a quo¬ rum when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise.] Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchisedek, 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 virture and knowledge; tem¬ perance, patience, godliness, brotherly kind¬ ness and charity, because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. And in case that any decision, of these quorums, is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quo¬ rums which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no ap¬ peal from their decision. 12 The twelve are a travelling, presiding high council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the presidency of the church, agreeably to the institution of heaven; to build up the church, and regulate 104 COVENANTS AND all the affairs of the same, in all nations : first unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto 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 up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same, in all nations: first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews:—the twelve being sentout, holding the keys, to open the door Joy the pro¬ clamation 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 quoram equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the tra¬ velling high council. 15 The high council in Zion, forms a quo¬ rum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the twelve at the stakes of Zion. 16 It is the duty of the travelling high coun¬ cil to call upon the seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preach¬ ing and administering thegospel,instead of any others. 17 It is the duty of the twelve in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation. 18 The order of this priesthood was con¬ firmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was instituted in the COMMANDMENTS. 105 days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner: 19 From Adam to Seth, 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, be¬ cause he [Seth] was a perfect man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father’s, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things; and could be distinguish¬ ed from him only by his age. 20 Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years, and four months, by the hand of Adam. 21 God called upon Cainan in the wilder¬ ness, 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 re¬ ceived 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 or¬ dained 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 be¬ fore his face continually: and he walked with God 365 years: making him 430 years old when he was translated. 106 COVENANTS AND 25 Methuselah was 100 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam. 26 Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Seth. 27 Noah was 10 years old when he was or¬ dained under the hand of Methuselah. 28 Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahala- leel, Jared, Enoch and Methuselah, 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 appear¬ ed unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Arch angel. And the Lord administered com¬ fort unto Adam, and said unto him, I 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 posterity unto the latest generation. These things were all written ifi the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time. 30 It is the duty of the twelve, also, to or¬ dain and set in order all the other officers of the church, agreeably to the revelation which says: 31 To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws, respect¬ ing church business: Verily, I say unto you, says the Lord of hosts, There must needs be COMMANDMENTS. 107 presiding 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 preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like man¬ ner; and also the deacons: wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as they are appointed, according to the covenants and commandments of the church; then comes the high priesthood, which is the greatest of all.— Wherefore, it must needs be that one be ap¬ pointed, of the high priesthood, to preside over the priesthood; and he shall be called presi¬ dent of the high priesthood of the church, or, in other words, the presiding high priest over the hig h priesthood of the church. From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying 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: neverthe¬ less, a bishop fnust be chosen from the high priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant ot Aaron: for unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of that priest¬ hood. Nevertheless, a high priest, that is af* ter the order of Melchisedek, may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, hav¬ ing 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 upoh transgressors, upon testimony, as it shall be laid before him, according to the laws, by tlve 108 COVENANTS AND assistance of his counsellors, whom he has chosen, or will choose 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 Melchisedek. 33 Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, until the borders of Zion are enlarged, and it becomes necessary to have other bishops, or judges in Zion, or elsewhere: and inasmuch 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 act in the office of bishop independently, without counsellors, except in a case where a president of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchisedek, 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 business 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, be¬ fore 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, COMMANDMENTS. 109 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 inasmuch 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 councillors of the high priesthood ; and their decision upon his head shall be an end of con¬ troversy concerning him. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God; that all things may be done in order and solemnity, before him, according to truth and righteousness. 38 And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office of a deacon, is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty—edifying one another as it is given ac¬ cording to the covenants. 39 And.also the duty of the president over the office of the teachers, is to preside over twenty-four of the teachers, and to sit in council with them—teaching them the duties of t'heir office, as given in the covenants. 40 Also the duty of the president over the priesthood of Aaron, is to preside over forty- 10 110 COVENANTS AND eight priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of their office, as is given in the covenants. This president is to be a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood. 41 Again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over ninety- six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them according to the covenants. This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world. 42 And again the duty of the president of the office of the high priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom—yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator and aprophet; having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church. 43 And it is according to the vision, show¬ ing the order of the seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy, and the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six; and these seven presi¬ dents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy, to whom they belong, and are to preside over them; and also other seventy un¬ til seven times seventy, if the labor in the vine¬ yard of necessity requii'es it. And these sev¬ enty are to be travelling ministers unto the Gentiles, first, and also unto the Jews, where-, as other officers of the church who belong not unto the twelve neither to the seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all COMMANDMENTS. 11 nations, but are to travel as their circumstan¬ ces shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church. 44 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is sloth¬ ful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand; even so. Amen. SECTION IV. A Revelation given the 22 d Sf 23 d of Sept. 1832. ON PRIESTHOOD. 1 A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his ser¬ vant Joseph Smith, jr. and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high; yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people as he has spoken by the mouth of his,prophets, and for the gather¬ ing of his saints to stand upon mount Zion, which shall be the city New Jerusalem; which city shall be built, beginning at the Temple Lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the state of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Jo¬ seph Smith, jr. and others, with whom the Lord was well pleased. 2. Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that, the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, 112 COVENANTS AND even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation; for verily, this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house. And the sons of Moses, according to the holy priesthood, which he received under the hand of his father-in-law, Jethro, and Jethro re¬ ceived it under the hand of Caleb, and Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu, and Eli- hu under the hand of Jeremy, and Jeremy un¬ der the hand of Gad, and Gad under the hand of Esaias, and Esaias received it under the hand of God; Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham and was blessed of him, which Abra¬ ham received the priesthood from Melchise- dek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah; and from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fath¬ ers, and from Enoch to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his Mother, who receiv¬ ed the priesthood by the commandments of God by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man; which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or eijd of years. 3 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood al¬ so upon Aaron and his seed throughout all their generations, which priesthood also con¬ tinueth and abideth forever, with the priest¬ hood which is after the holiest order of God. And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of tire knowledge COMMANDMENTS. m of God. Therefore, in the ordinances there¬ of the power of godliness is manifest; and without the ordinances thereof, and the au¬ thority of the priesthood, the power of God¬ liness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. 4 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; but they harden¬ ed their hearts and could not endure his pres¬ ence, therefore, the Lord, in his wrath, (for his anger was kindled against them,) swore that they should not enter into his rest, while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore he took Moses out of their midst and the holy priesthood also; and the lesser priesthood continued, which priest¬ hood holdeth the key of the ministering of an¬ gels and the preparatory gospel, which gos¬ pel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism and the remission of sins and the law of car¬ nal commandments, which the Lord, in his wrath, caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Ho¬ ly Ghost from his mother’s womb: for he was baptised while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power: to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the 114 C0VENANT3 AND coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power. 5 And again, the office of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood. And again, the offices of teachers and deacons are necessary appen¬ dages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons. 6 Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offer¬ ing and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation upon the consecrated spot, as I have appointed; and the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord upon mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church; for whoso is faithful unto the obtain¬ ing these two priesthoods of which I have spo¬ ken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanc¬ tified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies: they become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom and the elect of God; and also all they who receive this priesthood re- ceiveth me, saith the Lord, for he that receiv- eth my servants receiveth me, and he thatre¬ ceiveth me receiveth my Father, and he that receiveth my father receiveth my Father’s kingdom. Therefore, all that my Father hath shall be given unto him; and this is according to the oath and covenant which beiongeth to COSIMANDMENTS. 115 the priesthood. Therefore, all those who re¬ ceive the priesthood receive this'oath and cov¬ enant of my Father which he cannot break, neither can it be removed; but whoso break- eth this covenant, after he hath r received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come. And all those who come not unto this priesthood, which ye have re¬ ceived, which I now confirm upon you who are present, this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens, and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge con¬ cerning you. 7 And now I give unto you a command¬ ment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life; for you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ; and the Spirit giv- eth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit; and every one that heark¬ eneth to the voice of the Spirit, cometh unto God, even the Father; and the Father teach- eth him of the covenant which he has renew¬ ed and confirmed upon you, which is confirm¬ ed upon you for your sakes, and not for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world: and the whole world lieth in sin, andgroaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin; and by this you may know they are under the 116 covenants and bondage of sin, because they come not unto me; for whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin; and whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me; and by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now. 8 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, which vanity and unbelief hath brought the whole church under condemna¬ tion. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all; and they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the book of Mormon and the former com¬ mandments which I have given them not on¬ ly to say, but to do according to that which I have written, that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom, otherwise there-remaineth a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion; for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily I say unto you, nay. 9 Verily, verily, I say unto you, who now have my words, which is my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things: for I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment, that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you. COMMANDMENTS. 117 10 Therefore go ye into all the world, and whatsoever place ye cannot go into ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you in¬ to all the world, unto every creature. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say un¬ to you; for you are mine apostles, even God’s highpriests: ye are they whom my Father hath given me: ye are my friends; therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again, that every soul who believeth on your words, and is baptised by water for the re¬ mission of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost; and these signs shall follow them that believe. 11 In my name they shall do many won¬ derful works; in my name they shall cast out devils: in my name they shall heal the sick: in my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf: and the tongue of the dumb shall speak: and if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them: and the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world: for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not bap¬ tized in water, in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father’s kingdom, where my Father and I am. And this revelation unto you, and • commandment, is in force from this very hour 118 COVENANTS AND upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have not received it. But verily I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given, from you it must be preached unto them that they shall repent of their former evil works: for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief: and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I sent you. 13 And again I say unto you, my friends, (for from henceforth I shall call you friends,) it is expedient that I give unto you this com¬ mandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them travelling to preach this gospel in my power; for I suffer¬ ed them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats: behold I send you out to prove the world, and the labourer is worthy of his hire. And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to con¬ tinue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb or joint; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst. 14 Therefore, take no thought for the mor¬ row, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed; for consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these; for your Father who art in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. COMMNDMENTS. m Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, but treasure up in your minds con¬ tinually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man. 15 Therefore let no man among you, (for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church, unto the mi¬ nistry,) from this hour, take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom. Behold 1 send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgment which is to come. —And whoso receiveth you, there will I be also: for I will go before your face: I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and my angels round about you, to bear you up. 16 Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will feed you, and clothe you,andgive you money. Ancfhe who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in no wise Ipse his reward: and he that doeth not these things is not my disciple: by this you may knpw my disciples. He that receiveth you not^go away from him alone by yourselves, and cleanse your feet, even with water, pure va- ter, whether in heat or in cold, and bear tes¬ timony of it unto your father which is in ha¬ ven, and return not again unto that mqi. And in whatsoever village or city ye ente, do likewise. Nevertheless, search diligent'^ and spare not; and wo unto that house, q that village, or city, that rejecteth you, o your words, or testimony concerning me 120 covenants and Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that vil¬ lage or city, that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony of me; for I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations to scourge them for their wickedness; and plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work which shall be cut short in righte¬ ousness; until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying, 17 The Lord hath brought again Zion: The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel, According to the election of grace, Which was brought to pass by the faith And covenant of their fathers. The Lord hath redeemed his people, And satan is bound, and time is no longer: The Lord hath gathered all things in one: The Lord hath brought down Zion from above: The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath; The earfh hath travelled and brought forth ler strength; Aid truth is established in her bowels; Aid the heavens have smiled upon her; A.d she is clothed with the glory of her God: F>r he stands in the midst of his people: Gory, and honor, and power, and might, le ascribed to our God, for he is full of mercy, jstice, grace and truth, and peace, 'or ever and ever Amen. 18 And again, verily, verily I say uDto you. COMMANDMENTS. 121 it is expedient, that'every man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as they have families and receive moneys by gift, that they should send it unto them, or make use of it for their benefit, as the Lord shall direct them, for thus it seemeth me good. And let all those who have not fami¬ lies, who receive moneys, send it up unto the bishop in Zion, or unto the bishop in Ohio, that it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations and the printing there¬ of, and for establishing Zion. 19 And if any man shall give unto any of you a coat, or a suit, take the old and cast it unto the poor, and go your way rejoicing. And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him he that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also. 20 Therefore, take with you those who are ordained unto the lesser priesthood, and send them before you to make appointments, and to prepare the way, and to fill appoint¬ ments that you yourselves are not able to fill. Behold this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days, built up my church unto me. 21 Therefore let every man stand in his own office, and labour in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet, it hath no need of the feet, for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand? also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect. 11 122 COVENANTS AND 22 And behold the high priests shall travel, and also the elders, and also the lesser priests; but the deacons and teachers should be ap¬ pointed to watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church. 23 And the bishop, Newel K. Whitney, also, should travel round about and among all the churches, searching after the poor, to ad¬ minister to their wants by humbling the rich and the proud: he should also employ an .agent to take charge and to do his secular business, as he shair direct; nevertheless, let the bishop go into the city of New York, and also to the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which awaits them if they do reject these things; for if they do reject these things the hour of their judgment is nigh: and their house shall be left unto them desolate. ( Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. 24 And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth as your circum¬ stances shall permit, in your several callings, unto the great and notable cities and villages, reproving the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting forth clearly and understand ingly the desola¬ tion of abomination in the last days; for with you, saith the Lord Almighty, I will rend their kingdoms: I will not only shake the earth, but COMMANDMENTS. 123 the starry heavens shall tremble: for I, the Lord have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven: ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people. I am Alpha and Omega, the begin¬ ning and the end: Amen. SECTION V. Minutes of the organization of the High Coun¬ cil of the church of Christ of Latter Day Saints , Kirtland, February 17,1834. 1 This day a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, jr. by revelation, and proceeded to or¬ ganize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents, as the case might require. The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling impor¬ tant difficul ties, which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop’s council, to the satisfaction of the parties. 2 Joseph Smith, jr. Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, were acknowledged presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, sen. John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke Johnson, high priests, were chosen to be a standing council for the church, by the unani¬ mous voice of the council. The above named 124 COVENANTS AND councillors were then asked whether they ac¬ cepted their appointments, and whether they would act in that office according to the law of heaven: to which they all answered, that they accepted their appointments, and would fill their offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them. 3 The number composing the council, who voted in the name and for the church in ap¬ pointing the above named councillors, were forty-three, as follows : nine high priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and thirteen members. 4 Voted, that the high council cannot have power to act without seven of the above named councillors, or their regularly appointed suc¬ cessors are present. These seven shall have power to appoint other high priests, whom they may consider worthy and capable, to act in the place of absent councillors. 5 Voted, that whenever any vacancy shall occur by the death, removal from office for transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of any one of the above named councillors, it shall be filled by the nomination of the president or presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general coun¬ cil of high priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the name of the church. 6 The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged, in his adminis¬ tration, by the voice of the church; and it is according to the dignity of his office, that he should preside over the council of the church; COMMANDHENTS. 125 and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed; and in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assist¬ ant: and in case that he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside in his stead, both or either of them. 7 Whenever an high council of the church of Christ is regularly organized, according to the foregoing pattern, it shall be the duty of the twelve councillors to cast lots by num¬ bers, and thereby ascertain who, of the twelve, shall speak first, commencing with number 1; and so in succession to number 12. 8 Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve councillors shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not; if it is not, two only of the councillors shall speak upon it, according to the form above written. But if it is thought to be difficult, four shall be appointed; and if more difficult, six: but in no case shall more than six be appointed to speak. The accused, in all cases, has a right to one half of the council, to prevent insult or injustice; and the councillors appointed to speak before the council, are to present the case, after the evidence is examined, in its true light, before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice.— Those councillors who draw even numbers, that is, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, are the individuals 11 * 126 COVENANTS AND who are to stand up in the behalf of the ac¬ cused, and prevent insult or injustice. 9 In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for them¬ selves, before the council, after the evidences are heard, and the councillors who are ap¬ pointed to speak on the case, have finished their remarks. After the evidences are heard, the councillors, accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision ac¬ cording to the understanding which he shall i have of the case, and call upon the twelve councillors to sanction the same by their vote. But should the remaining councillors, who ! have not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evidences and pleading impartial¬ ly, discover an error in the decision of the president, they can manifest it, and the case shall have a re-hearing; and if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional light is shown upon the case, the decision shall be altered accor¬ dingly: but in case no additional light is giv¬ en, the first decision shall stand, the majority of the council having power to determine the same. 10 In cases of difficulty respecting doctrine, or principle, (if there is not a sufficiency writ¬ ten to make the case clear to the minds of the council,) the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation. 11. The high priests, when abroad, have 1 power to call and organize a council alter the manner of the foregoing, to settle difficulties when the parties, or either of them, shall re- COMMNDMENTS. 127 quest it: and the said council of high priests shall have power to appoint one of their own number, to preside over such council for the time being. It shall be the duty of said coun¬ cil to transmit, immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full statement of the tes¬ timony accompanying their decision, to the high council of the seat of the first presiden¬ cy of the church. Should the parties, or ei¬ ther of them, be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the first presidency ot the church, and have a re-hearing, which case shall there be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such de¬ cision 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 travelling or located high priests abroad, have power to say whether it is necessary to call such a council or not. 13 There is a distinction between the high council of travelling high priests abroad, and the travelling high council composed of the twelve apostles, in their decisions: From the decision of the former there can be an appeal, but from the decision of the latter there can¬ not. The latter can only be called in ques¬ tion by the general authorities of the church in case of transgression. 14 Resolved, that the president, or presi¬ dents of the seat of the first presidency of the church, shall have power to determine wheth- COVENANTS AND erany such case, as may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing, after examining the appeal and the evidendes and statements ac¬ companying it. 1 5 The twelve councillors then proceeded to cast lots, or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and the following was the result; namelv:— OLIVER CO WDERY, No. 1 JOHN JONSON, No. 7 JOSEPH COE “ 2' uKt-ON HYDE, “ 8 SAMUEL H. SMITH “ 3 JARED CARTER “ 9 LUKE JOHNSON » 4 JOS. SMITH Sen, “ 10 JOHN S. CARTER “ 5 JuIIN SMITH “ II SYLVESTER SMITH 6 MARTIN HARRIS 12 After praver the conference adjourned. OLIVER CO WDERY, ) r ,, ORSON HYDE, 5 Uerks ‘ SECTION VI. Revelation explaining the parable of the wheat ' and the tares , December 6, 1832. ON PRIESTHOOD. 1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servants, concerning the parable of the wheat, and of the tares: behold, verily I say, that the field was the world; and the apostles were the sowers of the seed; and after they have fallen asleep, the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that ma- keth all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan sitteth to reign: Behold he soweth the tares; wherefore the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness. COMMANDMENTS. 129 2 But behold, in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender, behold, verily I say unto you, the an¬ gels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields: but the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender: (for verily your faith is weak,) lest you destroy the wheat also: Therefore let the wheat and the tares grotv together un¬ til the harvest is fully ripe, then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold andlo! the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned. 3 Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers, for ye are lawful heirs, according to the fiesh, and' have been hid from the world with Christ in God:— therefore your life and the priesthood hath re¬ mained and must needs remain through you and your lineage, until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy proph¬ ets since the world began. 4 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, alight unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savor unto my peo¬ ple Israel; The Lord hath said it, Amen. 130 COVENANTS AND SECTION VII. Revelation given December 27,1832. 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, who have assembled yourselves together to re¬ ceive his will concerning you. Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels re¬ joice over you; the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified: even them of the celestial world. Wherefore, I now send upon you another comforter; even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spir¬ it of promise; which other comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John. 2 This comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life; even the glory of the celestial kingdom: which glory is that of the church of the first born; even of God the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son:— he that ascended up on high; as also he de¬ scended below all things; in that he compre¬ hended all things, that he might be in all, and through all things; the light of truth; which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made. And the earth also, and the COMMANDMENTS. 131 power thereof; even the earth upon which you stand. 3 And the light which now shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighten- eth your eyes, which is the .same light that quickeneth your understandings; which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God, to fill the immensity of space. The light which is in all things; which giveth life to all things; which is the law by which all things are go¬ verned: even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eter¬ nity, who is in the midst of all things. 4 Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption w r hich is made for you, is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man. And the resurrection from the dead is the re¬ demption of the soul: and the redemption of the soul is through him who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed, that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it. Therefore it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; for after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Farther; that bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for. for this intent was it made and created; and for this intent are they sanctified. 5 And they who are not sanctified through the law r which I have give unto you; even the aw of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, iven that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a 132 COVENANTS AND telestial kingdom. For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom, cannot, abide a celestial glory: and he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory : he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom, cannot abide a telestial glory: therefore, he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore, he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory. G And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law. Wherefore it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it: for notwithstanding they, die, they also shall rise again a spiritual body: they who are of a celestial spirit, shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened. Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory, shall then receive of the same, even a fulness: and they who are quickened by a portion of the terres¬ trial glory, shall then receive of the same, even a fulness: and also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory, shall then re¬ ceive of the same, even a fulness: and they who remain shall also be quickened; neverthe¬ less, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that COMMANrMENTS. 133 which they might have received. 7 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receiveth not the gift? Behold he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in hint who is the giver of the gift. 8 And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law, is also preserved by law, and perfected ahd sanctified by the same. That which breaketh a law, and abideth not Ijy law, but seeketh to become a law unto it¬ self, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, or judgment. There¬ fore they must remain filthy still. 9 All kingdoms have a law given : and there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also, and condi¬ tions. 10 All beings who abide not in those con¬ ditions, are not justified; for intelligence cle?iv- eth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wis¬ dom; truthembracethtruth; virtueloveth vir¬ tue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy, and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course, and claimeth its own ; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne, and govemeth and executeth all things; he comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and 12 134 COVENANTS AND all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things: and all things are by him, and of him; even God, for¬ ever, and ever. 11 And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things by which they move in their times and their seasons; and their courses are fixed; even the courses ot the heavens and the earth; which comprehend the earth and ail the planets;, and they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their years: all these are one year with God, but not with man. 12 The earth rolls upon her wings; and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night; and the stars also giveth their light, as they roll upon their wings, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God. Unto what shall I liken these king¬ doms, that ye may understand? Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these, hath seen God moving in his majesty and power. I say unto you, he hath seen him: nevertheless, he who came unto his own was not comprehended. The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God; being quickened in him and by him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, COMMANDMENTS. 135 and that you are in me, otherwise ye could not abound. 13 Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man having afield, and he sent forth his ser¬ vants into the field, to dig in the field; and he said unto the first, go ye and labor in the field, and in the first hour I will come unto you, and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance: and he said unto the second, go ye also into the field, and in the second hour I will visit you with the joy of my countenance; and also un¬ to the third saying,'I will visit you; and unto the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth. 14 And the lord of the field went unto the first in the first hour, and tarried with him all that hour, and he was made glad with the light of the countenance of his lord; and then he withdrew from the first that he might vis¬ it the second also, and the third, and the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth; and thus they all received the light of the countenance of their lord: every man in his hour, and in his time, and in his season; beginning at the first, and so on unto the last, and from the last unto the first, and from the first unto the last; every man in his own order, until his hour was fin¬ ished, even according as his lord had comman¬ ded him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in him, that they all might.be glorified. 