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DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.
THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS,
OF THE
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY
SAINTS, CONTAINING THE REVELATIONS
GIVEN TO
JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., THE PROPHET,
FOR THE
BUILDING UP OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN
THE LAST DAYS.
DIVIDED INTO VERSES, WITH REFERENCES,
By ORSON PRATT, Sen.
THIRD ELECTROTYPE EDITION.
li\7:e:k.p^ool:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY BRIGHAM YOUNG, 42 ISLINGTON.
1891.
?5'iU \^
7%..C,P^iK;v(^
ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL
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3
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.
LECTURES ON FAITH.
LECTURE FIRST.
On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter-day jScviMs, originally delivered before a Class
of the Elders^ in Kirtland^ Ohio.
1. Faith being the iirst principle in revealed reli-
gion, and the foundation of all righteousness, neces-
sarily claims the first place in a course of lectures
which are designed to unfold to the undei^standing 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.
G. Agreeable 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 Avord faith ;
8. "Now faith is the substance (assurance) of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. I.
9. From this we learn that faith is the assurance
which men have of the existence of things which they
have not seen, and the principle of action in all intel-
ligent beings.
10. If men were duly to consider themselves, 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 physical and mental.
1 1 . 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 activit)^
in all their lawful avocations, callings, and pursuits,
what would be the answer? Would it not be that it
was the assurance which they had of the existence of
things which they 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 ac-
quisition of all knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence?
Would you exert yourselves to obtain wisdom and in-
telligence, unless you did believe that you could obtain
them? Would you have ever sown, if you had not
believed that you Avould 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 liave ever sought,
unless you had believed that you would have found?
Or, would you have ever knocked, unless you had be-
lieved that it would have been opened unto you? In
a word, is there anything that > ou Avould have done,
either jjliysical or mental, if you liad not previously
believed? Are not all your exertions of every kind,
dependent on your faith? Or, may we not ask, what
LEG. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. d
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? Eeflect, and ask yourselves 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 yourselves ; and, if the moving cause in you, is it
not in all other intelligent beings?
12. And as faith is the moving cause of all action
in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual ; for the
Savior has said, and that truly, that ''He that believeth
and is ba^Dtized, shall be saved." Mark xvi. 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 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 ap-
pear."
15. By this we understand that the principle 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 principle 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 exer-
cises 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
4 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. I.
by faith, that it is by faith that he exercises power over
them, and that faith is the princiiDle of power? And
if the principle 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" (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 comj)iling the
record of his fathers, has given us the following
account of faith as the principle of power. He says,
page 597, that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek
which caused the walls of the prison to be rent, as re-
corded on the 278th page; it was the faith of Nephi
and Lehi which caused a change to be wrought uj)on
the hearts of the Lamanites, when they were immersed
with the Holy Spirit and with fire, as seen on the
443rd page ; and that it was by faith that the moun-
tain Zerin was removed when the brother of Jared
spake in the name of the Lord. See also 599th page.
20. In addition to this we are told in Hebrews xi.
32, 33, 34, 35, that Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah,
David, Samuel, and the prophets, through faith sub-
dued kingdoms, Avrought righteousness, obtained
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the
violence of lire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out of
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in tight,
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 w^as done. Joshua
X. 12.
22. We here understand, tliat the sacred writers
LEG. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 5
say that all these things were done by faith. It was by
faith that the worlds were framed. God spake, chaos
heard, and worlds came into order by reason of the
faith there was in Him. So with man also ; he sj^ake
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 him.
23. Had it not been for the faith which was in
men, 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 prin-
ciple which has power, dominion, and authority over
all things ; by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by
it they are changed, or by it they. remain, agreeable to
the will of God. Witliout it there is no power, and
without power there could be no creation nor exist-
ence !
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING
PRINCIPLES.
AYliat is theology? 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.
AYhat is the first principle Iti this revealed science?
Faith. Lecture i. 1.
Wliy is faith the first principle in this re^'ealed
science? Because it is the foundation of all righteous-
ness. Hebrews xi, 6 : '* Without faith it is impossible
6 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. I.
to please God." i. John iii. 7 : "Little children, let
no man deceive you ; he that doeth righteousness, is
righteous, even as he (God) is righteous. ' ' Lecture i. 1 .
What arrangement should be followed in present-
ing the subject of faith? First, it should be shown
what faith is. Lecture i. 3. Secondly, the object upon
which it rests. Lecture i. 4. And, thirdly, the effects
which flow from it. Lecture i. 5.
What is faith? It is the assurance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews xi. 1) ;
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
]3rincij3le of action in all intelligent beings. Hebrews
xi. 3 : "Through faith we understand the worlds were
framed by the word of God." Lecture i. 8, 9.
How do you prove that faith is the principle of
action in all intelligent beings? First, by duly con-
sidering the operations of my own mind ; and, second-
ly, by the direct declaration of Scripture. Hebrews 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. ' '
Hebrews xi. 8: "By faith Abraham, when he w^as
called to go into a place which he should afterwards
receive for an inheritance, obeyed, aucl he went out
not knowing whither he went." Hebrews xi. 9 : "By
faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a
strange country, dwelling in tabernacles Avith Isaac
and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise."
Hebrews xi. 27 : By faith Moses "forsook Egypt, not
fearing the wrath of the king, for he endui-ed as seeing
him who is invisible." Lecture i. 10. 11.
Is not faitli the ])rinci])le of action in si)iritual
things as well as in temporal? It is.
How do yon prove it? Hebrews xi. 0 : •"AVithont
faith it is impossible to please God." Mark xvi. IG :
LEG. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 7
"He that believetli and is baptized shall be saved."
Romans 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 the
law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham,
who is the father of us all." Lecture i. 12, 13.
Is faith anything else beside the principle of action?
It is.
Wliat is it? It is the principle of power also.
Lecture i. 13.
How do 5^ou prove it? First, it is the principle of
poAver in the Deity as well as in man. Hebrews xi. 3 :
' ' 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." Lec-
ture i. 14, 15, 16. Secondly, it is the principle of
power in man also. Book of Mormon, page 278. Alma
and Amulek are delivered from prison. Ibid, page 443.
Nephi and Lehi, with the Lamanites, are immersed
with the Spirit. Ibid, page 599. The mountain Zerin,
b}'- the faith of the brother of Jared, is removed,
Joshua X. 12 : "Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the
day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before
the children of Israel, and he said, in the sight of
Israel, 'Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou
moon in the valley of Ajalon.' " Joshua x. 13 : "And
the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the peo-
ple had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not
this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood
still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down
about a whole da5^" Matthew xvii. 19 : "Then came
the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, 'Why could not
we cast him out? ' " Matthew xvii. 20 : "And Jesus
said unto them, Because of your unbelief ; for verily I
say unto you, 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." Hebrews xi. 32 and
8 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. I.
the following verses: "'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, who through faith
subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained
promises, stopj^ed the mouths of lions, quenched the
violence of lire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out of
weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in light,
turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women
received their dead raised to life again, and others were
tortured, not accejDting deliverance, that they might
obtain a better resurrection." Lecture i. 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22.
How would you define faith in its most unlimited
sense? It is the first great governing principle which
has power, dominion, and authority over all things.
Lecture i. 24.
How do you convey to the understanding more
clearly that faith is the first great governing principle
which has power, dominion, and authority over all
things? By it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it
they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeable to
the will of God ; and without it there is no power, and
without power there could be no creation nor exist-
ence ! Lecture i. 24.
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH.
LECTURE SECOND.
1. Having shown in our previous lecture "faith it-
self— what it is," we shall proceed to show, secondly,
the object on which it rests.
2. We here observe that God is the only supreme
governor and independent being in whom all fullness
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 dwell ; and that he is the Father of lights ;
in him the principle of faith dwells independently,
and he is the object in whom the faith of all other
rational and accountable beings center for life and
salvation.
3 . In order to present this part of the subject in a
clear and conspicuous point of light, it is necessary to
go back and show the evidences which mankind have
had, and the foundation on which these evidences are^
or were, based since the creation, to believe in the exist-
ence of a God.
4. We do^ not mean those evidences which are'
manifested by the works of creation which we daily
behold with our natural eyes. We are sensible that,,
after a revelation of Jesus Christ, the works of crea-
tion, throughout their vast forms and varieties, clearly
exhibit his eternal power and Godhead. Romans 1.
20 : "For the invisible things of him from the crea-
tion of the world are clearly seen, being understood
by the things that are made, even his eternal power
and Godhead;" but we mean those evidences by
which the first thoughts were suggested to the minds
of men that there was a God who created all thinos.
10 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
5. We shall now proceed to examine the situation
of man at his first creation. Moses, the historian, has
given us the following account of him in the first chap'-
ter of the book of Genesis, beginning with the 20th
verse, and closing with the 30th. We copy from the
new translation :
6. ''And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten,
which was with me from the beginning, ' Let us make
man in our image, after our likeness ; ' and it was so.
7. '"And I, God, said, 'Let them have dominion
over the fishes 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 creepeth upon the earth.'
8. "And I, God, created man in mine own image,
in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him ;
male and female created I them. And I, God, blessed
them, and said unto them, 'Be fruitful, and multiply,
and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have do-
minion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of
the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon
the earth.'
9. "And I, God, said unto man, 'Behold, I have
given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the
face of all the earth, and every tree in the which shall
be the fruit of a tree yielding seed ; to you it shall be
for meat.' "
10. Again, Genesis ii. 15, 16, 17, 19, 20: "Audi,
the Lord God, took the man, and put him into the
garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it. And T, the
Lord God, commanded the man saying, ' Of every tree
of the garden thou mayest freely eat ; but of the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat
of it ; nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself, for
it is given unto thee ; but remember that I forbid it,
for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.'
11. "And out of the ground I, the Lord God.
formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the
air, and commanded that tliev should conic unto
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 11
Adam, to see what he would call them. * * * And
whatsoever Adam called every living- creature, that
should be the name thereof. And Adam gave names
to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every
beast of the field."
12. From the foregoing we learn man's situation at
his first creation, the knowledge with which he was
endowed, and the high and exalted station in which
he was placed — lord or governor of all things on earth,
and at the same time enjoying communion and inter-
course with his Maker, without a vail to separate
between. We shall next proceed to examine the
account given of his fall, and of his being driven out
of the garden of Eden, and from the presence of the
Lord.
13. Moses proceeds — ''And they" (Adam and Eve)
''heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were walk-
ing in the garden, in the cool of the day ; and Adam
and his wife went to hide themselves from the presence
of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
And I, the Lord God, called unto Adam, and said unto
him, ' Where goest thou? ' And he said, ' I heard thy
voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I beheld
that I w^as naked, and I hid myself.'
14. "And I, the Lord God, said unto Adam, ' Who
told thee thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the
tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not
eat? If so, thou shouldst surely die? ' And the man
said, 'The woman whom thou gavest me, and com-
mandedst that she should remain with me, gave me
of the fruit of the tree, and I did eat.'
15. "And I, the Lord God, said unto the woman,
' What is this thing which thou hast done ? ' And
the woman said, ' The serpent beguiled me, and I did
eat.'
1(). And again, the Lord said unto the woman, " 'I
will greatly multiply thy sorrow, and thy conception.
In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children ; and thy
12 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over
thee.
17. ''And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said, 'Be-
cause thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife,
and hast eaten of the fruit of the tree of which I com-
manded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it ! cursed
shall be the ground for thy sake ; in sorrow thou shalt
eat of it all the days of thy life. Thorns also, and
thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat
the herb of the lield. By the sweat of thy face shalt
thou eat bread, until thou • shalt return unto the
ground — for thou shalt surely die — for out of it wast
thou taken : for dust thou wast, and unto dust shalt
thou return.' " This was immediately followed by the
fulfillment of what we previously said — Man was
driven or sent out of Eden.
1 8 . Two important items are shoAvn from the former
quotations. First, after man was created, he w^as not
left without intelligence or understanding, to wander
in darkness and spend an existence in ignorance and
doubt (on the great and important point which effected
his happiness) as to the real fact by whom he was
created, or unto whom he was amenable for his con-
duct. God conversed with him face to face. In his
presence he was permitted to stand, and from his
own mouth he was permitted to receive instruction.
He heard his voice, walked before him and gazed upon
his glory, while intelligence burst upon his understand-
ing, and enabled him to give names to the vast assem-
blage of his Maker's works.
19. Secondly, we have seen, that though man did
transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of
the previous knowledge with which he was endowed
relative to the existence and glory of his Creator ; for
no sooner did he hear his voice then he sought to hide
himself from his i^resence.
20. Having shown, then, in the first instance, that
God began to converse with man immediately after he
LEG. II. J LECTURES ON FAITH. 13
"■breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," and
that he did not cease to manifest himself to him, even
after his fall, we shall next proceed to show, that
though he was cast out from the garden of Eden, his
knowledge of the existence of God was not lost,
neither did God cease to manifest his will nnto him.
21. We next proceed to present the account of the
direct revelation which man received after he was
cast out of Eden, and further copy from the new
translation —
22. After Adam had been driven out of the garden,
he "began to till the earth, and to have dominion over
all the beasts of the fields, and to eat his bread by the
sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him."
And he called upon the name of the Lord, and so did
Eve, his wife, also. "And they heard the voice of the
Lord, from the way toward the garden of Eden, speak-
ing unto them, and they saw him not, for they were,
shut out from his presence ; and he gave unto them
commandments that they should worship the Lord
their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks
for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obe-
dient unto the commandments of the Lord.
23. " And after many days an angel of the Lord
appeared unto Adam, saying, ' Why dost thou offer
sacrifices unto the Lord?' And Adam said unto him,
' I know not ; save the Lord commanded me.'
24. "And then the angel spake, saying, 'This thing
is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten
of the Father, avIio is full of grace and truth. And
thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the
Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the
name of the Son for evermore.' And in that day the
Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of
the Father and the Son."
25. This last quotation, or summary, shows this
important fact, that though our first parents were
driven out of the garden of Eden, and were even se^ja-
14 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
rated from the presence of God by a vail, they still
retained a knowledge of his existence, and that suffi-
ciently to move them to call upon him. And further,
that no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to
man, and he began to call upon God, than the Holy
Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and
Son.
26. Moses also gives us an account, in the fourth
of Genesis, of the transgression of Cain, and the right-
eousness of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them.
He says, "In process of time, Cain brought of the
fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And
Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of
the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel,
and to his offering ; but unto Cain and to his offering
he had not resj)ect. 'Now Satan knew this, and it
pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his coun-
tenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, 'Why art
thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen? If thou
doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest
not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to
have thee ; and except thou shalt hearken unto my
commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be
unto thee according to his desire.'
27. '* And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked
with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that
while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel,
his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that
which he had done, saying, ' I am free ; surely the
flocks of my brother falleth into my hands.'
28. '' But the Lord said unto Cain, 'Where is Abel,
thy brother?' And he said, 'I know not. Am T my
l)rother\s keeper? ' And the Lord said, ' What hast
thou (lone? the voice of thy brother's blood cries uuto
me from the ground. And now, thou shalt be cursed
from the earth which hath opened her mouth to receive
thy brother's blood from thy hand. AYlien thou tillest
the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her
LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 15
strength. A fugitive and a vagabond slialt thou be in
the earth.'
29. " And Cain said unto tlie Lord, 'Satan tempted
me because of my brother's flocks. And I was wroth
also ; for his offering thou didst accept and not mine ;
my punishment is greater tlian I can bear. Behold
thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the
Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid ; and I shall be
a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth ; and it shall
come to pass that he that lindeth me will sla}^ me
because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid
from the Lord.' And the Lord said unto him, 'Who-
soever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him
sevenfold.' And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain,
lest any finding him should kill him."
30. The object of the foregoing quotations is to
show to this class the way by which mankind were first
made acquainted with the existence of a God ; that it
was by a manifestation of God to man, and that God
continued, after man's transgression, to manifest him-
self to him and to his posterity ; and, notwithstanding
they were separated from his immediate presence that
they could not see his face, they continued to hear his
voice.
31. Adam, thus being made acquainted with God.
communicated the knowledge which he had unto his
posterity ; and it was through this means that tlie
thought was first suggested to their minds that there
was a God, which laid the foundation for the exercise
of their faith, through which they could obtain a know-
ledge of his character and also of his glory.
32. Not only was there a manifestation made unto
Adam of the existence of a God ; but Moses informs
us, as before quoted, that God condescended to talk
with Cain after his great transgression in slaying his
brother, and that Cain knew that it was the Lord that
was talking with him, so that when he was driven out
from the presence of his brethren, he carried with hiui
16 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. 11.
the knowledge of the existence of a God ; and, through
this means, doubtless, his iDOsteritj^^ became acquainted
with the fact that such a Being existed.
33. From this we can see that the whole human
family in the early age of their existence, in all their
different branches, had this knowledge disseminated
among them ; so that the existence of God became an
object of faith in the early age of the world. And the
evidences which these men had of the existence of a
God, was the testimony of their fathers in the first
instance.
34. The reason why we have been thus particular
on this part of our subject, is that this class may see
by what means it was that God became an object of
faith among men after the fall ; and what it was that
stirred up the faith of multitudes to feel after him — to
search after a knowledge of his character, perfections
and attributes, until they became extensively acquaint-
ed with him, and not only commune with him and
behold his glory, but be jjartakers of his i^ower and
stand in his presence.
35. Let this class mark particularly, that the testi-
mony which these men had of the existence of a (rod,
was the testimony of man ; for previous to the time
that any of Adam's posterity had obtained a manifesta-
tion of God to themselves, Adam, their common father,
had testified uuto them of the existence of God, and
of his eternal i)Ower and Godhead.
36. For instance, Abel, before he received the as-
siu'ance from heaven that liis offerings were ac('e])table
unto God, had received the important information of
his father that such a Being did exist, who had created
and Avho did uphold all thiugs. Neither can there be
a doubt existing on the mind of any person, that
Adam was the first who did communicate the knowl-
edge of the existence of a God to his posterity ; and
that the AVhole faith of the world, from that time
down to the present, is in a certain degree dependent
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 17
on the knowledge first communicated to tliem by tlieir
common progenitor ; and it has been handed down to
the day and generation in wliich we live, as we shall
show from the face of the sacred records.
37. First, Adam was 130 years old when Seth was
born. Genesis v. 3. And the days of Adam, after he
had begotten Seth, were 800 years, making him 930
years old when he died. Genesis v. 4, 5. Seth was
105 when Enos was born (verse 6) ; Enos was 90 when
Cainan was born (verse 9) ; Cainan was 70 when Ma-
halaleel was born (verse 12) ; Mahalaleel was 65 when
Jared was born (verse 15) ; Jared was 162 when Enoch
was born (verse 18) ; Enoch was 65 when Methuselah
was born (verse 21) ; Methuselah was 187 when Lamech
was born (verse 25) ; Lamech was 182 when Noah was
born (verse 28).
38. From this account it appears that Lamech, the
9th from Adam, and the father of Noah, was 56 years
old when Adam died ; Methuselah, 243 ; Enoch, 308 ;
Jared, 4 70 ; Mahalaleel, 535 ; Cainan, 605 ; Enos,
695 ; and Seth, 800.
39. So that Lamech the father of Noah, Methuselah,
Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, Cainan, Enos, Seth, and
Adam, were all living at the same time, and, be-
yond all controversy, were all preachers of righteous-
ness.
40. Moses further informs us that Seth lived after
he begat Enos, 807 years, making him 912 years old at
his death. Genesis v. 7, 8. And Enos lived after ho
begat Cainan, 815 years, making him 905 years old
when he died (verses 10, 11). And Cainan lived after
he begat Mahalaleel, 840 years, making him 910 years
old at his death (verses 13, 14). And Mahalaleel lived
after he begat Jared, 830 years, making him 895 years
old when he died ( verses 16, 17). And Jared lived after
he begat Enoch, 800 years, making him 962 years old at
his death (verses 19, 20). And Enoch walked with
God after he begat Methuselah. 3,0,0, years, making him
18 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
365 years old when lie was translated (verses 22, 23).*
And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech, 782
years, making him 969 years old when he died (verses
26, 27). Lamech lived after he begat Noah, 595 years,
making him 777 years old when he died (verses 30, 31).
41. Agreeable 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 1422iid ; Lamech in the 1651st; and
Methuselah in the 1656th, it being the same year in
which the flood came.
42. So that Noah was 84 years old when Enos died,
176 when Cainan died, 234 when Mahalaleel died, 366
when Jared died, 595 when Lamech died, and 600
when Methuselah died.
43. We can see from this that Enos, Cainan, Maha-
laleel, Jared, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah, all lived
on the earth at the same time ; and that Enos, Cainan.
Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech, were all
acquainted with both 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 j^reserved ; that from
the time it was first communicated, it was retained in
the minds of righteous men, who taught not only their
own posterity but the world ; so that there Avas no
need of a new revelation to man, after Adam's crea-
tion to Noah, to give them the first idea or notion of
the existence of a God ; and not only of a God, but
the true and living God.
45. Having traced the chronology ^of the world
from Adam to Noah, we will now trace it from Noah
to Abraham. Noah was 502 years old when Shem was
born; 98 years afterwards the flood came, being the
■* Aecorrling to the Old Testament. For Enoch's age,
siee Covenants and Commandments, section 107. 49.
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 19
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. Genesis ix. 28, 29.
46. Shem was 100 years old when Arphaxad was
born. Genesis xi. 10. Arphaxad 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 the earth was divided (xi. 16) ; Peleg was 30
when Ren was born (xi. 18) ; Reu was 32 when Serug
was born (xi. 20) ; Serug was 30 when Nahor was born
(xi. 22) ; Nahorwas 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 conclusion is drawn from a variety of scriptures,
which are not to our j)uiTOse at present to quote.