15 Therefore, unto this parable will I liken all these kingdoms, and the inhabitants there¬ of; every kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and in its season; even according to the decree which God hath made. 16 And again, verily I say unto you, my 136 COVENANTS AND friends, I leave these sayings with you, to ponder in your hearts with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near; draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligent¬ ly and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall re¬ ceive; knock and it shall be opened unto you; whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; and if ye ask any thing that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation. 17 Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness; in the wilderness, because you cannot see him: my voice, because my voice is spirit; my spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. 18 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you, and that body which is filled with light-comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him: for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. 19 Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you: cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you; tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call a solemn assembly, even of those who are the first laborers in this last kingdom; and let those whom they have warned in their trav¬ elling, call on the Lord, and ponder the warn- COMMANDMENTS. 137 ing in their hearts which they have received, for a little season. Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks and will raise up elders and send unto them. 20 Behold, I will hasten my work in its time; and I give unto you who are the first la¬ borers in this last kingdom, a commandment, that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves; and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleans youi* hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean; that I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation: that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will. 21 Also, I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth. And I give unto you a commandment, that you shall teach one anoth¬ er the doctrine of the kingdom; teach ye dili¬ gently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in the- ory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the king¬ dom of God, that is expedient for you to under¬ stand; of things both in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth; things which have been; things which are; things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home;— things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations; and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also 12 * 138 COVENANTS AND of countries, and of kingdoms, that ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again, to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you. 22 Behold I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned, to 'warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken. 23 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligent¬ ly, that you may be perfected in your minis¬ try, to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law, and seal up the tes¬ timony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come; that their souls may escape the wrath of God, the desolation of abomination, which await the wicked, both in this world, and in the world to come.— Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders, continue in the vineyard, until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come; their garments are not clean from the blood of this generation. 24 Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord come, for not many days hence and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro as a drunken man, and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light, and the moon shall be COMMANDMENTS. 139 bathed in blood, and the stars shall become ex¬ ceeding angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree. 25 And after your testimony, cometh wrath and indignation upon the people; for after your testimony cometh the testimony of earth¬ quakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground, and shall not be able to stand. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tem¬ pests, and the voice of the waves of the sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people; and angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, say¬ ing, prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of theearth; for the judgment of our God iscome: behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. 26 And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together. And another angel shall sound his trump, saying, that great church, the moth¬ er of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints of God, that shed their blood: her who sitteth upon many wa¬ ters, and upon the islands of the sea; behold, she is the tares of the earth, she is bound in bundles, her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both HO COVENANTS AND long and loud, and all nations shall hear it. 27 And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour, and immediately af¬ ter shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; and the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened, and be caught up to meet him. And they who have slept in their graves, shall come forth; for their graves shall be opened, and they also shall be caught up to meethim in the midst of the pillarof heaven: they are Christ’s, the first fruits: they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth and in their graves, who are first caught up to meethim: and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God. 28 And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ’s at his coming; who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in the flesh. 29 And again, another trump shall sound, which is the third trump: and then cometh the spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under condemnation: and these are the rest of the dead, and they live not again un¬ til the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth. 30 And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying, these are found among those who are to remain until that COMMANDMKNTS. 141 great and last day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still. 31 And another trump shall sound, which is the fifth trump, which is the fifth angel who committeth the everlasting gospel,—flying through the midst of heaven, unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people; and this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven, and in earth, and that are un¬ der the earth; for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying, fear God, and give glory to him who sittethupon the throne, forever, and ev¬ er: for the hour of his judgment is come. 32 And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the sixth angel, saying, she is fallen, who made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication: she is fallen! is fallen! 33 And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the seventh angel, saying, it is finished! it is finished! the Lamb of God hath overcome, and trodden the wine-press alone; even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God: and then shall the an¬ gels be crowned with the glory of his might, and the saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their inheritance and be made equal with him. 34 And then shall the first angel again sound his trump in the ears of all living, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the mighty works of God in the first thousandth year. 35 And then shall the second angel sound 142 COVENANTS AND his trump, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the thoughts and intents of their hearts, end the mighty works of God in the second thousandth year: and so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump: and he shall stand form upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name of him who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer, and satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years. And then he shall be loosed for a little season, that he may ga¬ ther together his armies: and Michael, the seventh angel, even the archangel, shall gather together his ai'mies, even the hosts of heaven. And the devil shall gather together his armies; even the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle against Michael and his armies: and then cometh the'battle of the great God! and the devil and his armies shall be castaway into their own place, that they shall not have pow¬ er over the saints any more at all; for Michael shall fight their battles, and shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sitteth up¬ on the throne, even the Lamb. This is the glory of God, and the sanctified; and they shall not any more see death. 36 Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you; and as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom: seek learning even by study, and also by faith. Organize yourselves; pre¬ pare every needful thing, and establish a house, COMMANDMENTS. 143 even, a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; that your incomings may be in the name of the Lord ; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High. 37 Therefore, cease from all your light- speeches; from all laughter; from all your lustful desires; from all your pride and light- mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time, and let all listen unto his say¬ ings, that when all have spoken, that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege. 38 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous, learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires; cease to be idle, cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with an¬ other; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated: and above all things, clothe yourselves with the bonds of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace: pray always, that you may not faint until I come: behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto my¬ self: Amen. 39 And again, the order of the house pre¬ pared for the presidency of the school of the prophets, established lor their instruction in all 144 COVENANTS AND things that are expedient for them, even for all the officersof the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the high priests, even down to the deacons: and this shall be the or¬ der of the house of the presidency of the school: He that is appointed 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 carefully and distinctly, not with loud speech. And when he 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 after him, let the teacher arise, and, with uplifted hands to heaven; yea, even di¬ rectly, 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 everlasting co¬ venant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immoveable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God, in the bonds of love, to walk in all the com¬ mandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, for ever and ever. Amen. 42 And he that is found unworthy of this sa¬ lutation, shall not have place among you: for COMMANDMENTS. 145 ye shall not suffer that mine house shall be pol- uted by them. 43 And he that cometh in and is faithful be¬ fore me, and is a brother, or if they be breth¬ ren, they shall salute the president or teacher with uplifted hands to heaven, with this same prayer or covenant, and by saying, Amen, in token of the same. 44 Behold, verily I say unto you, this is a sample unto you for a salutation to one an¬ other in the house of God, in the school of the prophets. And ye are called to do this by prayer 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 school, 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 administered by the president, or presiding elder of the church. It is to be com¬ menced with prayer: and after partaking of bread and wine he is to gird himself, accord¬ ing to the pattern given in the thirteenth chap- terof John’s testimony concerningme. Amen. 13 146 COVENANTS AND SECTION VIII. Revelation given April , 1829, to Oliver Cow - dery, and Joseph Smith, jr. ] A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed unto 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 un¬ to my words. 2 Behold the field is white already to har¬ vest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thurst in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the king¬ dom of God: Yea, whosoever will thurst in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God; therefore, if you will ask of me you shall re¬ ceive; if you will knock it shall be opened un¬ to you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say un¬ to 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 repentance unto this generation: keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my COMMANDMENTS. 147 work according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed. 5 Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sa¬ cred and cometh from above: and if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore thou shalt ex¬ ercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mys¬ teries, 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 sacred things. If thou wiltdo 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 in¬ quired of me, and behold as often as thou hast in¬ quired, thou hast received instruction of my Spi¬ rit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time. 7 Behold thou knowest that thou hast in¬ quired 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 in¬ tents 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 ser- 143 COVENANTS AND vant Joseph faithfully in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be, for the word’s sake. Admonish him in his faults and also receive admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate: have patience, faith, hope and charity. 9 Behold thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the command¬ ments 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. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 11 Verily, verily I say unto you, if you de¬ sire a further witness, 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 1 have told you things which no man know- eth, 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 Isay unto you, that there are records.which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; and now I com¬ mand you, that if you have good desires, a de¬ sire to lay up treasures for yourself in heav COMMANDMENTS. 149 en, then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity. 13 And now, behold I give unto you, and also unto my servant 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 re¬ ject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for 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 words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they; andthenshall 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 I be in the midst of them: even so am I in the 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: 16 Therefore fear not little flock, do good, let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my Rock, they cannot pre¬ vail. Behold I do not condemn you, go your ways and sin no more: perform with sobers ness the work which I have commanded you; look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear 150 COVENANTS AND not: behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet: be faithful; keep my com¬ mandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: Amen. SECTION IX. Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. and Ol¬ iver Cowdery , July, 1830. 1 Behold thou wast called and chosen to write the book of Mormon, and to my minis¬ try; and I have lifted thee up out of thy af¬ flictions, and have counciled thee, 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. 2 Magnify thine office; and after thou hast sowed thy fields and secured them, go speed¬ ily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fay¬ ette 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 bless¬ ing. 3 And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and ex¬ pounding all scriptures unto the church, and it shall be given thee in the very moment, what thou shalt speak and write;'and they shall COMMANDMENTS. 151 hear it, or I will send unto them a cursing in¬ stead 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 unto the end of thy days. And in tem¬ poral labors thou shalt not 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 con¬ firming 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 suppose that he can say enough in my cause; and lo I am with him to the end. In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, whether in weak¬ ness 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 com¬ mand you; except casting out devils; healing the sick; and against poisonous serpents; and against deadly poisons; and these things ye shall not do, exccept it be required of you, by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled, for ye shall do according to that which is written. And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not, in my name, ye shall leave a cursing instead of a 152 COVENANTS AND 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 whosoev- ever shall lay their hands upon you by vio¬ lence, 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 needest 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 A M, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins; who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice, and humble them¬ selves before me, and call, upon me in mighty prayer. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things: but remem- COMMANDMENTS. 153 ber to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you. 2 Verily I 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 decree hath gone forth from the Father, that they shall be gathered 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, and the day soon at hand, when the earth is ripe: and all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that wickedness shall not be up¬ on 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 there¬ of, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand. 3 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, the 154 COVENANTS AND twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, be¬ ing clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even 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 righte¬ ousness, and to be clothed upon, even as 1 am, to be with me, that w T e may be 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 men: and there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth: and it shall come to pass, 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 indignation is full: for behold my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. 5 Wherefore I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them, and their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me, and their flesh shall fall from off - their bones, and their COMMANDMENTS. 155 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 w hore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of ‘Ezekiel the prophet, which spoke of these things, which have not come to pass, but surely must, as I live, for abomination shall not reign. 6 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 for a little season; and the end shall Come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed, and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; for all old things 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 I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine arch¬ angel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead aw'ake, for their graves shall be open¬ ed, and they shall come forth; yea, even all; and the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own be¬ fore the Father: wherefore I will say unto them, depart from me ye cursed into everlast¬ ing fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 8 And now behold I say unto you, never at 156 COVENANTS AND any time, have I declared from my own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power; but re¬ member that all my judgments are not given unto men: and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth, even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the lastshall be first in all things, whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my spirit: for by 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, but/ unto myself my works have no end, neither beginning; but it is given unto you that ye may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed. 9 Wherefore, verily I say unto you, that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal, neither any man, or the children of men: neither Adam your father, whom I cre¬ ated: behold I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment .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 devil, for behold the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, say¬ ing, Give me thine honor, which is my power: COMMANDMENTS. 157 and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because ol their agency: and they were thrust down, and thus became the devil and his angels; and behold, there is a place prepared for them from the be¬ ginning, 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 them¬ selves, for if they never should have bitter, they could not know the sweet. 11 Wherefore, it came to pass, that the de¬ vil tempted Adam and he partook the forbid¬ den fruit, and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation. Wherefore, I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from the garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgres¬ sion; wherein he became spiritually dead: which is the first death, even that same death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, whieh shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say, Depart ye cursed. 12 But behold I say unto you, that I, the Lord God, gave unto Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels 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 man the days of his proba¬ tion ; that by his natural death, he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe, and they that believe 14 158 COVENANTS AND not unto eternal damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not, for they will love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey. 13 But behold I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation ol the world, through mine Only begotten: Wherefore they cannot sin, for power is not given unto satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; for it is given unto them even as I will, accord¬ ing to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand 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 understanding, it remaineth in me to do according as it is writ¬ ten. And now, I declare no more unto you at this time. Amen. SECTION XI. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rig don, December , 1830. 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 to-day as yesterday and forever. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was cruci¬ fied for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may be- COMMANDMENTS. 159 come the sons of God, even one in me as I am in the Father, as the father is one in-me, that we may be one. 2 Behold, verily, verily I say unto my ser¬ vant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers and pre¬ pared thee for a greater work. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Be¬ hold 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 did baptize by water ftnto repentance, but they received, not the Holy Ghost; butnow I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost 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 of all peo¬ ple: for I am God, and mine arm is not short¬ ened, and I will show miracles, signs and won¬ ders, unto all those who believe on my name. 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 sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk;, and the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men: but without faith shall not any thing be shown forth except desolations upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And 160 COVENANTS AND there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this gene¬ ration. 4 Wherefore, I have called upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit: and their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buck¬ ler, and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully foj me: and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf; and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them. And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand: and they shall learn the parable 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 my servant Joseph: and in weakness have I blessed him, and I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have 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, another will I plant in his stead. 5 Wherefore watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comfor¬ ter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth 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 COMMANDMENTS. 161 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; for¬ sake 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 on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him. 6 Keep all the commandments and cove¬ nants 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 w hich I have given, shall they be led and no more be confounded at all. Lift up your hearts and be glad: your redemption draweth nigh. Fear not little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold I come quickly; even so; Amen. SECTION XII. Revelation given January , 1831. 1 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Je¬ sus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Ome¬ ga, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the 14 * 162 COVENANTS AND world was made: the same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes: I am the same which spake and the world was made, and all things came by me: I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom: and verily 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 wo, wo, 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 connot see me, but the day soon cometh that ye shall see me and know that I am: for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day: wherefore gird up your loins and be pre¬ pared. Behold the kingdom is yours and the enemy shall not overcome. 3 Verily I say unto you, ye are clean but not all; and there is none else with whom 1 am well pleased, for all flesh is corruptible be¬ fore 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 eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather COMMANDMENTS. 163 the tares that they maybe 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 un¬ to you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief, for verily some of you are guilty before me; but I will be merciful unto your weakness. There¬ fore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not for the kingdom is yours: and for your salva¬ tion I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained beforb me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no re¬ specter of persons. And I have made the earth rich, and behold it is my footstool:— wherefore, again I will stand upon it: and I hold forth ana deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise; a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh: and I will give it unto you for the land of your in¬ heritance, 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 for¬ ever, 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 and follow me, and you shall 164 COVENANTS AND be a free people,.and ye shall have no laws but my laws, when I come, for I am your Law¬ giver, and what can stay my hand? But ver¬ ily I say unto you, teach one another accor¬ ding to the office wherewith I have appointed you, and let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness be¬ fore me. And again I say unto you, let every man esteem his brother as himself: for what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter to them, and they serve him obedi¬ ently, and he saithunto 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 par¬ able, and it is even as I am: I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one, ye are not mine. And again 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, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land: I tell you these things because of your prayers: wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you, by their wick¬ edness, in a manner that 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 righte¬ ous people, withoutspotandblameless: where¬ fore, for this cause I gave unto you the com- COMMANDMENTS. 165 mandment, that ye should go to the Ohio: and there I will give unto you my law;, and there you shall be endowed with power from on high, and from thence, whomsoever I will, shall go forth among all nations, and 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 whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand. 8 And now I give unto the church in these parts, a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the 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 prop¬ erty of this church. And they thathave farms that cannot'be sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good. See that all things are preserved, and when men are endowed with power from on high, and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom 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 Nephites of old. And again I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also mem¬ ber, go to with his might, with the labor of his 166 COVENANTS AND hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be the 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 ves¬ sels of the Lord: even so: Amen. SECTION XIII. Revelation given February , 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together, in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Saviour of the world; inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep my com¬ mandments; 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 assent bled yourselves together according to the commandment wherewith I commanded you, and are agreed as touching this one thing, and have asked the Father in my name, even so ye shall receive. 2 Behold, verily I say unto you, I give unto you this first commandment, that ye shall go forth in my name, every one of you, excepting my servants Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Ahd I give unto them a command¬ ment that they shall go forth for a little sea¬ son, and it shall be given by the power of my Spirit when they shall return: and ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up COMMANDMENTS. 16T your voices as with the voice of a trump, de ■ daring my word like nnto angels of God: and ye shall go forth baptizing with water, saying Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of hea¬ ven is at hand. 3 And from this place ye shall go forth into the regions westward, and inasmuch as ye shall find them that will receive you, ye shall build up my church in every region, until the time shall come when it shall be revealed unto you from on high, when the city of the J^ew Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will be your God. And again, 1 say unto you that my servant Edward Partridge shall stand in the office wherewith I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass that if he transgress, another shall be appointed in his stead; even so: Amen. 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 my church, except he be ordained by some one who hath authority, and it is known to the church that he has authori¬ ty, and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church. 5 And again, the elders, priests, and teach¬ ers of this church, shall teach the principles of my gospel which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel; and they shall observe the co¬ venants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit: and the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith, and if ye 168 COVENANTS AND receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach. And all this ye shall observe to do as I have com¬ manded, concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures are given. And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Comforter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good: for behold the Comforter knovveth 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 sav, thou shalt not kill: but he that killeth shall die. Thou shalt not steal: and he that stealeth and will not repent, shall be cast out. Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent, shall be cast out. Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else; and he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her, shall 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 committeth adultery and repenteth 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 knowest my laws concerning these things are given in m\ scrip¬ tures: he that sinneth and repenteth not, shall be cast out. COMMANDMENTS. 169 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 for their support, that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a cove¬ nant and a deed which cannot be broken, and inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me, and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his councillors, 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 after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeably to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he 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 for their support, after this first consecration,which is a residue, to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer unto those who have not, from time to time, that every manwhohasneed 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 ihe bishop and his council, and for the purpose of pur- 15 170 COVENANTS AND chasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the New Jerusalem which is hereafter 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 repenteth not, shall be cast out of the church, and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my church, or in other words, unto me, for inasmuch as ye 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 I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles, unto the poor ot my people who are of the house 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 clean¬ liness before me. Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer. And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, 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 lav their hands upon them in my name, and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me COMMANDMENTS. 171 Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection. And it shall come 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 bitter. 13 And again, it shall come to pass, that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed: he who hath faith to see shall see: he who hath faith to hear shall hear: the lame who have faith to leap shall leap: and they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, have power to become my sons: and inasmuch as they break not my laws, thou shalt bear their infirmities. 14 Thou shalt stand in the plo.ce of thy stewardship: thou shalt nqt take thy brother’s garment; thou shalt pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother; and if thou ob- tainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give itunto my store house, that all things may be done according 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 expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning # them, and not teach them until ye have re¬ ceived 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, kindreds, tongues and people. 172 COVENANTS AND 16 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law, to govern my church; and he that doth ac¬ cording to these things, shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned, if he continues. 17 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive reve¬ lation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowl¬ edge, that thou mayest know the mysteries, and peaceable things; that which bringethjoy, that which bringeth life eternal. Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time, where the New Jerusalem 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 to the east, teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west; and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations. Behold thou shalt observe all things, and great shall be thy reward; for un¬ to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them. Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received, and be faithful. And ve shall hereafter receive church 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, ana I will give him liberally, and upbraid him not. Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of COMMANDMENTS. 173 the church, have been given; even so Amen. 19 The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members, and the elders, or high' priests, who are appointed to assist the bishop as councillors, in all things are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other pur¬ poses, as before mentioned: or they are to re¬ ceive a just remuneration for all their services; either a stewardship, or otherwise, as may be thought best, or decided bv the councillors and bishop. And the bishop also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services, in the church. 20 Behold, verily I say unto you, that what¬ ever persons among you having put away their companions for the cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness 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 are living, they shall be cast out from among you. And again I say unto you, that ye shall be watchful and Careful, with 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. 21 And again, every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church: And it shall come to pass, that if any 15 * 174 COVENANTS AND f jersons among you shall kill, they shall be de- ivered 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, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church or more, and every word shall be 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 mouth of two witnesses, and the eiders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt w'ith according to the law of God. And if it can be, it is neces¬ sary that the bishop is present also. And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall come be¬ fore you. And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land. And if he or she 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. If he 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 or she confess, thou shalt be reconciled. And if he or she confess not, thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the church, not to the members but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not COMMANDMENTS. 178 before the world. And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened be¬ fore many. And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she con¬ fess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God. If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in se¬ cret to him or her whom he or she has offen¬ ded, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her. And thus shall ye conduct in all things. SECTION XIV. A Revelation given February, 1831. 1 O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give an ear to the words which I shall speak unto you: for behold, verily, verily I say un- I to you, that ye have received a command¬ ment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto 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 com¬ mandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me. 2 But verily, verily I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift ex- , cept it be through him, for if 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 176 COVENANTS AND any that shall come before you as revelations or commandnqents: 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 ordained 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 appointed. 3 And now behold I give unto you a com¬ mandment, that when ye are assembled to¬ gether, ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given: and thus ye shall become instructed in the law o{ my chur'ch, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me, that inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the king¬ dom which ye have received. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken even that which ye have received. Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you: sanctify yourselves be¬ fore me and if ye desire the glories of the kingdom,appoint ye 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. COMMANDMENTS. 177 4 Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the chil¬ dren of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit: and ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify your¬ selves 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 com- eth that the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven; the heavens shall shake and the earth shall tremble, and the trump of God shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations: Ye saints arise and live: Ye sinners stay and sleep umiL I shall call again: wherefore gird up your loins, least ye be found among the wicked. Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the nations to repent, both old and young, both bond and free; say¬ ing, 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 ye 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: Repent, and prepare for the great day of the Lord! yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth then- voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all tingle, that hear, saying these words: Re¬ pent ye, for the great day of the Lord is come! 6 And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out of heaven, saying: Hearken, 0 ye nations 1T8 COVENANTS AND of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you. O, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under 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 voice of thunderings, 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, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy .all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor, and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not? Behold the day has 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 your God: where¬ fore, labor ye, labor ye in my vineyard for the last time: lor the last time call upon the inha¬ bitants of the earth, for in my 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 Millenial, which 1 have spoken by the mouth of my ser¬ vants, -shall come; for satan shall be bound; and when he is loosed again, he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth: and he that liveth in righte¬ ousness, shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye: and the earth shall pass away so as COMMANDMENTS. m by fire; and the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire: and their end no man knoweth on earth, nor ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment. 8 Hearken ye to these words; behold I am Jesus Christ the Saviour of the world. Trea¬ sure 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. Revelation given March 7, 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye people of my church to whom the kingdom has been given: hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foun¬ dation of the earth; who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live and move and have a being. And again I say, hearken un¬ to my voice, lest death shall ovei’take you: in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved. Listen to him who is the Advo¬ cate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him; saying Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast w’ell pleased: behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of hitn whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified: wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that 180 COVENANTS AND ihev may come unto me and have everlasting life. 2 Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called to-day, and harden not your hearts; for verily I say unto you that I am Al¬ pha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light andthe life of the world; a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness compre- hendeth it not: I came unto my own and my own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do miracles, and to become the sons of God, and even unto them that believed on my name, gave I power to obtaia eternal life. And even so 1 have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world; to be alight to the world, and to be a standard for my people and for 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 let me show it unto you, even my 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 myself; a city reserved until a day of righteous¬ ness shall come; a day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations: and confess¬ ed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth; but obtained a promise that they should find it, and see it in their flesh. Wherefore COMMANDMENTS* 181 hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old, and I will show it plainly- as I showed it unto my disciples, as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto them saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers: for as ye have looked upon the long absence of your spirits from your bodies to be a bon¬ dage, I will show unto you how the day of re- v demption shall come, and also the restoration of the scattered Israel. 3 And now ye behold this temple which is in Jerusalem, which ye call the house of God, and your enemies say that this house shall never fall. But verily I say unto you, that desolation shall come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and this people shall be de¬ stroyed and scattered among all nations. And this temple which ye now see, shall be thrown down that there shall not be left one stone upon another. And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass away, until every desolation which I have told you concerning them, shall come to pass. Ye say that ye know that the end of the world cometh; ye say also that ye know that the heavens and the earth shall pass away; and in this ye say truly, for so it is; but these things which I have told you, shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled. And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem, and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among 16 ua COVENANTS AND all nations, but they shall be gathered again, but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 4 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound; and when the time of the Gen¬ tiles is come in, alight shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; but they receive it not, for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men; and in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled: and there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass, until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall come over the land: but my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lilt up their voices and curse God and die. And there shall be earth¬ quakes, also, in divers places, and many deso¬ lations, yet men will harden their hearts against me; and they will tak’e up the sword one against another, and they will kill one anoth¬ er. 5 And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were troubled; and I said unto them, be not troub¬ led, for when all these things come to pass, ye may know' that the piomises which have been COMMANDMENTS. 183 made unto you, shall be fulfilled; and when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I shall show you: ye look and behold the fig-trees,, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand: even so it shall be in that day, when they shall see all these things, then shall they know that the hour is nigh. 6 And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of man; and they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath; and they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke, and before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and stars fall from heaven; and the remnant shall be gathered unto this place; and then they shall look for me, and behold I will come: and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory, with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off. 7 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept, shall come forth to meet me in the cloud. Wherefore if ye have slept in peace, blessed are you, for as you now be¬ hold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected,, and the 184 COVENANTS AND saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth. 8 Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon all nations, and then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake, and the Lord shall utter his voice and all the ends of the earth shall hear it, and the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly, and calamity shall cover the mock¬ er, and the scorner shall be consumed, and they that have watched for iniquity, shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. 9 And then shall the Jews look upon me and say, What are these wounds in thy hands, and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; fori will say unto them, these wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep because of their iniquities;— then shall they lament because they persecu¬ ted their King. 10 And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resun-ection; and it shall be tolerable for them: and satan shall be bound that he shall have noplace in the hearts of the children of men. And at that day when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten vir¬ gins: for they that are wise and have received the truth, and haye taken the Holy Spirit for commandments. 185 their guide, and have not been deceived, veri¬ ly I say onto you* they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but. shalll abide the day*'-: and the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance: and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up with* out sin unto salvation, for the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will he their king and their lawgiver. 11 And now, behold I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further con¬ cerning this chapter, until the new testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known: wherefore I give unto you that you may now translate it, that ye may be pre¬ pared for the things to come; for verily I say unto you, that great things await you; ye hear of wars in foreign lands, but behold I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands. 12 Wherefore I the Lord have said, gather ye out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves together ye elders of my church; go ye forth unto the western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches unto me; and with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an in¬ heritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you, and it shall be called the New Jeru¬ salem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the most high God; qnd the glory of the Lord shall be there, and 16 * 186 COVJTSaSTS Att D the terror of the Lord also shall be there, inso* much that the wicked will not come unto it: and it shall be called Zion. 13 And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee un¬ to Zion tor safety. And there shall be gather¬ ed unto it out of every nation under heaven: and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another. And it shall be said among the wicked, Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible. Wherefore we cannot stand. 14 And it shall come to pass that the righte¬ ous shall be gathered out from among all na¬ tions, and shall come to Zion singing, with songs of everlasting joy. 15 And now I say unto you, keep these things from going abroad unto the world, until it is expedient in me, that ye may accomplish this work in the eyes of the people, and in the eyes of your enemies, that they may not know vour works until ye have accomplished the thing which I have commanded you: that when they shall know it, that they may con¬ sider these things, for when the Lord shall ap¬ pear he shall be terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble: and all nationk shall be afraid because of the terror of the Lord, and the power of his might: even so: Amen. COMMANDMENTS. ffl • tlfi SECTION XVI. Revelation given March , 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, for verily I say unto you, that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning; but notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church, from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit: never¬ theless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world: ye are also command¬ ed not to cast any one, who belongeth to the church, out of your sacrament meetings: nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation. 2 And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings, who is earnestly seeking the kingdom: I speak this concerning those who are not of the church. 3 And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that is not of the church, that is earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out; but ye are commanded in all things to ask of ,God who giveth liberally, and that 1 which the Spirit testifies unto you, even so I would that ye should do in all holiness oi heart, walking uprightly before me, consider¬ ing the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye-may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of 483 COVENANTS AND devils, or the commandmen ts of men, for somd are of men, and others of devils. 4 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived! and that ye may not be deceived, seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; for verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do, that all may be benefited, that seeketh or that asketh of me, that asketh, and not for a sign that he may consume it upon his lusts. 5 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gilts are, that are given unto the church, for all have not every gift given unto them: for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the spirit of God: to some it is given one, and. to some is given another, that all may be pro¬ fited thereby; to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world; to others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life, if they continue faithful. 6 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of admi¬ nistration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men. And again it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether it be of God, that the ma- COMMANDMENTS. 169 nrfestation of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal. 7 And again, verily I say unto you, to some it is given, by the spirit of God, the word of wisdom; to another it is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge. And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed, and to others it is given to have faith to heal. And again, to some it is given the working of mi¬ racles; and to others it is given to prophesy, and to others the discerning of spirits. And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues, and to another it is given the inter¬ pretation of tongues: and all these gifts com- eth from God, for the benefit of the children of God. And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church, and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts, lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God. 8 And it shall come to pass that he that ask- cth in spirit shall receive in spirit; that unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby: he that asketh in the spirit, asketh according to the will of God, wherefore it is done even as he asketh. 9 And again I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the spirit: and ye‘must give thanks unto God in the spirit for whatsoever blessing 190 COVENANTS AND ye are blessed with: and y e must practice vir* tue and holiness before me continually; even soc Amen. SECTION XVII. A Revelation given May , 1831. 1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to the voice of the living God; and attend to the words of wisdom which shall be given unto you, according as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the earth. Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth, deceiving the world: and also satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you. 2 Behold I the Lord have looked upon you, and have seen abominations in the church, that profess my name; but blessed are they who are faithful and endure, whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal life. But wo unto them that are deceivers, and hypo¬ crites, for thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to judgment. 3 Behold verily I say unto you, there are hypocrites among you, and have deceived some, which has given the adversary pow r er, but behold such shall be reclaimed; but the hy¬ pocrites shall be detected and shall be cut off, either in life or in death, even as I will, and wo unto them who are cut offfrom my church, C0MMANE1UENTS. 1 S\ for the same are overcome of the world: wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness before me. 4 And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit, unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together, that ye may understand: let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with another face to face: now when a man rea¬ soneth, he is understood of man, because he reasoneth as a man; even so will I, the Lord, reason with you that yoli may understand: wherefore I,the Lord, asketh you this question, unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth; and then re¬ ceived ye spirits which' ye could not under¬ stand, and received them to be of God, and in this are ye justified? Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves, nevertheless I will be merciful unto you: he that is weak amongyou hereafter shall be made strong. ; 5 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the spirit of trqth, or some other way? and if it be by some other way, it be not of God. And again, he that re- ceiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the.spirit of truth, or some other way? if it be some other way,it be not ofGod: therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know that he that receiveth the word by the spirit of truth, receiveth it as it is preached by tshe spirit of truth? 192 COVENANTS AND 6 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understandeth orie another, and both are edified and rejoice together; and that which doth not edify, is not of God, and is darkness: that which is of God is light, and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, re¬ ceiveth more light, and that light groweth 'brighter and brighter, until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you, for he that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is ap¬ pointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is least, and the servant of all: wherefore he is possessor of all things, for all things are sub¬ ject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life, and the light, the spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father, through Jesus Christ, his son; but no man is possessor of all things, except he be purified and cleans¬ ed from all sin, and if ye are purified and cleans¬ ed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done: but know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask, and as ye are appointed to the head, the spirits shall be subject unto you: 7 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus, and if he give not unto you that spirit, that you may know that it is not of God: and it shall be given unto you power over that spirit, and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice, that it is not of God; not with rail- COMMANDMENTS. 193 mg accusation, that ye be not overcome: nei¬ ther with boasting, nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith: he that receiveth of God, let him account it of God, and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive,, and by giving heed and doing these things which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive: and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things, which is not ordained of him: and behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for your sins are for¬ given you. 8 Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I am well pleased, and my servant Par¬ ley P. Pratt, go forth among the churches and strengthen them by the word of exhortation; and also my servant John Gorrill, or as many of my servants as are ordained unto this office, and let them labor in the vineyard; and let no man hinder them of doing that which 1 have appointed unto them: wherefore in fists thing my servant Edward Partridge, is not justified, nevertheless let him repent and he shall be forgiven. Behold ye are little children, and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome ; the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that mv Father hath given me shall be lost: and the Father and I are one: I am in the Father and the Father in me: and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in 17 194 •COVENANTS AND me, and I in you: wherefore lam in your midst; and I am the good Shepherd, (and the stone of Israel: He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall,) and the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am. Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready; even so: Amen. SECTION XVIII. Revelation given in Zion, August, 1831. 1 Hearken O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of ine what 1 will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I have sent you: for verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth mv commandments, whether in life or death; and he that is faithful in tribulation the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. 2 Ye cannot behold with yoiy natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things Which shall'come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow, af¬ ter much tribulation. For after much tribu¬ lation cometh the blessings. Wherefore, the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory, the hour is not yet but is nigh at hand. 3 Remember this which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall follow. Behold, verily I shy linto you, for this cause I have sent : you that you ■might be obedient, and that ydur hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things COMMANDMENTS, 19P which are to come; and also, that you might be honored of laying the foundation, and of bearing record of the land upon which the Zi¬ on of God shall stand; and also, that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well feiined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail; yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared unto which all nations shall be invited. First¬ ly the rich and the learned, the Wise and the noble; and after that eOmeth the day of my power: then shall the poor, the lame and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.— Behold I the Lord have spoken it. 4 And that the testimony might go forth from Zion; yea, from the mouth of the city of the heritage of God: yea, for this cause I have sent you hither; and have selected my servant Edward Partridge and have appointed unto him his mission in this land: but if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blind¬ ness of heart, let him take .heed lest he fa ll.— Behold his mission is given unto him and it shall not be given again. And whoso standeth in his mission, is appointed to be a judge in Is¬ rael, like as it was in ancient days, to divide the lands of the heritage of God unto his chil¬ dren; and to judge his people by the testimo¬ ny of the just, and by the assistance of his councillors, according to the laws of the king¬ dom which ar$ given by the prophets of God: COVENANTS AND V96 for verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land. 5 Let no man think he is ruler, but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the council of his own will: or in other words, him that councilleth, or sitteth upon the judgment seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God, hath no need to break the laws of the land: wherefore be sub¬ ject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all en¬ emies under his feet. Behold the laws which ye have received from my hand, are the laws of the church; and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold here is wisdom. 6 And now as I spake concerning my ser¬ vant Edward Partridge: this land is the land ofhis residence, and those whom he has ap¬ pointed for his councillors. And also the land of the residence of him whom I have ap¬ pointed to keep my store-house: wherefore let them bring their families to this land, as they shall council between themselves and me: for behold it is not meet that I should command in all things, for he that is compel¬ led in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant: wherefore he receiveth no re¬ ward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness: for the power is in them, where¬ in they are agents unto themselves. And in¬ asmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not any thing until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandments. 197 commandment with doubtful heart, and keep-* ethit with slothfulness, the same is damned.— Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my com¬ mandments? Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? I com¬ mand and a man obeys not, I revoke and they receive not the blessing: then they say in their hearts, this is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above. 7 And now I give unto you further direc¬ tions concerning this land. It is wisdom in me, that my servant Martin Harris should be an example unto the church, in laying his mon¬ eys before the bishop of the church. And al¬ so, this is a law unto every man that cometh unto this land, to receive an inheritance; and he shall do with his moneys according as the law directs. And it is wisdom also, that there should be lands purchased in Independence, for the place of the store-house: and also for the house of the printing. 8 And other directions, concerning my ser¬ vant Martin Harris, shall be given him of the Spirit, that he may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good. And let him repent of his sins, for he seeketh the praise of the world* 9 And also let my servant William W. Phelps stand in the office which I have appoin¬ ted him, and receive his inheritance in the land. And also, he hath need to repent, for I the Lord am not well pleased with him, for he 17* 19S COVENANTS AND seeketh toexceland heis notsufficiently meek before me. Behold he who has repented of his sins the same is forgiven, and I the Lord remembereth them no more. By this ye may know if a man repentethof his sins. Behold he will confess them and forsake them. And now verily I say, concerning the residue of the elders of my church, the time has not yet come for many years, for them to receive their in¬ heritance in this land; except they desire it through the prayer of faith, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord. For behold they shall push the people together from the ends of the earth: wherefore assemble your¬ selves together, and they who are not appoin¬ ted to stay in thisland, let them preach the gos : pel in the regions round about; and after that, let them return to their homes. Let them preach by the way, and bear testimony of the truth in all places, and call ijpon the rich, the high and the low, and the poor, to repent; and let them build up churches inasmuch as the in¬ habitants of the earth will repent. 10 And let there be an agent appointed by the voice of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive moneys to purchase lands in Zion. 11 And I give unto my servant Sidney Rig- don, a commandment, that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, and a state¬ ment of the will of God, as it shall be made known by the Spirit, unto him; and an epis¬ tle and subscription, to be presented unto all the churches, to obtain moneys, to be put intc COMM'aNDMENTS. the hands of the bishop, to purchase lands for an inheritance for the children of God, of him¬ self or the agent, as seemeth him good, or as he shall direct. For behold, verily I say unto you, the Lord willeth that the disciples, and the children of men, should open their hearts even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit. Behold here is wisdom; let them do this lest they receive none inheritance, save it be by the shedding of blood. 12 And again, inasmuch as there is land ob¬ tained,let there be workmen sent forth, of all kinds unto this land,to labor for the saints ofGod. Let all these things be done in order. And let the privileges of the lands be made known from time to time, by the bishop, or the agent of the church. And let the work of the gather¬ ing be not in haste, nor by flight, but let it be done as it shall be counselled by the elders of the church at the conferences, according to the knowledge which they receive from time to time. 13 And let my servant Sidney Rigdon con¬ secrate and dedicate this land, and the spot of the temple, unto the Lord. And let a con¬ ference meeting be called, and after that., let my servant 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 con’ ferences. 14 And let no man return from this land, except he bear record by the way, of that 200 COVENANTS AND which he knows and most assuredly believes. Let that which has been bestowed upon Ziba Peterson, be taken from him: and let him stand as a member in the church, and labor with his own hands, ■frith the brethren, until he is sufficiently chastened for all his sins, for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh to hide them. 15 Let the residue of the elders of this church, who are coming to this land, some of whom are exceedingly blessed, even above measure, also, hold a conference upon this land. And let my servant Edward Partridge direct the conference, which shall be held by them. And let them also return, preaching the gospel by the way, bearing record of the things which are revealed unto them: for ver¬ ily 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, Aicgust, 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 command¬ ments: 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 mansions commandments. 201 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 gos¬ pel, 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 before me: 2 Wherefore I give unto them a command¬ ment, saying thus: Thou shp.lt 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 sac¬ rifice unto the 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 sac¬ raments 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; neverthelsss 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 thy sacra¬ ments, 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 sin- 202 COVENANTS AND gleness of heart, that thy fasting may be per¬ fect, or in other words, that thy joy may be full. 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 coun¬ tenances; not with much laughter, for this is sin, but w ith 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 walketh upon the earth: yea, and the-herb, and the good things which cometh of the earth, wheth¬ er 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 ben¬ efit 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 body, and to enliven the soul. 5 And it pleaseth God that he hath giveji all these things unto man: for unto this end were they made, to be used with judgment, not to ex¬ cess, neither by extortion: and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kin¬ dled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. Be¬ hold this is according to the law and the proph¬ ets: wherefore trouble me no more concern¬ ing this matter, but learn that he who doeththe works of righteousness, shall receive his re¬ ward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. I .the Lord have commanements. 203 spoken it and the Spirit beareth record.— Amen. SECTION XX. Revelation given in Kirtland , Augiist, 1831 . 1 Hearken, O' ye people, and open your hearts, and give ear from afar: and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord, arid his will concerning you: yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious; who willeth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve; who build- eth up at his own will and pleasure; and de¬ stroy eth 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 obeyed. 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 whirl wihd, and all tiesh shall know that I am God. And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation. 3 Verily I say unto you, there are those among you who seek signs: and there have been such even from, the beginning. But be¬ hold, faith cometh not by signs, but signsfollow those that believe. ' Yea, signs cometh by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will ofGod. Yea, signs cometh by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no 204 COVENANTS AND man pleasetn God: and with whom God is an¬ gry 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 give com¬ mandments and many have turned away from my commandments, and have not kept them. There were among you adulterers and adul¬ teresses; 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 judgments shall come upon hem 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 af¬ ter 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 1 the Lord have said that the fearful, and the unbe¬ lieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection. 0 And now behold, I the Lord saith unto you, that ye are not justified because these things are among you, neverthelesshe that en- dureth in faith and doth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inherit- COMMANDMENTS, 203 ance upon the earth, when the day of trans- figuration shall come; when the earth shall be tranfigured, even according to the pattern which was showm unto mine apostles upon the mount: of which account the fulness ye have not yet received. 7 And now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I w r ould make known my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by the way of commandment, for there are many who observe not to keep my command¬ ments, but unto him that keepeth my command¬ ments,! will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, 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 together unto the land of Zion, not in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringelh pestilence. Behold the land of Zion, I the Lord holdeth it in mine own hands: nevertheless, I the Lord render¬ ed! unto Caesar the things which are Caesars: wherefore I the Lord willeth, that you should purchase the lands, that you may have advan¬ tage of the world, that you may have claim on 1 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, other¬ wise there is none inheritance for you. And if by purchase behold you are blessed: and if by blood, as von are forbidden to shed blood, 18 ••COVENANTS AND *206 lo, your enemies are upon you, and ye shall be scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to synagogue, and but few shall stand to re¬ ceive an inheritance. 9 I the Lord am angry with the wicked; 1 am holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth. I have sworn in my wrath and de¬ creed 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, 1 the Lord Jim with them, and will come down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and consume the wicked with unquenchable fire. And be¬ hold this is not yet, but by and by: wherefore seeing that 1 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'righte¬ ousness in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins, and lilt a warning voice unto the inhabi¬ tants ol the earth; and declare both byword and bv flight, that desolation shall come upon the wicked. Wherefore let mv disciples in Kirtland arrange their temporal concerns, which dwell upon this farm. 10 Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the care thereof, dispose 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, except¬ ing those whom I. shall reserve unto myself, that, shall not go until I shall command them. And let all the moneys which can be spared, COMMANDMENTS.; 20? it mattereth notunto me whether it be little or much, sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have Appointed to receive. 11 Behold I the Lord will give unto my servant Joseph 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 Neweh K. Whitney re¬ tain his. store, or, in other words, the store yet for a little season. Nevertheless let him im¬ part all the money which he can impart, to be sent up unto the land of Zion. Behold these things are in his own hands, let him do accord¬ ing 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 churches, expound¬ ing these things unto them, with my servant Oliver Cow r dery. Behold this is my will, ob¬ taining moneys even as I have directed. 13 He that is faithful and endure th shall overcome the world. He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion, shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works, shall follow him; and also a reward in the world to come; yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and pld 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 appointed to 208 COVENANTS AND him to die at the age of man: wherefore chil¬ dren shall grow up until they become old, old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twink¬ ling of an eye: wherefore, for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the re¬ surrection of the dead: these things are the things that ye must look for, and speaking af¬ ter 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 un¬ til 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 I send mine angels, to pluck out the wicked, and cast them into un¬ quenchable fire. i 14 And now behold, verily I say unto you, I the Lord am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon, he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spi¬ rit: wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord,and he shall make another; and if the Lord receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in the office which I have appointed him. j 15 And again, verily I say unto you, those who desire in their hearts, in meakness, to warn sinners to repentance, let them be or¬ dained unto this power: for this is a day of warning, 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 pow¬ er lieth beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all, and searcheth all things: and thp COMMANDMENTS* 209 day cometh. that all things shall be subject un¬ to me. Behold I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Wherefore let all men beware how they take my name in their lips: for be¬ hold verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation; who useth the name of the 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 off. 