Neither is it a matter of any consequence to us whether
Abraham was born when Terah was 70 years old, or
130. But in order that there may no doubt exist upon
any mind in relation to the object lying immediately
before us, in presenting the 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
Arphaxad, 500 years (xi. 11) ; this added to 100 years,
which was his age when Arphaxad was born, makes liim
600 years old when he died. Arphaxad 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 his age when Eber was born, makes him 433 years
old when he .died. Eber lived after he begat Peleg,
430 years (xi. 17) ; this added to 34 years, which was
20 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
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 (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 (xi. 23) ; this
added to 30 years, which was his age when ISTahor was
born, makes him 230 years old when he died. Nahor
lived after he begat Terah, 119 years (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. Agreeable to this 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 divided, and Nahor, the grandfather of
Abraham, both died before Noah — the former being
239 years old, and the latter 148 ; and who cannot but
see that they must have had a long and intimate ac-
quaintance with Noah?
50. Reu died in the 2026th year of the world,
Serug in the 2049t]i, Terah in the 2083rd, Arphaxad
in the 2096th, Salah in the 2126th, Shem in the 2158th,
Abraham in the 2183rd, and Eber in the 2187th, which
was four years after Abraham's death. And Eber was
the fourth from Noah.
51. Nahor, Abraham's brother, was 58 years old
when Noah died, Terah 128, Serug 187, Reu 219.
Eber 283, Salah 313, Arphaxad 344, and Shem 448.
52. It appears from this account, that Nahor,
brother of Abraham, Terah, Nahor, Serug, Reu, Peleg,
Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, Shem, and Noah, all lived on
the earth at tlie same time ; and tliat Abraham was
18 vears old when Reu died. 41 when Serug and liis
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 21
brother Nalior died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when
Arpliaxad died, 118 when Sal ah died, 150 when Shem
died, and that Eber lived four years after Abraham's
death. And that Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, Reu,
Serug, Terah, and Nahor, the brother of Abraham,
and Abraham, lived at the same time. And that
Nahor, brother of Abraham, Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber,
Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem, were all acquainted with
both Noah and Abraham.
53. We have now traced the chronology of the
world agreeable to the account given in our present
Bible, from Adam to Abraham, and have clearly deter-
mined, beyond the power of controversy, that there
was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God
in the world from the creation of Adam, and the mani-
festation made to his immediate descendants, as set
forth in the former part of this lecture ; so that the
students in this class need not have any doubt resting
on their minds on this subject, for they can easily see
that it is impossible for it to be otherwise, but that the
knowledge of the existence of a God must have con-
tinued 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 b}^ reason of the
manifestation which he first made to our father Adam,
when he stood in his presence, and conversed with him
face to face, at the time of his creation.
55. Let us here observe, that after any portion of
the human family are made acquainted with the impor-
tant fact that there is a God, who has created and does
uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respect-
ing his character and glory will dependupon their dili-
22 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
gence and faithfulness in seeldng after him, until, like
Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall
obtain faith in God, and power 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 object of faith for
rational beings ; and also, upon what foundation the
testimony was based which excited the inquiry and
diligent search of the ancient saints to seek after and
obtain a knowledge of the glory of God ; and we have
seen that it was human testimony, and human testi-
mony only, that excited this inquiry, in the first in-
stance, in their minds. It was the credence they gave
to the testimony of their fathers, this testimon}^ having
aroused their minds to inquire after the knowledge of
God ; the inquiry frequently terminated, indeed always
terminated when rightly pursued, in the most glorious
discoveries and eternal certainty.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING
PRINCIPLES.
Is there a being who has faith in himself, indepen-
dently? There is.
Who is it? It is God.
How do you prove that God has faith in himself
indei^endently? Because he is omnipotent, omni-
present, and omniscient ; without beginning of days or
end of life, and in him all fullness dwells. Ephesians
i. 23: " AVIiich is his body, the fullness of him that
tilletli all in all." Colossiaus i. 19 : '' For it pleased
the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell.''
Lecture ii. 2.
Is he the object in whom the faith of all other
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 23
rational and accountable beings center, for life and sal-
vation? He is.
How do you prove it? Isaiah xlv. 22: "Look
unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth ;
for I am God, and there is none else. ' ' Romans xi. 34 ,
35,36: ' ' For who hath known the mind of the Lord ;
or who hath been his counselor? or who hath first
given to him, and it shall be recomj)ensed unto him
again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are
all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.'' Isaiah
xl., from the 9th to the 18th verses: "O Zioii, that
bringest good tidings ; (or, O thou that tellest good
tidings to Zion) get thee up into the high mountain ;
O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings ; (or, O thou
that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem) lift up thy
voice with strength ; lift it up, be not afraid ; say unto
the cities of Judah, Behold yonr 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 before
him (or, recompense for his work). He shall feed his
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 the
waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven
with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth
in a measure, weighed the mountains in scales, and the
hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of
the Lord, or, being his counselor, 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 showed to him the way of under-
standing? Behold, the nations are as a drop of
a bucket and are counted as the small dust of the
balance : behold, he taketh 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 vanity.^' Jeremiah. U,
24 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
15, 16 : ''He (the Lord) liath made the earth by his
power, he hath established the world by his Avisdom,
and hath stretched out the heaven by his understand-
ing, lyiien he uttereth his voice there is a multitude
of waters in the heavens, and he causetli the vapors to
ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh light-
nings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his
treasures. 1 Corinthians 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." Lecture ii. 2.
How did men first come to the knowledge of the
existence of a God, so as to exercise faith in him? In
order to answer this question, it will be necessary to go
back and examine ma.n at his creation ; the circum-
stances in which he was placed, and the knowledge
w^hich he hath of God. Lecture ii. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11. First, when man was created he stood in the
presence of God. Genesis 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 exist-
ence. Secondly, God conversed with him after his
transgression. Genesis iii. from the 8th to the 22nd.
Lecture ii. 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 exist-
ence of God. Lecture ii. 19. Thirdly, God conversed
with man after he cast him out of the garden. Lec-
ture ii. 22, 23, 24, 25. Fourthly, God also conversed
with Cain after he had slain Abel. Genesis iv. from
the 4th to the 6th. Lecture ii. 26, 27, 28, 29.
What is the object of the foregoing quotation? It
is that it may be clearly seen how it was that the first
thoughts were sviggested to the minds of men of the
existence of God, and how extensively this knowledge
was spread among the immediate descendants of Adam..
Lecture ii. 30, 31, 32, 33.
What testimony had the immediate descendants of
LEG. II.] LECTDRES ON FAITH. 25
Adam, in proof of the existence of God? The testi-
mony of their father. And after they were made
acquainted with his existence, by the testimony of their
fatlier, they were dependent upon the exercise of their
own faith, for a knowledge of liis character, j)erfections,
and attributes. Lecture ii. 23, 24, 25, 26.
Had any other of the liuman family, besides Adam,
a knowledge of the existence of God, in the first in-
stance, by any other means than human testimony?
They had not. For previous to the time that they
could have power to obtain a manifestation for them-
selves, the all -important fact had been communicated
to them by their common father ; and so from father
to child the knowledge was communicated as extensively
as the knowledge of his existence was known ; for it
was by this means, in the first instance, that man had
a knowledge of his existence. Lecture ii. 35, 36.
How do you know that the knowledge of the
existence of God was communicated in this manner,
throughout the different ages of the world? By the
chronology obtained through the revelations of God.
How would you divide that chronology in order to
convey it to the understanding clearly? Into two
parts — First, by embracing that period of the world
from Adam to Noah ; and secondly, from Noah to
Abraham ; from which period the knowledge of the
existence of God has been so general, that it is a
matter of no dispute in what manner the idea of his
existence has been retained in the world.
How many noted righteous men lived from Adam to
Noah? Nine ; which includes Abel, who was slain by
his brother.
What are their names? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan,
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, and Lamech.
How old was Adam when Setli was born? One
hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 3.
How many years did Adam live after Seth was born?
Eioht hundred. Genesis v. 4.
26 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
How old was Adam when he died? Mne hundred
and thirty years. Genesis v. 6.
How old was Seth when Enos was born? One
hundred and five years. Genesis v. 6.
How old was Enos when Cainan was born? Mnety
years. Genesis v. 9.
How old was Cainan when Mahalaleel was born?
Seventy years. Genesis v. 12.
How old was Mahalaleel when Jared was born?
Sixty -five years. Genesis v. 15.
How old was Jared when Enoch was born? One
hundred and sixty -two years. Genesis v. 18.
How old was Enoch when Methuselah was born?
Sixty -five years. Genesis v. 21.
How old was Methuselah when Lamech was born?
One hundred and eighty -seven years. Genesis v. 25.
How old was Lamech when Noah was born? One
hundred and eighty -two years. Genesis v. 28. For
this chronology, see lecture ii. 3 7.
HoAV many years, according to this account, was it
from Adam to Noah? One thousand and fifty- six
years.
How old was Lamech Avhen Adam died? Lamech,
the ninth from Adam (including Abel), and father of
Noah, was fifty -six years old when Adam died.
How old was Methuselah? Two hundred and fort>' -
three years.
How old was Enoch? Three hundred and eight
years.
How old Avas Jared? Foin- hundred and seventy
years.
How old was Mahalaleel? Five hundred and
thirty -five years.
How old was Cainan? Six hundred and five years.
How old was Enos? Six hundred and ninety -five
years.
LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 27
How old was Seth? Eight hundred years. For
this item of account, see lecture ii. 38.
How many of these noted men were cotemporary
with Adam? Mne.
What are their names? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan,
Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselaii and Lamech.
Lecture ii. 39.
How long did Seth live after Enos was born? Eight
hundred and seven years. Genesis v. 7.
What was Seth's age when he died? Mne hundred
and twelve years. Genesis v. 8.
How long did Enos live after Cainan was born?
Eight hundred and fifteen years. Genesis v. 10.
What was Enos's age when he died? Mne hun-
dred and five years. Genesis v. 11.
How long did Cainan live after Mahalaleel was
born? Eight hundred and forty years. Genesis v. 13.
What was Cainan' s age when he died? Mne hun-
dred and ten years. Genesis v. 14.
How long did Mahalaleel live after Jared was born?
Eight hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 16.
What was Mahalaleel' s age when he died? Eight
hundred and ninety -five years. Genesis v. 17.
How long did Jared live after Enoch was born?
Eight hundred years. Genesis v. 19.
What was Jared' s age when he died? ISIine hun-
dred and sixty -two years. Genesis v. 20.
How long did Enoch walk with God after Methuse-
lah was born? Three hundred years. Genesis v. 22.
What was Enoch's age when he was translated?
Three hundred and sixty -five years; Genesis v. 23.*
How long did Methuselah live after Lamech was
born? Seven hundred and eighty -two years. Genesis
V. 26.
* For Enoch's age, see Covenants and Commandments,
Section 107. 49.
2
28 Lectures on paits. [leg. li.
What was Methuselah's age when he died? Mne
hundred and sixty -nine years. Genesis v. 27.
How long did Lamech live after ISToah was born?
Five hundred and ninety-five years. Genesis v. 30.
What was Lamech' s age when he died? Seven
hundred and seventy -seven years. Genesis v. 31. For
the account of the last item see lecture ii. 40.
In what year of the world did Adam die? In the
nine hundred and thirtieth.
In what year was Enoch translated?* In the nine
hundred and eighty- seventh.
In what year did Seth die? In the one thousand
and forty -second.
In what year did Enos die? In the eleven hundred
and fortieth.
In what year did Cainan die? In the twelve hun-
dred and thirty -fifth.
In what year did Mahalaleel die? In the twelve
hundred and ninetieth.
In what year did Jared die? In the fourteen hun-
dred and twenty -second.
In what year did Lamech die? In the sixteen
hundred and fifty -first.
In what year did Methuselah die? In the sixteen
hundred and fifty- sixth. For this account see lecture
ii. 41.
How old was Noah when Enos died? Eighty-four
years.
How old when Cainan died? One hundred and
seventy -nine years.
How old when Mahalaleel died? Two hundred and
thirty -four years.
How old when Jared died? Three hundred and
sixty -six years.
* For Enoch's age, see Covenants and Commandments,
Section 107. 49.
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 29
How old when Lamech died? Five hundred and
ninety -five years.
How old when Methuselah died? Six hundred
years. See lecture ii. 42, for the last item.
How many of those men lived in the days of Noah?
Six.
Wliat are their names? Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel,
Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech. Lecture ii. 43.
How many of those men were cotemporary with
Adam and Noah both? Six.
Wliat are their names? Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel,
Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech. Lecture ii. 43.
According to the foregoing account, how was the
knowledge of the existence of God first suggested to
the minds of men? By the manifestation made to
our father Adam, when he was in the presence of God,
both before and while he was in Eden. Lecture ii. 44.
How was the knowledge of the existence of God
disseminated among the inhabitants of the world? By
tradition from father to son. Lecture ii. 44.
How old was Noah when Shem was born? Five
hundred and two years. Genesis v. 32.
What was the term of years from the birth of Shem
to the flood? Ninety -eight.
What was the term of years that Noah lived after
the flood? Three hundred and fifty. Genesis ix. 28.
What was Noah's age when he died? Nine hun-
dred and fifty years. Genesis ix. 29. Lecture ii. 45.
What was Shem's age when Arphaxad was born?
One hundred years. Genesis xi. 10.
What was Arphaxad' s age when Salah was born?
Thirty -five years. Genesis xi. 12.
What was Salah' s age when Eber was born ? Thirty
years. Genesis xi. 16.
What was Eber' s age when Peleg was born ? Thirty -
four years. Genesis xi. 14.
30 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
What was Peleg's age when Reu was born? Thirty
years. Genesis xi. 18.
What was Reu's age when Serug was born? Thirty -
two years. Genesis xi. 20.
What was Serug' s age when Nahor was born?
Thirty years. Genesis xi. 22.
^Vliat was Nahor's age when Terah was born?
Twenty-nine years. Genesis xi. 24.
What was Terah' s age when I^ahor (the brother of
Abraham) was born? Seventy years. Genesis xi. 26.
What was Terah' s age when Abraham was born?
Some suppose one hundred and thirty years, and others
seventy. Genesis xi. 26. Lecture ii. 46.
What was the number of years from the flood to
the birth of Abraham? Supposing Abraham to have
been born when Terah was one hundred and thirty
years old, it was three hundred and fifty -two years :
but if he was born when Terah was seventy years old,
it was two hundred and ninety -two years. Lecture
ii. 47.
How long did Shem live after Arphaxad was born?
Five hundred years. Genesis xi. 11.
What was Shem's age when he died? Six hundred
years. Genesis xi. 11.
Wliat number of years did Arphaxad live after
Salah was born? Four hundred and three years.
Genesis xi. 13.
What was Arphaxad' s age when he died? Four
hundred and thirt}^ - eight years.
What number of years did Salah live after Eber
was born? Four hundred and three years.
What was Salah' s age when he died? Four hun-
dred and thirty -three years.
What number of years did Eber live after Peleg
was born? Four hundred and thirty years. Genesis
xi. 17.
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 31
What was Eber ' s age when he died ? Four hundred
and sixty -four years.
What number of years did Peleg live after Reu was
born? Two hundred and nine years. Genesis xi. 19.
What was Peleg' s age when he died? Two hun-
dred and thirty -nine years.
What number of years did Reu live after Serug
was born? Two hundred and seven years. Genesis
xi. 21.
What was Reu 's age when he died? Two hundred
and thirty -nine years.
What number of years did Serug live after Nalior
was born? Two hundred years. Genesis xi. 23.
What was Serug' s age when he died? Two hun-
dred and thirty years.
What number of years did ISTahor live after Terah
was born? One hundred and nineteen years. Genesis
xi. 25.
What was Nahor's age when he died? One hun-
dred and forty -eight years.
What number of years did Terah live after Abraham
was born? Supposing Terah to have been one hundred
and thirty years old when Abraham was born, he lived
seventy -five years ; but if Abraham was born when
Terah was seventy years old, he lived one hundred and
thirty -five.
What was Terah' s age when he died? Two hun-
dred and five years. Genesis xi. 32. For this account,
from the birth of Arphaxad to the death of Terah, see
lecture ii. 48.
In what year of the world did Peleg die? Agree-
able to the foregoing chronology, he died in the nineteen
hundred and ninety -sixth year of the world.
In what year of the world did Nahor die? In the
nineteen hundred and ninety -seventh.
In what year of the world did Noah die? In the
two thousand and sixth.
32 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
In what year of the world did Reu die? In the
two thousand and twenty -sixth.
In what year of the world did Serug die? In the
two thousand and forty -ninth.
In what year of the world did Terah die? In the
two thousand and eighty -third.
In what year of the world did Arphaxad die? In
the two thousand and ninety -sixth.
In what year of the world did Sal ah die? In the
twenty -one hundred and twenty -sixth.
In what year of the world did Abraham die? In
the twenty -one hundred and eighty -third.
In what year of the world did Eber die? In the
twenty - one hundred and eighty - seventh. For this ac -
count of the year of the world in which those men
died, see lecture ii. 49, 50.
How old was Nahor (Abraham's brother) when
Noah died? Fifty -eight years.
How old was Terah? One hundred and twenty -
eight.
How old was Serug? One hundred and eighty -
seven.
How old was lieu? Two hundred and nineteen.
How old was Eber? Two hundred and eighty -
three.
How old was Salah? Three hundred and thirteen.
How old was Arphaxad ? Three hundred and forty -
eight.
How old was Shem? Four hundred and forty -
eight.
For the last account see lecture ii. 51.
How old was Abraham when Reu died? Eighteen
years, if he was born when Terah was one hundred and
thirty years old.
AVhat was his age when Serug and Nahor (Abra-
ham's brother) died? Forty -one years.
LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 33
What was his age when Terah died? Seventy -five
years.
A¥hat was his age when Arphaxad died? Eighty -
eight.
Wliat was his age when Salah died? One hundred
and eigliteen years.
What was his age when Shem died? One hundred
and fifty years. For this see lecture ii. 52.
How many noted characters lived from Noah to
Abraham? Ten.
What are their names? Shem, Arphaxad, Salah,
Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Nahor,
(Abraham's brother). Lecture ii. 52.
How many of these were cotemporary with Noah?
The whole.
How many with Abraham? Eight.
Whatare their names? Nahor (Abraham's brother),
Terah, Serug, Reu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem.
Lecture ii. 52.
How many were cotemporary with both Noah and
Abraham? Eight.
What are their names? Shem, Arphaxad, Salah,
Eber, Reu, Serug, Terah, and Nahor (Abraham's
brother). Lecture ii. 52.
Did any of these men die before Noah? They did.
Who were they? Peleg, in whose days the earth
was divided, and Nahor, (Abraham's grandfather).
Lecture ii. 4 9.
Did any one of them live longer than Abraham?
There was one. Lecture ii. 50.
Who was he? Eber, the fourth from Noah. Lec-
ture ii. 50.
In whose days was the earth divided? In the days
of Peleg.
Where have we the account given that the earth
was divided in the days of Peleg? Genesis x. 25.
34 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II.
Can you repeat the sentence? ''Unto Eber were
born two sons : the name of one was Peleg, for in his
days the earth was divided."
Wliat testimony have men, in the first instance,
that there is a God? Human testimony, and human
testimony only. Lecture ii. 56.
What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently
after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections
and. attributes? The credence they gave to the testi-
mony of their fathers. Lecture ii. 56.
How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of
God, his perfections and attributes? By devoting
themselves to his service, through prayer and supplica-
tion incessantly strengthening their faith in him, until,
like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they
obtain a manifestation of God to themselves. Lecture
ii. 55.
Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter
of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony
alone, until persons receive a manifestation of God to
themselves? It is.
How do you prove it? From the whole of the first
and second lectures.
LEG. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 35
LECTURE THIRD.
1 . 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 knowl -
edge of his existence that there was a foundation laid
for the exercise of faith in him, as the only Being in
whom faith could center for life and salvation ; for
faith could not center in a Being of whose existence we
have no idea, because the idea of his existence in the
first instance is essential to the exercise of faith in him.
Romans x. 14 : "How then shall they call on him in
whom they have not believed? and how shall they be-
lieve in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher (or one sent to tell
them)? So, then, faith comes by hearing the word of
God." (New translation.)
2 . Let us here observe, that three things are neces -
sary in order that any rational and intelligent being
may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
3. First, the idea that he actually exists.
4. Secondl}^, a correct idea of his character, per-
fections, and attributes .
5. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course
of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For
without an acquaintance with these three important
facts, the faith of every rational being must be imper-
fect and unproductive ; but with this understanding it
can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteous-
ness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
36 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. III.
6 . Having previously been made acquainted with
the way the idea of his existence came into the world,
as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to
examine his character, perfections, and attributes, in
order that this class may see, not only the just grounds
which they have for the exercise of faith in him for life
and salvation, but the reasons that all the world, also,
as far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to
exercise faith in him, the Father of all living.
7. As we have been indebted to a revelation which
God made of himself to his creatures, in the first in-
stance, for the idea of his existence, so in like manner
we are indebted to the revelations which he has given
to us for a correct understanding of his character, per-
fections, and attributes ; because, without the revela-
tions which he has given to us, no man by searching
could find out God. Job xi. 7, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians ii.
9, 10, 11: "But as it is written, eye hath not seen,
nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prei^ared for them
that love him ; but God hath revealed them unto us
by his Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea,
the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the
things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in
him? Even so, the things of God knoweth no man
but the Spirit of God."
8. Having said so much we proceed to examine 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: "TheLorth executeth
righteousness and judgment for all that arc oppressed.
He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the
children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and plenteous in mercy." Psalm ciii. 17,
18 : "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting
LEG. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 37
to everlasting- upon them that fear him, and his right-
eousness unto children's children, to such as keep his
covenant, and to those that remember his command-
ments to do them." Psalm xc. 2 : "Before the moun-
tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God." Hebrews i. 10, 11, 12 :
"And thou, Lord, in the beginning, hast laid the
foundation of the earth ; and the heavens are the
works of thine hands : they shall perish, but thou
remain est; and they all shall wax old as doth a gar-
ment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and
they shall be changed ; but thou art the same and thy
years shall not fail." James i. 17 : "Every good gift
and every j)erfect gift is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variable-
ness, neither shadow of turning." Malachi iii. 6 :
"For I am the Lord, I change not ; therefore ye sons
of Jacob are not consumed."