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 Spirit through prayer: wherefore without this there remainetn condemnation: Let my ser¬ vant 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 patience, that such may receive a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; otherwise, a greater condemnation: Amen. SECTION XXI. Revelation given in Kirtland , Sept. 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord your God un¬ to you, O ye elders of my church, hearken ye, and hear, and receive my will concerning 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. 210 COVENANTS AND lor 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 ta¬ ken 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 sinned, 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 anoth¬ er, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and sore¬ ly chastened: wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his tresspasses, stan- deth condemned before the Lord, for their re- maineth in him the greater sin. I the Lord will lorgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, let Qod judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds. And he that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before the church, and do with hun as the Scriptures saith unto you, either by commandment, or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God might be glorified, not be-, cause ye forgive not, having not compassion, hut that ye may be justified in the eyes of the COMMANDMENTS. 2 ft law, that ye may not offend him who is your' Lawgiver. 3 Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things. Behold I the Lord was angry with him who w'as my servant Ezra Booth: and also, my servant Isaac Morley; for they kept not the law, neither the commandments; they sought evil in their hearts, and I the Lord withheld my spirit. They condemned for evil, that thing in which there was no evil; nevertheless I have forgiven my servant Isaac Morley. And-also my servant Edward Par¬ tridge, behold he hath sinned, and satan seek- eth to destroy his soul; but when these things are made known unto them, they repent of the evil, and they shall be forgiven. 4 And now' verily I say, that it is expedi¬ ent in me that my servant Sidney Gilbert, af¬ ter a few' weeks, should return upon his busi¬ ness, and to his agency in the land of Zion; and that which he hath seen and heard may be made known unto my disciples, thaj they per¬ ish not. And for this cause have' I spoken these things. And again, I say unto you, that my servant Isaac Morley may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear, and coun¬ sel wrongfully to your hurt, I gave command¬ ment that his farm should be sold. I willeth. riot that my servant Frederick G. Williams should sell his farm, for I the Lord willeth 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 I may save some; and after that day, I the Lord will not hold any guilty, thatshailgo, with an open 212 COVENANTS AND heart, up to the land of Zion: for I the Lord requireth the hearts of the children of men. 5 Behold now it is called to-day, (until the coming of the Son of man) and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming;) for after to-day com- eth the burning: this is speaking after the manner of the Lord; for verily I say, to-mor row all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble: and 1 will burn them up, for I am the Lord of hosts; and I will not spare any that remained) in Babylon. Wherefore, 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 of the church, which remaineth in this place, shall go up unto the land of Zion. 6 Behold it is said in my laws, or forbid¬ den, to get in debt to thine enemies; but be¬ hold 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 errand; and what¬ ever ye do according to the will of the Lord, is the Lord’s business, and he hath set you to provide 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 $ure 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 COMMANDMENTS. 213 of a great work. And out of small things pro¬ ceeded that which is great. 7 Behold the Lord required 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 the land of Zion, and shall be sent away and shall not inherit the land: for verily Isay 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 place, to judge the nations: for it shall come to pass, that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zi¬ on: and liars, and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who axe not apostles and prophets shall be known. 8 And evon the bishop, who is a judge, and his councillors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships, shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead: for behold I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her, and she shall be an ensign unto the people: and there shall come unto her out of every nation under 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. 2.14 COVENANTS AND SECTION XXII. Revelation , given November , 1831, to Orson Hyde , Luke Johnson , Lyman Johnson and William E. McLellin. The mind and will of the Lord , as made known by the voice of the Spirit , to a conference concerning certain elders; and also certain items , as mac/e known , m addition to the covenants and com¬ mandments. 1 My servant, Orson Hyde, was called, by his ordinance* to proclaim the everlasting gos¬ pel, by the Spirit of the living God, from peo¬ ple to people, and from land to land, in the congregations of the wicked, in their syna¬ gogues, reasoning with, and expounding all Scriptures unto them: and behold and lo, this is an ensample unto all those who were or¬ dained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth: and this is the ensampleunto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and whatsoever they shall speak when mov¬ ed upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scrip¬ ture; shall be the will 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'Ve my servants: wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God; that I was; that I am; and that I COMMANDMENTS. 213 am to come. This is the word of the Lord unto you my servant, Orson Hyde; and also unto my servant, Luke Johnson, and unto my servant, Lyman Johnson, and unto my servant, William E. McLellin; and unto all the faith¬ ful elders of my church: Go ye into all the world; preach the gospel to every creature; acting in the authority which 1 have given you; baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned; and he 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 rec¬ ord, to you it shall be given power to seal them up unto eternal life. Amen. 2 And now concerning the items in addi¬ tion to the covenants and commandments, they are these: There remaineth hereafter in the due time of the Lord, other bishops to be set apart unto the church to minister even ac¬ cording to the first: wherefore they shall be high priests who are worthy# and they shall be appointed by the first presidency of the Melchisedek' priesthood, except they be lite¬ ral decendants of Aaron,, and if they be lite¬ ral decendants of Aaron, they have a legal right to the bishopric, if they are the first born among the sons of Aaron: for thp first born holds the right of the presidency oyer this priesthood, and the keys or authority of the same.. No man has a legal right-to this of* COVENANTS AND *216 fice, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal decendant and the first born of Aaron: but as a high priest of the Melchise- dek priesthood, has authority to officiate in all the lesser office^, 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 under the hands of the first presidency of the Melchise- dek priesthood. And a literal descendant of Aaron, also, must be designated by this presi¬ dency, 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 priest¬ hood descending from father to son, they may claim their annointing, if at any time they can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by rev¬ elation 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 be¬ fore the first presidency of the church; and inasmuch as he is found guilty before this pres¬ idency, by testimony that cannot be impeach¬ ed, he shall be condemned, and if he repents he shall be forgiven, according to the cove nantsand commandments of the church. 4 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to under¬ stand the doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ the Son of the living God; and of bap- COMMANDMENTS. 217 tism and the gift of the Holy 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 Zi- ! on, or in any of their stakes which are organ¬ ized: and their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years 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 inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy. And the inhabi¬ tants of Zion, also, shall remember their la¬ bors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness, for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord. Now I the Lord am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wicked¬ ness: They also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greedi¬ ness. These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them: wherefore let my servant Oliver Cowdery, carry these sayings unto the land of Zion. And a com¬ mandment I give unto them, that he that ob- serveth not his prayers before the Lord in the season thereof, let him be had in remembrance before the judge of my people. These sayings are true and faithful: wherefore transgress them not, neither take therefrom. Behold I am Alpha and Omega, and I come quickly:— Amen. 19 218 COVENANTS AND SECTION XXIII. Revelation given May , 1831. 1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and I will speak unto my servant Ed¬ ward 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 organized according to my laws, if otherwise they will be cut off: where¬ fore let my servant Edward Partridge, and those whom he has chosen, in whom I am well pleased, appoint unto 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 se¬ cure unto him his portion, that he shall hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the church, until he transgresses and is not ac¬ counted worthy by the voice of the church, according to the laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the church: and if he shall transgress, and is not accounted worthy to belong in the church, he shall not have power to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto the bishop for the poor and the needy of my church: therefore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have claim on that portion that is deeded unto him. And thus, all things shall be made sure according to the laws of the land. COMMANDMENTS. 219 2 And let that which belongs to this people, be appointed unto this people; and the money which is left unto this people, let there be an agent appointed unto this people, to take the - money, to provide food and raiment, accor¬ ding to the wants of this people. And let eve¬ ry man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you. 3 And let that which belongeth to this peo¬ ple not be taken and given unto that of anoth¬ er 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 bish¬ op or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the church. 4 And again, let the bishop appoint a store¬ house 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 in the hands of the bishop. And let him also reserve unto himself, for his own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall be em¬ ployed in doing this business. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws; and I con¬ secrate unto them this land for a little season, until I the Lord shall provide for them other¬ wise, and command them to go hence; and the hour and the day is not given unto them:— wherefore let them act upon this land as for years; and this shall turn unto them for their good. 5 Behold, this shall be an example unto my 220 covenants and 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 on prayer, given October , 1831. 1 Hearken, and Io, a voice as of one 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 without hands shall roll forth, until it has fill¬ ed the whole earth; yea, a voice crying, Pre¬ pare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the bride¬ groom; pray unto the Lord; call upon his 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 in Leaven, clqthed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth: wherefore, may the kingdom of God COMMANDMENTS. 221 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 to¬ gether, whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose desires have come up before me. Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you; and the 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 of¬ fered unto you, but behold, verily I say unto you, there were fears in your hearts; and ver¬ ily this is the reason that ye did not receive. 2 And now I the Lord give unto you a tes¬ timony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you: your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, jr.: and his language you have known; and his imper¬ fections you have known; and yOuhave sought in your hearts knowledge, that you might ex¬ press beyond his language: this you also know: now seek ye out of the book of command¬ ments, 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 222 COVENANTS AND one like unto it, then ye are justified in say¬ ing 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 there is no unrighteousness in them; and that w'hich 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 jeal¬ ousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am; not with the carnal, neither natur¬ al 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 presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels: wherefore continue in patience until ye are perfected. 4 Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. Amen. COMMANDMENTS. 223 SECTION XXVI. ' Revelation given November, 1831. 1 Behold and hearken, 0 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 servant Oliver Cowderv; and also unto my servant John Whitmer; and also unto my servant Sidney Rigdon; and al¬ so unto my servant Wrn. W. Phelps: by the way of commandment unto them, for I give unto them a commandment: wherefore heark¬ en 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 an account of this stewardship will I re¬ quire of them in the day of judgment: where¬ fore I have appointed unto them, and this is their business in the church of God, to man¬ age them and the concerns thereof; yea, the benefits thereof: 2 Wherefore a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not give these things un¬ to the church, neither unto the world, never¬ theless, inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities, and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse, and the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabit¬ ants of Zion, and unto their generations, inas- 224 COVENANTS AND much as they become heirs according to the laws of .the kingdom. 3 Behold this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship; even as I the Lord have appointed, or shall hereafter ap¬ point unto any man. And behold none are exempt from this bw who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth the Lord’s storehouse; neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things: He who is appointed to administer 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 abundant¬ ly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through the manifestations of the Spirit: nev¬ ertheless, 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 for a reward of their diligence; and for their security for food and for raiment, for an inheritance; for their houses and for lands, in whatsoever circumstances I the Lord shall place them; and withersoever I the Lord shall send them: for they have been faithful over many things, and have done well inas¬ much as they have not sinned. Behold I the Lord am merciful an,d will bless them, and they shall enter into the joy of these things: even so: Amen. COMMANDMENTS. 225 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 com¬ mandments, in this land which is the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have ap¬ pointed 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 re¬ ceive wisdom here is wisdom. Behold the place which is now called. Independence, is the centre place, and the spot for the temple is lying westward upon a lot which is not far from the court house: wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be purchased by the saints; and also every tract lying westward; even un¬ to the line running directly between Jew and Gentile. And also every tract bordering by the prairies, inasmuch as my disciples are en¬ abled to buy lands. Behold this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for an everlasting in¬ heritance. 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 church, to buy land in all the regions round about, in¬ asmuch as can be in righteousness, and as wis¬ dom shall direct. 3 And let my servant Edward Partridge, stand in the office which I have appointed him, to divide the saints their inheritance, 226 COVENANTS AND 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 fraud, that he may obtain mon¬ ey to buy lands for the good of the saints; and that he may obtain whatsoever things the dis¬ ciples may need to plant them in their inher¬ itance. And also let my servant Sidney Gil¬ bert obtain a licence, (behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand,) that he may send goods also 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 can obtain in righteousness, for the good of the saints. And let my servant Oliver Cowdery assist him, even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall ap¬ point 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 spoken. 6 And now concerning the gathering, let the bishop and the agent make preparations COMMANDMENTS. 227 for those families which have been comman¬ ded to come to this land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their inheritance. And on¬ to the residue of both elders and members, further directions shall be given hereafter:— even so: Amen. SECTION XXVIII. Revelation given November , 1831. 1 Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery’s sake, it is not wisdom in me that he should be en¬ trusted with the commandments and the mon¬ eys which he shall carry unto the land of Zi¬ on, 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 he shall observe and know, concerning my church, and also that he receive counsel and assis¬ tance 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 land of Zion; for the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive 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, wri- 228 ‘covenants and ting, copying, selectingand obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations, that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from genera¬ tion to generation, forever, and ever: Amen. SECTION XXIX. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr., and Sidney Rigdon, January , t832. The word of the Lord unto them concerning the elders 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 con¬ ference. 1 For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expe¬ dient in me, that they should continue preach¬ ing the gospel, and in exhortation to the church¬ es, in the regions round about, until confer¬ ence: and then behold it shall be made known unto to 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 regions round about until conference, and af¬ ter that it is expedient to continue the work of translation, until it be finished. And let this be apatternunto the elders until further know¬ ledge, even as it is written. Now I give no more unto you at this time. Gird up your loins and be sober; even so: Amen. COMM \NDMENTS. 229 ON PRIESTHOOD AND CALLING. SECTION XXX. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. given July , 1828, concerning certain manuscripts on the ' first part of the book of Mormon, which had been taken from the possession of Martin Harris. 1 The works, and the designs, and the pur¬ poses of God, cannot 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 va¬ ry from that which he hath said: therefore his paths are straight and his course is one eternal round. 2 Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is 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 ven¬ geance of a just God upon him. 3 Behold, you have been intrusted with these things, but how strict were your com¬ mandments; and remember, also, the promi¬ ses which were made unto you, if you did not transgress them; and behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasiops 20 230 COVENANTS AND of men: for behold, you should nothave feared man more 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 the 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 called to the work; except thou do this, thou shalt 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 sight and power to trans¬ late, 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 be¬ fore God, and has depended upon his own judg¬ ment, 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 be trampled upon from the beginning. 6 Nevertheless my work shall go forth, for, inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Sav- COMMANDMENTS. 231 ior come unto my people; and to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fa¬ thers; and this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuel- ites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in un¬ belief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniqui¬ ties and their abominations: and for this very purpose are these plates preserved which con¬ tain 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 on his name; and that through their re¬ pentance they might be saved: Amen. SECTION XXXI. Revelation to Joseph Smith , Sen. given Feb - ruary , 1829 . 1 Now, behold, a marvellous work 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 heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day: there¬ fore, if 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 thrusteth in 232 COVENANTS AND his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perish not, but bringeth salva¬ tion to his soul, and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualifies him for the work. 2 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, tem¬ perance, patience, brotherly kindness, godli¬ ness, 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 ser¬ vant Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that you, my servant Joseph Smith, jr. have got the plates of which you have tes¬ tified and born record that you have received of me: and now behold, this shall you say un¬ to 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 should stand as a witness of these things, and I have caused you that you should enter into a cove¬ nant with me, that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I command you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you. And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you, and I have com¬ manded that you should pretend to no other COMMANDMENTS. 233 gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is fin¬ ished. 2 Verily I say unto you, that Vvo shall come unto the inhabitants 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 believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, ii' it were possible that you could show them all these things which I have committed unto you. O this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation, mine anger is kindled against them. 3 Behold verily, I say unto you, I have re¬ served those things which I have entrusted unto you, piy servant Joseph, for a wise pur¬ pose 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 of my servants, whom I 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 unto 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 generation, 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 234 COVENANTS AND banners. And the testimony of three wit¬ nesses will I send forth of my word; and be¬ hold whosoever believeth on my words them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spir¬ it 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 testimony shall also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they 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 repent 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 shall 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 pursuasionsof 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, my ser¬ vant Joseph, concerning the man that desires the witness: Behold I say unto him he exalts himself and does not hum ble himself sufficient¬ ly before me: but 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 COMMANDMENTS. 235 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 Jo¬ seph Smith, jr. and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have seen them: for they have been shown unto me by the power of God and not of man. And I the Lord com¬ mand him, my servant Martin Harris, that he shall say no more unto them concerning these things, except he shall say I have seen them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God: and these are the words which he shall say. But if he deny this he will break the covenant which he has before covenanted with me, and behold he is con¬ demned. And now except he humble himself and acknowledge unto me the things which he has done which are wrong, and covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, and exercise faith in me, behold, I say unto him, he shall have no such views; for I will grant unto him no views of the things of which I have spoken. And if this be the case I command you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter. 6 And if this be the case, behold I say unto thee Joseph, when thou hast translated a few more pages thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again: then thoumayest translate again. And except thou do this, be¬ hold thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away the things which I have -intrusted with thee. And now because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy thee: yea, I foresee 236 COVENANTS AND that if my servant Martin Harris humbleth not himself, and receive a witness from my hand, that he will fall into transgression; and there are many that lie in wait to destroy thee from off the face of the earth: and for this cause, that thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these commandments; yea, for this cause I have said, stop and stand still until I command thee,and l will provide means whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee; and if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt be lifted up at the last day: Amen. SECTION XXXIII. Revelation given to Joseph Smith, jr. and Oli-> ver Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know wheth¬ er John the beloved disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parchment, written and hid up by himself. 1 And the Lord said unto me, John, my be¬ loved, what desirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily 1 say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophecy before nations, kindreds, tongues, and people. 2 And for thiscause the Lord said unto Pe¬ ter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is COMMANDMENTS. ~ 237 . 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. 1 say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired 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; there¬ fore, 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 thy brother James: and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of the min¬ istry 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 assuredly 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 know¬ ledge c&ncerning the engravings of the old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which have been spoken, by the manifestation of my Spir¬ it: yea, behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost, which shall 23S COVENANTS AND come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. 2 Now, behold this is the Spirit of Revela¬ tion: 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 0 remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember this is your gift. Now this is not all thy gift; for you have anoth¬ er gift, which is the gift of Aaron: behold 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 with you; there¬ fore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God, and you shall hold it in your hands, and do mar¬ velous 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 ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred, and according 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. COMMANDMENTS. 239 SECTION XXXV. Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery , April , / 1829. 1 Behold I say unto you, my son, that be¬ cause 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 un¬ til you have finished this record, which I have intrusted unto him: and then behold, other rec¬ ords 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 trans¬ late at this present time. Behold the work which you are called to do, is to write for my servant Joseph; and behold it is because that you did not continue 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 after 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 you must study if out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will eause that your bosom shall burn within you; there¬ fore, 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 240 COVENANTS AND cause you to target the thing which is wrong: therefore, you cannot write that which is sa¬ cred, save it he given you from me. 4 Now if you had known this, you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedi¬ ent that you should translate now. Behold it was expedient when you commenced, but you feared and the time is past, and it is not expe¬ dient 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 y6u, 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 of the Manuscript of the fore part of the book of Mormon. 1 Now, behold I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate, 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; nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again, therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto COMMANDMENTS. 241 the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun: do not run fas¬ ter, or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; be diligent unto 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 up¬ hold his work. Behold, they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in whom you have trusted, has sought to destroy you. And for this cause I said, that he is a wicked man, for he has sought to take away the things wherewith you have been intrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your gift, and be¬ cause 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 wicked¬ ness. 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 hand s: and behold I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary 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 into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to trans¬ late. 2 Verily I say unto you, that I will not suf¬ fer that satan shall accomplish his evil design 21 242 COVENANTS AND 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 trans¬ late, if so, he will also give him power again; and if God giveth him power again, or if he translates 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 stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good, and their hearts are corrupt, and full of wick¬ edness and abominations, and they love dark¬ ness rather than light, because their deeds are evil: therefore they will not ask of me. Sa¬ tan 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 COMMANDMENTS. 243 a man in a lie, that the v ma . destroy him, and thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare; and thus he gOeth 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 decieve, because he supposes that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God. 5 Now, behold they have altered these words, because satan sailh unto them, He hath deceived you: and thus he flattereth them away to 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 behold they shall not accomplish their evil designs in lying against those words. For, behold, if you should bring forth the same words they will say that you have lied; that you have pretend¬ ed to translate, but that you have contradict¬ ed yourself: 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 think- eth to overpower your testimony in this gen¬ eration, that the work may not come lorth in this generation: but behold here is wisdom, and because 1 show unto you wisdom, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the 244 COVENANTS AND 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 right¬ eous: 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 en¬ graven upon the plates of Nephi; yea, and you remember, it was said in those writings, that a more particular 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 engravings 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 behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi, and thus I will con¬ found 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. COMMANDMENTS. 245 10 Behold they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of Nephi. 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 translate this first part of the en¬ gravings 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 prophets; yea, ^ind 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 which I gave unto them, that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren, the La- manites, and also, all that had become Laman- ites, 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 na¬ tions 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 whatsoev¬ er 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. 21 * 246 COVENANTS AND 13 And for this cause have I said, if this generation harden not their hearts I will es¬ tablish my church among them. Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church: therefore, whoso¬ ever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: but it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments, but buildeth up churches unto themselves, to get gain; yea, and all those that do wickedly, and buildeth up the kingdom 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 re¬ ceived me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness compreheneth 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 doc¬ trine: yea, and the only doctrine which is in me, and this I do, that I may establish my gos¬ pel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, satan doth stir up the hearts of the peo- COMMANDMENTS. 247 pie to contention, concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures, and do not under¬ stand them: therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery, for behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. 16 Behold this is my doctrine: whosoever repenteth and cometh 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 novr, behold whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my Ilock, 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 , 1839. 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 har¬ vest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him 248 COVENANTS AND 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 king- kom of God; yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall re¬ ceive; if you will knock, it shall be opened un¬ to you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say un¬ to you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and be¬ hold the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich: be¬ hold 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 but repentance unto this generation; Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work according to my commandments, 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. 6 And now, verily, verily I say unto thee, put your trust in 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 untoyou, I will im- COMMANDMENTS. 249 part unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlight¬ en 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 thing of righte¬ ousness, 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 longer, 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 my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my Spirit: yea, cleave un¬ to me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of 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 declare my w r ord, 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 convincing of men; but now 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 obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of 250 COVENANTS AND men in this generation; and then shall all things be added thereunto. 11 Behold thou art Hyrum, my son; seek the kingdom of God and all things shall be ad¬ ded according to that which is just. Build up¬ on my rock, which is my gospel; deny not the Spirit of revelation, nor the Spirit of prophe¬ cy, for wo unto him thatdenieth these things; therefore, treasure up in your hearts until the time which is in my wisdom, that you shall go forth: behold 1 speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle 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 unto you, that as many as receiveth me, them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name: Amen. SECTION XXXVIII. Revelation given to Joseph Knight , Sen. May , 1829. . 1 A great and marvellous 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 har¬ vest, therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him commandments. 251 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 king¬ dom of God: yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God:— therefore if you will ask of me you shall re¬ ceive; if you will knock it shall be opened un¬ to you. 3 Now as you have asked, behold I say un¬ to 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 who have desires to bring forth and es¬ tablish 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 tem¬ perate in all things, whatsoever shall be intrus- to his care. 5 Behold I am the light and the life of the world, that speaketh 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 marvellous 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. 252 COVENANTS AND 2 Behold the field is white already to har¬ vest, 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 called of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall i receive; if you will knock it shall be opened | unto you: 3 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zi- . on. Keep my commandments in all things, ' and if you keep my commandments and en¬ dure to the end, you shall have eternal life; which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God. j 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 giv- f eth utterance, that you may stand as a witness - of the things of which you shall both hear and j see; and also that you may declare repen- \ tance 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 s gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Is¬ rael. 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 t and temporally, and great shall be your re- I ward: Amen. ‘ s COMMANDMENTS. 253 SECTION XL. Revelation given to John Whitmer, June, 1829 . 1 Hearken my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto 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 done, for many times have you 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 commandments. 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 aeople, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom )fmy Father: Amen. SECTION XLI. Revelation given to Peter Whitmer , jr. June , 1829. 1 Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to he words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you with harpness and with power, for mine arm is >ver all the earth, and I will tell you that vhichnoman knoweth save me and thee alone: 254 COVENANTS AND 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 un¬ to you according to my commandments. 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 XLII. Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery , David Whitmer and Martin Harris , June y 1829, given previous to their viewing the plates containing the hook^of Mormon. 1 Behold I say unto you, that you must re¬ ly upon my word, which if you -do, with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, 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, COMMANDMENTS. 255 and have seen 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 hath seen them, and it is because he had faith: and he has translated the book, even that part which I have com¬ manded 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 com¬ mandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you: and you shall be lifted up at the last day. And I, Je¬ sus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spo¬ ken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men: Amen. COVENANTS AND SECTION XLIII. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jr. Oliver Cow- dery and David Whitmer, making known the calling of twelve apostles in these last days, and also, instructions relative to buil¬ ding up the church of Christ, according 40 the fulness of the gospel: Given in Fayette, New York, June, 1829. 1 Now behold, because of the thing which you, my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words: behold I 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 if you 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, if you shall build up my church upon the foun¬ dation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. 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 Gen¬ tiles, 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 fulfill¬ ed the thing which I commanded him. And now marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known COMMANDMENTS* 25 ? in me: wherefore if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments, he shall be bless¬ ed 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. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God: for be¬ hold 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 repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth. Wherefore you are called to cry repentance unto this 1 peo¬ ple. And if it so be that you should labor all your days, in crying repentance unto this peo¬ ple, and bring save it be one soul unto me, now great shall be your joy with him in the king¬ dom of my Father? 4 And now if your joy will be great with one soul, that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy, if you should bring many souls un¬ to me ? Behold you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation: ask the Father in my name in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost which manifesteth all things, which is expedient unto the children of men. And if 258 COVENANTS AND you have not faith, hope and charity, you can do nothing. Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil. Take upon you tire name of Christ,and speak the truth in sober¬ ness, and as many as repent, and aie baptized 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 is none other name given whereby man can be saved: wherefore all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day: wherefore if they know not the same by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Fa¬ ther. 5 And now behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew: yea, even twelve: and 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 hear t: and if they desire to take upon them my name, with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all 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 before you: wherefore you must perform it according to the words which are written. And now I speak unto the twelve: Behold my grace is sufficient for you: you must walk uprightly before me and sin not-— COMMANDMENTS. And behold you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers to declare my gospel, according to the power pf the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men: and I Je¬ sus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it. These words are not of men, nor of man, but of me: wherefore you shall testi¬ fy 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 Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the twelve who shall have the desires of which I have spoken; and by their desires and their works, you shall know 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 wo¬ men, and children whp 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 mar¬ velous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance, and that they COVENANTS AND may come unto the kingdom of my Father! wherefore the blessings which 1 give unto you, are above all things. .And after that you have received this, if you keep not my command¬ ments, 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 XLIY. A commandment of God and not of man to Martin Harris , given ( Manchester , New York , March , 1830) by him who is eternal: 1 l am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even 1 am He, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world: I having ac¬ complished and finished the will of him whose lam, even the Father concerning me: having done this, that I might subdue all things unto myself: retaining all power, even to the de¬ stroying 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 there¬ of, judging every man according to his works, and the deeds which he hath done. And sure¬ ly every man must repent or suffer, for I God am endless: wherefore, I revoke not the judg¬ ments which 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 writteft endless torment. COMMANDMENTS. 261 Again, it is written eternal damnation:— wherefore it is more express than other scrip¬ tures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory: 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 great is it? for be¬ hold I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for endless is my name; wherefoi'e— Eternal punishment ) Endless punishment is God’s punishment: $ is God’s punishment: wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the commandments which you have re¬ ceived by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. in my name: and it is by my al¬ mighty power 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 suf¬ ferings be sore: how sore you know not! how exquisit you know not! yea, how hard to bear you know not! For behold, I God have suf¬ fered these things for all, that the}'- might not suffer, if they would repent, but if they would not repent, they must suffereven 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: nevetheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my 262 COVENANTS AND preparations unto the children of men: where¬ fore, I command you again to repent lest I humble you with my almighty power, and that you confess 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 roe, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me: I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Fa¬ ther, and I do his will. 3 And again, I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wile. Nor seek thy neighbor’s life. And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thine own prop¬ erty, 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 gospel, 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 pub¬ lic as well as in private. And thou shalt de¬ clare glad tidings: yea, publish it to the moun¬ tains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to COMMANDMENTS. 263 see. And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.— And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Sav¬ ior, and remission of sins by baptism and by fire; yea, even the Holy Ghost. . 5 Behold this is a great, and the last command¬ ment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter: for this shall suffice for thy daily walk even unto the end of thy life. And mis¬ ery thou shalt receive, if thou wilt slight these counsels; yea, even the destruction of thyself and property. Impart a portion of thy prop¬ erty; 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 ho¬ sanna! hosanna! blessed be the name of the Lord God. 6 Pray always and I will pour out my Spir¬ it upon you, and great shall be your blessing: yea, even more than if you should obtain treas¬ ures of earth and corruptibleness to the ex¬ tent thereof. Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness; or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide; or canst thou be humble and meek and conduct thyself wisely before me: yea, come unto me thy Savior: Amen. 264 COVKNANTS AND SECTION XLY. Revelation to Oliver Cowdery , Hyrum Smith , Samuel H. Smith , Joseph Smith , sen. and Joseph Knight , sen. given April, 1830. 1 Behold I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold thou art blessed, and art un¬ der no condemnation. But beware 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 henceforth and forever: Amen. 2 Behold I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words: for thou also art under no condemna¬ tion, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continually. Where¬ fore 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 condemna¬ tion, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church. And thou art not as yet called to preach before the world: Amen. 4 Behold 1 speak a few words unto you, Joseph: for thou also art under no condemna¬ tion, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church. And fhisis thy du¬ ty from henceforth and forever: Amen. 5 Behold I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vo¬ cally before the world, as well as in secret, and COMMANDMENTS. 265 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 lan¬ guage to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer:— Amen. SECTION XLVI. 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^ prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ; being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith; which church was organized and established, in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred 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 command¬ ments, which he shall give unto you, as he re- ceiveth 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 be¬ fore you; and cause the heavens to shake for 23 266 COVENANTS AND your good, and his name’s glory. For thus saith the Lord God, him have 1 inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good; and his diligence I know, and his prayers 1 have heard: yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will 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 la¬ bor 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 was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world; yea, for the re¬ mission of sins unto the contrite heart. Where¬ fore, it behooveth me, that he should be ordain¬ ed by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle; this being an ordinance 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, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo, to the Jews, also: Amen. COMMANDMENTS. 267 SECTION XLVII. Revelation to the church of Christ , which was established in these last days,- in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty: Given April , 1830, in consequence of some desiring to unite with the church without re-baptism , who had previously been baptized. 1 Behold I say unto you, that all old cov¬ enants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and an everlasting covenant; even that which was from the be¬ ginning. 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 I 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, my daughter, for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. A revelation I give unto you concerning my will, and if thou art faithful and COVENANTS AND 268 walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an in¬ heritance in Zion. Behold thy sins are for¬ given thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom 1 have called. Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee, and from the world, which 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 a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I 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 rhy Spir¬ it: for he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much. And thou needest not fear, for thy hus¬ band shall support thee in the church: for unto them is his calling, that all things might be re¬ vealed unto them, whatsoever I 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 un¬ to me, to be had in my church: for my soul de- lighteth in the song ot the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me. And it COMMANDMENTS. 269 shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Wherefore lift up thy heart and re¬ joice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 4 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. 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 re¬ ceive. 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 Cow- dery and John Whitmer, given July, 1830. 1 Behold, I say unto you, that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the Scriptures, and to*, preaching, and to confirm¬ ing the church at Colesville: and to perfoi'ming 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. 270 .COVENANTS AND 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 behold I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat, 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; remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remis¬ sion of your sins: wherefore a commandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink of your enemies: wherefore you shall partake of none, except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which 3hall 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 un¬ to you to reveal the book of Mormon, con¬ taining the fulness of my everlasting gospel; to whom I have committed the keys of the record 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, spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days: and also John the son of Zacharias, which Zacharias he (Elias) visited and gave •COMMANDMENTS. .27, 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 servants, Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowderv, to ordain you unto this first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron: and also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers 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 remain; 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 and confirmed you to he apostles and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry: and of the same things which I revealed unto them: un¬ to whom 1 have committed the keys of my 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 your loins 372 COVENANTS AND girt about with truth; having on the breast¬ plate 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 helmet of salvation, and the sword of my spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word 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, that where I am ye shall be also: Amen. SECTION LI. Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery , Septem¬ ber, 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, con¬ cerning the revelations and commandments which I have given. 2 But behold, verily, verily I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive command¬ ments and revelations in this church, except¬ ing my servant Joseph Smith, jr. for he re- ceiveth 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 revelations, with pow¬ er an4 authority unto the church. And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to COMMANDMENTS. 373 speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it. But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom: And thou shalt not command nim who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; for I have giv¬ en him the keys of the mysteries, and the rev¬ elations, 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 re¬ ceive 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 behold I say un¬ to you, that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold I say unto you, that it shall be on.the borders by the La¬ manites. 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 Page between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone, are not of me, and satan deceiveth him, for behold these things have not been appointed unto him: neither shall any thing be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants, for all things must be done in order and by com- 274 COVENANTS AND mon 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 journey among the Lamanites. And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what, thou shalt do. And thou must open thy mouth at all times declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing: Amen., SECTION LII. Revelation to David Whitmer , Peter W/iit- ?ner,jr. and John Whitmer, given Septem¬ ber, , 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 your mind has been on the things of the earth more tlian on the things of me, your Maker, and the minis¬ try whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been pursuaded by those whom 1 have not com¬ manded : wherefore you are left to inquire for yourself, at my hand, and ponder upon the tilings which you have received. And your home shall be at your father’s house, until I give unto you further commandments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the region round about: Amen. 2 Behold I say unto you, Peter, that you COMMANDMENTS. 275 shall take your journey with your brother Ol¬ iver, 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 broth¬ er, which he shall give- you. And be you af¬ flicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer, and faith, for his arid your deliverance: for I have 'given unto him power to build up my church among the La- manites: and none have I appointed to be his councillor, over him, in the church, concern¬ ing church matters, except it is his brother Joseph Smith, jr. Wherefore give heed unto these things and be dil igent in keeping my com- mandments,and you shall be blessed unto eter¬ nal life: Amen. 3 Behold I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump. And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burrough’s, and in that region x’ound about: yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command you 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 Sep tembcr , 1830. 1 Thomas, my son, blessed are you because 276 COVENANTS AND of your faith in my work. Behold you have had many afflictions because of your family: nevertheless 1 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 Joseph Smith, jr. You shall be¬ gin to preach from this time forth; yea, to reap in the held which is white already to be burn¬ ed: therefore thrust in your sickle with all vour soul; and your sins are forgiven you; and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire.— Wherefore your family shall live. 3 Behold, verily, 1 say unto you, go from them only for a little 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 to the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you. Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do, and whith¬ er you shall go. Pray always, lest you enter COMMANDMENTS. 3# into temptation, and loose 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 LIY. Revelation to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Pe¬ terson,, given October ,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 that which I have appointed unto him, is that he shall go with my servants Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, jr. into the wilderness, among the Lamanites; and Ziba Peterson, al¬ so, shall go with them, and I myself will go with them and be in their midst: and I am their Advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail. And they shall give heed to that which is written and pretend.to no other re¬ velation, 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. 24 278 ■COVENANTS AND SECTION LV. Revelation to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet , given October , 1830. 1 Behold I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken i to the voice of the Lord your God, whose j word is quick and powerful, sharper than a j two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of ( the joints and marrow, soul and spirit: and is 1 a discerrief of the thoughts and intents of the i heart. For verily, verily I say unto you, that ye are called to. lift up your voices as with the i sound of a trump, to declare my gospel unto 1 a crooked and a perverse generation: for be- i hold the field is white already to harvest; and < it is the eleventh hour, and for the last time i that I shall call laborers into my vinefard. ' And my vineyard has become corrupted every < whit: and there is none which doeth good save '< it be a few; and they err in many instances, > because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt 1 minds. ' 2 And verily, verily I say unto you, that 1 this church have I established and called forth 1 out of the wilderness: and even so will I gath- 1 er mine elect from the four, quarters of the 1 earth, even as many as will believe in me, and * hearken unto my voice: yea, verily, verily I say ( unto you, that the field is white already to har¬ vest; wherefore thrust in your sickles, and reap ( with all your might, mind and strength. Open your mouths and they shall be filled; and you COMMANDMENTS. 279 shall become even as Nephi of old, who jour¬ neyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness: yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be 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 ihe Lord, and make his paths straight: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand: yea, repent and be baptized every one of you; for the remission of your sins; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and 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 hr no wise be saved: and upon this Rock I will build my shurch; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not pre¬ rail against you; and ye shall remember the church articles and covenants to keep them: md whoso having faith you shall confirm in ny church, by 'the laying on of the hands, and [ will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them. And the book of Mormon, and the ho- y scriptures, are given of me for your instruc¬ tion; and the power of my Spirit quickenth all things: wherefore be faithful, praying always, laving your lamps trimmed and burning, and lil with you, that you may be ready at the joining of the Bridegroom: for behold, verily, eerily I say unto you, that I come quickly; sven so: Amen. COVENANTS AND 2:80 SECTION LYI. ’ Revelation to Orson Pratt, given November, 1830. 1 My son Orson, hearken and hear and be¬ hold what 1 the Lord God shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer, the light and the life of the world: a light which shin- eth in darkness and the darkness comprehend- eth itnot: 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,-sand more blessed are you be¬ cause you are called of me to preach my gos¬ pel; to lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repent¬ ance unto a crooked and perverse generation; preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming; 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 coining, for all nations shall tremble. 2 But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turn¬ ed into blood, and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destruc¬ tions await the wicked: wherefore lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken. Therefore prophecy 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 verily, verily I say unto you, I come COMMANDMENTS. 281 quickly. I am your Lord and your Redemer; even so: Amen. SECTION LVII. Revelation to Edward Partridge, given De¬ cember, 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 re¬ ceive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peacea¬ ble things of the kingdom; and you shall de¬ clare 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 servant 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 repentance, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward genera¬ tion, 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 whieh will embrace it with singleness of he art, may be ordained and sent forth', even as I 24* .COVENANTS' AND have spoken. I am Jesus Christ the Son of ; God: wnerefote gird up your Joins and I will suddenly come to my temple; even so: Amen. SECTION LVIII. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given December , 1830. 1 Behold I say unto you, that it is not expe¬ dient 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 withersoev¬ er it is found, and more especially in Coles- ville: 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 Cow- dery shall return unto them. Behold here is wisdom, and let every man choose for himself until I come; even so: Amen. SECTION LIX. Revelation to James Covill, given January , 1831. 1 Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from-all eternity to all eternity, the . COMMANDMENTS. 283 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 give unto as many as will receive me, pow¬ er 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, receiveth not me. And this is my gospel: repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the bap¬ tism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Com¬ forter, which showeth all things, andteacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom. . 3 And now behold 1 say unto you, my ser¬ vant James, I have looked upon thy works and 1 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: neverthelsss thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride, and the cares 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 baptized, 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 fullness of my gospel which I have sent forth in these last days; the covenant which I have sent forth to 284 COVENANTS AND 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 before 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 say unto thee, thou art not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio. And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves to the Ohio, 1 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 Bohold, verily, verily I say unto you, that the people in Ohio call upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment up¬ on the nations, but 1 cannot deny my word: wherefore lay to with your might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may be pruned for the last time. And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fulness of my gospel, 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! bless¬ ed be the name of the most high God. Go forth baptizing with water, 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 COMMANDMENTS. 285 they shall be gathered unto me in 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 look¬ ing forth for the signs of my coming, and shall know me. Behold I come quickly; even so: Amen. SECTION LX. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. and Sidney Rigdon, given January , 1831, explaining why James Covill obeyed not the revelation which was given unto him. 1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covill was right before me, for he 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 remaineth with me to do with him as seemethme 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 blessings; ye that hear COVENANTS AND 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 toy church whom I have called: behold I give un¬ to 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. 2 And I will be your lluler when I come: and behold I come quickly: and ye shall see that my law is kept. He that receiveth my law and doeth it the sajne is my disciple; and he that saithhe receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not ipy disciple, and shall be cast out from among you: for it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom, should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast be¬ fore 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 mv servant Sidney Rigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments. And again, I have called’ my servant Edward Partridge, and give a commandment, that he should be ap¬ pointed by the voice of the churchy and or¬ dained 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 COMMANDMENTS. 287 Nathaniel of old, in whom there is no guile.— These words are given unto you, and they are E i before me: wherefore beware how you 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 February , 1831. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my church should be called together, 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 faithful, 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 re¬ pentance unto the'people; and many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain pow¬ er to organize yourselves, according to the laws of man; that your enemies may not have power over you* that you may be preserved 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 288 COVENANTS AND their relief, that they may be kept until all things ma be done according to my law which ye have received: Amen. SECTION LXIII. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. and John Whitmer, given March, 1831. 1 Behold it is expedient in me that my ser¬ vant John should write and keep a regular his¬ tory, 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 ex¬ pedient. 2 And again, I say unto you, that it shall be appointed unto him to keep the church re¬ cord and history continually, for Oliver Cow- dery I have appointed to another office.—* Wherefore it shall be given him, inasmuch as he is faithful, by the Comforter, 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 circumstances; 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 COMMANDMENTS. 289 time in those regions round about as seemeth 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 righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase lands for an inheritance, even the city. The place is not yet to be revealed, 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 re¬ vealed; and they shall be appointed to pur¬ chase the lands, and to make a commencement, to lay the foundation of the city; and then ye shall begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and command¬ ments, which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive; even so: Amen. SECTION LXY. Revelation to Sidney Rigdon , Parley P. Pratt , and Lemon Copley, given March , 1831. 1 Hearken unto my word, my servant Sid¬ ney, and Parley, and Lemon, for behold, veri- ily I say unto you, that I give unto you a com¬ mandment, that you shall go and preach my gospel, which ye have received, even as ye 25 290 COVENANTS AND have received it, unto the shakers. Behold I say unto you, that they desire to know the truth in part, but not all, for they are not right before me, and must needs repent: wherefore I send you, my servants Sidney and Parley, to preach the gospel nnto 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 ac¬ cording to that which shall be taught him by you, 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 re¬ demption of thq world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, andi he that receiveth him not shall be damned. 2 And they have done unto the Son of man even as they listed; and he has taken his pow¬ er on the right hand of his glory, and now reigneth in the heavens, and will reign till he descends 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 hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes: where¬ fore I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sip, except them which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of: wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent nn¬ to you fnine everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning, and that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the na- tionsof the earth shall bow to it; .and,, if not COMMANDMENTS. 291. of themselves, they shall come down, lor that which is now exalted of itself, shall be laid low of power: wherefore I give unto you a commandment, that ye go among this people and say unto them, like unto mine apostle ot old, whose name was Peter: Believe on the name of tile Lord Jesps, who was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and the end; re¬ pent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the remission of sins; and whoso doeth this, shall receive 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 forbiddeth to marry, is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man: wherefore it is lawful that he 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 filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made. And whoso for¬ biddeth 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 he 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 wasteth flesh and hath no need. 4 And again, verily I say unto you, that the 292 COVENANTS AND Son of man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of a man travelling on the earth: where¬ fore be not deceived, but continue in steadfast¬ ness, looking forth for the heavens to be sha¬ ken; and the earth to tremble, and to reel to and fro as a drunken man; and for the valleys 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 trum¬ pet. 5 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 appoin¬ ted. Behold I say unto you, go forth as I have commanded 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 I 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 shall be held in Missouri, commandments^ 293- upon the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which are a remnant of J acob, and them who are heirs according to the covenant. 2 Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servant Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon take their journey as soon as prepara¬ tions can be made to leave their homes, and journey to the land of Missouri. And inas¬ much 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 unto them the land of their in¬ heritance. And inasmuch as they are not faithful, they shall be cut off, even as I will, as seemeth me good. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant Lyman Wight, and my servant John Corril take their journey speedily : and also my servant John Murdock, and my servant Hy- rum Smith, take their journey unto the same place by way of Detroit. And let them jour¬ ney from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which 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 the water’s side: for thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness: for the days com- eth that I will send forth judgment unto victo¬ ry. And let my servant Lyman Wight be¬ ware, for satan desireth to sift him as chafL 2 5 * 294 COVENANTS AND 4 And behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many 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 na¬ tions: wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances: he that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth un¬ der my power, shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, ac¬ cording to the l’evelations, and truths which 1 have given you. 5 And again, he that is overcome and bring- eth not forth fruits, even according to this pat¬ tern, 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 wofd by the way, unto this same land. And again, let my servant Isaac Morley, and my servant Ezra Booth, take their journey, also a preaching the word by the way unto the same land. 6 And a^ain, let my servants Edward Par¬ tridge and Martin Harris take their journey with my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph COMMANDMENTS. 29 $ Smith, jr. Let my servant David Whitmer and Harvy Whitlock also take their journey, and preach by the way unto this same land. Let my servant Parley P. Pratt and Orson Pratt take their journey, and preach by the way, even unto this same land. And let my servant Solomon Hancock and Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same land, and preach by the way. Let my servant Ed- son Fuller and Jacob Scott also take their journey. Let my servants Levi.Hancock and Zebedee Coltrin also take their journey. Let my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey. Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William Car- ter'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 several courses, and one man shall not build upon another’s foundation, neither journey- in another’s track. He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and blessed with much fruit. 8 And again, I say unto you, let my servant Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey take their journey into the eastern 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 trans¬ gression, let that which was bestowed upon •Heman Basset, be taken from him, and placed jjppn the head of Simpnds^Rider. 296 COVENANTS AND 9 And again, verily I say unto you, let Ja¬ red Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James to be ordained a priest. Let the resi¬ due of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions among them. And let them labor with their own hands, that there be no idolatay nor wicked¬ ness practiced. And remember in all things, the poor, and the needy, the sick and the af¬ flicted, 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 re¬ commend 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 Missouri, which is the land of your inheritance, which is now the 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. Be¬ hold I am Jesus Christ the Son of God, and I will lift them up at the last day; even so: Amen. SECTION LXVII. Revelation to Sidney Gilbert, given June, 1831. 