10. Book of Commandments, Sec. 3, v. 2: "For
God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he
turn to the right hand or the left, or vary from that
which he has said, therefore his paths are straight, and
his course is one eternal round." Book of Command-
ments, Sec. 35, V. 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
yesterday, 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 re-
pent." 1 John iv. 8 : "He that loveth not, knoweth
not God, for God is love." Acts x. 34, 35 : "Then
Peter opened his mouth and said, 'Of a truth I per-
ceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every
nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness
is accepted with him. ' ' '
12. From the foregoing testimonies we learn the
following things resp'^,cting the character of God :
38 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. III.
13. First, that he was God before the world was
created, and the same God that he was after it was
created.
14. Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow
to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so
from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.
15. Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there
variableness with him ; but that he is the same from
everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday,
to-day, and for ever ; and that his course is one eternal
round, without variation.
16. Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and can-
not lie.
17. Fifthly, that he is no respecter of persons : but
in every nation he that fears God and works righteous-
ness is accepted of him.
18. Sixthly, that he is love.
19. An acquaintance with these attributes in the
divine character, is essentially necessary, in order that
the faith of any rational being can center in him for
life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first in-
stance, believe him to be God, that is, the Creator and
upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in
him for life and salvation, for fear there should be
greater than he who would thwart all his plans, and he,
like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill
his promises ; but seeing he is God over all, from ever-
lasting to everlasting, the Creator and upholder of all
things, no such fear can exist in the minds of those who
put their trust in him, so that in this respect their
faith can be without wavering.
20. But secondly ; unless he was merciful and gra-
cious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of good-
ness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great
the frailties and imperfections of men, that unless they
believed that these excellencies existed in the di\4ne
character, the faith necessary to salvation could not
exist ; for doubt would take the place of faith, and
LEG. III.] . LECTURES ON FAITH. 39
those who know theu' 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-
suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does
forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of
these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceed-
ingly 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 unchangeableness 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 ex-
cellencies in his character with unshaken confidence,
believing he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever,
and that his course is one eternal round.
22. And again, the idea that he is a God of truth
and cannot lie, is equally as necessary to the exercise
of faith in him as the idea of his unchangeableness.
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 cannot 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 persons, for with the
idea of all the other excellencies 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 sooner are the minds of men made
acquainted with the truth on this point, that he is no
respecter of persons, than they see that they have
40 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. III.
authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the rich-
est boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of per-
sons, and that every man in every nation has an equal
privilege.
24. And lastly, but not less important to the exer-
cise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love ; for
v^ith all the other excellencies in his character, without
this one to influence them, they could not have such
pov^erful dominion over the minds of men ; but when
the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who
cannot see the just ground that men of every nation,
kindred, and tongue, have to exercise faith in God so
as to obtain eternal life?
25. From the above description of the character 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 Former- day Saints had, because the
same character is griven of him to both.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING
PRINCIPLES.
What was shown in the second lecture? It was
shown how the knowledge of the existence of God
came into tlie world. Lecture iii. 1.
LEG. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 41
What is the effect of the idea of his existence
among men? It lays the foundation for the exercise
of faith in him. Lecture iii. 1.
Is the idea of his existence, in the first instance,
necessary in order for the exercise of faith in him? It
is. Lecture iii. 1.
How do you prove it? By the tenth chapter of
Romans and fourteenth verse. Lecture iii. 1.
How many things are necessary for us to under-
stand, respecting the Deity and our relation to him, in
order that we may exercise faith in him for life and
salvation? Three. Lecture iii. 2.
What are they? First, that God does actuallj^
exist ; secondly, correct ideas of his character, his per-
fections and attributes ; and thirdly, that the course
which we pursue is according to his mind and will.
Lecture iii. 3,4,5.
Would the idea of any one or two of the above-
mentioned things enable a person to exercise faith in
God? It would not, for without the idea of them all
faith would be imperfect and unproductive. Lecture
iii. 5.
Would an idea of these three things lay a sure
foundation for the exercise of faith in God, so as to
obtain life and salvation? It would ; for by the idea
of these three things, faith could become perfect and
fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and
glory of God. Lecture iii. 5.
How are we to be made acquainted with the before -
mentioned things respecting the Deity, and respecting
ourselves? By revelation. Lecture iii. 6.
Could these things be found out by any other means
than by revelation? They could not.
• How do you prove it? By the scriptures. Job
xi. 7, 8, 9. 1 Corinthians ii. 9, 10, 11. Lecture iii. 7.
What things do we learn in the revelations of God
respecting his character? We learn the six following
4 2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. III.
tilings : , First, that he 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 goodness, 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. Lecture iii. 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.
Where do you find the revelations which give us
this idea of the character of the Deity? In the Bible
and book of commandments, and they are quoted in
the third lecture. Lecture iii. 9, 10, 11.
What effect would it have on any rational being
not to have an idea that the Lord was God, the Creator
and upholder of all things? It would prevent him
from exercising faith in him unto life and salvation.
Why would it prevent him from exercising faith in
God? Because he would be as the heathen, not know-
ing but there might be a being greater and more power-
ful than he, and thereby he be prevented from fulfilling
his promises. Lecture iii. 19.
Does this idea prevent this doubt? It does ; for
persons having this idea are enable4 thereby to exercise
faith without this doubt. Lecture iii. 19.
Is it not also necessary to have the idea that God
is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and full of
goodness? It is. Lecture iii. 20.
Why is it necessary? Because of the weakness and
imperfections of human nature, and the great frailties
of man ; for such is the weakness of man, and such his
frailties, that he is liable to sin continually, and if God
were notlong- suffering, and full of compassion, gracious
and merciful, and of a forgiving disi:)Osition, man would
be cut off from before him, in conscquen<-e of which he
would be in continual doubt and could not exercise
LEG. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 43
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. Lecture iii. 20.
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 uiito
life and salvation? 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-day, and will be forever. Lecture
iii. 21.
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? 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. Lecture iii. 22.
Could man exercise faith in God so as to obtain
eternal life unless he believed that God was no respecter
of persons? 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 sufficiently strong to save him. Lecture
iii. 23.
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? He could not; because man could not love
God unless he had an idea that God Avas love, and if
he did not love God he could not have faith in him.
Lecture iii. 24.
44 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC III.
What is the description which the sacred writers
give of the character of the Deity calculated to do?
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. Lecture iii. 25.
Is the character which God has given of himself
uniform? 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. Lecture iii. 26.
LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 45
LECTURE FOUETH.
1. Having shown, in the third lecture, that correct
ideas of the character of God are necessary in order
to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation ;
and that without correct ideas of his character the
minds of men could not have sufficient power with
God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment
of eternal life ; and that correct ideas of his character
lay a foundation, as far as his character is concerned,
for the exercise of faith, so as to enjoy the fullness of
the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even that of
eternal glory ; we shall now proceed to show the con-
nection 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 making the human
family acquainted with his attributes, was, that they,
through the ideas of the existence of his attributes,
might be enabled to exercise faith in him, and, through
the exercise of faith in him, might obtain eternal life ;
for without the idea of the existence of the attributes
which belong to God the minds of men could not have
power to exercise faith in him so as to lay hold upon
eternal life. The God of heaven, understanding most
perfectly the constitution of human nature, and the
weakness of men, knew what was necessary to be re-
vealed, 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 ex-
" amine the attributes of God, as set forth in his revela-
tions to the human family, and to show how necessary
46 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. IV.
correct ideas of his attributes are to enable men to
exercise faith in him ; for without these ideas being
planted in the minds of men it would be out of the
IDOwer of any person or persons to exercise faith in God
so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine com-
munications made to men in the first instance were
designed to 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 — ^linowledge. Acts x v. 18: "Known unto
God are all his works from the beginning of the world. ' '
Isaiah xlvi. 9, 10 : "Remember 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. Hebrews xi. 3 :
' ' Through faith we understand that the worlds were
framed by the word of God." Genesis i. 1 : "In the
beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Isaiah xiv. 24, 27: "The Lord of hosts hath 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 hath purposed, and who shall dis-
annul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall
turn it back?' "
7. Thirdly — Justice. Psalm Ixxxix. 14 : "Justice
and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."
Isaiah xlv. 21: "Tell ye, and bring them near; yea,
let them take counsel together : who hath 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." Zephaniah iii. 5 : " The just Lord is in the
midst thereof." Zechariah ix. 9 : " Rejoice greatly.
LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 47
O daughter of Zion ; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem ;
behold thy King cometh unto thee : he is just and
having salvation."
8. Fourthly — Judgment. Psalm Ixxxix. 14 : ''Jus-
tice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne."
Deuteronomy 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."
Psalm ix. 7: "But the Lord shall endure for ever.
He hath prepared his throne for judgment." Psalm
ix. 16: "The Lord is known by the judgment which
he executeth."
9. Fifthly — Mercy. Psalm Ixxxix. 14: "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.'"
Nehemiah ix. 17 : "But thou art a God ready to par-
don, gracious and merciful."
10. And sixthly — Truth. Psalm Ixxxix. 14 :
"Mercy and truth shall go before thy face." Exodus
xxxiv. 6 : "Long-suffering and abundant in goodness
and truth." Deuteronomy 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. ' ' Psalm xxxi. 5 : " Into Thine 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 attributes in the Deity is
necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith
in him ; for without the idea of the existence of these
attributes in the Deity men could not exercise faith
in him for life and salvation ; seeing that without the
knowledge of all things God would not be able to save
any portion of his creatures ; for it is by reason of the
knowledge which he has of all things, from the begin-
ning to the end, that enables him to give that under-
standing to his creatures by which they are made par-
takers of eternal life ; and if it were not for the idea
48 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. IV.
existing in tlie minds of men that God had all know-
ledge 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
thereby 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, belie\dng that he has power to save all
who come to him to the very uttermost.
13. It is also necessary, in order to the exercise 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 justice in the Deity men could not have con-
fidence sufficient to place themselves under his guidance
and direction ; for they would be filled with fear and
doubt lest the judge of 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 Almighty without fear and without doubt, and
with the 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 judg-
ment in God, in order that they may exercise faith in
him for life and salvation ; for without the idea of the
existence of this attrilmte in the Deity, it would be
impossible for men to exercise faith in him for life and
LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 49
salvation, seeing that it is through the exercise 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 not to 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
exercise of faith and confidence in God, and they are
enabled by faith to lay hold on the promises which are
set before them, and wade through all the tribulations
and afl9^ictions to which they are subjected by reason of
the persecution from those who know not God, and
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, believing
that in due time the Lord will come out in swift Judg-
ment against their enemies, and they shall be cut off
from before him, and that in his own due time he will
bear them off 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,
aflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure
for righteousness' sake. But wiien 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
upon them in the midst of their afflictions, and that
he will compassionate them in their sufferings, 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 unportant to the ex-
50 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. IV.
ercise of faith in God, is the idea of the existence of
the attribute truth in him ; for without the idea of
the existence of this attribute 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 the existence of this attribute in the Deity in
the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises, and
blessings, become realities, and the mind is enabled to
lay hold of them with certainty and confidence, be-
lieving that these things, and all that the Lord has
said, shall be fulfilled in their time ; and that all the
cursings, denunciations, and Judgments, pronounced
upon the heads of the unrighteous, will also be exe-
cuted in the due time of the Lord : and, by reason of
the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its
deliverance and salvation as being certain.
1 7 . 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 founda-
tion laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and
salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute
knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints
necessary for their salvation ; 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 afiiictions and sufferings 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 sought their hurt and destruc-
tion. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity,
his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised
towards them, and through the exercise of that attri-
bute towards them comfort and consolation Avill be
LEG. IV. J LHCTURES ON FAITH. 51
administered unto them abundantly, amid all their
afflictions and tribulations. And, lastly, realizing that
truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to
rejoice 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 in the midst of his throne to dwell in his
presence eternally.
18. In view, then, of the existence of these attri-
butes, the faith of the saints can become exceedingly
strong, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and
glory of God, and can exert its mighty influence in
searching after wisdom and understanding, until it
has obtained 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 see-
ing that these are attributes of the Deity, they are
unchangeable — being the same yesterday, today, and
for ever — which gives to the minds of the Latter-day
Saints the same power and authority 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,
therefore his attributes and character remain forever
the same. And as it is through the revelation 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.
52 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. IV.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING
PRINCIPLES.
What was shown in the tMrd lecture? It was
shown that correct ideas of the character of God are
necessary in order to exercise faith in him unto life and
salvation ; and that without correct ideas of his char-
acter, 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, lay a sure foundation for
the exercise of it. Lecture iv. 1.
What object had the God of Heaven in revealing
his attributes to men? That through an acquaintance
with his attributes they might be enabled to exercise
faith in him so as to obtain eternal life. Lecture iv. 2.
Could men exercise faith in God without an ac-
quaintance with his attributes, so as to be enabled to
lay hold of eternal life? They could not. Lecture
iv. 2, 3.
What account is given of the attributes of God in
his revelations? First, Knowledge; secondly. Faith or
Power ; thirdly. Justice ; fourthly. Judgment ; fifthly,
Mercy; and sixthly. Truth. Lecture iv. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9 and 10.
Where are the revelations to be found which give
this relation of the attributes of God? In the Old
and New Testaments, and they are quoted in the fourth
lecture, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth
paragraphs.*
Is the idea of the existence of these attributes in
the Deity necessary in order to enable any rational
being to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation?
It is.
* Let the student turn and commit these paragraphs to memory.
LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 53
How do yon prove it? By the eleventh, twelfth,
thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth para-
graphs in this lecture.*
Does the idea of the existence of these attributes
in the Deity, as far as his attributes are concerned,
enable a rational being to exercise faith in him unto
life and salvation? It does. How do you prove it?
By the seventeenth and eighteenth paragraphs.*
Have the Latter-day Saints as much authority given
them, through the revelation of the attributes of God,
to exercise faith in him as the Former -day Saints had?
Thej^ have.
How do you prove it? By the nineteenth para-
graph of this lecture.*
* Let the student turn and commit these paragraphs to memory.
54 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V.
LECTURE FIFTH.
s
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 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 per-
sonage of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfec-
tion and fullness, the Son, who was in the bosom of the
Father, a personage of tabernacle, made or fashioned
like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of
man, or rather man was 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 full-
ness of the Father, or the same fullness with the
Father ; being begotten of him, and ordained 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, show-
ing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the
LEG. v.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 55
law and remain also without sin ; and also, that by
him a righteous 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 fullness of the glory of the Father, possess-
ing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the
Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the
Son, and these three are one ; or, in other words, these
three constitute the great, matchless, governing and
supreme, power over all things ; by whom all things
were created and made that were created and made, and
these three constitute the Godhead, and are one ; the
Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same
wisdom, glory, power, andfullness — filling all in all ; the
Son being filled with the fullness of the mind, glory, and
power ; or, in other words, the spirit, glory, and power,
of the Father, possessing all knowledge and glory, and
the same kingdom, sitting at the right hand of power,
in the express image and likeness of the Father, medi-
ator for man, being filled with the fullness 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 express image of him who fills all
in all ; being filled with the fullness of his glory, and
become one in him, even as the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit are one.
3. From the foregoing account of the Godhead,
which is given in his revelations, the saints have a sure
foundation laid for the exercise of faith unto life and
salvation, through the atonement and mediation of
Jesus Christ ; by whose blood they have a forgiveness
of sins, and also a sure reward laid up for them in
56 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V.
heaven, even that of partaking of the fullness of the
Father and the Son through the Spirit. As the Son
partakes of the fullness of the Father through the
Spirit, so the saints are, by the same Spirit, to be par-
takers of the same fullness, to enjoy the same glory ;
for as the Father and the Son are one, so, in like
manner, the saints are to be one in them. Through
the love of the Father, the mediation of Jesus Christ,
and the gift of the Holy Sjjirit, they are to be heirs of
God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING
PRINCIPLES.
Of what do the foregoing lectures treat? Of the
being, perfections, and attributes of the Deity. Lec-
ture V. 1.
What are we to understand by the perfections of
the Deity? The perfections which belong to his
attributes.
How many j)ersonages are there in the Godhead?
Two : the Father and Son. Lecture v. 1.
How do you prove that there are two personages in
the Godhead? By the Scriptures. Genesis i, 26.
Also lecture ii. 6 : "And the Lord God said unto the
Only Begotten, who was with him frota the beginning,
' Let us make man in our image, after our likeness' —
and it was done." Genesis 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
before the world was." Lecture v. 2.
Wliat is the Father ? He is a personage of glory
and of power. Lecture v. 2,
LEG. v.] LECTURES ON PAITH. 57
How do you prove that the Father is a personage
of glory and of power? Isaiah Ix. 19: "The sun
shall be no more thy light by day, neither for bright-
ness shall the moon give light unto thee ; but the Lord
shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God
thy glory." 1 Chronicles xxix. 11 : " Thine, O Lord,
is the greatness, and the power, and the glory." Psalm
xxix. 3 : '' The voice of the Lord is upon the waters :
the God of glory thunders." Psalm Ixxix. 9 : "Help
us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name."
Romans i. 23 : "And changed the glory of the incor-
ruptible God into an image made like to corruptible
man." Secondly, of power. 1 Chronicles xxix. 11:
"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and
the glory." Jeremiah xxxii. 17: "Ah! Lord God,
behold thou hast made the earth and the heavens by
thy great power, and stretched -out arm; and there is
nothing too hard for thee. " Deuteronomy 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." 2 Samuel xxii. 33 :
"God is my strength and power." Job xxvi., com-
mencing with the 7th verse to the end of the chapter :
"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place,
and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up
the waters in his thick clouds ; and the cloud is not
rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his
throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. He hath
compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and
night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble,
and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the
sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth
through the proud. By his Spirit he hath garnished
the heavens ; his hand hath formed the crooked ser-
pent. Lo, these are parts of his ways ! but how little
a portion is heard of him? But the thunder of his
power who can understand?"
What is the Son? First, he is a personage of
tabernacle. Lecture v. 2.
58 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V.
How do you prove it? John xiv. 9, 10, 11 : "Jesus
saith unto him, ' Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that
hatli seen me hath seen the Father ; and how sayest
thou then. Show us the Father? Believest thou not
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 dwellethinme he doeth the works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in
me. ' ' ' Secondly, — and being a personage of tabernacle,
was made or fashioned like unto man, or being in the
form and likeness of man. Lecture v. 2. Philippians
ii. 2-8 : "Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus ; who, being in the form of God, thought
it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself
of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of man, and
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the
cross." Hebrews ii. 14, 16 : "Forasmuch then as the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also him-
self likewise took part of the same. For verily he
took not on him the nature of angels : but he took on
him the seed of Abraham.-' Thirdly, he is also in the
likeness of the j)ersonage of the Father. Lecture v. 2.
Hebrews i. 1, 2, 3 : "God, who at sundry times and in
divers manners, spake in times past to the fathers, by
the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by
his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by
whom also he made the worlds ; who being the bright-
ness of his glory, and the express image of his person."
Again, Philippians ii. 5, 6 : "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."
Was it by the Father and the Son that all things
were created and made that were created and made?
It was. Colossians i. 15, 16, 17 : "Who is the image
of the invisible God, the first born of every creature ;
LEG. v.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 59
for by him were all things created that are in heaven
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, vv^hether
they be thrones or dominions, princij)alities or powers ;
all things were created by him and for him ; and he is
before all things, and by him all things consist. ' ' Gene -
sis i. 1: " In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth." Hebrews i. 2 : (God) "Hath in these
last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the
worlds."
Does he jDOssess the fullness of the Father ? He
does. Colossians i. 19, ii. 9 : ''For it jDleased the
Father that in him should all fullness dwell." ''For
in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Ephesians i. 23: "Which is his (Christ's) body, the
fullness of him that tills all in all."
AYhy was he called the Son? Because of the flesh.
Luke i. 33 : " That holy thing which shall be born of
thee, shall be called the Son of God." Matthew iii.
16,17: " And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up
straightway 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 : andlo,
a voice from heaven saying, ' This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.' "
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? He
was. 1 Peter i. 18, 19, 20: " Forasmuch as ye know
that ye 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, as of a lamb without blemish and
without spot ; who verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world, but was manifested in these
last times for you." Revelations xiii. 8 : ''And all
that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the
beast), whose names are not written in the book of life
3
60 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V.
of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
1 Corinthians ii. 7: "But we sj)eak the wisdom of
God in a mystery, even the hidden mystery, which God
ordained before the world, unto our glory."
Do the Father and the Son possess the same mind?
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 I seek not my own will, but the will
of the Father who sent me." John vi. 38 : "For T
(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."
What is this mind ? The Holy Spirit. John xv.
26 : "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will
send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of
truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify
of me (Christ)." Galatians iv. 6 : "And because ye
are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into
your hearts."
Do the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constitute the
Godhead? They do. Lecture v. 2.*
Do the believers 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? 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."
Does the foregoing account of the Godhead lay a
sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him unto
life and salvation? It does.
How do you prove it? By the third paragraph of
this lecture.*
* Let the student commit these ])aragraphs to memorj.
LfiC. VI.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 61
LECTURE SIXTH.
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
according 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 reason of it that the
ancients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is
invisible. An actual 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
ancients saints to endure all their afiiictions and perse-
cutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods,
knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more
enduring substance. Hebrews x. 34.
3 . Having the assurance that they were pursuing a
course which was agreeable to the will of God, they
were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their
goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully,
but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms ; know-
ing (not merely believing) that when this earthly
house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a
building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens. 2 Corinthians v. 1.
4. Such was, and always will be, the situation of
the saints of God, that unless they have an actual
knowledge that the course they are pursuing is accord-
ing to the will of God they will grow weary in their
minds, and faint ; for such has been, and always will
62 LECTURt^iS ON FAITH. [leC. VI.
be, the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and
those that know not God against the pure and unadul-
terated religion of heaven (the only thing which insures
eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost
all that worshij) God according to his revelations, re-
ceive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves
to be guided and directed by his will ; and drive them
to such extremities that nothing short of an actual
knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and
of their having embraced that order of things which
God has established for the redemption of man, will
enable them to exercise that confidence in him, neces-
sary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that
crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God.