1 Behold I say unto you, my servant Sid¬ ney 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, concerning your calling, and election in COMMANDMENTS. 297 this church, which I 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 com¬ mandment, that you shall forsake the world. Take upon you mine ordinances, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance, and remission of sins, 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 appoin¬ ted by the bishop, according to command¬ ments which shall be given hereafter. 3 And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take your journey with my servants Jo¬ seph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Behold these are the first ordinances which you shall receive: and the residue shall be known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard. And again, I would that ye should learn that it is he only who is saved, that en- dureth unto the end; even so: Amen. SECTION LXVII1. Revelation to Newel 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 the sins of the world. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, my ser¬ vant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office wherewith I have appointed you: and if your brethren desire to escape their enemies let them repent of all their sins; and become COVENANTS AND truly humble before me and contrite: and as the covenant which they have made unto me, has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect; and wo to him by whom this offence 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 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 jovrney, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to 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 after you have done journeying, behold 1 say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you. 3 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come: and behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early, shall find rest to their souls; even so: Amen. SECTION LXIX. Revelation to William W. 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 chosen and after thou hast been baptized by water, which if you do with an eye single to my glory, you COMMANDMENTS. 299 3hall have a remission of your sins, and a re¬ ception of the Holy Spirit, by the laying on of hands. And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. to be an elder unto this church, to preach repent¬ ance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the liv¬ ing 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 Oliver 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 inheritance, to do this work. 3 And again let my servant Joseph Coe al¬ so take his journey with them. The residue shall be made known hereafter; even as I will: Amen. SECTION LXX. 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 they shall know mine arm and mine in¬ dignation in the day of visitation and Of wrath 300 COVENANTS AND upon the nations. And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my com¬ mandments, 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 fhe Lord command and revoke, as it seemeth me good; and all this to be answered upon the heads of the rebellious saith the Lord: where¬ fore I revoke the commandment which was given unto my servant Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my servant Thomas, 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 command¬ ment 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 rebelions: 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 former com¬ mandment which I havegiven him concerning the place upon which he lives; and if he will do this, as there shall be no divisions made up¬ on the land, he shall be appointed still to go to the land of Missouri; otherwise he shall re¬ ceive the money which he has paid, and. shall leave the place, and shall be cut off out of my COMMANDMENTS. 301 church, saith the LordGod of hosts: and though the heaven and the earth pass away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be ful¬ filled. 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 according to that which they do, they shall receive; even in lands for their inheri- itance. Behold thus saith the Lord unto my people, you have many things to do, and to repent of: for behold-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 unright¬ eousness. 5 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your rich¬ es will canker your souls! and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, 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 26 302 • COVENANTS AND spirits are contrite, for they shall see the king¬ dom 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 in¬ herit the earth from generation to generation, forever and ever. And now I make an end of speaking unto you; even so: Amen. SECTION LXXI. Revelation given August , 1831. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto the el¬ ders 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 unto 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 journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, COMMANDMENTS. 303 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 1 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. S And let the residue take their journey from St. Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste, among th* congregations of the wicked, until they return to the churches from whence they came. And all this for the good of the churches; for this in¬ tent have I sent them. And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given him, a portion 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 con¬ gregations of the wicked: wherefore, I give unto them a commandment thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time: neither shalt thou bu¬ ry thy talent that it may not be known. 4 And after thou hast come up unto the land of Zion, and has proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily return proclaiming my word among the congregations of the wicked. Not Sn haste, neither in wrath nor with strife: and 304 COVENANTS 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 testimony against them in the day of' judgment. Behold this is sufficient for you, and the will of him who hath sent you.— And by themouth of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. it shall be made known concerning Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery, the residue here¬ after; even so: Amen. SECTION LXXII. Revelation given August, 1831 1 Behold, and hearken unto the voice of him who has all power, who is from everlas¬ ting to everlasting, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you 0 ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I the Lord forgiveth sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts: but verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine el¬ ders, to be moving swiftly upon the waters* whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief: nevertheless, I suffered it that ye might bear record: behold there are many dangers upon the waters and more es¬ pecially hereafter, for I the Lord have de¬ creed, in mine anger, many destructions upon the waters; yea, and especially upon these waters; nevertheless, all flesh is in mine commandments. 305 hand, and he that is faithful among you, shall not perish by the waters. 2 Wherefore it is expedient that my ser¬ vant 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 ver¬ ily I say, it behooveth me that ye should part: wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps, take their former compa¬ ny, 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 residue 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, bles¬ sed the waters, but in the last days by the mouth of my servaut John, I cursed the wa¬ ters: wherefore, the days will come that no flesh shall be safe upon the waters, and it shall be said in days to come, that none is able to go up to the land of Zion, upon the waters, 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 A 26* 306 COVENANTS AND time, for the use of my Saints, that they may partake the fatness thereof. And now I give unto you a commandment that what I say un¬ to 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 de¬ stroyer irideth upon the face thereof, and I re¬ voke not the decree: I the Lord was angry with you yesterday, but to-day mine anger is turned away. Wherefore let those concern¬ ing 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 All their mission, whether they go by water or by land: let this.be as it is made known unto them according to their judg¬ ments hereafter. 4 And now, concerning my servants Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cow- dery, let them come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the canal, while journeying un¬ to their homes, or in other words, they shall not come upon the waters to journey, save up¬ on the canal. Behold I the Lord have ap¬ pointed a way for the journeying of 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 «nd go up unto the land of Zion; and they 6hall do like unto the children of Israel, pitch¬ ing their tents by the way. COMMANDMENTS. 307 ' 5 And behold this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren: nevertheless unto whom it is given power to command the wa¬ ters, unto him it is given by the Spirit to know all his ways: wherefore let him do as the Spir¬ it of the living God commandeth him, wheth- i er upon the land or upon the waters, as it re- maineth with me to do hereafter; 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 unto you, my servants Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, jr. and Oliver Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the congregations of the wicked, until they arrive at Cincinnati; and in that place they shall lift up their voices unto God against that people: yea, unto him whose an¬ ger is kindled against their wickedness; a peo¬ ple who are well nigh ripened for destruction; and from thence let them journey for the con¬ gregations of their brethren, for their labors, even now, are wanted more abundantly among them, tha,n among the eongregatidns of the wicked. 6 Andnowconcerningthe residue, let them journey and declare the word among the con¬ gregations of the -wicked, inasmuch 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 4 two by two, as steemeth them good, only let’ my servant Reynolds Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom I am well plea¬ sed, be not separated until they return to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me.— COVENANTS AND And now verily I say unto you, and what 1 say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer little children, for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you, and inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the bless¬ ings 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 al¬ ways that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, wheth¬ er in life or in death; even so: Amen. SECTION LXXIIf. 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 knoweth the weak¬ ness of man and how to succor them who are tempted: and verily mine eyes are upon those who have not qs 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 forgiven you. 2 And now continue your journey. Assem¬ ble yourselves upon the land of Zion, and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sa¬ crament unto the Most High; and then you may return to bear record; yea, even all to¬ gether, or two by two, as seemeth you good; it mattereth not unto me, only be faithful, and COMMANDMENTS. 309 declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations of the wick¬ ed. Behold I the Lord have brought you to¬ gether 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, w ith a thankful heart in all things. These things re¬ main 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 LXXIY. An explanation of the epistle to the first Corin¬ thians , llh chapter , 14 th verse. 1 For the unbelieying husband is sanctified y the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanc¬ tified by the husband, else were your children unclean, but now are they holy. 2 For 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 came to pass that there arose a great contention among the people concerning the law of circumcision, for the unbelieving hus¬ band was- desirous that his children should be circumcised and become subject to the law of Moses, which law was fulfilled. 310 covenants and 3 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 Christ, wherein 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 united to an unbeliever except the law of Moses should be done away among them, that their children might remain without cir¬ cumcision; 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 LXXY. Revelation given October , 1831. 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, unto my ser¬ vant, 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 I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness 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 .4 COMMANDMENTS. 311 2 Verily I say unto you, my servant Wil¬ liam, that you are clean, but not all; repent therefore of those things which are not pleas¬ ing 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 con¬ cerning you, or what is my will concerning you, behold,- verily 1 say unto you, that it is my will that you should proclaim my gospel from land to land, andfrom city to city; yea, in those regions round about where it has not been pro¬ claimed. 3 Tarry not many days in this place: go not up unto the land of Zion, as yet; but in¬ asmuch as you can send, send; otherwise think not of thy property. Go unto the east¬ ern lands; bear testimony in every place, unto every people, and in their synagogues; reason¬ ing with the people. 5 Let my servant, Samuel H. Smith go with you, and forsake him not, and give him thine instructions: and he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place, and I the Lord will go with you. 5 Lay vour hands upon the sick and they shall recover. Return not till I the Lord shall send you. Be patient in affliction. Ask and ye shall receive. Knock and it shall be open¬ ed unto you. Seek not to be cumbered.—- Forsake all unrighteousness.-' Commit not adultery, a temptation with which thou hast been troubled. Keep these sayings for they are true and faithful, and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push many people to Zion, with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads. 312 COVENANTS AND Continue 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 LXXVI. Revelation given March , 1832. The order giv¬ en o f 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 ave assembled yourselves together, and listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you, from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom, 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 organ¬ ization of my people, in regulating and estab¬ lishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion, or in other words; the city cr rmoch, for a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to vtuvance the cause which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of Vour Father who is in heaven, that you may be equal in the bands of heavenly things; yea. COMMANDMENTS* -313 and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things; for if ye are not equal in earthly things, ye cannot be equal in obtain¬ ing heavenly tilings: for if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you. 2 And now, verily thus saith the Lord it is expedient that all things be done unto my glo¬ ry, that ye should, who are joined 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 which are in Zion; otherwise satan seeketh to turn their hearts away from the truth, that they become blinded, and understand not the things which are prepared for them: where¬ fore a commandment I give unto you, to pre¬ pare and organize yourselves by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken. 3 And he who breaketh it shall lose his of¬ fice and standing in the church, and shall be delivered over to the bufferings of satan until the day of redemption. Behold this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation, and the ensample, which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you, that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall 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 pre*- 314 COVENANTS AND pared 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-Ahman; who hath appointed Michael, your prince, and established his feet, and set him upon high; and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direc¬ tion of the Holy One, who is without begin¬ ning of days or end of life. 4 Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are lit¬ tle children, and ye have not as yet under¬ stood how great blessings the Father has in his own hands, and prepared for you; and ye cannot bear all things now, nevertheless be of good cheer, for I will lead you along: the king¬ dom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours; and the riches of eternity are yours: and he who receiveth all things, with thank¬ fulness, 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, and appoint every man his portion. And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things: Amen. SECTION LXXVII. Revelation given March , 1832. 1 Verily I say unto you, that it is my will •that my servant Jared Carter should go again COMMANDMENTS. 31 £ into the eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to city, in the power of the or¬ dination wherewith he has been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel, and I will send upOnhim the Comforter which shall teach him the truth and the .way whither he shall go; and inasmuch as he is faithful I 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 LXXVIIL Revelation given March, 1832. 1 Yerily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant Stephen Burnett, go ye, go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every crea¬ ture that cometh under the sound of your voice, and inasmuch as you desire a compan¬ ion 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. 316 COVENANTS AND SECTION LXXIX. Revelation given August , 1832. 1 Behold thus saith the Lord unto my 'ser¬ vant 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 proclaim mine everlasting gospel unto the in¬ habitants thereof, in the midst of persecution and wickedness; and whoso receiveth you re- ceiveth me, and you shall have power to de¬ clare my word in the demonstration of my Holy Spirit; and whoso receiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom and blessed 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 convince all ot 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 sent 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 in¬ heritance; otherwise thou shalt continue pro¬ claiming my gospel until thou be taken:— Amen. commandments. 3 17 SECTION LXXX. Revelation given March , 1832. 1 Verily, verily I say unto you 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 councillor unto my ser¬ vant Joseph Smith, jr. unto whom I have giv¬ en the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth always unto the presidency of the high priest¬ hood: 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 appointed unto you, in pray¬ er always vocally, and in thy heart, in pub¬ lic and in private; also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren: and in do¬ ing 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 immortali¬ ty 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. 27 * 7318 COVENANTS AND SECTION LXXXI. A word of wisdom for the benefit of the coun¬ cil of high priests, assembled 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 wisdom: showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of allsaints in the last days. Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak , and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. 1 Behold, verily thus saith the] Lord uDto you, in consequence of evils and designs whUh 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 your¬ selves 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 belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly; and is not good for man; but is an herb for bruises, and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body, or belly. 2 And again, verily I say unto you, all COMMANDMENTS. 319 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 of beasts and of the - fowls of the air, I the Lord hath ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving. Nevertheless, they are to be Used sparingly; and it is pleasing unto me,that they 'should not be used only in times of win¬ ter or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the 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 animals 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 hunger. 3 All grain is good for the food of man, as also the fruit of the vine, that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above 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 who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the com¬ mandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones and shall find wis¬ dom, 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 de¬ stroying angel shall pass by them, as the chil¬ dren of Israel, and not slay them: Amen. 320 COVENANTS AND SECTION LXXXII. Revelation given August., 1833. 1 Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my voice, even the voice of my 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 dilligently to learn wisdom and to find truth: verily, verily I say unto you, bles¬ sed are such for they shall obtain, for I the Lord showeth mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be jus¬ tified, when I shall bring them into judgment. 2 Behold I say unto you, concerning the school in Zion, 1 the Lord am well pleased that there should be a school in Zion: and al¬ so with my servant Parley P. Pratt, for he abideth in me: and inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me, he shall continue to preside over the school, in the land of Zion, until I shall give unto him other commandments; and I will bless him with a multiplicity of bles¬ sings, in expounding all scriptures and myste¬ ries to the edification of the school, and of the church in Zion, and to the residue of the school, I the Lord am willing to show mercy, never¬ theless there are those that must needs be chas¬ tened, and their works shall be made known:— The axe is laid at the root of the trees, and eve¬ ry tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down and cast into the fire; I the Lord have spoken it. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are hon- COMMANDMENTS. 321 est, 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 pattern which 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 re¬ quire 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 .instruction for all those who are call¬ ed to the work of the ministry, in all their several callings, and offices: that they may be perfected in the understanding of their min¬ istry: 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 build an house unto me, in 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 glo¬ ry, shall not be there, for I will not come into unholy temples. 822 COVENANTS AND 5 And now behold if Zion do these things* she shall prosper and spread herself and be¬ come very glorious, very great, and very ter¬ rible; and the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say, surely Zion is the city of our God; and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for 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, for this is Zion, the pure in heart: therefore let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn: for behold and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly, as the whirlwind, and who shall escape it: the Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day; and the report there¬ of shall vex all people; yet, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come: for the indigna¬ tion of the Lord is kindled against their abom¬ inations, and all their wicked works: neverthe¬ less Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her, but if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works: with sore affliction; with pesti¬ lence; with plague; with sword; with venge¬ ance; with devouring fire: nevertheless, let it be read this once in their ears, that I the Lord have accepted of their offering; and if she sin no more, none of these things shall come upon her, and I will bless her with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her generations, forever and ev¬ er, saith the Lord your God: Amen. COMMANDMENTS. 323 SECTION LXXXIII. i 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 calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face, and know that I am, and that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world: and that I am in the Father and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one: the Father because he gave me of his fulness; and the Son because 1 was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men: I was in 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 thefulnessof John’s record is hereafter to be revealed: And he bore record saying, I saw his glory that he was in the beginning before the world was: there¬ fore, in the beginning the Word was; for he was the Word, even the messenger of salva¬ tion, the light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world because the world was made by him; and in him was the life of men and the light of men. The worlds were made by him. Men were made by him. All things were made by him, and through him, and of him: And I John ■bare record that I beheld his glory, as the glo¬ ry of the Only Begotten of the Father, full cj grace and truth; even the Spirit of truth 324 COVENANTS AND. which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. 2 And I John saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace: and he received not of the lulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness: and thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first. And I John bare re¬ cord, and lo, the heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying, this is my be¬ loved Son. And I John bare record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father; and he received all power, both in heaven and on earth; and the glory of the Father was with him, for he 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¬ ings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in dne time receive of his fulness, for if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness and be glorified in me as I am in the Father: therefore. I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace. 4 And now verily 1 say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the first born; and all those who are begotten through me, are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the first born. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father: that COMMANDMENTS. 325 which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth; 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 this, is the spirit of that wicked one, who was a liar from the beginning. The Spirit of truth is of God: I am the Spirit of truth. And John bore re¬ cord of me, saying, he received a fulness of truth; yea, even of all truth, and no man re- ceiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his com¬ mandments. He that keepeth his command¬ ments, 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 cre¬ ated 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 intel¬ ligence also, otherwise there is no existence. Behold here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest un¬ to them, and they receive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light, is under condemnation, for man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably donnected,‘receiveth a fulness of joy; and when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tab¬ ernacle 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 28 COVENANTS AND s 326 forsaketh that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God hav¬ ing redeemed man from the fall, men became again in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one cometh and tak- eth away light and truth,through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have com¬ manded you, to bring up your children in light and truth: but verily I say unto you, my ser¬ vant Frederick G. Williams, you have con¬ tinued under this condemnation; you have not taught your children light and truth, accord¬ ing to the commandments, and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. And now a command¬ ment I give unto you, if you will be delivered, 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 other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me. I called you servants for the 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 commandments, and must needs stand rebuk¬ ed before the Lord. Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your savings, or be remov- COMMANDMENTS. «d 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 chast¬ ened 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 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 up¬ hold him. 11 And let my servant 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 as you keep my sayings, you shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come. 12 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 histo¬ ry, and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion: Amen. SECTION LXXXIV. 1 delation given same date. I And again, verily I say unto you, my 328 COVENANTS AND frienas, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of laying 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 pattern 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 reve¬ lations; 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 bpilt 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 the pattern ■which shall be given unto you hereafter: and it shall be wholy 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 coftie into it. 3 And again, veiily I say unto you, the se¬ cond lot on the south shall be dedicated urXo me for the building of an house unto me, for the work of the printing of the translation of my scriptures, and all things, whatsoever I COMMANDMENTS* 329 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 a lower and a higher court; and this house shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord from the foundation thereof, for the work of the printing, in all things whatsoever I shall command you, to be holy, undefiled, according to the pattern in all things, as it shall be given unto you. 4 And on the third lot shall my servant Hy- rum Smith receive his inheritance. And on the first and second lots on the north shall my servants Reynolds Cahoon and Jared Carter receive their inheritance, that they may do the work which 1 have appointed unto them, to be a committee to build mine houses, ac¬ cording to the commandment, which I the Lord God have given unto you. These two houses are not to be built until I give unto you a commandment concerning them. 5 And flow I give unto you no more at this time: Amen. SECTION LXXXV. Revelation to Joseph Smith , jr. given March, 1833. 1 Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto you, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee, according to thy petition, for thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren, have come up in¬ to my ears: therefore thou art blessed from 330 COVENANTS AND henceforth that 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 shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the word to come: nevertheless, through you shall the or¬ acles be given to another; yea, even unto the church. And all 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 the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house. 3 And again, verily I say unto thy brethren Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and they 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 1 have commanded to be organized, that thereby they may be perfec¬ ted in their ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations of Israel, and of the Gen¬ tiles, 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 the earth, unto the Gentiles first, and then behold, and lo, they shall turn unto the Jews: and then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Jo¬ seph, of the gospel of their salvation. COMMANDMENTS. 83V 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 his own language, through those who are ordained unto this pow¬ er, by the administration of the Comforter, and shed forth upon them, for the revelation of Jesus Christ. 5 And now verily I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that you continue in the ministry and presidency, and when you have finished the translation of the proph¬ ets, you shall from henceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the school; and from time to time, as shall be manifest by the Comforter, receive revelations 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 lan¬ guages, tongues and people. And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives to preside in council and set in order all the af¬ fairs of this church and kingdom. Be not ashamed neither confounded; but be admon¬ ished in all your highmindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls. Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you. 6 Now verily, I say unto you, let there be a place provided as soon as possible, for the family of thy councillor and scribe, even Fred¬ erick 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 the Lord shall name. And let my councillor, even Sidney 332 COVENANTS AND Rigdon, remain where he now resides, until the mouth of the Lord shall name. And let the bishop search diligently, to obtain 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 enabled to discharge eve¬ ry debt; that the storehouse of the Lord nnvy not be brought into disrepute before the eyes of the people. Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work "to¬ gether for your good, if ye walk uprightly, and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. Let your families be small, especially mine aged servant Joseph Smith, sen. as pertaining’ to those who do not belong to your families: that those things that are provided for you, to bring to pass my work, are not taken from you and given to those that are not worthy, and there¬ by you are hindered in accomplishing those things which I have commanded you. 7 And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will that my handmaid, Vienna Jaques, should receive money to bear her 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. Ver¬ ily 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. 8 And behold, verily I say unto you, that ye shall write this commandment, and say COMMANDMENTS. 333 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 nle 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 my servant William E. McLelin, neither with my servant Sidney Gilbert; and the bish¬ op also: and others have many things to re¬ pent of: but verily I say unto you, that I the Lord will contend with Zion and plead with her strong ones, and chasten her, until she overcomes and is clean before me: for she shall not be removed out of her place: I the Lord have spoken it: Amen. SECTION LXXXVI. Revelation given August , 1833. 1 Yerily I say unto you, my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted;yea, rejoice ev¬ ermore, and in every thing give thanks, wait¬ ing patiently on the Lord: for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sab- aoth, and are recorded with this seal and tes¬ tament: the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted; therefore he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable coven- , ant, that they shall be fulfilled, and all thiiigs wherewith you have been afflicted, shall work together for good, and to my name’s glory saith the Lord. 334 COVENANTS AND 2 And now verily I say unto you, conpern- the laws of the land, it is my will that my peo¬ ple should observe to do all these things what¬ soever I command them, and that law of the land, which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom, in maintaining rights and privileges belongs to all mankind and is justifiable before me: therefore I the Lord jus- tifieth you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitu¬ tional law of the land: and as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than these, cometh of evil. I the Lord God maketh you free: therefore ye are free indeed: and the law also maketh you free: nevertheless 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; otherwise whatso¬ ever 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 precept: and I will try you, and prove you herewith: and whoso laye’th 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 covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy; for if ye will not abide in my covenant, ye are not worthy of me: therefore COMMANDMENTS. S35 renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently 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,lestl come and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all flesh be consumed before me. Let not your hearts be troubled, for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared 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 detestible things, and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them.— Verily I say unto you, that I the Lord will chasten 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 whatsoev¬ er I command you, I the lord will turn away all Wrath and indignation 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 famil¬ ies, once and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded; but if ye bear it not patient¬ ly, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out a just measure unto you. And again if your enemy shall smite you the sec¬ ond time, and you revile not against your ene- 336 CQVKNANTS and my , and Dear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred fold. And again if die shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it pa¬ tiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four fold: and these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy, if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out. And now verily 1 say unto you if that enemy shall escape my vengeance that he be not brought into judg¬ ment before me, then ye shall see to it, that ye warn him in my name that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation: and then if he shall come upon you, or your children, or your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation: 1 have delivered thine enemy into thine hands, and then if thou will spare him thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousnes; and also thy children and thy children’s children unto the third and fourth generation: nevertheless thine enemy is in thine hands, and if thou reward him according to his works, thou art justified, if he has sought thy life, and thy life is endan¬ gered by him; thine enemy is in thine hands, and thou art justified. 6 Behold this is the law I gave unto my ser¬ vant Nephi; and thy father Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles. And again this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any na¬ tion, kindred tongue, or people, save I the Lord commanded them. And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against COMMANDMENTS. 33.7 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 bring these testimonies before the Lord; then I the Lord would give unto them a com¬ mandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people, and I the Lord would fight their battles, and their children’s battles and their children’s chil¬ dren until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth genera¬ tion, behold this is an ensample unto all peo¬ ple, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. 7 And again verily I say unto you, if, after thine enemy has. come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy for¬ giveness thou, shalt forgive him and shall hold it no more as a testimony against thine ene¬ my, and so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven; and if he trespass against thee and re¬ pent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him; and if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him; and if he trespass against thee the third time and repent not thou shait forgive him; but if he trespass against thee the fourth time,, thou shalt not forgive him but shall bring these testimonies before the Lord, and they shall riot be,blotted out until he re- 29 338 COVENANTS AND pent and reward the four fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against y6u; and if he do this thou shalt forgive him with all your heart, and if he do not this I the Lord will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred fold; and upon his children, and upon his chil¬ dren’s children, of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation: but if the chil¬ dren shall repent, or the children’s children and turn to the Lord their God with all their hearts, and with all their might, mind, and strength, And restore four fold for all their tres¬ passes, wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed or their father’s fathers then thine indignation shall be turned away and vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord ypur God, and their trespass shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them: Amen. SECTION LXXXVII. Revelation given April , 1832, shoioing the or¬ der given to Enoch and the church in his day . 1 Verily I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so 1 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 COMMANDMENTS. 339 lest sore judgments fall upon your heads: for unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. Ye call upon my 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 judgment is the penalty which is affixed unto my law: there¬ fore, what I say unto one I say unto all, watch for the adversary spreadeth his dominions and darkness reigneth; and the anger of God kin- dleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and none doeth good, for all have gone out of the way. 2 And now verily I say 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 the Lord your God. 3 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may un¬ derstand my will concerning you, or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. 4 Therefore, veiily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my servant Alam and Ahash- dah, Mahalaleel and Pelagoram, and my ser¬ vant Gazelam, and Horah, and Olihah, and Shalemanasseb, and Mehemson, be bound to- f ether by a bond and covenant that cannot be roken by transgression except judgment shall 340 COVENANTS AND immediately follow, in your several steward¬ ships, to manage the affairs of the pool-, 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 iri 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 gar¬ ments: therefore I give unto you this command¬ ment, that ye bind yourselves by this cove¬ nant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord. Behold here is wisdom, al¬ so, 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 liv¬ ing God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other tal¬ ents; yea, even an hundredfold, to be cast in¬ to the Lord’s storehouse, to become the com¬ mon property of the whole church, every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eyp single to the glory of God 5 This order I have appointed to be an ev¬ erlasting order unto you and unto your suc¬ cessors, inasmuch as you sin not: and the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with accor- COMMANDMENTS. 341 ding to the laws of my church, and shall be de¬ livered over to the buffetings ot satan until the day of redemption. 6 And now verily Isay unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto yourselves friends w T ith the mammon of unrighteousi^ss, 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 LXNXVIII. Revelation given January , 1832. . 1 Verily, verily I say unto you, I who speak even by the yoice of my Spirit; even Alpha and Omega, yOur Lord and your God: heark¬ en, 0 ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard. Benold 1 say unto you, that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle, but labor with your mights, lif¬ ting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming 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. McLelin, I revoke the commission 29* S42 covenants and which I gave unto him, to go unto the eastern countries, and I give unto him a new commis¬ sion and a new commandment, in the which I the Lord chasteneth him for the murmurings of his heart; and he sinned, nevertheless I for¬ give 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 Sam¬ uel H. Smith take their journey into the eas¬ tern countries, and proclaim the things which I have commanded them: and inasmuch as they are faithful, lo I will be with them even unto the end. And again, verily I say unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and unto my ser¬ vant Orson Pratt, they shall also take their journey into the eastern countries: and be¬ hold 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 Wil¬ son, that they also shall take their journey un¬ to the western countries, and proclaim my gos¬ pel even as I have commanded them. And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted up at the last day. And COMMANDMENTS. 343 again, I say unto my servant Major N. Ashly 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 house ye enter, and they receive you, leave your blessing upon that house; and in whatsoever house ye en¬ ter, and they receive you not, ye shall depart speedily from that house, and shake off 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 judgment you shall be judges of that house, and condemn them; and it shall be more tolerable for the heathen in the day of judgment, than for that house: therefore gird up your loins and be faithful and ye shall overcome all things and be lifted up at the last day; even so: Amen. 4 And again, thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church, who have given your names that you might know his will con¬ cerning you; behold I say unto you that it is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world: wherefore I the Lord give un¬ to you this commandment, that ye obtain pla¬ ces for your families, inasmuch as your breth¬ ren are willing to open their hearts; and let all such as can, obtain places for their families, and support of the church for them, not fail to go into the world; whether to the east, or to 344 COVENANTS AND west, or to the north, or to the south, let them ask and they shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto them, and made .known from on high, even by the Comforter, whither they shall go. 5 And again, verily I say unto you that eve¬ ry man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide and he shall in no wise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church. Let every man be diligent in all tilings. And the idler shall not have place in the the church, except he repents and mends his ways.— Wherefore let my servant Simeon Carter and my servant Emer Harris be united in the min¬ istry. And also my servant Ezra Thayre and my servant Thomas B. Marsh. Also my ser¬ vant Hvrum Smith and my servant Reynolds Gaboon; and also my servant Daniel Stanton and my servant Seymour Brunson; and also my servant Sylvester Smith and my servant Gideon Carter; and also my servant Ruggles Eames and my servant Stephen Burnett; and also my servant Micah B. Wei ton and also my servant Eden Smith; even so: Amen. SECTION LXXXIX. Revelation given April , 1832. 1 Verily thus saith the Lord, in addition to the laws of the church concerning women and children, those who belong to the church, who have lost their husbands or fathers: women have claim on their husbands for their main- tainance until their husbands are _taken; and commandments. 345 if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church; and if they are not faithful, 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 their maintainance until they are of age; and after that, they have claim upon the church; or, in other words upon the Lord’s storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances. And the storehouse shall be kept the consecrations of the church, and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor: Amen. SECTION XC. Revelation given December , 1831. 1 Hearken and listen to the voice oC the Lord, O ye who have assembled yourselves to¬ gether, who are the high priests of my church, to whom the kingdom and power has been giv¬ en. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is ex¬ pedient 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 thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewai'dship, both in time and in eternity. For he who is faithful and wise in time, is accounted worthy to in¬ herit the mansions prepared for them of my Father. Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church in this part of miy vineyard, shall 346 COVENANTS AND render an account of their stewardship, unto the bishop which shall be appointed of me, in this part of my vineyard. These things shall be had on record to be handed over unto the bishop in Zion; and the duty of the bishon shall be made known by the commandments which have been given, and the voice of the conference. 2 And now, verily I say unto you, my ser¬ vant Newel K. Whitney is the man who shall be appointed, and ordained unto 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 store¬ house; to receive the funds of the church in this part of the vineyard; to take an 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 where¬ with to pay, an account shall 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 faith¬ ful who labor in spiritual things, in administer¬ ing the gospel and the things of the kingdom, unto the church, and unto the world, shall an¬ swer the debt unto the bishop in Zion: thus it cometh out of the church, for according to the COMMANDMENTS. 347 law every man that cometh up to Zion, must lay all things before the bishop in Zion. 4 And now, 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 certifi¬ cate from the judge or bishop in this part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, render- eth every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for an inheritance, and to be received as a wise steward, and as a faithful laborer; otherwise he shall not be accepted of the bish¬ op 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 things. And again, let my servants who are appointed as stewards over the literary concerns of my church, have claim for assis¬ tance 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 ren¬ der themselves approved in all things and be accounted as wise stewards. And now, be¬ hold this shall be an ensample for all the ex¬ tensive branches of my church, in whatsoev¬ er 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, respecting the members of the church; they that are appointed by the Holy 348 COVENANTS AND Spirit to go up unto Zion ; and they who are privileged to go up unto Zion. Let them car¬ ry 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 ensamole: Amen. SECTION XCI. Revelation given December , 1831, 1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, Joseph Smith, jr. and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come, that it is neces¬ sary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mys¬ teries 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 1 say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you. Ver¬ ily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you, wherefore, 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 receivealso; 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 commandments. 349 • ptibhc and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest. 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 con¬ founded in mine own due time: wherefore, keep my commandments: they are true and faithful, even so: Amen. SECTION XCII A Vision. 1 Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, 0 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 ways; and the extent of his doings, none can find out; his purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand: from eternity to eter¬ nity he is the same and his years never fail. 2 For thus saith the Lord, I the Lord am merciful and gracious 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 mys¬ teries;. yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old; and for ages to come will I make known unto them the good plea¬ sure of my will concerning all things pertain¬ ing to my kingdom; yea, even the wonders of 350 COVENANTS AND eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many gen¬ erations; their wisdom 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 Rig- don, being in the Spirit on the sixteenth of February, in the year of our Lord, one thous¬ and eight hundred and thirty-two, by the pow¬ er 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 Fa¬ ther, through -his 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 fulness of the gos¬ pel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with w^hom we conversed in the heavenly vision; for while we were doing the work of translation, which the Lord had ap¬ pointed unto us, we came to the twenty-ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John, which was given unto us as follows: speaking of the res¬ urrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of man, and shall come forth; they who have done good in COMMANDMENTS* 351 the resurrection of the just, and they who have done evil in the resurrection of the un¬ just. 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 understandings, 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 his throne, worshipping God and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever- And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him, that he lives; for we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and 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 inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God, who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the only begot¬ ten 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 Perdition; for the heavens wept over him; he was Lucifer, a son of the morning. And while we were yet in the Spir¬ it, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision: for we beheld satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our 352 COVENANTS AND God, and his Christ; wherefore hemakethwar with the saints of God, and encompasses them round about. And we saw a vision of the suf¬ ferings 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 over¬ come, and to deny the truth,and defy my pow¬ er: they are they who are the sons of perdi¬ tion, 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 devils and his angels, in eternity:— concerning whom I have said there is no for¬ giveness in this world nor in the world to come: having denied the Holy Spirit, after having received it, and having denied the only begot¬ ten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto 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, and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; yea, ver¬ ily 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 gospel, the glad tidings which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us, that he COMMANDMENTS. 35 $ came into the world, even Jesus to be cruci¬ fied for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleans it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved, whom the Father had put into his power, and,made by him; who glori¬ fies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition, who de¬ ny 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 angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched, which is their tor¬ ment, and the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows, neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof: nevertheless 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, neither any man except them who are ordained unto this condemnation. And we heard the voice saying, Write the vision, forlo! this is the end of the vision of the sufferings of the ungodiv! 5 And again, we bear-record for we saw and heard, and this 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 cpVENANTS AND ?54 t^e. manner of his burial, being buried: in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given, that, by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive 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 the 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 in¬ to whose hands the Father has given all things: they are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory, and are priests of the Most High after the or¬ der of Melchisedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the only begotten Son: wherefore as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God: where¬ fore 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 (jod’s;and they shall overcome all things:— wherefore let no man glory in man, but rath¬ er 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 heav¬ en, 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 Zb commandments. 355 OH, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all: these are they who have come to an innumerable com¬ pany of angels; to the general assembly and the church of Enoch, and of the first born:— these are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all: these are they who are just men made°per- fect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfectatone- ment 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. C And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and behold and lo! these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the first born, who have re¬ ceived the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun of the firma¬ ment. Behold, these are they who died with¬ out law; and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel 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 are they who are honorable men of the earth, who are 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, anddiffer in glo- 356 COVENANTS AND ry as the moon differs from the sun: these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus: wherefore they obtained notthecrown over the kingdom of our God. . And now this is the end of the vision which we saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord commanded us to write while we wei'e yet in the Spirit. 7 And again, we saw the glory of the teles¬ tial, which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the stars differ from that of the glo¬ ry 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, un¬ til the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work: these are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal 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 administering of angels, who are appointed to misister 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 vision, the glory of the telestial which surpasses all understanding; and no man knows it except him to whom God has reveal¬ ed it. And thus we saw the glory of the ter¬ restrial, which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and and in might, and in dominion. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in COMMANDMENTS. 357 all things; where God, even the Father, reigns upon his thrown 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 born; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace; and he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in do¬ minion. And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the son is one. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glo¬ ry of the moon is one. And the glory of the telestial is one,even as the glory of the stars is one, for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial 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 gospel; neither the testimony of Jesus; neither the prophets; neither the everlasting covenant; last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto 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:— there are they who are cast down to hell and 858 COVENANTS AND suffer the wrath of Almighty God until the ful- nes of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have per¬ fected his work, when he shall deliver up the kingdom and present it unto the Father spot¬ less, saying: I have overcome and have trod¬ den 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 inhabitants 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 ev¬ er: for they shall be judged according to their works; and every man shall receive according 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 cannotcome, worlds without end. This is the end of the vision which we 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 yetin theSpirit,and are not lawful for man to utter; neither is man capable to make them known, for they are on- COMMANDMENTS. 359 ly to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him and purify themselves before him; to whom he grants this privilege of see¬ ing and knowing for themselves; that through the power and manifestation 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 XCIII. Revelation given March, 1833. 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, con¬ cerning the Apocrypha, there are many things contained therein that are true, and it, is most¬ ly translated correct: there are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men. Verily I say unto you that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated. Therefore, whoso readeth it let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; and whoso is enlight¬ ened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit there¬ from; and whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited: therefore, it is not needful that it should be translated: Amen. 360 COVENANTS AND SECTION XCIV. Revelation to Enoch , on the order of the church for the benefit of the poor , given to the saints in Kirtland , March , 1833. 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order, organized agreeable to the commandment previously given, a revelation and commandment concerning my servant Shederlaomach, that ye shall receive him into the order. What I say unto one I say unto all. 2 And again, I say unto you, my servant Shederlaomach, you shall be a lively member in this order; and inasmuch as you are faith¬ ful in keeping all former commandments, you shall be blessed forever: Amen. SECTION XCV. Revelation given in Pcrrysburgli , N. Y. to Jo¬ seph Smith , Jr. and Sidney Rigdon , Octo¬ ber, 1833. 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you thy friends, Sidney, and Joseph, your families are well: they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power: therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you: Behold, and lo, I have much people in this place, in the regions round about, and an effectual door shall be opened in the regions round about in this eastern land: Therefore, I the Lord have suffered you to come* unto this COMMANDMENTS. 361 piace; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls: therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and ye shall not be confounded before men; for it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. 2 But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever things ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say. 3 And it is expedient in me that you, my ser¬ vant Sidney should be a spoksman unto this people; yea, verily* I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a spokesman unto my ser¬ vant Joseph; and I will give unto him power to be mighty intestimony; and I will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures, that thou mavest be a spokesman un¬ to him, and heshallbearevelatorunto thee, that thou mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth. Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for, behold* and lo, I am with you even unto the end. 4 And now I give unto you a word con¬ cerning Zion: Zion shall be redeemed, 'al¬ though she is chastened for a little season.— Thy brethren, my servants, Orson Hyde and John Gould, are in mv hands, and inasmuch 31 362 COVENANTS AND as they keep my commandments they shall be saved. Therefore, let your hearts be comfort¬ ed, for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanc¬ tification of- the church; for I will raise up nn- to myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness; and all that call on the name of the Lord and keep his commandments, shall be saved; even so: Amen.. . SECTION XCYI. ilevelation given June , 183$ , 1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten, that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chas¬ tisement I prepare a way for their deliverance, in all things out of temptation: and I have lov¬ ed you: Wherefore ye must needs be chas- ened, and stand rebuked before my face, for ye have sinned against me a very grevious sin, m that ye have not considered the great com¬ mandment in all things, that I have given unto you, concerning the building of mine house, for the preparation wherewith I design to pre¬ pare mine apostles to prune my vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass my strange act, that I may pour out my Spirit up¬ on all flesh. But behold, verily I say unto you, there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called, but few of them are chosen: they who are not chosen have sinned a very grievious sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day; and for this cause, I gave unto you a commandment, that you COMMANDMENTS. 3C3 should call your solemn assembly: that your fastings and your mourning might come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by interpretation, the Creator of the first day; the beginning and the end. 2 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment, that you should build an house, in the which house I design to en- dow those whom I have chosen with power from on high: tor this is the promise of the Father unto you: therefore I commanded yor to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusa¬ lem: nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievious sin; and contentions arose in the school of the prophets, whieh was very griev- ious unto me, saith your Lord: therefore 1 sent them forth to be chastened. 3 Ye rily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build an house: if you keep my com¬ mandments, you shall have power to build it; ilyou keep not my commandments the love of the Father,shall not continue with you; there¬ fore you shall walk in darkness. JNow here is wisdom and the mind of the Lord: let the house be built, not alter the manner of the world, for I give not unto you, that ye shall live after the manner of the world: therefore let it be built after the manner which 1 shall show unto three of you, whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.. And the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet in width, and let it be sixty-five feet in length, in thein- ner court thereof; and let the lower part pf the inner court be dedicated unto me for your sacrament offering, am! for your preaching; 364 COVENANTS AND and your fasting: and your praying, and the offering up your most holy desires unto me, saith your Lord. And let the higher part of the inner court, be dedicated unto me for the school of mine apostles, saith Son Ahman; or, in other words, Alphus; or, in other words, Omegus; even Jesus Christ your Lord: Amen. SECTION XCVII. Revelation to Enoch, showing the order of the city or stake of Zion, Shinehah, given for a sample to the saints in Kirtlaud, June , *1833. 1 Behold, I say unto .you, here is wisdom whereby ye may know how to act concern¬ ing this matter: for it is expedient in me that this stake that I have set for the strength of Zion, should be made strong: therefore, let my servant Ahashdah take charge of the place which is named among you, upon which I de¬ sign to build mine holy house: and again let it be divided into lots according to wisdom, for the benefit of those who seek inheritances, as it shall be determined in council among you. Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that portion that is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of bringing forth my word to the children of men, for behold verily I say unto you, this is the most expedient in me that my word should go forth unto the children of men, for he purpose of subduing the hearts of the children ot men, for your good; even so: Amen. 2 And again, verily I say unto you, it is COMMANDMENTS. 365 wisdom and expedient in me, that my servant Zombre, whose offering I have accepted, and whose prayers I have heard; unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keep- eth my commandments from henceforth; for he is a descendant of Seth, and a partaker of the blessings of the promise made unto his fathers. Verily I say unto you, it is expedi¬ ent in me that he should become a member of the order, that he may assist in bringing forth my word unto the children of men: there¬ fore ye shall ordain him unto this blesssing: and he shall seek diligently to take away in¬ cumbrances, that are upon the house named among you, that he may dwell therein; even so: Amen. SECTION XCVIII. Revelation given December, 1833. 1 Verily, I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and perse¬ cuted; and cast out from the land of their in¬ heritance, I the Lord have suffered the afflic¬ tion to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted in consequence of their trans¬ gressions; 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 chasten¬ ed, and tried, even as Abraham, who was com¬ manded to offer up his only son; for all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified. 31* COTENANTS AND 366 3 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyiogs, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; there¬ fore by these things they polluted their inher¬ itances. 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 es¬ teemed lightly my counsel; but in the day of tlieir trouble, of necessity they feel after me. 4 Verily, I say unto you, notwithstanding their sins my bowels are filled with compassion toward them: I will not utterly cast them off; and in the day of wrath I will remember mer¬ cy. I have sworn, and the decree hath gone forth by a former commandment which I have given unto you, that I would.let fall the swoid of mine indignation in the behalf of my peo¬ ple; 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 Is¬ rael 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 your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands: be still and know that I am God. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, not¬ withstanding her children are scattered, they that remain and are pure in heart shall return COMMANDMENTS. 367 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 full filled. And behold, there is none other place ap¬ pointed than that which I have appointed; neith¬ er 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 call¬ ed stakes, for the curtains, or toe strength of Zion. Behold it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather togeth¬ er and stand in holy places, and prepare for the revelation which is to come when the vei- of the covering of my temple, in my taberna¬ cle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shHU see me together. And eve¬ ry corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of the hea¬ vens, or of the fish of the sea, that dwell upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed; and also, that of element shall melt with fer¬ vent 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 en¬ mity of all flesh shall cease from before my face. And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask it shall be given unto him. And in that day satan shall not have power to tempt 368 COVENANTS AND any man. And there shall be no sorrow be¬ cause 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 glo¬ rious. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come he shall reveal all things; things which have passed, and hid¬ den things which no man knew; things of the earth by which it was made, and the purposes and the end thereof; things most precious; things that are above, and things that are be¬ neath; things that are in the. earth, anc upon the earth, and in heaven. And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake, yet shall they partake of all this glory. Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is 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 always, 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 are accounted as the salt of the earth, and nad the savor of men.—They are called to be the savor of men. Therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold it is thence¬ forth good for nothing, only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. Behold, here COMMANDMENTS. 369 is wisdom concerning the children of Zion; even many, but not all: they were found trans¬ gressors, therefore, they must needs be chas¬ tened. He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted. 6 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 choice 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 watch¬ man upon the tower: that mine olive 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 ronnd about, and set watch¬ men, and began to build a tower. And while they were yet laying the foundation there¬ of, 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! And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearken ed not unto the commandments of their lord and the enemy came by night, and broke 370 COVENANTS AND 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, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil? ought ye not to have done even as I 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 be¬ hold, watchman upon the tower, 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 vine¬ yard 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 my ser¬ vants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry; and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I have bought it with money.— Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower,and scatter their watchmen: and inasmuch as they gather together against COMMANDMENTS. 371 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 things be? And he said unto his servant, When I will: go ye straightway; and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and this shall be my seal and blessing upon you; a faithful and wise steward 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 all things were fulfilled. 9 Again, verity I say unto you, I will show unto you wdsdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their sal¬ vation, that the work of the gathering to¬ gether of my saints may continue, that I 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 people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to pos¬ sess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward every man according as his work shall be, while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable 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, as I have said unto 372 COVENANT* AND you in a former commandment, let not your gathering be in haste, nor by flight; but let all things be prepared before you; and in or¬ der that all thipgs be prepared before you, ob¬ serve the commandments which 1 have given concerning these things, which saith, or teach- eth, to purchase all the lands by money, which can be purchased for money, in the region round about the land which I have appointed to be the land of 2?ion, 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 be done in their time, be not in . haste; and observe to have all things prepared before you. And let honorable men be ap¬ pointed, 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 estab¬ lish her waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the churches, who call themselves 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 re¬ dress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers, and are in authority COMMANDMENTS. 373 over you, according to the laws and constitu¬ tion 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 purpose 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 by the shedding oi bloo, not only unto the Gentiles, butalso unto the Jews; and thou shalt send forth my words unto the end of the earth. 3 Contend thou therefore morning by morn¬ ing, and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh, let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber because of th v speech. 4 Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and remove not thy house, for 1 the Lord have a great work for thee to do, in publishing my name among the children of men: therefore gird up thy loins for the work. Let thy feet be shod also for thou art chosen and thy path Commandments. 415 lieth among the mountains, and among many nations; and by thy word many high ones shall be brought low; and by thy word many low ones shall be exalted. Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor; and at thy rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease its perverseness. 5 Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by thy hand, and give the an¬ swer to thy prayers. 1 know thy heart and have heard thy prayers concerning thy breth¬ ren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name. And pray for thy brethren of the twelve.