5. For a man to lay down his all, his character and
reputation, his honor, and applause, his good name
among men, his houses, his 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 knowledge of Jesus Christ — requires
more than mere belief or supposition that he is doing
the will of God ; but actual knowledge, realizing that,
when these sufferings are ended, he will enter into
eternal rest, and be a partaker of the glory of God.
6. For unless a person does know that he is walk-
ing according to the will of God, it would be offering
an insult to the dignity of the Creator were he to say
that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should
be done with the things of this life. But when he
has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he
is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally
strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.
7. Let us here observe, that a religion that does
not require the sacrifice of all things never has power
sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and
salvation ; for, from the first existence of man, the
faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salva-
tion never could be obtained without the sacrifice of
all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and
LEG. VI.] LECTURES ON PAITH. 63
this only J that God has ordained that men shoidd en-
joy eternal life ; and it is through the medium of the
sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually
know that they are doing the things that are 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 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 circums|;ances, 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 themselves
that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them,
who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means
obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to
obtain eternal life, unless they, in like manner, offer
unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering
obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.
9. It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first
martyr, obtained knowledge that he was accepted of
God. And from the days of righteous Abel to the
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. Psalm 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 sj^all call to the heavens from
above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Gather my saints together unto me ; those that have
made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
1 0 . Tho s e , then , who make the sacrifice , will have the
testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of
God ; and those who have this testimony will have faith
to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through
faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown
64 LiECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VI.
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 depen-
dent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith :
therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, be-
cause the revelations of God do not guarantee unto
them the authority so to do, and without this guarantee
faith could not exist.
1 1 . 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 through the sacrifice which they offered unto him ;
and through the knowledge thus obtained their faith
became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise
of eternal life, and to endure as seeing him who is
invisible ; and were enabled, through faith, to combat
the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of
the adversary, overcome the world, and obtain the end
of their faith, even the salvation of their souls.
12. But those who have not made this sacrifice to
God do not know that the course which they pursue is
well pleasing in his sight ; for whatever may be their
belief or their opinion, it is a matter of doubt and
uncertainty in their mind ; and where doubt and uncer-
tainty are there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt
and faith do not exist in the same person at the same
time ; so that persons whose minds are under doubts and
fears cannot have unshaken confidence ; and where un-
shaken confidence is not there faith is weak ; and where
faith is weak the persons will not be able to contend
against all the opposition, tribulations, and afflictions
which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs
of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus ; and they
will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will
have power over them and destroy them.
Tliis Lectture is so plain, and the facts set fortli so self-
evident that it is deemed unnecessary to form a catechism
upon it: the student is, therefore, insti-ucted to commit the
whole to memory.
LEG. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 65
LECTURE SEVENTH.
1. In the preceding lessons we treated of what faith
was, and of the object on which it rested. Agreeable
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 intelli-
gent beings, both in heaven and on earth, it will not
be expected that we shall, in a lecture of this descrip-
tion, attempt to unfold all its effects ; neither is it
necessary to our purpose so to do, for it would embrace
all 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 creations who did not get there by reason
of faith as it existed in himself or in some other
being ; nor has there been a change or a revolution in
any of the creations of God, but it has been effected
by faith ; neither will there be a change or a revolu-
tion, unless it is effected in the same way, in any of
the vast creations of the Almighty, for it is by faith
that the Deity works.
3 . Let us here offer some explanation in relation to
faith, that our meaning may be clearly 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 exer-
tion instead of physical force. It is by words, instead
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
66 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC VII.
coDimanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space
of three years and six months, so that it did not rain :
he again commanded and the heavens gave forth rain :
All this was done by faith. And the Savior says :
" If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to
this mountain, '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 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 perform their works of wonder, majesty, and
glory. Angels move from place to place by virtue of
this power ; it is by reason of it that they are enabled
to descend from heaven to earth ; and were it not for
the power of faith they never could be ministering
spirits to them who should be heirs of salvation, 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
I)Ower of faith that it continues in its organized form,
and by which the planets move round their orbits and
sparkle forth their glory. So, then, faith is truly the
first principle in the science of THEOLO(iY, 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 expect to find it set
forth in a revelation from (xod as the principle upon
which his creatures here below must act in order to
LEG. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 67
obtain the 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 impossi-
bility there was of their enjoying the blessedness of
eternit)^ 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 impossible to please God
without faith? The answer would be — Because with-
out faith it is impossible for men to be saved ; and as
God desires the salvation of men, 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 exhortations
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
best of all reasons, and that was — because without it
there was no salvation, neither in this world nor in that
which is to come. When men begin to live by faith
they begin to draw near to God ; and when faith is per-
fected 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 salvation in its most exten-
sive latitude of interpretation, 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 b}^ faith
68 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VII.
and who are able, by faith, to be ministering spirits to
them who shall be heirs of salvation ; and they mnst
have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the
Lord, otherwise they cannot be saved. And what con-
stitutes 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 perfect enough to lay
hold upon eternallife, and the other's has not. But to
be a little more particular, let us ask — Where shall we
find a prototyj)e into whose likeness we may be assimi-
lated, in order that we may be made partakers of life
and salvation? or, in other words, where shall we find
a saved being? For if we can find a saved being, we
may ascertain without much difficulty what all others
must be in order to be saved. We think that it will
not be a matter of dispute, that two beings who are
unlike each other cannot both be saved ; for whatever
constitutes the salvation of one will constitute the salva-
tion of every creature which will be saved ; and if we
find one saved being in all existence, we may see what
all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then,
where is the prototype? or where is the saved being?
We conclude, as to the answer of this question, there
will be no dispute among those who 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, and ask how it is that he is saved?
the answer would be — because he is a just and holy
being ; and if he were anything 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 salvation and lose all his do-
minion, power, authority and glory, which constitute
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
LEG. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 69
epistle, third chapter, second and third verses: "Be-
loved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
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 every man that hath this hope in him,
purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Why purify
themselves as he is pure? Because if they do not thej
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 epis-
tle, i. 15, 16: "But as he which hath called you is
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation ; be-
cause it is written, ' Be ye holy ; for I am holy. ' ' ' And
the Savior says, Matthew v. 48: " Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is per-
fect. " If any should ask, why all these sayings? the
answer is to be fovmd from what is before quoted from
John's epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear,
the saints will be like him ; and if they are not holy,
as he is holy, and perfect, as he is perfect, they cannot
be like him ; for no being can enjoy his glory without
possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than
they could reign in his kingdom without his power.
11. This clearly sets forth the propriety of the
Savior's saying, recorded in John's testimony, xiv. 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 shall he do, because I go unto my
Father." This taken in connection with some of the
sayings in the Savior's prayer, recorded in the seven-
teenth chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions.
He says in the 20 , 2 1 , 2 2 , 23 , and 24th verses : ' ' Neither
pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall be-
lieve 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
70 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VII.
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 the workl
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 lovedst 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 had done they were
to do, and greater works than those which he had 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 Father. 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 be-
hold my glory." These sayings, taken in connection,
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 apostles) alone, but for them also who shall
believe 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 one, as thou, Father, art in me
and I in thee ; that they also may be one in us."
13. What language can be plainer than this? The
Savior surely intended to be understood by his disci-
ples, 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
LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 71
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 anything
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 Father 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 par-
takers with him in all things, not even his glory ex-
cepted.
15. 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 lacking in one
attribute or perfection which they have, the glory
which thay have never could be enjoyed by them, for
it requires them to be precisely what they are in order
to enjoy it ; and if the Savior gives this glory to any
others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his
prayer to his Father — by making them one with him as
he and the Father are one. In so doing he would give
them the glory which the Father has given him ; and
when his disciples are made one with the Father and
Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see
the propriety 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 my Father."
16. These teachings of the Savior most clearly
show unto us the nature of salvation, and what he pro-
posed unto the human family when he proposed to save
them — that he proposed to make them like unto him-
self, and he was like the Father, the great prototype of
72 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. vil.
all saved beings ; and for any portion of the human
family to be assimilated into their likeness is to be
saved ; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed ; and
on this hinge turns the door of salvation.
17. Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the
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 Israel, who followed after the law of righteous-
ness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wlierefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but
as it were by the works of the law ; for they stumbled
at that stumbling stone. Eomans 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
believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."
Mark ix. 23. These with a multitude of other scriptures
which might be quoted plainly set forth the light in
which the Savior, as well as the Former -day Saints,
viewed the plan of salvation. That it was a system of
faith — it begins with faith, and continues by faith ; and
every blessing which is 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 promise, they
were the effects of faith, not even the Savior of the
world excepted. "Blessed is she that believed," said
Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her, "for
there shall be a performance of those things which
were told her from 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 mitiht believe he
LEG. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 73
was struck dumb. And through the whole history of
the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith :
every man received 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 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 utter.
Peter, in view of the power of faith, second epistle,
first chapter, second and third verses, says to the For-
mer-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 hath called us to
glory and virtue." In the first epistle, first chapter,
third, fourth and fifth verses he says : " Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which,
according to his abundant mercy, hath 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 revealed in
the last time."
18. These sayings put together show the apostle's
views most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on
74 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. Vli.
the mind of any individual. He saj^s that all things
that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them
through the knowledge of God and our Savior Jesus
Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they
to obtain the knowledge of God? (for there is a great
difference between believing in God and knowing him
— knowledge implies more than faith. And notice,
that all things that pertain to life and godliness were
given through the knowledge of God)- the answer is
given — through faith they were to obtain this knowl-
edge ; and, having power by faith to obtain the knowl-
edge 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 circum-
stances 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 Galilee could teach
the world — because they sought by faith, and by faith
obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all
things but filth and dross — what he formerly called his
gain he called his loss ; yea, and he counted all things
but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus the Lord. Philippians iii. 7, 8, 9, and 10. Be-
cause to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy the
knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer
the loss of all things. This is the reason that the
Former -day Saints knew more, and understood more,
of heaven and of heavenly things than all others
LEG. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 75
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 disappears with faith,
but returns when faith returns ; for when faith comes
it brings its trains of attendants with it — apostles, pro-
phets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom,
knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation
of tongues, etc. 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 attended, 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 possessors of faith may be perfected, and
obtain salvation ; for God must change, otherwise faith
will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will,
through it, obtain all 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.
76 COVENANTS AND [SEC. >■
COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS.
SECTION I.
The Covenants and Commandments of the Lord^ to
his servants of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
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, hearken ye people
from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea,
listen together.
2. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto ''all
men, and there is none to escape, and there is no eye
that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear,
neither heart that shall not be penetrated.
3. And the rebellious shall be pierced with much
sorrow, for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the
housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.
a, 1 : 30. 5 : 14. 10 : 53—56. 11 : 16. 18 : 4, 5. 20 : 1—4. 21 : 1—4.
22-3. 23:2—5,7. 24:9,10. 28:12,13. 30:6,7. 33:5.37:3.
38 ■ 34. 39 : 13. 41 : 3, 9. 42 : 1, 8. 43 : 1, 2. 44 : 1. 45 : 1, 6. 46 : 1—5.
47 • 3. 48: 6. 49 : 14. 50 : 1, 4. 51 : 4, 5. 52 : 39, 41. 53 : 1, 4. 55 : 2, 4.
56:10. 57:1. 58:1. 60:1,8,9. 61:2. 62:1. 63:46,63.
64:1,26,37. 67:1. 68:7,14. 69:3,7. 70:1.5,6,10. 71:2.
72:1,2,25. 73:1. 75:23,24. 76:54. 77:5,11. 78:1,4.81:1.
82:18,21.83:1—6. 84:2,17. 85:1,4,11. 86:3. 88:127. 89:1.
90 : 13, 15, 16. 93 : 22. 94 : 3. 97 : 5. 98 : 6, 19. 101 : 72, 75. 102 : 1, 2, 3.
103: 23,29. 104: 1,59. 105: 2, 7, 8. 106: 1,8. 107: 1,4,5. 109: 72,
73,79. 112:27. 115:3,4. 117:13. 119:2. 120:1. 124:84. 128:4,
10,21. 133:1,8,16. 136:2,41. 6, vers. 4, 11, 34, 35. 5:5. 18:
26, 28. 39 : 15. 42 : 58. 43 : 20—28. 45 : 49, 71. 49 : 10. 58 : 9, 10, 11.
68:8. 77:11. 84:74,75. 88:104.90:8—11. 124:3. 133:7—25.
133: 63,64—74, 8,9, 16, 37.
SEC. I.] COMMANDMENTS. 77.
4. And the voice of warning shall be unto all
people, by the months of my disciples, whom I have
chosen in these last days.
5. And they shall go forth and none shall stay
them, for I the Lord have commanded them.
6. Behold, this is mine authority, and the ^authority
of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my
commandments, which I have given them to publish
unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.
7. Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people, for
what I the Lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled.
8. And verily, I say unto you, that they who go
forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the
earth, to them is power given to '^'seal both on earth
and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious ;
9. Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when
the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked
without measure ;
10. Unto the day when the Lord shall come to re-
compense unto every man according to his work, and
measure to every man according to the measure which
he has measured to his fellow man.
11. Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the
ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear :
1 2 . Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come,
for the Lord is ®nigh ;
13. 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 ;
c, vers. 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 23—28. 124 : 123—145. d, 77 : 8, 12.
75: 18—22. 84: 74,92—95. 88: 84. 128: 8—11. 68: 12. 133: 71—74.
24:15. 60:15. 103:24—26. 124:93. e, 1, 35, 36. 29:9—11.
33: 3, 17, 18. 34: 6—9, 12. 35: 15,16,26, 27. 36: 8. 38: 8. 39: 20,21,
23, 24. 41 : 4. 43 : 17—19, 28—31. 45 : 36—50, 56—61. 49 : 6, 7, 23—25,
28. 51 : 20. 54 : 10. 61 : 38, 39. 63 : 32—35, 53, 54. 64 ; 23, 24. 65 : 5, 6.
68:11,35. 67:12. 78:20—22. 84:118,119. 87:8. 88:86—110.
97:22—26. 99:5. 101:3,22—37,64—66. 104:59. 110:16. 112:24,34.
124:8,124.130:14-17. 133:2,3,10,11,17-25,36-56. f,l:U.
5 : 5, 8, 19, 20. 29: 14—21. 35 : 14. 43: 17—27. 45 : 26, 30—33, 45, 47—
50, 63, 69. 63: 6, 32, 33,34. 87: 1-8. 88: 85, 87—91. 97: 22—24. 101:
10,11. 112:23,24. 133:2,3,49—51. Isaiah 34 : 1-8. 66 : 14— 16.
Rev. 19; XI— 21.
78 COVENANTS AND [SEC. I.
14. 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 i)rophets and
apostles, shall be ^cut off from among the peoj^le ;
15. For they have strayed from mine ordinances,
and have ^broken mine everlasting covenant ;
16. They seek not the Lord to establish his right-
eousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and
after the image of his own God, whose image is in the
likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of
an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon,
even Babylon the great, %hich shall fall.
17. Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calamity
which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth,
called upon my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and spake
unto him from heaven, and gave him command-
ments ;
18. And also gave commandments to others, that
they should proclaim these things unto the world ; and
all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by
the jDrophets ;
1 9 . The Jweak 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,
20. But that every man might speak in the name
of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world ;
21. That faith also might increase in the earth ;
22. That mine ^everlasting covenant might be
established ;
g, 5: 19, 20. 29 : 9—11. 35 : 14. 38: 6, 8, 12. 45 : 30—33, 44,49. 50,
57, 75. 49 : 6, 10. 50 : 8. 56 : 1, 3, 4. 63 : 6, 32—37. 84 : 92—98. 86 : 7.
87 : 6. 88 : 84. 85. 97 : 7, 22, 25. 99 : 4, 5. 101 : 10, 11. 102 : 23—26.
133 : 2, 49—52, 63, 64, 65—74. Acts 3 : 22, 23. h, 22 : 1—4. Isaiah
24 : 5, 6. i, 29 : 21. 35 : 11. 86 : 3—7. 88: 94, 105. 101 : 65, 66.
133 : 5, 7, 14. ^ vers. 23, 24. 35 : 13. 124 : 1. i. Corinth. 1 : 26—29.
k, 22 : 1, 3. 39 : 11. 45 : 9. 49 : 9. 66 : 2. 76 : 69, 101. 78 : 11. 82 : 15.
84:40,41,48,57,99. 88:131,133. 98:14,15. 101:39. 104:4,5,
107 : 19. 132 : 4, 6, 19, 26, 27, 41, 42.
SEC. I.] COMMANDMENTS. 79
23. That the fullness of my gospel might be pro-
claimed by the weak and the simj)le unto the ends of
the world, and before kings and rulers.
24. Behold, I am God and have spoken it: these
commandments are of me, and were given unto my
servants in their weakness, after the manner of their
language, that they might come to understanding,
25. And inasmuch as they erred it might be made
known :
26. And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they
might be instructed :
27. And inasmuch as they sinned they might be
chastened, that they might repent :
28. And inasmuch as they were humble they might
be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive
knowledge from time to time :
29. And after having received the record of the
Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, jun.,
might have power to 'translate through the mercy of
God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon ;
30. And also those to whom these commandments
w^ere given, might have power to laj^ 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 I, the Lord,
am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively
and not individually,
31. For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the
least degree of allowance ;
32. Nevertheless, he that repents and does the com-
mandments of the Lord shall be forgiven ;
33. And he that repents not, from him shall be
taken even the light which he has received, for my
Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord
of Hosts.
Z, 1 : 29. 3: 12. 5:4,30,31. 6:25,28. 9 : 12. 10 : 1—4, 7, 10, 11,
13,15,18,30,31,34,41,45. 17: 6. 20: 8. 21: 1. 37: 1. 77: 15. 90: 13.
93: 53. 107: 92. 124: 125. m, see I.
80 COVENANTS AND [sEC. II.
34. And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants
of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these
thing known unto ^all flesh,
35. For I am no respecter of persons, and will that
all men shall know that the day speedily cometh ; 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 dominion ;
36. And also the Lord shall have power over his
saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come
down in judgment upon *^ildumea, or the world.
37. Search these commandments for they are true
and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which
are in them shall all be fulfilled.
38. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken,
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 ;
39. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the
Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the
truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.
SECTION 2.
Words spoken by cm angel, to Joseph Smith, lohile in his
father's house, in Manchester, Ontario County, New
York, on the evening of the 21st of September, 1823.
1. Behold I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by
the hand of ^Elijah the prophet, before the ^coming of
the great and dreadful day of the Lord ;
n, see c. o, 87 : 1, 2, 6. 13 2 : 24. p, 38 : 11. q see/, and g.
r, 45:23. 57:11.
a, 27 : 9. 35 : 4. 98 : 16. 1 7. 110 : 13, 14. 128 : 17. 133 : 55. h, see
c. Sec. 1.
SEC. III.] COMMANDMENTS. 81
2. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children
the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the
children ^shall turn to their fathers ;
3. If it were not so, the whole earth would be
utterly wasted at its coming.
SECTION 3.
Revelation to Joseph Smithy jun. , given in Harmoiiy^
Susquehanna County^ Pennsylvania^ July^ 1828,
concerning certain Manuscripts on the First Part
of the Booh of Mormon^ which had been taken
from the possession of Martin Harris.
1. The works, and the designs, and the purposes of
God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to
nought,
2. For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither
doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither
doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his
paths are straight, and his course is ^one eternal round.
3. Remember, remember that it is not the work of
God that is frustrated, but the work of men ;
' 4. For although a man may have many revelations,
and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he
boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the
counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his
own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the
vengeance of a just God upon him.
5. Behold, you have been intrusted with these
things, but how strict were your commandments ; and
remember, also the promises which were made to you,
if you did not transgress them ;
c, 27: 9. 110: 15. 128: 17.
a, 35: 1. i. Nep. 10 : 19.
82 COVENANTS AND [SEC. III.
6. And behold/ how oft you have transgressed the
commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on
in the persuasions of men ;
7. For, behold, you should not have feared man
more than God, although men set at nought the coun-
sels of God, and despise his words ;
8. 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.
9. Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen
to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgres-
sion, if thou art not aware thou will fall :
10. But remember God is merciful; therefore, re-
pent 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 ;
11. Excej)t thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up
and become as other men, and have no more gift.
12. And when thou deliveredst up that which God
had given thee ^sight and power to translate, thou de-
liveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a
wicked man,
13. Who has set at nought the counsels of God,
and has broken the most sacred promises which were
made before God, and has depended upon his own
judgment, and boasted in his own wisdom,
14. And this is the reason that thou hast lost thy
privileges for a season,
15. For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy direc-
tor to be trampled upon from the beginning.
16. JSTevertheless my work shall go forth, for inas-
much as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto
the world, through the '^'testimony of the Jews, even
so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my
people,
b, see I, 1 : 29. c, Rom. 11 : 30, 31.
SEC. IV.] COMMANDMENTS. 83
17. And to the *^^Nepliites, and the Jacobites, and
the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testi-
mony of their fathers —
18. And this testimony shall come to the knowledge
of the ^Lamanites, and the Lemuelites and the Ishmael-
ites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity
of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to ^destroy
their brethren the ISTephites, because of their iniquities
and their abominations ;
19. And for this very purpose are these plates pre-
served which contain these records, that the promises
of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his
people ;
20. And that the Lamanites might come to the
^knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know
the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe
the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ,
and be glorified through faith in his name, and that
through ^^their repentance they might be saved. Amen.
SECTION 4.
Revelation^ through Joseph^ the Seer^ to Joseph Smithy
sen., given in Harmony, Susquehanna County,
Pennsylvania, February, 1829.
1. Now behold, a ^marvelous work is about to come
forth among the children of men ;
d, I. Nep. 13 : 30. Alma 45 : 10—14. Mor. 9 : 24. e, Indians,
among whom there is a mixture of the Nephites. /, Near the close
of the fourth century of our era. ^, 10 : 48. 28 : 8, 9, 14. 30 : 6.
49 : 24. 54: 8. h, 1 : 32. 5 : 19. 6 : 9. 11 : 9. 15 : 6. 18 : 6, 9, 11—15,
22, 41, 42, 44. 19: 4, 13—17, 20, 21, 31. 20: 6, 29, 37, 71, 72. 29: 42, 44, 49,
33:10,11. 34:6. 35:5. 36:6. 39:18. 42:20,21,23—25,28,37,77.
43:20—22. 44:3. 49:2,8,13,26. 53:3. 45:2.56:14. 58:42,43,48.
63:15,63. 64:12. 84:27,41,57. 98:41—44,47. 109:21,29,50,53.
124: 50. 133: 62.
a, 6 : 1. 18 : 44. 38 : 12. 76 : 114. 121 : 12.
84 COVENANTS AND [SEC V.
2. 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 ;
3. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are
called to the work,
4. For behold the field is ^white already to harvest,
and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might,
the same layeth up in store that he perish not, but
bringeth salvation to his soul ;
5. And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye
single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
6. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance,
patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humil-
ity, diligence.
7. ^Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be
opened unto you. Amen.
SECTION 5.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in Har-
mony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, March,
1829.
1. Behold, I say unto you, that as my servant
Martin Harris has desired a witness at my hand, that
you, my servant Joseph Smith, jun., have got the plates
of which you have testified and borne record that you
have received of me ;
2. And now, behold, this shall you say unto him,
he who spake unto you, said unto you, I, the Lord, am
b, 11 : 3. 12 : 3. 14 : 3. 33 : 3, 7. 101 : 64. c, 4 : 7. 6 : b, 11, 14, 15.
7:1. 8:1,9,11. 9:7,8.11:5. 12:5.14:5,8.18:18. 29:6,34.
35 : 9. 42 : 3, 56, 61, 62, 68. 46 : 7, 28, 30. 49 : 26. 50 : 2, 3]. 66 : 9.
75 : 27. 88 : 63—65, 83. 101 : 27. 103 ; 31 , 35. 132 : 40.
SEC. v.] COMMANDMENTS. 85
God, and liath given 'these things unto you, my servant
Joseph Smith, jun., and have commanded you that
you should stand as a witness of these things,
3. And I have caused you that you should enter
into a covenant with me, that you should '^not show
them except to those persons to whom I commanded
you ; and you have no power over them except I grant
it unto you.
4. And you have a '^gift to translate the plates
and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you,
and I have commanded that 5^ou should pretend
to no other gift, until my purpose is fulfilled in
this ; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is
finished.
5. Verily, I say unto you, that^wo shall come unto
the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken
unto my words ;
6. For hereafter you shall be '^^ordained and go forth
and deliver my words unto the children of men.
7. Behold, if they will not believe my words, they
would not believe you my servant Joseph, if it were
possible that you could show them all these things
which I have committed unto you.
8. O ! this unbelieving and stiffnecked generation,
mine anger is kindled against them.
9. Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved
those things which I have entrusted unto you, my ser-
vant Joseph, for a wise purpose in me, and it shall be
made known unto future generations ;
10. But this generation shall have my word
*^ thro ugh you ;
11. And in addition to your testimony, the *testi-
mony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and
ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they
a, see testimony of The Eight Witnesses, Book of Mormon, b, see l.
1 : 29. c, see f and g, Sec. 1. d, 20 : 2. 21 : 10, 11. 43 : 7. 113 : 5, 6.
124 : 57, 58, 125. 132 : 7, 19, 44—49. e, see /", Sec. ]. f, ver. 15.
Sec. 17 : 2. 27 : 12. Ether 5 : 3, 4. Book of Mor. p. v.
86 COVENANTS ANT) [SEC. V.
shall go forth with my words that are given through
you ;
12. Yea, they shall know of a surety that these
things are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto
them.
13. I will give them power that they may behold
and view these things as they are ;
14. 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
banners.
15. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send
forth of my word ;
16. And behold, whosoever believeth on my words
them will I ^visit with the manifestation of my Spirit,
and they shall be ^born of me, even of Vater and of
the "'Spirit.
17. And you must wait yet a little while, for ye
are not yet ordained ;
18. And their testimony shall "also go forth unto
the condemnation of this generation if they harden
their hearts against them ;
19. 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 I'bright-
ness of my coming.
^, None others, in this generation, to receive a testimony of tlie
same kind as the three : but may receive a knowledge by other man-
ifestations, h, see a, Sec. 1. i, 105 : 31. 109 : 73. ;. 8: 1. IS: 2, 18.
39: 6. 47: 8—29. 67: 11. 70 : 12, 13. 75: 27. 77: 10—30, 116—118.
79 : 2. 84 : 46, 47, 85. 88 : 3, 13. 90 : 11. 121 : 26—28. 124 : 5. 133 : 59.
k, Mos. 5: 7. 27 : 24—27. Alma 5:14, 49. 22 : 15. 36 : 23, 26. 38: 6.
I, 19 : 31. 20 : 41. 20 : 73, 74. 33 : 11. 35 : 5, 6. 39 : 6. 10, 20, 23. 42 : 7.
52 : 10. 55 : 1. 84 : 64, 74. m, 19 : 31. 20 : 41, 43. 33 : 15. 35 : 5, 6.
39 : 6, 10, 23. 52: 10. 55 : 1. 84 : 64, 74. n, testimony of all who
are born of the Spirit. o, see/" and g, Sec. 1. "p, see e, Sec. 1.
SEC. v.] COMMANiDMENfg. 87
20. Beholdj 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.
21. And now I command you my servant Joseph
to repent and walk more uprightly before me, and
yield to the persuasions of men no more.
22. And that you be firm in keeping the command-
ments wherewith I have commanded you, and if you
do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, ^'even
if you should be slain.
23. And now, again, I speak unto you, my servant
Joseph, concerning the ^man that desires the witness.
24. Behold, I say unto him, he exalts himself and
does not humble himself sufiiciently 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 desires to see.
25. And then he shall say unto the peojjle of this
generation, behold, I have seen the things which the
Lord has shown unto Joseph Smith, jun., 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.
26. And I, the Lord, command 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 ;
27. But if he deny this, he will break the covenant
which he has before covenanted with me, and behold,
he is condemned.
2 8 . And now, except he humble himself and acknow -
ledge unto me the things that he has done which are
q, see r, Sec. 1. r, 6 : 30. 135. s, Martin Harris. t,11 : 1.
See testimony of the Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon.
88 COVENANTS ANt) , [SEC. V.
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.
29. And if this be the case, I command you, my
servant Jose]3h, that you shall say unto him, that he
shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning
this matter.
30. 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 thou mayest translate again.
31. And except thou do this, behold, thou shalt
have no more gift, and I will take away the things
which I have entrusted with thee.
32. And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to
destroy thee, yea, I foresee that if my servant Martin
Harris humbleth not himself, and receive a witness
from my hand, that he will fall into transgression ;
33. 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 ;
34. Yea, for this cause I have said, stop and stand
still until I command thee, and I will provide means
whereby thou mayest accomplish the thing which I
have commanded thee ;
3 5 . And if thou art faithful in keeping my com -
mandments, thou shalt be "lifted up at the last day.
Amen.
M, 9 : 14. 17 : 8. 27 : 18. 52 : 44. 75 : 16, 22. i. Nep. 13 : 37. 16 : 2.
Alma 26: 7. 36 : 28. 38 : 5. in. Nep. 15 : 1. 27:14,15,22. Mor. 2 :
19. Ether 4 : 19.
SEC. VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 89
SECTION 6.
Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith,
jun., in Harmony, Susquehanna County, Penn-
sylvania, April, 1829.
1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come
forth unto the children of men.
2. 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 mar-
row ; therefore give heed unto my words.
3. Behold the field is '^white already to harvest,
therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in
the kingdom of God :
4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap,
the ^same is called of God ;
5. Therefore, if you will ^ask of me you shall re-
ceive ; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you,
keep my commandments, and seek to ^bring forth and
establish the cause of Zion,
7. 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.
8. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire
of me, so it shall be unto you ; and if you desire, you
shall be the means of doing much good in this genera-
tion.
9. Say nothing but repentence unto this genera -
a, see a, Sec. 4. h, see b, Sec. 4. c, 4 : 4. 11 : 3, 4^ 27. 12 : 3, 4.
14 •: 3, 4. 31 : 5. 33 : 7. d, see c, Sec. 4. e, 11 : 6. 12 : 6. 14 : 6.
39 : 13. 84 : 2—5. 101 : 69—71, 75. 103 : 11—24, 34, 35. 105 : 27—29,
113:7,8. 115:5,6. 133:9.
90 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VI.
tion : keep my commandinents, and assist to bring
forth my work, according to my commandments, and
you shall be blessed.
10. Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou
because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh
from above :
11. And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know
iliysteries which are great and marvelous : therefore
thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out
mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the know-
ledge of the truth ; yea, convince them of the error of
their ways.
12. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be
those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred
things.
13. If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful
to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God,
which is the ^greatest of all the gifts of God ; for there
is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.
14. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou
for what thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me,
and behold as often as thou hast inquired, thou hast
received instructions of my Spirit. If it had not been
so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou
art at this time.
15. Behold thou knowest that thou hast inquired
of me, and I did enlighten thy mind ; and now I tell
thee these things, that thou mayest know that thou
hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth ;
16. Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that
there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts
and the intents of thy heart :
17. I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee,
that the words or the work which thou hast been writ-
ing is true.
18. Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant
/, n : 7. 14: 7. i. Nep. 15: 3(5.
SEC. VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 91
Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances
he may be for the word's sake.
19. Admonish him in his faults, and also receive
admonition of him. Be patient ; be sober; be tem-
perate ; have patience, faith, hope and charity.
20. 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 commandments of God, and I will en-
circle thee in the arms of my love.
21. 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.
22. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire 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.
23. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning
the matter? What greater witness can you have than
from God?
24. And now, behold, you have received a witness,
for if I have told you things which no man knoweth,
have you not received a witness?
25. And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you
desire of me, to ^translate even as my servant Joseph.
26. Yerily, verily, I say unto you, that ^there are
records which contain much of my gospel, which have
been kept back because of the wickedness of the
people ;
27. And now I command you, that if you have
good desires — a desire to lay up treasures for yourself
in heaven — then shall you assist in bringing to light,
g, 10: 57. 11: 29. 39: 3. 45: 8. 133: 66. h, 10: 68. 11: 11,
28. 12: 9. 14: 9. 34: 2. 39: 2. 45: 1, 28, 36. 50: 24, 25, 27. 84: 45,
46. 86: 11. 88: 6—13, 49, 60, 56—68, 67. 93: 9. 103: 9. i, see /.
1 :29. j, vers. 27, 28.
4
92 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VI.
with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have
been ^hidden because of iniquity.
28. 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 estab-
lished.
29. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject
my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry,
blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than
unto me ;
30. And if they do unto you, even as they have
done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with
me in glory ;
31. But if they ^reject not my words, which shall
be established by the testimony which shall be given,
blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the
fruit of your labors.
32. Yerily, 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.
33. 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.
34. Therefore, fear not, little flock, do good; let
earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built
upon ''my Rock, they cannot prevail.
35. Behold, I do not condemn you, go your ways
and sin no more, perform with soberness the work
which I have commanded you ;
36. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not,
fear not ;
k, vers. 26, 27. I, 5: 1 1, 15. 18: 34, 36. 42: 80, 81. 76: 22.
128: 3. m, reject not the Book of Mormon. n, 29: 0. 84: 1.
0, 10: 69. 11: 16, 24. 18: 4, 17. 33: 13. 50: 44.
SEC. VII.] COMMANDMENTS. 93
37. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and
also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet ; be
faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit
the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
SECTION 7.
Revelation given to Joseph Smithy jun., and Oliver
Coivdery, in Harmony^ Pennsylvania, April, 1829,
whenthey desired to knoiu whether John, the beloved
disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parch-
ment, written and hid up by himself.
1. And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved,
what desirest thou? For if ye shall ask, what you
will, it shall be granted unto you.
2. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power
over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.
3. And the Lord said unto me. Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt ^tarry
until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before
nations, kindred, tongues and people.
4. And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, ^If
I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me,
but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come
unto me in my kingdom.
5. I 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 ;
6 . Yea, he has undertaken a greater work, therefore
I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel ;
a, 77: 14. III. Nep. 28: 6. John 21: 20—25. Eev. 10: 11. b, John
21: 20—25.
94 COVENANTS AND [SEC VIII.
he shall minister for those who ''shall be heirs of salva-
tion who dwell on the earth :
7 . And I will make thee to minister for him and for
thy brother James ; and unto you three I will give this
power and the keys of this ministry until I come.
8. Verily, I say unto you, ye shall both have accord-
ing to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye
have desired.
SECTION 8.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony,
Pennsylvania, April, 1829.
1. Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, 1 say unto you,
that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and
your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a
knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith,
with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a
knowledge concerning the engravings of ^old records,
which are ancient, which contain those parts of my
scripture of which have been spoken by the manifesta-
tion of my Spirit ;
2. Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in
your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon
you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3. Now, behold, this is the Spirit of revelation;
behold, this is the Spirit by which Moses brought the
children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground ;
4. 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, thej^
would slay you and bring your soul to destruction.
c, Heb. 1: 14.
a, see /, Sec. 1.
SEC. IX.] COMMANDMENTS. 95
5. O ! remember these words, and keep my com-
mandments. Remember this is your gift.
6. Now this is not all thy gift; for you have an-
other gift, which is the '^gift of Aaron : behold, it has
told you many things ;
7. Behold, there is no other power, save the power
of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with
you;
8. Therefore doubt not, for it is the gift of God,
and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous
works ; and no power shall be able to take it away out
of your hands, for it is the work of God.
9. xVnd, 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 :
10. Remember that without faith you can do no-
thing, therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these
things ; do not ask for that which you ought not :
11. 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.
12. Behold, it is I that have spoken it; and I am
the same that spake unto you from the beginning.
Amen.
SECTION 9.
Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery, through Joseph,
the Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829.
1. Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because
you did not translate according to that which you de-
sired of me, and did commence again to write for my
b, vers. 7, 8, 9. c, see I, See. 1.
96 COVENANTS AND [SEC. IX.
servant, Joseph Smith, jun., even so I would that ye
should continue until you have finished this record,
which I have entrusted unto him :
2. And then, behold, ^other records have I, that I
will give unto you power that you may assist to trans-
late.
3. Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and
it is not expedient that you should translate at this
present time.
. 4. Behold, the work which you are called to do, is
to write for my servant Joseph ;
5. And, behold, it is because that you did not con-
tinue as you commenced, when you began to translate,
that I have taken away this privilege from you.
6. Po not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me
that I have dealt with you after this manner.
7. 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 ;
8. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study
it out in your mind ; then you must ask me if it be
right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom
shall burn within you ; therefore, you shall feel that it
is right ;
9. But if it be not right, you shall have no such
feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought, that
shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong ;
therefore 5^ou cannot write that which is sacred, save
it be given you from me.
10. Now if you had known this, you could have
translated ; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you
should translate now.
11. Behold, it was expedient when you com-
menced, but you feared and the time is passed, and it
is not expedient now ;
12. For, do ye not behold that I have given unto
a, Eecords kept by the Nephites.
SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 97
my servant Joseph sufficient strength, whereby it is
made up ; and neither of you have I condemned.
13. Do this thing which I have commanded you,
and you shall prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no
temptation.
14. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called
you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you
shall be ^lifted up at the last day. Amen.
SECTION 10.
Revelation given to Joseph Smithy jun., in Harmony,
Pennsylvania, May, 1829, informing him of the al-
teration of the Manuscript of the fore part of the
Booh 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 ;
2. And you also lost your gift at the same time,
and your mind became darkened ;
3. Nevertheless, it is now restored unto you again,
therefore see- that you are faithful and continue on unto
the finishing of the remainder of the work of transla-
tion as you have begun :
4. Do not run faster, or labor more than you have
strength and means provided to enable you to trans-
late ; but be diligent unto the end :
5. Pray always, that you may come off conqueror ;
h, see u, Sec. 5.
x^ 116 pages of Manuscripts stolen. 10: 1 — 19, 29 — 52.
98 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X.
yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may
escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do up-
hold his work.
6. Behold, they have sought to destroy you; yea,
even the man in whom you have trusted, has sought to
destroy you.
7. And for this cause I said that he is a wicked
man, for he has sought to take away the things where-
with you have been entrusted ; and he has also sought
to destroy your gift ;
8. And because you have delivered the writings
into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them
from you ;
9. Therefore, you have delivered them up; yea,
that which was sacred unto wickedness.
10. 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 hands -
11. 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 ;
12. And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay
a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work ;
13. 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 translate.
14. Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer
that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this
thing,
15. For, behold, he has put it into their hearts to
get thee to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to trans-
late it over again ;
16. And then, behold, they say and think in their
hearts, we will see if God has given him power to
translate, if so, he will also give him power again ;
17. And if God giveth him power again, or if he
SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 99
translates again, or in other words, if he bringeth forth
the same words, behold, we have the same with ns,
and we have altered them :
18. 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 :
19. 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.
20. 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,
21. And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wick-
edness and abominations, and they love darkness rather
than light, because their deeds are evil : therefore they
will not ask of me.
22. Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their
souls to destruction.
23. 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 con-
demnation in the day of judgment ;
24. Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against
this work ;
25. Yea, he saith unto them, deceive and lie in
wait to catch, that ye may destroy : behold, this is no
harm, and thus he flattereth them, and telleth them
that it is no sin to lie, that they may catch a man in a
lie, that they may destroy him ;
26. 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 ;
27. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in
the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.
28. Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto
him that lieth to deceive, because he supposeth that
100 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X.
another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from
the justice of God.
29. Now, behold, they have altered these words,
because Satan saith unto them, He hath deceived you :
and thus he flattereth them away to do iniquity, to get
thee to tempt the Lord thy God.
30. Behold, T say unto you, that you shall not
translate again those words which have gone forth out
of your hands ;
31. 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 pretended to trans-
late, but that you have contradicted yourself :
32. 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.
33. Thus Satan thinketh to overpower your testi-
mony in this generation, that the work may not come
forth in this generation :
34. But behold, here is wisdom, and because I show
unto you wisdom, and give you commandments con-
cerning these things, what you shall do, show it not
unto the world until you have accomplished the work
of translation.
35. 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.
36. Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it
unto the righteous ;
37. 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.
38. And now, verily I say unto you, that an account
of those things that you have written, which have gone
SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 101
out of your hands, are engraven upon the plates of
Nephi ;
39. 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.
4 0 . And now, because the account which is engraven
upon the plates of ISTephi is more particular concerning
the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring to the
knowledge of the people in this account ;
41. 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 re-
tained ;
42. And behold, you shall publish it as the record
of Nephi, and thus I will confound those who have
altered my words.
43. 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.
44. Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridg-
ment of the account of Nephi.
45. 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 engravings of Nephi, and
send forth in this work.
46. And, behold, all the remainder of this work
does contain all those parts of my gospel which my
holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, ^desired in
their prayers should come forth unto this people.
47. And I said unto them, that it should be
granted unto them according to their faith in their
prayers ;
48. Yea, and this was their faith, that my gospel
b, Small plates of Nephi. c, Enos 1: 12—18. Mor. 8:
24—26. 9: 36, 37.
102 COVENANTS AND |_SEC. X.
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 Lamanites, be-
cause of their dissensions.
49. Now, this is not all — their faith in their prayers
was, that this gospel should be made known also, if
it were possible that other nations should possess this
land ;
50. 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 ;
51. Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatso-
ever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.
52. 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.
53 . And for this cause have I said, if this generation
harden not their hearts, I will establish ^my church
among them.
54. Now I do not say this to destroy my church,
but I say this to build up my church ;
55. Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church
need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of
heaven ;
56. But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep
my commandments, but build up churches unto them-
selves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly
and build up the kingdom of the devil ; yea, verily,
verily, I say uuto you, that it is they that I will dis-
turb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center.
57. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I
came unto *^my own, and my own received me not.
58. I am the light which ^shineth in darkness, and
the darkness comprehendetli it not.
d, see a, See. 1. e, see^/, Sec. 6. /, see h, Sec. 6.
SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 103
59. I am he who said, Mother sheep have I which
are not of this fold, unto my disciples, and many there
were that understood me not.
60. And I will show unto this people that I had
other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house
of Jacob ;
6 1 . And I will bring to light their marvelous works,
which they did in my name ;
62. Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel
which was ministered unto them, and, behold, thfey
shall not deny that which you have received, but they
shall build it up, and shall bring to light the ^true
points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which
is in me ;
63. And this I do that I may establish my gospel,
that there may not be so much contention ; yea, Satan
doth stir up the hearts of the people to ^contention
concerning the points of my doctrine ; and in these
things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and
do not understand them ;
64. Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great
mystery ;
65. For, behold, I will ^gather them as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will
not harden their hearts,
66. Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake
of the waters of life freely.
67. Behold, this is my doctrine : whosoever repent-
eth and cometh unto me, the same is '^my church.
68. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the
same is not of me, but is against me ; therefore he is
not of my church.
69. And now, behold, whatsoever is of my church,
g, John 10: 16. in. Nep. 15: 16—24. h, i. Nep. 13: 34—42. 14:
1, 2. I, III. Nep. 11: 28—41. j, 29: 2, 1, 8, 27. 31: 8. 33: 6.
38:31. 39:22. 42:36,64. 43:24. 45:25,43. 57:1,15. 58:56.
63: 24. 66: 11. 77: 14. 101: 67, 68. 70: 74. 84: 2. 103: 22. 109: 58,
59. 110: 11. k, see a, Sec. 1.
104 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XI.
and endureth of my church to the end, him will I
establish upon my rock, and the Agates of hell shall not
prevail against them.
70. And now, remember the words of him who is
the ™life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your
Lord and your God. Amen.
SECTION 11.
Revelation given to Hyrum Smith, through Joseph, the
Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829.
1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come
forth among the children of men.