— Admonish them sharply for my name’s sake, and let them be admonished for all their sins and be ye faithful before me unto my name And after their temptations, and much tribu- Jations, behold I the Lord will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be con¬ verted, and I will heal them. 6 Now I say unto you, and what I say unto you, 1 say unto all the twelve, arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep. Exalt not yourselves; Tebel not against my servant Joseph, for verily I say unto you I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come. 7 Verily I say unto you, my servant Thom¬ as thou art the man whom I have chosen to 416 COVENANTS AND hold the keys of my kingdom (as pertaining to the twelve) abroad among all nations, that thou mayest be my servant to unlock the door of the kingdom in all places where my servant Joseph, and my servant Sidney, and my ser¬ vant Hyrum, cannot come: for on them have I laid the burden of all the churches for a little season: wherefore, whithersoever they shall send you, go ye, and I will be with you, and in whatsoever place ye shall proclaim my name, an effectual door shall be opened unto you, that they may receive my word; whoso¬ ever receiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me. receiveth those (the first presidency) whom I have sent, whom I have made counsellors for my name’s sake un¬ to you. 8 And again 1 say unto you, that whoso¬ ever ye shall send in my name, - by the voice of your brethren, the twelve, duly recommend¬ ed and authorized by you, shall have powei*to open the door of my kingdom unto any nation whithersoever ye shall send them, inasmuch as they shall humble themselves before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the voice of my spirit. 9 Verily, Verily, 1 say unto you, darkness covereth the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face! Behold vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth; a day of wrath; a day of burning; a day of desolation; of weeping; of mourning and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face pf the earth, saith the Lord. COMMANDMENTS. 417 10 And upon my house shall it begin; and from my house shall it go forth sniih the Lord. First among those among you saith the Lord; who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house saith the Lord. 11 Therefore see to it that ve trouble not yourselves concerning the affairs of my church in this place, saith the Lord: but purify, your hearts before me, and then go ye into "all the world and preach my gospel unto every crea¬ ture, who have not received it, and he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not, and is not baptized shall be damned. 12 For unto you (the twelve) and those (the first presidency) who are appointed with you to be your counsellors and your leaders, is the power of this priesthood given for the last days and for the last time, in the which is the dispensation of the fulness of times, which power you hold in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation: for verily 1 say unto you the keys of the dispensation which ye have received, have came down from the fathers; and last of all, being sent down from heaven unto you. 13 Verily I say unto you, behold how great is your calling. Cleanse your hearts and your garments, lest the blood of this generation be i equired at your hands. Be faithful until Icome fori come quickly, and my reward is with me to recompense every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega: Amen. 418 COVENANTS AND SECTION CV. Nauvoo, September 1 , 1842 . To all the Saints in Nauvoo:— 1 Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed un¬ to me that my enemies, both of Missouri and this State, were again on the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue me without cause, and have not the least shadow, or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against me: and inas¬ much as their pretensions are all founded in falsehood, of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient, and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own safety and the safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom I have business, that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks, who will transact all business in a prompt and proper manner; and will see that all my debts are cancelled in due time, by turning out property, or otherwise as the case may re¬ quire, or as the circumstances may admit of. When 1 learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to you again. 2 And as for the perils which 1 atn called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and lor what cause it seems mysterious, un¬ less I was ordained from before the loundi- tion of the world, for some good end, or bad as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, commandments. 4 >9 whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in; it all has become second nature to me. And I feel like Paul to glory in tribulation, for to this day has the God of my Fathers delivered me out ol them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it. 3 Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceeding glad, for Israel’s God is their God: andhe will meteouta just recompense of reward upon the heads of all your oppressors. 4 And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be contin¬ ued on and not cease; and let your diligence and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled; and you shall in no wise lose your rewaid saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets, and righteous men that were be¬ fore you. For all thisthere is a reward in heaven. 5. And again, 1 give unto you a word in re¬ lation to the baptism foi your dead. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead: YVhen any of you are baptised for your dead, let there be a recorder; and let him be eye witness of your baptisms; let him hear with his ears, that he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord; that in all your recordings, it may be recorded in heaven; that whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven: w hatsoever you loose on earth may be loosed in heaven; for I am about to restore many 420 COVENANTS AND things to the earth, pertaining to the priest¬ hood, saith the Lord of Hosts. 6 And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in the archives of my Holy Temple, to be held in remem¬ brance from generation to generation, saith the Lord of Hosts. 7 1 will say to all the saints, that I desired, with exceeding great desire, to have address¬ ed them from the stand, on the s-ubject of bap¬ tism for the dead, on the following Sabbath.— But inasmuch as it is out of my power to do so, 1 will wiite the word of the Lord from time to times, on.that subject, and send it you by mail, as well us many Other things. 8 1 now close my letter for the present, for the want of more time: for the enemy is on the alert, and, as the Saviour said, the prince of this world comelh, but he ha.th nothing in me. 9 Behold, my prayer to God is, that you all may be saved. And I subscribe myself your servant in the Lord, prophet and seer of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. JOSEPH SMITH. ' SECTION CVJ. Nauvoo , September 6 , 1842 . To the Church of Jesus Chrsst of Latter Dat Saints, sendeth greeting: 1 As 1 stated to you in my letter before I left my, place, that I would w'rite to you from time to time, and give you information in r» commandments. 421 lation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism ior the dead; as that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have, been pursued by my enemies. 2 I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I have had a few ad¬ ditional views in relation to this matter, which I now certify. Tliat is, it was declared in my former letter that there should be a recorder, who should be eye-witness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord. 3 Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obviate this difficulty, there can bd a record¬ er appointed in each ward of ihe city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; and let him be very particular and precise in taking the whole proceedings : certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, and heard with his ears; giving the date, and names, &c., and the history of the whole transaction; naming also, some three individu¬ als that are present, if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon, certi¬ fy to the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be estab¬ lished. 4 Then let there be a general recorder, to whom these other records can be handed, be¬ ing attended with cei'tificates over their own signatures; certifying that the record, which ... 36 COVENANTS AND 4*2 they have made is true. Then the general church Recorder can enter the record on the general church book, with the certificates and all the attending witnesses, with his own state¬ ment that he verily believes the above state¬ ment and records to be true, from his knowl¬ edge of the general character and appoint¬ ment of those men by the church. And when this is done on the general church book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes, and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the general church book. 5 You may think this order of things to be very particular, but let me tell you that they are only to answer the will of God, by con¬ forming to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of the dead, who should die without a knowl¬ edge of the gospel. 6 And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in Rev¬ elations, xx: 12. “And 1 saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” 7 You will discover in this quotation, that the books were opened; and another book COMMANDMENTS. 42 $ was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according' to their works: consequently the books spo¬ ken of must be the books which contained the record of their works; and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life, is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place, “ that in all your record¬ ings it may be recorded in heaven.” 8 Now the nature of this ordinance con¬ sists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ; wherein it is granted, that whatsoever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Or in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth, shall be recorded in heaven; and whatsoever you do not record on earth, shall not be re¬ corded in heaven: for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their works, whether they themselves have attend¬ ed to the ordinances in their own propria per¬ sona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the re¬ cords which they have kept concerning their dead. 9 It may seem to some to be a very bold 424 COVENANTS AND doctrine that we talk of: a power which re¬ cords, or binds on earth, and binds in heaven: nevertheless, in all ages of the world, when¬ ever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any m^n by actual revelation, or^any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be an¬ nulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying! Who can hear it? 10 And again, for a precedent, Matthew xvi: 18, 19. “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heavefi, and what¬ soever thou shalt bind on earth'shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 11 Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the sum and bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priest¬ hood. For him to whom these keys are giv¬ en, there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowl¬ edge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. 12 Herein is glory and honor, and immor¬ tality and eternal life. The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein >n COMMANDMENTS 425 order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the oth¬ er. To be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was in¬ stituted to form a relationship with the ordi¬ nance of baptism for the dead, being in like¬ ness of the dead. ] 3 Consequently the baptismal font was in¬ stituted as a simile of the grave, and was com¬ manded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to shew forth the living and the dead: and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another; that which is earth¬ ly, conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians, xv: 46,47, and 48. 14 “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, and after¬ wards that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy ; the second man is the Lord, from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heaven¬ ly.” And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This therefore is the sealing and binding power, and in one sense of the word the keys of the kingdom, which consists in the key of knowl¬ edge. 15 And now my dearly and beloved breth¬ ren and sisters, let me assure you that these 35* 426 COVENANTS AND are principles, in relation to the dead and the living, that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salva¬ tion is necessary and essential to our salva¬ tion, as Paul says concerning the fathers, ‘that they without us cannot be made perfect;’ neither can we without our dead, be made perfect. 16 And now in relation to the baptismTor the dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul 1 Corinthians, xv; 29. “Else what shall they do which are baptised for the dead if the dead rise not at all; why are they then bap¬ tised for the dead. 17 And again, in connexion with this quo¬ tation, I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, aqd in an espe¬ cial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, viz: the baptism for the dead: for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th, “Behold 1 will send you Elijah the prophet, before the com¬ ing of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse, 18 1 might have rendered a plainer trans¬ lation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know in this case, that the earth will be smit¬ ten with a curse, unless there is a w r elding link of some kind or other, between the fath- COMMANDMENTS. 427 ers and the children, upon some subject or other, and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they or us, be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is ne¬ cessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of time; which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole, and complete, and perfect union, and welding to¬ gether of dispensations, and keyr, and pow¬ ers, and glories should take place, and be re¬ vealed,d’roui the days of Adam even to the present time; and not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation oi the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. 19 Now what do we hear in Jthe gospel which we have received? “A voice of glad¬ ness! A voice of mercy from Heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth, glad tidings for the dead: a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy; how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things; and that say unto Zion, behold! thy God reign- eth. As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them.” 20 And again, what do we hear? Glad ti¬ dings of Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the proph¬ ets—the book to be revealed. A voice of the 423 COVENANTS and Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book. The voice of Michael on the banks ot the Susquehanna, detecting the devil 'v\ hen he appeared as an angel of light. The voice of Peter, James, and John, in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times. 21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places, through all the travels and trib¬ ulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Lat¬ ter day Saints. And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of. Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam, down to the present time, all declar¬ ing each one their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giv¬ ing line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little—giving us con¬ solation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope. 22 Brethren shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward.— Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceeding glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained before the world was, that which would ena- COMMANDMENTS. 429 bleus to redeem them out of their prisons; for the prisoners shall go free. 23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry iands tell the wonders of your eternal King. And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow dovrn with gladness. Let the woods, and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for jov. And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy.— And let the eternal creations declare his name for ever and ever. And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glorv, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life: kingdoms, principalities, and powers. 24 Behold the great day of the Lord is at hand, and who can abide the day of his com¬ ing, and who can stand when he appeareth, for he is like a refiners fire and like fullers soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in right¬ eousness. Let us therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness, and let us present in his holy temple when it is fin¬ ished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation. 25 Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time. $30 covenants and I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend, JOSEPH SMITH. SECTION CVII. Revelation given at Far West, Missouri, Ju¬ ly 8, 1838. In answer to the question: O Lord shew unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing? 1 Verily thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church of Zion, for the building of mine house, and for the laying the foundation of Zion, and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the presidency, of my church; and this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people: and after that, those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one tenth of all their interest annually, and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.* 2 Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass, that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus proper¬ ties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.— And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments, may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of COMMANDMlNTS 4S1 Zion unto you: and this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of ZioD: even so, Amen. SECTION CVIII. APPENDIX. 1 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 tae ungodly amon^'ou. 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. . 2 Wfcerefore prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify youiselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been com¬ manded to tarry. Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Call your solemn assemblies, and speak olten one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord; yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has come when the voice of*the Lord is unto you, go ye out of Baby¬ lon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end o( heaven to the other. 3 Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the isl¬ ands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; 4 32 COVENANTS AND call upon all nations; firstly, upon the Gen¬ tiles, 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 peo¬ ple may be enlarged, and that her stakes may , be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about: yen, let the crv go forth among all people; awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom 1 : behold and lo the Bridegroom comet 1 !, go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. 4 Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour. Let them, therefore, who are among the Gentiles, flee unto Ziorl. And let them who be of Judah, flee unto Je¬ rusalem, unto the mountains of th^ Lord’s house. Go ye out from among therciations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wicked¬ ness, 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 thatgoeth, let him not^ook back, lest sudden destruction shall come upon him. 5 Hearken and hear O ye inhabitants of th$i, earth. Listen ye elders of m\$ chlucfflf to¬ gether, and^hear the voice of the Lord, for he calleth upon all men and he commandetH all men everywhere to repent: for behold the Lord God hath sent forth the angel, crying through the midst ot heaven, saying: prepare ve the way of the Lord, and make his paths strait, for the hour of his coming is nigh, when the Latnbshall stand upon Mount Zion, COMMANDMENTS. 433 and with him a hundred and forty-four thou¬ sand having his Father’s name written in their foreheads: wherefore, prepare ye for the coming of 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 isl¬ ands 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 countries, and the islands shall be¬ come 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 Savior shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh. 6 And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord, and their prophets shall hear his voic*', and shall no longer stay themselves, and they shill smite 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.— 434 COVENANTS AND And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim my servants.— And'the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence. And then shall they fall down and be crowned with glo¬ ry, 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 everlast¬ ing 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. 7 And now Eerily sailh the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sejjit forth mine angel, flying through the midst of hea¬ ven, having the everlasting gosp'el, 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 every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, and the servants of God shall go forth, saying, with a loud voice: Fear God and give glory to him: for the hour of his judgment is 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 thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. And it shall be an¬ swered upon their heads, for the presence of COMMANDMENTS 435 the Lord shall be as the melting fire that burn- eth, and as the fire which causeth the waters to boil. 8 O I^ord, thou shalt come down to make thy name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall tremble at thy presence. When thou doeth terrible things, things they look not for; yea, when thou comest down and the mountains flow down at thy presence, thou shalt meet him who rejoiceth and work- eth righteousness, 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 things thou hast prepared for him that waiteth for thee. 9 And it shall be said, who is this that com- eth do\yn from God in heaven with died gar¬ ments: yea, from the regions which are not known, clothed in his glorious apparel, trav¬ eling in the greatness of his strength? And he shall say I am he who spake in righteous¬ ness, mighty to save. And the Lord shall be red in his apparel, and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine ’ r at, 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 voice shall be heard, I have trodden the wine-press alone, and have brought judgment upon all people; and none was with me; and I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood have I sprink¬ led upon my garments, and stained all my rai- 436 COVENANTS AND ment: for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart. 10 And now the year of my redeemed is come, and they shall mention the loving kind¬ ness of their Lord, and all that he has bestow¬ ed upon them, according to his goodness, and according to his 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 prophets who were before him, and Noah also, and they.who were before him, and Moses also, and they who were before him, and from Moses to Eli¬ jah, and from Elijah to John, who were with Christ in his resurrection, and the holy apos¬ tles, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, shall be in the presence of the Lamb. Arid 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. 11 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 little one become a strong natien. commandments. 43 ? 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 com- ! manded 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 pro¬ phet Moses, that they should be cut off from among the people. 12 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 stub¬ ble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Wherefore, 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 at 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. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and make sackcloth their covering. . And this 438 COVENANTS AND shall ye have of my hand, ye shall lay down in sorrow. 13 Behold and lo there are none to deliver you, for ye obeyed not my voice when I call¬ ed to you out of the heavens, ye believed 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 darkness: 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. SECTION CIX. MARRIAGE, 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 perform¬ ed by a presiding high priest, high priest, bish¬ op, elder, or priest, not even prohibiting those persons who are desirous to get married, of being married by other authority. We be¬ lieve 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 pray- COMMANDMENTS. 439 er and thanksgiving; and at the solemniza¬ tion, the persons to be married, standing to¬ gether, 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 mutually agree to be each other’s com- panton, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to this condition; that is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all others, during your lives.” And when they have answered “Yes,” he shall pronounee them “husband and wife” in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vest¬ ed in him: “may God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants from hence¬ forth and forever. Amen.” 3 The clerk of every church should keep a record of all marriages, solemnized in his branch. 4 All legal contracts of marriage made be¬ fore a person is baptised into this church, •should be held sacred and fulfiled. Inas¬ much as this Church of Christ has been re¬ proached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one wo¬ man, but one husband, except in case of death when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right persuade a woman to be bap¬ tised contrary to the will of her husband, nei¬ ther is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. All children are bound by law to 440 - covenants AND- obey their parents; and to influence ' k them to? embrace any religious faith, or be baptised, or leave their parents without their consent, is unlawful and unjust. We believe that hus¬ bands, parents and masters who exercise con¬ trol, over their wives,, children, and servants and prevent them from embracing the truth,, will have to answer for that sin. SECTION CX. OF GOVERNMENTS AND LAWS IN GENERAL . That our belief ,, with regard to earthly gov- ernments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted Ji&r misunderstood , we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume , our opinion concerning the same. 1 We believe that governments were in¬ stituted of God for the benefit of man, and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, either in making laws or administering them, for the good and safety of society. 2 We believe that no government can ex¬ ist, in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individ¬ ual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property and the protection of life. 3 We believe that all governments neces¬ sarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same, and that such as will administer the La\y in equity and jus- COMMANDMENTS. 44 1 tice 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 worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should lestrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. 5 We believe that all men are bound to. sustain and uphold the respective govern¬ ments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments, and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished ac- ccordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judg¬ ments are best calculated to secure the public interest, at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience. 6 We believe that every man should be honored in his station: rulers and magistrates as such—being placed for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guil¬ ty; and that to the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them peace and har¬ mony would be supplanted by anarchy and 442 COVENANTS 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, pre¬ scribing rules on spiritual concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his Maker. 7 We believe that rulers, states, and gov¬ ernments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do. not believe that they have a right, in justice, to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their bpinions, so long as a regard and reverence is shown to the laws, and such religious opinions do not justify se¬ dition nor conspiracy. 8 We believe that the commission of crime should be punished according to the natureof the offence: that murder, treason, robbery, theft and the breach of the general peace, in all respects, should be punished according to ttieir criminality and their tendency to evil among men, by the laws of that government 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 reli¬ gious influence with civil government, where¬ by one religious society is fostered and anoth¬ er proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citi¬ zens, denied. COMMANDMENTS. 443 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 stand- I ing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to 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 ex¬ communicate them from their society and withdraw from their fellowship. 11 We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted, or the right of property or character infring¬ ed, where such laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men are justifi¬ ed in defending themselves, their friends and property, and the government, from the un¬ lawful assaults and encroachments of all per¬ sons, in times of exigencies, where immedi-. ate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded. 12 We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of the earth, and warn the right¬ eous to save themselves from the corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to interfere with bond-servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize them, contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to med¬ dle with, or influence them in the least to cause them to be dissatisfied with their situa¬ tions in this life, thereby jeopardizing the 444 COVENANTS AND lives of men: such interference we believe to be unlawful and unjust., and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing human beings to be held in servitude. SECTION CXI. Martyrdom of Joseph Smith and hts Brother Hyrtuu. 1 To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we close with the martyrdom of Joseph Smith the prophet and Hyrum Smith the patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail on the 27th of June, 1844, about 5 o’clock P. M., by an armed mob, painted black—of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot first and fell calm¬ ly exclaiming “I am a dead man!” Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in the attempt, exclaim¬ ing “O Lord my God!”—They were both shot after they were dead in a brutal manner, and both received four balls. 2 John Taylor and Williard Bichards, two of the Twelve,were the only persons in the room at the time; the former was wounded in a savage manner with f*ur balls, but has since recovered: the latter, through the promises of God escaped “without even a hole in his robe.” 3 Joseph Smith, the prophet and seer of the Lord, has done more, (save Jesus only,) for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents: has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the reyelations "and command¬ ments which compose this book of Doctrine and Cove¬ nants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men: gathered many thousands of the Latter-Day Saints: founded a great city: and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his peo¬ ple, and like most of the Lord’s annointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and works with his own blood—and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not seperated! 4 When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up, to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going COMMANDMENTS. 445 like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offence, towards God, ' and towards all men—I shall die innocent, and it SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME, HE WAS MURDERED IN COED blood.” The same morning, after Hyrum had made rea¬ dy to go—shall it be said to the slaugeter? Yes, for so it was—he read the following paragraph near the close of the fifth chapter of Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down tile leaf upon it: 5 “And it came to pass that 1 prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, if they have not charity, it mattereth not unto you, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments are clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I -bid farewell unto the Gem- tiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood.” The testators are now dead and their testament is in force. 6 Hyrum Smith was 44 years old last February, and Joseph Smith was 38 last December, and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion: and the reader in every nation, will be reminded that the ‘•Book of Mormon” and this Book of Doctrine and Cov¬ enants of the church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century, to bring it forth for the salvation of a ruined world. And that if the fire can scathe a green tree for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the “dry trees” to purify the vineyard of corruption. They lived for glo¬ ry: they died for glory, and glory is their eternal reward. From age to age shall their names go down to posterity as gems for the sanctified. 7 They were innocent of any crimes, as they had often been proved before, and were only confined in jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men; and their inno¬ cent blood on the floor of Carthage jail, is a broad seal af¬ fixed to MormO'nism, that cannot be rejected by any court . cn earth: and their innocent blood on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois, with the broken faith of the State as pledged by the Governor, is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel, that all the world cannot impeach* and their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and od the magna charta of the United States, is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ, that will touch the hearts of honest men among all nations; and their innocent blood, with the innocent blood of all the martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto the Lord of Hosts, till he •avenges that blood on the earth: Amen. do 72 Commandments. Section Page 1 Preface to the commandments 87 2 Articles and Covenants 91 3 On priesthood and quorums 100 4 Revelation Sept. 22-23, 1832 HI 5 Minutes of the High Council 123 6 Revalation Dec. 6,1832, parable of wheat, &c 128 7 do Dec. 27, 1832, “olive leaf,” 130 8 do to O. Cowdery & J. Smith, Apl 1829 146 9 do to J. Smith, &c. July 1830 150 10 do to six elders, Sept. 1830 152 11 do to J. Sm th and Sidney Rigdon 158 12 do to J. Smith for the church 161 13 do of Feb. 1831, the law, &c. _ 166 14 do but one prophet to give revelations 175 15 do prophecy, March 7, 1831 179 16 do on the gifts, March 1831 187 17 do on the spirit. May 1831 190 18 do foundation of Zion, Aug. 1831 194 19 do Sabbath command, August, 1831 200 •20 do obtain Zion by purchase, Aug. 1831 203 21 do strong hold in Kirtland, &c. Sept. 1831 209 22 do to O. Hyde and others, items of law 214 23 do to E. Partridge, May 1831 218 24 do on prayer, October 1831 220 26 do on the riches of eternity, Nov. 1831 221 INDEX. 447 26 do on stewardships Nov. 1831 223 27 do on the city of Zion, July 1831 225 28 do to O. Cowdery & J. Whitmer Nov. 1831 227 29 do to J. Smith & S. Rigdun Jan. 1832 228 30 do to J. Smith on the lost manuscript 229 31 do to J. Smith Sen. February 1829 231 32 do to J. Smith & M. Harris, March 1829 232 33 do whether John tarried on earth Apl 1829 236 34 do to O. Cowdery, April 1829 237 35 do to O. Cowdery called to write April 1829 239 36 do to J. Smith, May 1829 240 37 do to H. Smith May 1829 247 38 do to J. Knight Sen. his duty May 1829 250 39 do to D. Whitmer, June 1829 251 40 do to J. Whitmer June 1829 253 ’ 41 do to Peter Whitmer jr. June 1829 253 42 do to three witnesses to view the plates 254 43 do to choose the twelve June 1829 256 44 do Martin’s great command March 1830 260 45 do to O. Cowdery and others, April 1830 264 46 do to J. Smith called a s4er April 6,1830 265 47 do to the church on baptism April 1830 267 48 do to Emma Smith July 1830 ' 267 49 do to J. Smith and others July 1830 269 50 do on sacrament & priesthood Sept. 1830 270 51 dp to O. Cowdery Sept. 1830 272 52 do to three Whitmer s September 1830 274 53 do to T. B. Marsh September 1830 275 54 do to P. P. Pratt October 1830 277 55 do to E. Thayre & N. Sweet Oct. 1830 278 56 do to Orson Pratt November 1830 280 57 do to E. Partridge December 1830 281 58 do to J. Smith & S. R gdon Dec. 1830 ,282 59 do to J. Covill January 1831 282 60 do to J. Smith in answer to the above 285 61 do to appoint E. Partridge bishon Feb. 1831 285 62 do to call a conference February 1831 287 63 do appoint J.Wftitmer historian March 1831 288 64 do to the church &c. March 1831 288 65 do to S. Rigdon and others March 1831 289 66 do to the eiders to go to Missouri June 1831 292 67 do to Sidney Gilbert, June 1831 296 68 do to Newel Knight do do 297 69 do to W. W. Phelps do do 298 TO do wo to the rich &c. not satisfied June 1831299 71 do the elders to return from Mo. Aug.-1831 302 72 do of the destroyer on the waters do do 304 448 INDEX. 73 do to residue of elders goingto Mo. do do 308 74 do explanation on first Cor. 7:14 309 - 75 do to W. E. McLelin &c. October 1831 310 76 do on the order of Enoch &c. March 1832 312 77 do to Jared Carter March 1832 314 78 do to Stephen Burnett March 1832 315 79 do to John Murdock August 1832 316 80 do to F. G. Williams March 1832 317 81 do A word of wisdom March 1833 318 82 do to Zion for a school August 1833 320 83 do John’s record of Christ May 1833 323 . 84 do for building the Lord’s house May 1833 327 85 do the keys to Joseph in this world Mar ’33 329 | 86 do mode of war of the ancients Aug. 1833 333 87 do on the order of Enoch &c. April 1832 338 88 do to several elders January 1832 341 89 do in addition to the law, April 1832 344 90 do Bishop of Iiirtland duty &c. Dec. 1831 345 i 91 do to Joseph & Sidney to preach Dec. 1831 348 92 do the vision February 1832 349 93 do concerning the Apocrypha March 1833 359 94 do to Shederlaomach March 1833 360 95 do to Joseph & Sidney October 1833 360 96 do chastening the elders June 1833 362 97 do on the order of Enoch for Kirtland Jun’ ’33 364 98 do Lhe parable of 12 olive trees Dec. 1833 365 99 do *onihe order of Enoch for the poor Ap’34 375 100 do to W. A. Cowdery November 1834 384 ; 101 do on the redemption of Zion Feb. 1834 385 102 do redemption of Zion June 1834 389 103 do Proclamation, Nauvoo &c. Jan. 1841 394 104 do to the twelve apostles July 23, 1837 414 105 — A letter on baptism for the dead Sep. 1’42 418 106 — A letter on baptism for the dead Sep. 6 420 107 do on tithing July 8, 1838 430 108 do Appendix November 1831 431 109 — Marriage 438 110 — on governments and laws in general . 440 111 — Joseph & Hyrum Smith martyred 444 ■--