2. 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 mar-
row ; therefore give heed unto my word.
3. Behold, the field is ^white already to harvest,
therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that
he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in
the kingdom of God ;
4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap,
the same is called of God ;
5. Therefore, if you will ^ask of me, you shall re-
ceive, if you will knock, it shall be opened unto you.
6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you,
keep my commandments, and seek to ^bring forth and
establish the cause of Zion.
7. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and, behold,
I, 18: 5. 21: 6. 33: 13. 98: 22. vi, see h, Sec. 6.
a, see a, Sec. 4. b, see b, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e,
See. 6.
SEC. XI.] COMMANDMENTS. 105
the mysteries of God, shall be unfolded unto you, and
then you shall be made rich : behold, he that hath
eternal life is rich.
8. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire
of me, so it shall be done unto you : and, if you desire,
you shall be the means of doing much good in this
generation.
9 . 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.
10. 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 ;
11. For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am
the ^light which shineth in darkness, and by my power
I give these words unto thee.
12. 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.
13. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart
unto you of my Spirit ; which shall enlighten your
mind, which shall fill your soul with joy,
14. And then shall ye know, or by this shall you
know all things whatsoever you desire of mie, which are
pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believ-
ing in me that you shall receive.
15. Behold, I command you, that you need not sup-
pose that you are called to preach until you are called :
16. 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 ;
17. And then behold, according to your desires, yea,
even according to your faith shall it be done unto you.
e, see h, Sec. 6.
106 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XI.
18. Keep my commandments, hold your peace,
appeal unto my Spirit ;
19. Yea, cleave unto me vv^ith 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.
20. Behold, this is your work, to keep my com-
mandments, yea, with all your might, mind, and
strength ;
21. Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to
obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed ;
then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my
word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of
men ;
2 2 . But now hold your peace, study my word which
%ath gone forth among the children of men, and also
study my word which shall come forth among the chil-
dren of men, or that which is »now translating, yea,
until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto
the children of men in this generation, and then shall
all things b.e added thereunto.
23. Behold thou art Hyrum, my son, seek the king-
dom of God, and all things shall be added according
to that which is just.
24. Build upon my rock, which is my gospel ;
25. Deny not the Spirit of revelation, nor the
Spirit of prophecy, for ^^wo unto him that denieth these
things ;
26. Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the
time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth.
27. Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires,
and have thrust in their sickle to reap.
28. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I
am the Uife and the light of the world.
29. I am the same who came unto ^my own and
my own received me not ;
/, the Bible. g, the Book of Mormon. h, see g, Sec. 1.
i, see h, Sec. 0. ), see g, Sec. 6.
SEC. XII.] COMMANDMENTS. 107
30. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as
many as receive me, to them will I give ^'^power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on
my name. Amen.
SECTION 12,
Revelation given to Joseph Knight^ sen. ^ through Joseph^
the /Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829.
1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come
forth among the children of men.
2. 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 mar-
row ; therefore give heed unto my word.
3. Behold, the field is ^^white already to harvest,
therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts,
that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salva-
tion in the kingdom of God ;
4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and
reap, the same is called of God ;
5. Therefore, if you will *^ask of me you shall re-
ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
6. Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you,
keep my commandments, and seek to ^bring forth and
establish the cause of Zion.
7. Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those
who have desires to bring forth and establish this work,
8. And no one can assist in this work, except he
shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope,
k, 34: 3. 39: 4. 42: 52. 45: 8. 70: 58.
a, see a, Sec. 4. b, see h, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4, d, see
e, Sec. 6.
108 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIII., XIV.
and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever
shall be intrusted to his care.
9. Behold, I am the ^light and the life of the world,
that speak these words, therefore give heed with your
might, and then you are called. Amen.
SECTION 13.
Words of the angel, John, (the Baptist,) spo'ken to
Joseph Smith, jr., and Oliver Coiudery, as he (the
angel J laid his hands upon their heads and or-
dained them to the Aaronic Priesthood, in Harmony,
Susquehayma County, Pennsylvania, May 15th,
1829.
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Mes-
siah, I confer the ^Priesthood of Aaron, which holds
the ^keys of the ministering of angels, and of the
gospel of repentance, and of '^^baptism by immersion for
the remission of sins ; and this shall never be taken again
from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer '%gain
an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.
SECTION 14.
Revelation given to David Whitmer, through Joseph, the
Seer, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, Juoie,
1829.
1. A great and ^marvelous work is about to come
forth unto the children of men.
e, see m, Sec. 10.
a, 20: 46—52, 64, 68, 76, 82, 84. 27: 8. 35: 4, 5. 38: 40. 42:
12, 70. 68: 15—24. 84: 18, 26—28, 30—34, 111. 107 : 1, 6. 13—16,
20, 76, 85—88. 124: 142. b, 84: 26. 107: 20. c, 18: 22, 29,
30,41,42. 19:31. 20:25,37—42,72—74. 22:2. 33:11. 35:6,
6. 39: 6, 10,20,23. 42: 7. 49: 13. 52: 10. 55: 1, 2. 68: 8, 9,
25—27. 76: 51. 84: 27, 28, 64, 74. 112: 29. d, 84: 26—28.
124: 39. 128: 34.
a, see a, Sec. 4.
SEC. XIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 109
2. 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.
3. Behold, the field is '^white already to harvest,
therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his
sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts,
that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salva-
tion in the kingdom of God ;
4. Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and
reap, the same is called of God ;
5. Therefore, if you will ^ask of me you shall re-
ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
6. Seek to ^^bring forth and establish my Zion.
Keep my commandments in all things ;
7. And, if you keep my commandments and en-
dure to the end, }^ou shall have eternal life, which gift
is the ^greatest of all the gifts of God.
8. And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask
the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall
receive the Holy Ghost, which ^giveth utterance, that
you may stand as a witness of the things of which you
shall both %ear and see, and also that you may declare
repentance unto this generation.
9. 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 ;
10. Wherefore, I must ^bring forth the fullness of
my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.
1 1 . And behold, thou art David, and thou art called
to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye
h, see h, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e, Sec. 6. e, see
/, Sec. 6. /, 20:26. 24:5,6. 25:7. 28:1. 33:8,9. 34:10.
35: 18—20. 36: 2,3. 39: 6. 42: 13—16. 85: 6. 88: 137. 90:14.
100: 6—8. 124: 97. g, David Whitmer heard the voice of God,
and saw and heard the angel, and saw the golden Plates. h, the
light shining among the Gentiles is hid in darkness, hut when it
goes to Israel, it will be seen in its brilliancy. z, 18; 26. 19:27.
20: 9. 21; 12. 32: 1, 2. 38: 33. 90: 9. 107: 34. 112: 4. 133: 8.
110 COVENANTS ANP [SEC. XV., XVI.
shall be blessed both spiritually aud temporally, and
great shall be your reward. Amen.
SECTION 15.
Revelation given to John WJiitmer, through Joseph, the
Seer, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829.
1. Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the
words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Eedeemer,
2. For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and
with power, for mine arm is over all the earth,
3. And I will tell you that which no man knoweth
save me and thee alone,
4. For many times you have desired of me to know
that which would be of the most worth unto you.
5. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for
speaking my words which I have given you according
to my commandments.
6. And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing
which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to ^de-
clare 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 16.
Revelation given to Peter Whitmer, jun., through
Joseph, the Seer, in Fayette, Neiv York, June, 1829.
1. Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to the
words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer,
a, see h, Sec. 3.
SEC. XVII.] COMMANDMENTS. Ill
2. For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness
and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth,
3. And I will tell you that which no man knoweth
save me and thee alone,
4 . For many times you have desired of me to know
that which would be of the most worth unto you.
5. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for
speaking my words which I have given unto you ac-
cording to my commandments.
6. And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing
which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to de-
clare 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 17.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer^ to Oliver
Cowdery^ David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, in
Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829,
given previous to their viewing the plates contain-
ing the Booh of Mormon.
1. Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely 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 Lab an, the **Urim and Thum-
mim, 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 ;
a, see h, Sec. 3.
a, 5 : 15. Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon, ii.
Nep. 11. Ether 5: 4. b, a sacred plate, having a divine relationship
to the Urim and Thummim. c. i. Nep. 4:9. 5 : 14. Jacob 1: 10.
Mos. 1 : 16. d, 10 : 1. 17 : 1. 130 : 3, 9. Omni 1 : 20—22. Mos.
8 : 13—19. 21 : 27, 28. 28 : 11—19. Alma 10 : 2. 37 : 21—26.
Ether 3 : 23, 28. 4:5. e, i. Nep. 16 : 10, 16, 26—30. 18 : 12, 21.
II. Nep. 5 : 12. Alma 37 : 38—47.
112 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVHI.
2. 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.
3. And after that you have obtained faith, and have
seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by
the power of God ;
4 . And this shall you do that my servant Joseph Smith,
jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my
righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work.
5. And ye shall testify that you have seen them,
even as my servant Joseph Smith, jun., has seen them,
for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is
because he had faith ;
6. And he %as translated the book, even that part
which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and
your God liveth it is true.
7. Wherefore you have received the same power,
and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him ;
8. And if you do these last commandments 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.
y. And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God,
have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my
righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amen.
SECTION 18.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., Oliver Cowdery^ and
David Whitmer, making knoivn the calling of
Ttvelve Apostles in these last days; and, also, in-
structions relative to Buildi7ig up the Church of
Christ, according to the fullness of the gospel.
Given in Fayette, JSfeiv York, June, 1829.
1. Now, behold, because of the thing which you,
/, see /, Sec. 1. y, see l,[&ec. 10. h, see u, Sec. 5.
SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 113
my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me,
I give unto you these words :
2. 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 ;
3. And if you know that they are true, behold, I
give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the
things which are written ;
4. For in them are all things written concerning
the foundation of ^my church, my ^gospel, and my rock ;
5. Wherefore, if you shall build up my church,
upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the
Agates of hell shall not prevail against you.
6. Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity, and it
must needs be that the children of men are stirred up
unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house
of Israel :
7. Wherefore, as thou hast been '^'baptized by the
hands of my servant Joseph Smith, jun., according to
that which I have commanded him, he hath fulfilled
the thing which I commanded him.
8. And now marvel not that I have called him unto
mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me ;
wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my com-
mandments, he shall be blessed unto eternal life, and
his name is Joseph.
9 . And now, Oliver Cowdery, I speak unto you, and
also unto David Whitmer, by the way of command-
ment ; for, behold, I command all men everywhere to
a, see a, Sec. 1. 6,18:4,5,17,26,28,32. 19:27. 20:9.
24:12. 25:1. 27:5,13,16. 28:8,16. 29:4. 30:5,9. 32:1.
33:2,12. 34: 5. 35: 12,16, 17, 23. 36: 1,5. 37: 2. 39: 5,6,
11,18. 42: 6, 11, 12, 39. 45:28. 49:1—4. 50: 14,17—27. 52:
9,10. 53:3,4. 57:10. 58:46,47,63,64. 69:13—15. 66:
5—13. 68:8—12. 71:1—4. 76:14—70,101. 77:8. 80:1—5.
81:2—7. 84:19,26,27,60—120. 88:77-85,99,103,104. 90:10,
11. 93:51. 99:1—8. 101:39. 106:2. 107:25,35. 108:6.
109:65. 111:12—16. 112:19—21,28—34. 118:3,4, 124:2—
11,88. 128:19. 133:36—39,57. 134:12. 135:9. c, see /, Sec.
10, d, as commanded of God, by the angel, John the Baptist.
114 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIII.
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.
10. Remember the worth of souls is great in the
sight of God ;
11. For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered
death in the flesh ; wherefore he suffered the ^pain of
all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
12. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he
might bring all men unto him, on conditions of *re-
pentance.
13. And how great is his joy in the soul that re-
penteth.
14. Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance
unto this people ;
15. And if it so be that j^ou should labor all your
days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring
save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your
joy with him in the kingdom of my Father?
16. 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 unto me?
17. Behold, you have my ^gospel before you, and
my rock, and my salvation.
18. ^^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 are expe-
dient unto the children of men.
19. And if you have not faith, hope, and charity,
you can do nothing.
20. Contend against no church, save it be the ^church
of the devil.
e, 86:41. 18:11. 19:18. it. Nep. 9 : 5, 7, 21. Mos. ."^ : 7, 14.
15:10. Alma 7:11—13. 11:40. 22:14. .34:8—15. Ilela. 14 :
15—17. III. Nep. 9 : 22. 11 : 11, 14, 15. 27 : 14, 15. Mor. 9 : 13,
14. /, see A, Sec. 3. g, see b, Sec. 18. h, see c, See. 4. i, see
m, Sec. 5. ;, i. Nep. 13 : 5, 0, 26, 28, 32, 34. 14:3,9—17.
SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 115
21. Take upon you the ^^name of Christ, and speak
the truth in soberness ;
22. And as many as Vepent, and are ^baptized in
my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end,
the same shall be saved.
23. Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given
of the Father, and there is none other name given
whereby man can be saved ;
24. 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 ;
25. Wherefore, if they know not the name by
which they are called, they cannot have place in the
kingdom of my Father.
26. And now, behold, there are others who are
called to declare my gospel, °both unto Gentile and
unto Jew ;
27. 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 heart ;
28. And if they desire to take upon them my name
with full purpose of heart, they are called to *igo into
all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature ;
29. And they are they who are ordained of me
to ^baptize in my name, according to that which is
written ;
30. And you have that which is written before you ;
wherefore you must perform it according to the words
which are written.
31. And now I speak unto you the Twelve— Be-
hold, my grace is suflScient for you : you must walk
uprightly before me and sin not.
k, Mos. 5 : 9—14. 26 : 18, 24. Alma 5 : 38. 34 : 38. iii. Nep.
27 : 5 — 9. Mor. 8 : 38. I, see A, Sec. 3. m, see I, Sec. 5. n, see k,
See. 18. 0,18:26. 19:27. 21:12. 107:33. i. Nep. 13 : 42.
Ether 13: 12. ^,18:31—36. 20:38—44. 84:63,64. 95:4. 107:
23—25: 112:1,14,21. 118. 124:127—130. ^,107:23.24,33,
35,38,39,58. 112:1,14,21. 118. 124:127—130. r, see ^, Sec. 5.
116 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIII.
32. And, behold, you are they who are ordained of
me to ^ordain priests and teachers ; to declare my
gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost
which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts
of God unto men ;
33. And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God,
have spoken it.
34. These words are not of men, nor of man, but
of me ; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me,
and not of man ;
35. 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 ;
36. Wherefore you can testify that you have heard
my voice, and know my words.
37. 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 ;
38. And by their desires and their works you shall
know them ;
39. And when you have found them you shall show
these things unto them.
4 0 . And you shall fall down and worship the Father
in my name ;
41. And you must preach unto the world, saying,
you must H-epent and be "baptized, in the name of
Jesus Christ ;
42. For all men must repent and be baptized, and
not only men, but women, and children who have
arrived to the ^years of accountabilit} .
43. And now, after that you have received this,
you must keep my commandments in all things ;
44. And by your hands I will work a ^^ marvelous
s, 20 : 60. More. .H : 1 — 4. t, see h. Sec. 3. m, see /, Sec. 5.
V, 29 : 47. 78 : 25—27. iv, see a, Sec, 4.
SEC. XIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 117
work among the children of men, unto the convincing
of many of their sins, that they may come unto re-
pentance, and that they may come unto the kingdom
of my Father ;
45. Wherefore, the blessings which I give unto you
are -^above all things.
46. And after that you have received this, if you
keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in
the kingdom of my Father.
47. Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your
God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit
have spoken it. Amen.
SECTION 19.
A Commandment of God, and not of Man, revealed
through Joseph, the Seer, to Ma,rtin Harris, given
(^Manchester, New York, March, 1830) by Him
who is eternal.
1. 1 am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea,
even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Re-
deemer of the world.
2 . I , having accomplished and finished the will of him
whose I am, even the Father, concerning me — having
done this that I might subdue all things unto myself —
3. Retaining ^all power, even to the ''destroying of
Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the
last great day of Judgment, which I shall pass upon
the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according
to his works and the deeds which he hath done.
4. And surely every man must ^repent or suffer, for
I, God, am ^endless ;
X, fullness of Celestial glory.
a, 20 : 24. 49 : 6. 63 : 59. h, 29 : 27—30, 44, 45. i. John 3 : 8.
c, see /i, Sec. 3. d, vers. 10, 12. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1,
118 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIX.
5. Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments 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 ;
6. Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be
no end to this torment, but it is written * endless tor-
ment.
7. Again, it is written ^eternal damnation ; where-
fore it is more express than other scriptures, that it
might work upon the hearts of the children of men,
altogether for my name's glory ;
8. Wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery,
for it is mete unto you to know even as mine apostles.
9. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing,
even as one, that you may enter into my rest ;
10. For, behold, the mystery of Godliness, how
great is it? for, behold, I am endless, and the punish-
ment which is given from my hand, is ^endless punish-
ment, for endless is my name : wherefore —
11. ^Eternal punishment is God's punishment.
12. ^Endless punishment is God's punishment.
13. Wherefore I command you to repent, and keep
the commandments which you have received by the
hand of my servant Joseph Smith, jun., in my name ;
14. And it is by my almighty power that you have
received them ;
15. Therefore I command you to repent — repent,
lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my
wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore —
how sore you know not ! how exquisite you know not !
yea, how hard to bear you know not !
16. For behold, I, God, Miave suffered these things
for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent,
e, 101:91. 112:24. 124:8. 134:37. /, vers. 7, 10— 12.
63:77. 76:33,44,45,48. 78:12. 82:21. 104:9,18. ,(7, vers.
10, 11. 29 : 44. 76 : 44. h, vers. 11,12. 29 : 44. 76 : 44.
i, ver. 10. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. j, ver. 10. Pearl of Great
Price, p. 1. k, see e, Sec. 18.
SEC. XIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 119
17. But if they would not repent, they must suff el-
even as I,
18. Which suffering caused myself, even God, the
greatest 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 —
19. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I par-
took and finished my preparations unto the children of
men ;
20. Wherefore, 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
ofjwhich I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea,
even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I
withdrew my spirit.
21. And I command you, that you preach nought
but repentance, and show not these things unto the
world until it is wisdom in me.
22. For they cannot ™bear meat now, but milk
they must receive ; wherefore, they must not know
these things lest they perish.
23. Learn of me, and listen to my words ; walk in
the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace
in me.
24. I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the
Father, and I do his will.
25. And again, I command thee that thou shalt not
"covet thy neighbor's wife ; nor seek thy neighbor's life.
26. And again, I command thee that thou shalt
not covet thine own property, but impart it freely to
the printing of the Book of Mormon, which contains
the truth and the word of God,
27. Which is ni}^ "word to the Gentile, that soon it
may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a ^rera-
Z, see c, Sec. 18. m, 41 : 6. w, 42:24, 80. 43:16. 66:10.
132 : 41, 63. o, see o, Sec. 18. p, Omni 1 : 14—19. Mos. 25 :
2—4. Alma 22: 30— 32. Hela. 6:10. 8:21.
120 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIX.
nant, that they may believe the gospel, and look not
for a Messiah to come who has already come.
28. And again, I command thee that thou shalt
pray vocally as well as in thy heart ; yea, before the
world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.
29. And thou shalt declare "^glad tidings, yea, publish
it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and
among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.
30. And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting
in me, reviling not against revilers.
31. And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou
shalt declare '^repentance and faith on the Savior,
and ^remission of sins by baptism and by *fire, yea, even
the Holy Ghost.
32. Behold, this is a great and the last command-
ment which I shall give unto you concerning this mat-
ter ; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto
the end of thy life.
33. And misery thou shalt receive if thou wilt
slight these counsels ; yea, even the destruction of thy-
self and property.
34. Impart a portion of thy property; yea, even
part of thy lands, and all save the support of thy family.
35. Pay the debt thou hast contracted with the
printer. Release thyself from bondage.
36. Leave thy house and home, except when thou
shalt desire to see thy family :
37. And speak freely to all: yea, preach, exhort,
declare the truth, even with a loud voice, with a sound
of rejoicing, crying — Hosanna, hosanna ! blessed be
the name of the Lord God.
38. "Pray alwaj^s, and I will pour out my Spirit
upon you, and great shall be your blessing ; yea, even
more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and
corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
q, see h, Sec. 18. r, see h, Sec. 3. s, see h, Sec. 3.
t, see I, Sec. 5. u, see c, Sec. 4,
SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 121
39. Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing
and lifting up thy heart for gladness?
40. Or canst thou run about longer as a blind guide?
41. Or canst thou be humble and meek, and con-
duct thyself wisel)^ before me? yea, come unto me thy
Savior. Amen.
SECTION 20.
Revelation on CJiurch Government, given through Joseph
the Prophet, in April, 1830.
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 agreeable 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 ;
2. Which commandments were given to Joseph
Smith, jun., who was called of God, and ordained an
*^apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this
church ;
3. And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of
God, an ^apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder
of this church, and ordained under his hand ;
4. And this according to the grace of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now
and for ever. Amen.
5. After it was truly manifested unto this first
elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he
was entangled again in the vanities of the world ;
a, see a, See. 1. 5, A. D. 1830. 21:3. c, 21 : 3.
d,l:14t. 20:2,3. 21:1,10. 27:12. 29:10,12. 52:36. 63:
21,52. 64:39. 66:2. 84:63,64,108. 95:4. 107:23,33,35.
112: 12—16, 21, 30. 124:127—129, 139. 133:55. 136: 37,
e^ see d.
122 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX.
6. But after repenting, and humbling himself sin-
cerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an
*holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and
whose garments were pure and white above all other
whiteness ;
7. And gave unto him commandments which in-
spired him ;
8. And gave him power from on high, by the ^means
which were before prepared, to translate the Book of
Mormon,
9. Which contains a record of a fallen people, and
the ^fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gen-
tiles and to the Jews also,
10. Which was given by inspiration, and is con-
firmed to ^others by the ministering of angels, and is
declared unto the world by them,
11. Proving to the world that the Holy Scriptures
are true, and that God does inspire men and call them
to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as
in generations of old,
12. Thereby showing that he is the ^same God yes-
terday, to-day, and for ever. Amen.
13. Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them
shall the world be judged, even as many as shall here-
after come to a knowledge of this work ;
14. And those who receive it in faith, and work
righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life ;
15. But those who harden their hearts in unbelief,
and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation,
16. For the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the
elders of the church, have ^4ieard and bear witness to
the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.
/, 20: 6,12,25. 76: 67. 77: 8—11. 84: 26,28,88. 86: 5. 88:
92,94,99,103—112. 103:20. 110:11—13. 128:20. 130:5. 133:
17, 36. g, see d, Sec. 17. h, see h, Sec. 18. i, see f, Sec. 5. j,
ver. 17. 8: 12. 35: 1. 38: 1—4. 39: 1. 68:6. 76: 4. A", 29:
1. 128: 21. 130: 14.
SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 123
17. By these things we 'know that there is a God
in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from ™ everlasting
to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer
of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them ;
18. And that he created man, male andfemale, after
his "own image and in his own likeness, created he them,
19. 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.
20. But by the transgression of these holy laws, man
became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man.
21. Wherefore the Almighty God gave his Only
Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which
have been given of him.
22. He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto
them ;
23. He was ^crucified, died, and^^rose again the third
day;
24. 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,
25. That as many as would '^believe and be ^bap-
tized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end,
should be saved :
26. Not only those who believed after he came in
the ^meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from
the beginning, even as many as were before he came,
who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who
spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy
Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should
have eternal life,
I, 5: 11—14, 25, 2B. 76: 22, 23. 88: 49. 93: 11—17. 110: 2, 3.
121: 28. 128: 23. 133: 3. m,^eea, Sec. 39. Pearl of Great
Price, pp. 17, 19. w, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 5, 6, 13, 34. Ether
3:16. 0,18: 11. 21: 9. 34: 3. 35: 2. 45: 4,52. 76: 41. p,
18: 12. 45:52. 133: 55. §,19:23,24, 31. 20: 29. 34: 34. 35:
2. 38: 4. 42: 1. 45: 5, 8. 49: 5, 12. 76: 51. 86: 60—52, 74, 89.
112: 19. r, see I, Sec. 5. s, 39: 3. Pearl of Great Price, pp.
16,20. ^,21:2. 6:10—12. 8:2—4. 11:10—21. 18:33—35.
20:10,11,26. 21:2. 24:5. 111:8. 124:4,5.
124 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XX.
27. 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 ;
28. Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are ^^one
God, infinite and eteri^jal, without end. Amen.
29. And we %now 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.
30. And we ^know that justification through the
grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and
true ;
3 1 . And we ^^know also, that sanctification through
the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just
and true to all those who love and serve God with all
their mights, minds, and strength.
32. But there is a possibility that man may ^'^fall
from grace and depart from the living God ;
33. Therefore let the church take heed and pray
always, lest they fall into temptation ;
34. Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take
heed also.
35. And We ^^know that these things are true and
according to the revelations of John, neither '^^^adding
to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the
Holy Scriptures, or the revelations of God, which shall
come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy
Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of angels.
36. And the Lord God has spoken it; and honor,
power, and glory, be rendered to his holy name, both
now and ever. Amen.
37. And again, by way of '^^commandment to the
u, 5: 31, 6: 10—13, 27, 28. 8: 4—8. lO: 2. 18. 11: 10. 14: 7.
18: 32. 20: 27,60. 136: 37. -y, 1: 39. 42: 17. 76: 23,26. w,
Alma 11: 44. iii. Nep.ll: 27, 28, 36. 28:10. Mor. 7: 7. x,
20: 12, 17. 29: 1,33. 38: 1. 39: 1. 45: 7. 76: 4. 121: 32. y,
seel. z, see/. 2a, see /. 26,85:2,11. 130:23. 2c, see /.
2d, 68: 34. 93: 24, 25. 124: 120. 2e, 15: 6. 16: 6. 18: 27.
20:37,72. 33:11. 49:12,13. 76:51,52. 84:76.
SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 125
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 con-
trite spirits, and witness before the church that they
have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to
take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a
determination to serve him to the end, and truly man-
ifest by their works that they have received of the
Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall
be received by baptism into his church.
38. The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, dea-
cons, and members of the church of Christ. — An ^%pos-
tle is an elder, and it is his calling to ^^'baptize.
39. And to ^^ordain other elders, priests, teachers,
and deacons,
40. And to administer ^'bread and wine — the em-
blems of the flesh and blood of Christ —
41. And to ^^confirm those who are baptized into
the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of
fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures ;
42. And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and
watch over the church ;
43. And to confirm the church by the laying on of
the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost,
44. And to take the lead of all meetings.
45. The elders are to conduct the meetings as they
are ^^led by the Holy Ghost, according to the com-
mandments and revelations of God.
46. The priest's ^'duty is to preach, teach, expound,
exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,
47. And visit the house of each member, and ex-
hort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to
all family duties ;
2/, vers. 2, 3, 5, Ifi, 38. 21:1,11,12. 105:27. 2^,18:29.
2h, 18: 32. 2i, vers. 68, 69, 75—79. 27: 2—5. 2;, ver. 43.
33: 11. 34: 15. 35: 6. 39: 6, 23. 52: 10. 53: 3. 55: 1—3. 68:
25. 2k, 46: 2. i. Nep. 13: 37. Moro. 6: 9. 21, vers. 46—
52. 84: 111. 107: 20, 61.
126 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX.
48. And he may also ^'"ordain other priests,
teachers, and deacons,
49. And he is to take the lead of meetings when
there is no elder present ;
50. But when there is an elder present, he is only
to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,
51. And visit the house of each member, exhorting
them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all
family duties.
52. In all these duties the priest is to ^"assist the
elder if occasion requires.
53. The teacher's duty is to ^^watch over the church
always, and be with and strengthen them,
54. And see that there is no iniquity in the church
— neither hardness with each other — neither lying,
backbiting, nor evil speaking ;
55. And see that the church meet together often,
and also see that all the members do their duty ;
56. And he is to take the lead of meetings in the
absence of the elder or priest —
57. And is to be ^^assisted always, in all his duties
in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires ;
58. But neither teachers nor deacons have authority
to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands :
59. They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort,
and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.
60. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to
be ^^lordained according to the gifts and callings of God
unto him ; and he is to be ordained by the ^^power of
the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him.
61. 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 ;
2m., he cannot ordain to an office higher than tliatof a priest.
2??., 107: 5, 14. 2^,84:111. 2j3, 84: 111. 2g, 18: 32.
Moro. 3: 1—4. 2r, 18: 32. Moro. 3: 1—4. 2ft, ver. 62.
SEC. XX. "I COMMANDMENTS. 127
62. And said conferences are to do whatever church
business is necessary to be done at the time.
63. The elders are to receive their ^*licenses from
other elders, by ^"vote of the church to which they be-
long, or from the conferences.
64 . 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 en-
title him to a ^^license, which shall authorize him to
perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it
from a conference.
*65. No person is to be ordained to any office in
this church, where there is a regularly organized branch
of the same, without the ^"'vote of that church ;
66. But the presiding elders, traveling bishops,
High Counselors, High Priests, and elders, may have
the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of
the church that a ^"^vote may be called.
67. Every President of the High Priesthood (or
presiding elder), bishop, High Counselor, and High
Priest, is to be ordained by the ^^direction of a High
Council or general conference.
68. Tlie 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.
69. And the members shall manifest before the
church, and also before the elders, by a Godly walk
and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there
may be works and faith agreeable to the Holy Scrip-
tures— walking in holiness before the Lord.
2^. ver. 64. 2w, vers. 65, 66. 26: 2. 104: 64, 71,72, 76.
2v, ver. 63. 2w, see 2m, Sec. 20. 2x, see 2u, Sec. 20. 2y,
68:15—21. 102:1—3. 107:22,91,92. 118:1. . 22, ver. 69. 46:
4—6. 59: 12.
* Verses 65, 66 and 67 were added sometime after the others.
128 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX.
70. Every member of the church of Christ ^^having
children, is to bring them unto the elders before the
church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the
name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name.
71. 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.
72. ^^Baptism is to be administered in the follow-
ing manner unto all those who repent : —
73. The person who is called of God, and has au-
thority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down in-
to 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.
74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water,
and come forth again out of the water.
75. It is expedient that the church ^^meet together
often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance'
of the Lord Jesus ;
76. 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 sol-
emn prayer, saying —
77. O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the
name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify
this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it,
that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy
Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the eternal Father,
that they are willing to take upon them the name of
thy Son, and always remember him and keep his com-
mandments which he has given them, that they may
always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
3a, Matt. 19: 13—15. Mark 10: 13—16. in. Nep. 17: 12— 24.
26: 14,16. 36, see y, Sec. 68. 3c, 5 : 16. 20: 73,74. 76:
51. 128 : 12, 13. Zd, in. Nep. 48: 1—14. in. Nep. 20: 8. Mor.
9: 29. Moro. 6: 6. 3e, Moro. 4: 1—3.
SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 129
78. The ^^manner of administering the wine. He
shall take the cup also, and say —
7y. O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the
name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify
this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that
they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy
Son, which was shed for them ; that they may witness
unto thee, O God, the eternal Father, that they do
always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to
be with them. Amen.
80. Any member of the church of Christ ^^trans-
gressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with
as the scriptures direct.
81. 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,
82. With a ^Mist of the names of the several
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 ;
83. 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.
84. All members removing from the church where
they reside, if going to a church where they are not
known, may ^'^take a letter, certifying that they are
regular members and in good standing, which certificate
may be signed by any elder or priest, if the member
receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the
elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or
deacons of the church.
3/; Moro. 5: 1, 2. 3^, 42: 80, 81. Mos. 26: 29—32. 3A,
vers. 61, 62. 3z, 85: 3— 5. 3/, 85: 3— 5, 11, 12. 3/1:, 72: 17,
18, 19, 25, 26.
130 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXI.
SECTION 21.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given at Fayette,
New York, April 6, 1830.
1. Behold, there shall be a '^record kept among you,
and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a
prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the
church through the will of God the Father, and the
grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
2. Being. ^inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the
foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most
holy faith,
3. Which church was organized and established in
the 3^ear of our Lord ^eighteen hundred and thirty, in
the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month,
which is called April.
4. Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give
heed unto all his words and commandments which he
shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in
all holiness before me :
5. For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine
own mouth, in all patience and faith ;
6. For by doing these things the Agates of hell
shall not prevail against you ; yea, and the Lord God
will disperse the powers of darkness from before you,
and cause the heavens ^to shake for your good, and his
name's glory.
7. For thus saith the Lord God, him have I inspired
to move the cause of ^Zion in mighty power for good,
and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.
8. Yea his weeping for ^Zion I have seen, and I will
cause that he shall mourn for her no longer, for his days
a, 47: 1,3,4. 69: 3—8. 85. 6, ver. 7. 20: 26. c,
A. D. 1830. 20:1. c/, see /, See. 10. e, 21: 6. 29:23,24. 43:
18. 45:22,48. 49:23. 133:49,69. /, see c, Sec. 6. g,
see Sec. 6.
SEC. XXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 131
of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and
the manifestation of my blessings upon his works.
9. For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in
my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall
believe on his words, which are given him through me by
the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was cruci-
fied by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for
the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.
10. Whefore it behoveth me that he should be
^'ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle ;
11. 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,
12. 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.
SECTION 22.
Revelation to the Church of Christ, luhich was estab-
lished in these last days, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty, given through
Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester, New York, April,
1830, in consequence of some desiring to unite ivith
the Church without re-baptism, who had previously
been baptized.
1. Behold, I say unto you, that all ^old covenants
have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this
is a ^new and an everlasting covenant, even that which
was from the beginning.
^, see c?, Sec. 5. i, vers. 10, 11. 28: 8. j, ver 11
k, 28: 8.
a, Isa. 24: 5,6. iii. Nep.l2: 46,47. iii. Nep. 9: 17.
see k, Sec. 1.
132 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIII.
2. Wherefore, although a man should be baptized
an hundred times, it availeth him. nothing, for you can-
not enter in at the straight gate by the law of Moses,
neither by your dead works ;
3. For it is because of your dead works, that I have
caused this ^last covenant and this *^church to be binlt
up unto me, even as in days of old.
4. Wherefore, enter ye in at the ^gate, as I have
commanded, and seek not to counsel vour God. Amen.
SECTION 23.
Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel
H. Smith, Joseph Smith, sen., and Joseph Knight,
sen., given through Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester,
New York, April, 1830.
1. Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few wor(Js.
Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemna-
tion. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into
temptation.
2. 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.
3. Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words :
for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart
is opened, and thy Hongue loosed ; and thy calling is
to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continu-
ally. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church forever,
and this because of thy family. Amen.
4. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel,
c, see k, Sec. 1. d, see a, Sec. 1. e, IT. Nep. 9: 41. 31 : 9,
17, 18. 33: 9. Alma 37 : 44, 45. Hela. 3: 29, 30. in. Nep. 14: 13, 14.
a, III. Nep. 26: 14, 16.
SEC. XXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 133
for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call-
ing is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church,
and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world.
Amen.
5. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph,
for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call-
ing also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church,
and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever.
Amen.
6. Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by
these words, that you must take up your cross, in the
which you must ^pray vocall}^ before the world as well
as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends,
and in all places.
7. And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the
true church, and give your language to exhortation
continually, that you may receive the reward of the
laborer. Amen.
SECTION 24.
Revelation given to Joseph Smithy jun., and Oliver
Cowdery, in Harmony, Susquehanna Co., Penn-
sylvania, July, 1830.
1. Behold, thou wast called and chosen to write the
Book of Mormon, and to my ministry ; and I have
lifted thee up out of thy afllictions, and have counseled
thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine ene-
mies, and thou hast been delivered from the powers
of Satan and from darkness I
2. Nevertheless thou art not excusable in thy trans-
gressions ; nevertheless, go thy way and sin no more.
3. Magnify thine office ; and after thou hast sowed
6, Alma 33:. 3— 11.
134 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIV.
thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the
church which is in Colesville, Fayette and Manchester,
and they shall support thee ; and I will bless them
both spiritually and temporally ;
4. But if they receive thee not, I will send upon
them a ^cursing instead of a blessing.
5. And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in
my name, and ^writing the things which shall be given
thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures
unto the church ; '
6. And it shall be given thee in the very moment
what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it,
or I will send unto them a ^cursing instead of a blessing
7. For thou shalt devote all thy service in ^Zion ;
and in this thou shalt have strength.
8. Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have
*^many ; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even
unto the end of thy days.
9. And in temporal 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 ^layingon of the hands and confirming the churches.
10. And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bear-
ing 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.
11. In me he shall have glory, and not of himself,
whether in weakness, or in strength, whether in bonds
or free,
12. 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.
a, vers. 6, 15, 18, 19. 84 : 92—95. 75 : 19—22. b, many
Revelations given at sundry times. c, see a. d, see e, Sec. 6.
e, fulfilled from that time, until his martyrdom. /, see 2j, Sec,
20. (/, see b, Sec. 18.
SEC. XXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 135
13. ^^Require not miracles, except I shall command
you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and
against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons ;
14. And these things ye shall not do, except it be
required of you by them who desire it, that the scrip-
tures might be fulfilled ; for ye shall do according to
that which is written.
15. And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and
they receive you not in my name, ye shall leave a curs-
ing instead of a blessing, by ^casting off the dust of your
feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your
feet by the wayside.
16. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall
lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command
to be smitten in my name: and, behold, I will smite
them according to your words, in mine own due time.
17. And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall
be cursed by the law.
18. 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 ;
19. For thou art called to ^"^prunemy 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 25.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony,
Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, July, 1830.
1. Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God,
h, Great miracles to be wrought only by command. i, see a.
y, 60: 15. 75:18—22. 84:78—80. /t, 31:45. 33:3,4. 39:17.
43 : 28. 6: 3, 4. 11: 3. 21: 9. Jacob 5: 61—74. /, Sec. 2J,as a
pattern.
is 6 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXV.
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.
2. A revelation I give unto you concerning my will,
and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue
before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt re-
ceive an inheritance in ^Zion.
3. Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art
an elect lady, whom I have called.
4. 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.
5. And the oflSce of thy calling shall be for a com-
fort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, jun., thy husband,
in his afflictions with consoling words, in the spirit of
meekness.
6. 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.
7. And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to
expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according
as it shall be given thee by my Spirit :
8. 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.
9. And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall
support thee in the church; for unto them is his call-
ing, that all things might be revealed unto them, what-
soever I will, according to their faith.
10. And verily I say unto thee, that thou shalt lay
aside the things of this world, and seek for the thiugs
of a better.
11. And it shall be given thee, also, to make a ^selec-
a, 11:30. 34:3. 35:2. 39:4. 42:52. 45:8. 50:41. 58:
17. 76:24,58. 121:7. 6,38:19, 45:65. 52:2,5,42. 55:5.
57:5,7,8,15. 58:17,28,36,38,40,44,51,53. 63:29,31,48,49.
64: 30. 70: 16. 72: 17. 85: 1— .3, 7, 9, 11. 99: 7. 101: 1,6,18.
103 : 11, 14. c, I. Cor. 14: 26. Eph. 5 : 19. Colos. 3: 16.
SEC. XXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 137
tion of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which
is pleasing nnto me, to be had in my church ;
12. For my soul delightethin the song of the heart,
yea, the *^song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and
it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
13. Wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice, and
cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
14. 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.
15. Keep my commandments continually, and a
crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except
thou do this, where I am you cannot come.
16. And verily, verily I say unto you, that this is
my voice unto all. Amen.
SECTION 26.
Revelation to Joseph Smithy jun., Oliver Cowdery, and
John Whitmer, given in Harmony^ Pennsylvania^
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 confirming the church at Coles -
ville, and to performing your labors on the land, such
as is required, until after you shall go to the west to
hold the next conference ; and then it shall be made
known what you shall do.
2. And all things shall be done by ^common con-
sent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all
things you shall receive by faith. Amen.
d, see c.
a, see 2w, Sec. 20.
138 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXVII.
SECTION 27.
The first four verses of the following Revelation, loere
given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, Penn.,
August, 1830, and the remainder in Fayette, Neiv
York, September, 1830.
1. Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord,
your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is ^quick
and powerful.
2. 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 remission of your sins :
3. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you,
that you ^shall not purchase wine, neither strong drink
of your enemies :
4. Wherefore, you shall partake of none, except it
is made new among you ; yea, in this my Father's
kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.
5. Behold, this is wisdom in me : wherefore, mar-
vel not, for the hour cometh that I will '^'drink of the
fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni,
whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mor-
mon, containing the ^fullness of my everlasting gospel,
to whom I have committed the keys of the record of
the *stick of Ephraim ;
6. 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 :
a, 6:2. 11:2. 12:2. 14:2. 15:2. 16:2. S, vers. 3, 4, 5.
89 : 5, 6. c, 89: 4, 5. d, vers. 6—14. Mat. 26 : 29. Mark 14:
25. Luke 22 : 18. e, see 6, Sec. 18. /, Mor. 8:14. Moro.
10: 2. g, ver. 7. 76: 100. 77: 9, 14. 110: 12.
SEC. XXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 139
7. And also '^John the son of Zacharias, which Zacha-
rias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should
have a son, and his name should be John, and he should
be filled v^ith the spirit of Elias ;
8. Which John I have sent unto you, my servants,
Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you
unto this '^first priesthood which you have received, that
you might be called and ordained even as Aaron :
9. 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 :
10. And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and
Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain ;
11. And also with ^Michael, or Adam, the father of
all, the prince of all, the ancient of days.
12. Andalso with Peter, and James, and John, Vhom
I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you
and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses
of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and
of the same things which I revealed unto them :
13. Unto whom I have committed the keys of mj^
kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the ™last
times ; and for the ^fullness of times, in the which I
will gather together in ^one all things, both which are
in heaven, and which are on earth :
14. And also with all those whom my Father hath
given me out of the world :
15. 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.
16. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about
h, Sec. 13. 27: 8. i, see Sec. 2. . j, see Sec. 2. k, 29 •
26.36,40,42. 78:16. 84:16. 88:112—115. 107:54—56. 116:1.
128 : 18, 20, 21. I, see d. Sec. 5. m, 64: 30, 37. 77: 15. n, 76 •
106, 77:12. 110:14. 112:30. 124:41. 0,29:11. 84:100.
140 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXVIII.
with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness,
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace, which I have ^sent mine angels to commit unto
you,
17. Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ;
18. 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 touch-
ing 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 28.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver
Cowdery, in Fayette, New York, September, 1830.
1. Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be
given unto thee, that thou shalt be heard by the church
in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the
Comforter, concerning the revelations and command-
ments which I have given.
2. But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, ^no
one shall be appointed to receive commandments and
revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph
Smith, jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses ;
3 . And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which
I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faith-
fully the commandments and the revelations, with
power and authority unto the church.
4. And if thou art led at any time by the Com-
w, vers. 5 — 14. 128: '19 — 21. Testimony of Three Witnesses,
Book of Mormon.
a, vers. 12, 13. 43 : Z—t
SEC. XXVlII.j COMMANDMENTS. 141
forter, to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of
commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.
5. But thou shalt not write by way of command-
ment, but by wisdom :
6. And thou shalt not command him who is at thy
head, and at the head of the church,
7. ^For I have given him the keys of the mysteries,
and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall ap-
point unto them another in his stead.
8. And now, behold, I say unto you, that you shall
go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto
them ; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings,
thou shalt cause ^my church to be established among
them, and thou shalt have revelations, but write them
not by way of commandment.
9. And now, behold, I say unto 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 that Satan deceiveth him ;
12. For, behold, these things have not been ap-
pointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed
unto any of this church contrary to the church cove-
nants.
13. For all things must be done in order, and
by ^common consent in the church, by the prayer of
faith.
6,35: 18. 42: 65. 43: 4. 64: 5. 76: 114. 90:2—8. 107:
18,19. 112:15. c, see a, Sec. 1. d, see q, Sec. 4^2. e, Satan's
deception detected, /, see 2u, Sec. 20.
142 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXIX.
14. 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.
15. And it shall be given thee from the time thou
shalt go, untilj the time thou shalt return, what thou
shalt do.
16. And thou must open thy mouth at all times
declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen.
SECTION 29,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in the pre-
sence of six Elders, in Fayette, New York, Septem-
ber, 1830.
1. Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Re-
deemer, tlie Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath
atoned for your sins ;
2. 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 themselves
before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.
3. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this
time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive
these things ; but remember to sin no more, lest perils
shall come upon you.
4. 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 :
5. 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 ;
a, see i, Sec. 10. h, 33: 2. 34: 6. 36: 1. 42: 6.
SEC. XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 143
6. And as it is written, ^Whatsoever ye shall ask in
faith, being united in prayer according to my command,
ye shall receive ;
7. And ye are called to bring to pass the ^gathering
of mine elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden
not their hearts ;
8. 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 tribula-
tion and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked ;
\). For the %our 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 upon the earth ;
10. 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 ;
11. For I will reveal ^myself from heaven with
power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and
dwell in righteousness with men on earth a ^thousand
years, and the wicked shall not stand.
12. 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 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,
being 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 ;
13. For a 'trump shall sound both long and loud,
even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake,
c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see j, Sec. 10. e, see d. f, see
f and g, Sec. 1. g, see b, Sec. 4. h, see i, Sec. 1. i, see e,
Sec. 1. j, see e, Sec. 1. Rev. 20: 4—6. k, Mat. 19 : 28. Luke
22 : 30. /, 29 : 13. 43 : 18. 88 : 98, 99.
144 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIX.
and they shall come forth : yea, ™even the dead which
died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to
be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we
may be one.
14. 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 ;
15 . And there shall be ^weeping and wailing among
the hosts of men ;
16. And there shall be a Pgreat hailstorm sent
forth to destroy the crops of the earth ;
17. 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.
18. 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 ;
19. And their tongues shall be staid that they shall
not utter against me ; and their flesh shall fall from off
their bones, and their eyes from their sockets :
20. And it shall come to pass that the ^beasts of
the forests, and the fowls of the air shall devour them up ;
21. And that great and ^abominable church, which
is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by de-
vouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of
Ezekiel the prophet, who spoke of these things, which
have not come to pass, but surely must, as I live, for
abominations shall not reign.
22. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, that
m, 45:45, 46. 76:50—64. 79:21. 88:96,97. 133:56. «, 34:
9. 45 : 42. 88 : 87. 133 : 49. o, see e, Sec. 19. p, 43 : 25. 63 : 6.
88 : 79, 90. Ezek. 38: 22. q, see/ and^r, Sec. 1. r, Zech. 14 :
12. Isaiah 18:6. s, Isaiah 18 : 6. Rev. 19 : 17, 18. Ezek. 39 : 17—20.
t, see j, Sec. 18. Ezek. 38 : 22.
SEC. XXTX.] COMMANDMENTS. 145
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 ;
23. 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,
24. For all ^old things shall pass away, and all
things shall become new, even the heaven and the
earth, and all the fullness thereof, both men and beasts,
the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea ;
25. And not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost,
for it is the workmanship of mine hand.
26. But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the
earth shall pass away, ^Michael, mine archangel, shall
sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake,
for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come
forth ; yea, even all.
27. And the righteous shall be gathered on my
right hand unto eternal life ; and the wicked on
my left hand will be ashamed to own before the
Father ;
28. Wherefore I say unto them — ^Depart from
me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the
devil and his angels.
29. And now, behold I say unto you, never at any
time, have I declared from mine own mouth that they
should return, for where I am they cannot come, for
they have no power ;
30. But remember 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 last shall be first
in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of
my power, which is the power of my Spirit ;
u, 88 : 101, 110—115. Rev. 20 : 3—9. v, Rev. 20 : 11. Ether 13 : 9.
w, Rev. 21 : 1—5. Ether 13 : 8, 9. x, 77 : 2—4. Rev. 21 : 5, 6.
Ether 13: 8, 9. ?/, 76 : 85. 88:100,101. 2, vers. 29, 30, 41.
Matt. 25 ; 41. 2a, ver. 32.
14 6 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIX.
31. For by the power of my Spirit created I them ;
yea, all things both spiritual and temporal :
32. Firstly, spiritual — secondly, temporal, which is
the ^^beginning of my work; and again, firstly, tem-
poral— and secondly, spiritual, which is the last ^'^of
my work :
33. Speaking unto you that you may naturally un-
derstand, but unto myself my works have no end,
neither beginning ; but it is given unto you that you
may understand, because ye have asked it of me and
are agreed.
34 . Wherefore, verily I say unto you, that all things
unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given
unto you a laAv that was temporal ; neither any man,
nor the children of men ; neither Adam, your father,
whom I created.
35. Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an
agent unto himself; and I gave unto him command-
ment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him,
for my commandments are spiritual ; they are not
natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual.
36. And it came to pass, that Adam being tempted
of the devil (for, behold, the ^^devil was before Adam,
for he rebelled against me, saying. Give me thine honor,
which is my power : and also a^^third part of the hosts
of heaven turned he away from me because of their
agency ;
37. And they were ^^thrust down, and thus came
the devil and his angels.
38. And, behold, there is a place prepared for them
from the beginning, which place is ^^hell :
39. And it must needs be that the devil should
tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents
26, ver. 30. 2c, ver.30. 2o!, 76: 25— 28. Pearl of Great
Price, p. 7. 2e, Pearl of Great Price, p. 32. 2/, 76: 25—30.
Pearl of Great Price, p. 7. Jude 1: 6. 2g, ver. 28. 76: 33, 36,
44—46, 84, 105, 106. 77: 8. 88: 113, 114. Pearl of Great Price, p.
14. I. Ne]). 15: 29, 35. ii.Nep. 1:3. 2:29. 9:8—19,26,34,36.
28: 15, 21, 23. Jacob 6: 10. Alma 12: 16—18. iii. Nep. 27: 11, 12.
More. 8: 13, 14, 21.
SEC. XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 14 7
•
unto themselves, for if they never should have bitter,
they could not know the sweet.)
40. Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil
tempted Adam, and he partook the forbidden fruit, and
transgressed the commandment, wherein he became
'^■^subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded
unto temptation.
41. Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he
should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, ^^from
my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he
became ^Jspiritually dead, which is the ^"^first death,
even that same death, which is the last death, which is
spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked
when I shall say — ^^Depart, ye cursed.
42. 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 deolare unto
them repentance and redemption, through faith on the
name of mine Only Begotten Son.
43. And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto
man the days of his probation ; that by his natural
death he might be ^'^raised in immortality unto eternal
life, even as many as would believe ;
44. And they that believe not unto ^*^eternal dam-
nation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual
fall, because they repent not ;
45. For they will love darkness rather than light,
and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages
of whom they list to obey.
46. But, behold, I say unto you, that kittle chil-
dren are redeemed from the foundation of the world
through mine Only Begotten :
47. Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not
2h, ver. 36. 2^, Pearl of Great Price, p. 9. 2j, Pearl of Great
Price, p. 15. 2k, ii. Nep. 9: 7—12. Mos. 3: 26, 27. 16: 4—11.
Alma 11: 45. 12: 18, 26, 36. 42: 6, 9, 14. Hela. 14: 16, 17. Mor.
9:13. 2Z, ver. 28. 76:37. 2m, vers. 43, 46. Pearl of Great
Price, pp. 9, 10, 16, 17. 2n, see m. 2o, see v, Sec. 76. 2p, see t.
Sec. 93.
148 COVENANTS AND " [sEC. XXX.
given unto Satan to '-^'^tempt little children, until they
begin to become accountable before me ;
48. For it is given unto them even as I will, accord-
ing to mine own pleasure, that great things may be re-
quired at the hand of their fathers.
49. And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having
knowledge, have I not commanded to repent?
50. And he that hath no understanding, it remain -
eth in me to do according as it is written. And now I
declare no more unto you at this time. Amen. .
SECTION 30.
Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to David
Whitmer, Peter Whitmer,jun., and John Whitmer,
at Fayette, September, 1830.
1. Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have
feared man and have not relied on me for strength as
you ought :
2. But your mind has been on the things of the
earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and
the ministry 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 persuaded by those
whom I have not commanded :
3. Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself,
at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you
have received.
4. 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 regions round about. Amen.
5. Behold, I say unto you, Peter, that you shall take
2g, 93 : 37—49.
SEC. XXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 149
your ^journey with your brother Oliver, for the time has
come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your
mouth to declare my gospel ; therefore, fear not, but
give heed unto the words and advice of your brother,
which he shall give you.
6. And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever
lifting up your heart unto me in prayer, and faith, for
his and your deliverance : for I have given unto him
power to build up my church among the Lamanites :
7. And none have I appointed to be his counselor
over him in the church, concerning church . matters,
except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, jun.
8. Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be
diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall
be blessed unto eternal life. Amen.
9. 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.
10. And your labor shall be at your brother Philip
Burrough's, and in that region round about; yea,
wherever you can be heard, until I command 5'^ou to go
from hence.
11. 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 31.
Revelation to Thomas B. Marshy given through Joseph^
the Seer^ September^ 1830.
1. Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your
faith in my work.
2. Behold you have had many afflictions because of
a, westward to the Lamanites. h, among the saints.
150 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXI.
your family : nevertheless, I will bless you aud 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.
3. 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.
4. You shall declare the things which have been
revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, jun. You shall
begin to preach from this time forth; yea, to reap in
the field which is "^white already to be burned :
5. Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your
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,
6. Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only
for a little time, and declare my word, and I will pre-
pare a place for them ;
7. Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and
they will receive you. And I will establish a church
by your hand ;
8. And you shall strengthen them and prepare them
against the time when they shall be gathered.
9. Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those
that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be
steadfast.
10. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall be a
physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for
they will not receive you.
11. Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall
be "^^^given you by the Comforter what you shall do, and
whither you shall go.
12. '^^Pray always, lest you enter into temptation,
and lose your reward.
a,see a,Sec. 1. 6, see 6, Sec. 4. c, 34: 10. 35 : 19. 36:2.
39:6. 42:13,14,16,17. 45:57. 46:11,27—31. 50:13,14,17—
22. 61:27,28. 72:24. 75:10. 76:12,86,116. 88:137. 105:
36. 121: 26. d, see c. Sec. 4.
SEC. XXXII., XXXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. l5l
13. 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 32.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer^ to Parley P.
Pratt and Ziha Peterson, 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 ;
2. And that which I have appointed unto him is,
that he shall ^go with my servants Oliver Cowdery and
Peter Whitmer, jun., into the wilderness among the
Lamanites ;
3. And ^^Ziba Peterson, also, 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.
4. And they shall give heed to that which is written
and pretend to no other revelation, and they shall ^pray
always that I maj^ unfold them to their understanding ;
5. And they shall give heed unto these words and
trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen.
SECTION 33.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Ezra Thayre
and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, October, 1830.
1. Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and
a, West of Missouri. b, West of Missouri. c, see c, Sec. 4.
162 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXIII.
Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice
of the Lord your God, whose word is ^quick and power-
ful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing
asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit ; and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2. For verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye are
called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a
trump, to declare my ^gospel unto a crooked and per-
verse generation :
3. For behold, the field is ^white already to harvest :
and it is the *^eleventh hour, and for the ^last time that
I shall call laborers into my vineyard.
4. 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 Spriest-
crafts, all having corrupt minds.
5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this
church have I established and called forth ^out of the
wilderness ;■
6. And even so will I ^gather mine elect from the
four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe
in me and hearken unto my voice :
7. Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field
is %hite already to harvest ; wherefore thrust in your
sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength.
8. Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and
you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed
from Jerusalem in the wilderness :
9. Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you
shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I
am with you :
10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled
saying — Repent, repent, and ^prepare ye the way of the
a, see a, Sec. 27. h, see 6, Sec. 18. c, see b, Sec. 4. d, see k,
Sec. 24. e, see k, Sec. 24. f,?>b : 1, 12. 38 : 11. 101 : 44—62.
.^7, II. ]!Tep.26:29— 31. in. Nep. 21: 19— 21. 29:4—9. Ch.30. A, see a,
Seel. I, see y, Sec. 10. ;, see 6, Sec. 4. A, see e.
Sec. 1.
SEC. XXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 153
Lord, and make his paths straight ; for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand ;
11. Yea, Vepentand be baptized, every one of you,
for a remission of your sins ; yea, be baptized even by
water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the
Holy Ghost.
12. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, this is
my gospel, and remember that they shall have faith in
me, or thej^ can in no wise be saved ;
13. And upon this ™rock I will build my church;
yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the
Agates of hell shall not prevail against you ;
14. And ye shall remember the church articles and
covenants to keep them.
15. And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my
church, by the *^laying on of the hands, and I will be-
stow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them.
16. And the Book of Mormon and the Holy Scrip-
tures, are given of me for your instruction ; and the
power of my Spirit quickeneth all things :
17. Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having
your Plamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you,
that you may be ready at the coming of the Bride-
groom :
18. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that
I 'icome quickly. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 34.
Revelation to Orson Pratt, given through Joseph, the
Seer, in Fayette, New York, November 4, 1830.
1. My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold
I, see h, Sec. 3. m, see o, Sec. 6. n, see I, Sec. 10. o,
see 2;, Sec. 20. p, 45: 44— 4&. 88: 92. q, see e, Sec. 1.
154 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXXIV.
what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus
Christ 5^our Redeemer ;
2. The ^light and the life of the world ; a light
which ^shineth in darkness and the darkness compre-
hended it not ;
3. Who so 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,
4. And blessed are you because you have believed^;
5 . And more blessed are you because you are ^called
of me to preach my gospel,
6. To lift up your voice as with the sound of a
trump, both ®long and loud, and cry ^repentance unto
a crooked and perverse generation, ^preparing the way
of the Lord for his second coming ;
7. 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,
8. And it shall be a ^great day at the time of my
coming, for all nations shall tremble.
9. But before that great day shall come, the ^sun
shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood,
and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall
fall, and Jgreat destructions await the wicked :
10. Wherefore lift up your voice and ^spare not,
for the Lord God hath spoken ; therefore 'prophesy,
and it shall be given by the power of the Holy
Ghost ;
11. And if you are faithful, behold, I am with
you "^ until I come :
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, I ^come
quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even
so. Amen.
a, see h, Sec. 6. b, see h, Sec. 6. c, see k, See. 11. d, see
k, Sec. 24. e, see b, Sec. 29. /, see h, Sec. 3. g, see e,
Sec. 1. h, see e, Sec. 1. i, see n, Sec. 29. j, see /and
(}, Sec. 1. k, 84: 87, 94, 117. /, 42: 16, 17. m, see e,
Sec. 1. n, see e, Sec. 1.
SEC. XXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 155
SECTION 35.
Revelation to Joseph Smithy jun., and Sidney Rigdon,
given 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 yes-
terday, and for ever.
2. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was
crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will
believe on my name, that they may become 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.
3. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto my servant
Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I
have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a greater
work.
4. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things.
Behold thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare
the way before me, and before ^Elijah which should
come, and thou knewest it not.
5. Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance,
but they received not the Holy Ghost ;
6. But now 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.
7. 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 mani-
fest in the eyes of all people ;
8. For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened ;
and I will ^show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all
those who believe on my name.
a, see a, Sec. 3. 6, 50 : 43. 76: 69. 84: 37, 38. c, see a.
Sec. 2. d, see /, Sec. 5. e, see 2 ;, Sec. 20. /, 85 : 117.
88:94. (), vers. 9— 11. 45:8. 66:9.
6
156 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXX V.
9. 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 ;
10. And the time speedily cometh that great things
are to be shown forth unto the children of men ;
11. But without faith shall not anything be shown
forth except 'desolations upon Babylon, the same which
lias made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of
her fornication.
12. And there are none that doeth good, except
those who are ready to receive the ^fullness of my gospel
which I have sent forth unto this generation.
13. 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 :
14. And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be
their shield and their buckler ; and I will gird up their
loins, and they shall fight manfully for me ; and their
'enemies shall be under their feet ; and I will let "'fall
the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine in-
dignation will I preserve them.
15. And the poor and the meek shall have the
gospel preached unto them, and they shall be look-
ing forth for the "time of my coming, for it is nigh
at hand :
16. And they shall learn the parable of the fig tree,
for even now already summer is nigh,
17. And I have sent forth the "fullness of my gospel
by the hand of my servant Joseph ; and in weakness
have I blessed him,
18. And I have given unto him the ^'keys of the
mystery of those things which have been sealed, even
h, see g. i, see i, See. 1. j, see h, Sec. 18. k, see^, Sec. 1.
/, 98: 34—38. m, see /, See. 1. n, see e, Sec. 1. o, see b.
Sec. 18. p, see b, See. 28.
SEC. XXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 157
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.
19. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail
not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy
Ghost, that "^knoweth all things :
20. And a commandment I give unto thee, that
thou shall write for him ; and the Scriptures ^shall be
given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the sal-
vation of mine own elect ;
21. 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.
22. And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and
he shall journey with you ; forsake him not, and surely
these things shall be fulfilled.
23. 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.
24. Keep all the commandments and covenants by
which ye are bound ; and I will cause the heavens to
shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and "Zion
shall rejoice upon the ^hills and flourish,
25. And Israel shall be saved in mine own due
time ; and by the ^^keys which I have given shall they
be led, and no more be confounded at all.
26. Lift up your hearts and be glad, your redemp-
tion draweth nigh.
27. Fear not, little flock, ^Hhe kingdom is yours
until I come. Behold I ^'come quickly. Even so. Amen.
q, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 1—3, 32. r, 39: 6. 75: 10. s, 42:
56. t, see e, Sec. 21. u, see e, Sec. 6. v, 39 : 13. 49:
25. 64:37. 117:7,8. 7^,15:19. 42:69. 61:24—29. 90:2.7,
9. 111:11,16. 112:32. 113:6. .t, 38: 9. 50:35. 101:100,
105: 32. y, see e, See. 1.
158 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXXVI,
SECTION 36.
Revelation to Edward Partridge^ given tJtroiigh Joseph,
the Seer, December, 1880.
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 ;
2- And I will lay my hand upon you by the 4iand
of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive
my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which
shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom ;
3. And you shall declare it with a loud voice, say-
ing, Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God.
4. And now this calling and commandment give I
unto you concerning all men,
5. That as many as shall come before my servants
Sidney Eigdon and Joseph Smith, jun., embracing
this calling and commandment, ^shall be ordained and
sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the
nations,
6. Crying repentance, saying, Save yourselves from
this untoward generation, and come forth out of
the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the
flesh.
7. And this commandment shall be given unto the
elders of my church, that '^'every man which will em-
brace it with singleness of heart, may be ordained and
sent forth, even as I have spoken.
8. I am Jesus Christ the Son of God: wherefore,
gird up your loins and I will ^suddenly come to my
temple. Even so. Amen.
a, see 2 j, Sec. 20. b, see c, Sec. fi. c, see c, Sec. 0.
d^A2: 36. 97: 16. 133: 2.
SEC. XXXVII., XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. IS^
SECTION 37.
Revelation given to Joseph Smith, ju7i., and Sidney
Bigdon, December, 1830.
1. Behold, I say unto you, that it is not expedient
in me that ye should ^translate any more until ye
shall go to the Ohio, and this because of the enemy
and for your sakes.
2. And again, I say unto you, that ye shall not go,
until ye have preached ray gospel in those parts, and
have strengthened up the church whithersoever it is
found, and more especially in Colesville ; for, behold,
they pray unto me in much faith.
3. And again, a commandment I give unto the
church, that it is expedient in me that they should ^^as-
semble together at the Ohio, against the time that my
servant Oliver Cowdery shall return unto them.
4. Behold, here is wisdom, and let every man choose
for himself until I come. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 38.
Revelation given through Joseph., the Seer, at Fayette,
New York, January 2nd, 1881.
1 . Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ,
the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end, the same which looked upon the '^wide ex-
panse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven,
before the world was made :
a, the Scriptures. h, first direct command to gather.
a, ver. 2. 67 : 2. 121 : 2, 24,
160 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVIII.
2. The same which ^knovveth all things, for all
things are "^present before mine eyes :
3. I am the same which spake, and the world was
made, and all things came by me :
4. 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 in my name, for I am Christ,
and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood
which I have spilt, have 1 pleaded before the Father
for them ;
5. 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 ;
6. 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.
7. But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that
mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye
cannot see me ;
8. But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me,
and know that I am ; for the vail of darkness shall
soon be ^rent, and he that is not purified shall not
abide the day :
9. Wherefore gird up your loins and be prepared.
Behold, the ^^kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall
not overcome.
10. Verily, I say unto you, ye are clean, but not
all ; and there is none else with whom I am well
pleased,
11. For all flesh is corrupted before me ; and the
powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the
children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of
heaven,
12. Which causeth ^silence to reign, and all ^eternity
b, 93: 23, 24, 28, 30, 3G. 121: 24. c, see a. d, 84: 99,
100. e, 88: 99. f, see e. g, see e, Sec. 1. h, see x,
Sec. 35. i, 88: 95. Pearl of Great Price, p. 20. j. see i.
SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. l6l
is pained, and the '^angels are waiting the great com-
mand to reap down the earth, to gather the 'tares that
they may be burned : and, beliold, the enemy is com-
bined.
13. 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 ;
14. But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed,
not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of un-
belief ; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but
I will be merciful unto your weakness.
15. Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth ; fear
not, for the ^kingdom is yours :
16. And for your salvation I give unto you a com-
mandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor
have complained before me, and the rich have I made,
and all flesh is mine, and I am no '^respecter of per-
sons.
17. And I have made the earth rich, and behold it
is my footstool, wherefore, again I will stand upon it ;
18. And I hold forth and 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 :
19. And I will give it unto you for the land of your
inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts :
20. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye
shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for
the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth
shall stand, and ye shall possess it i^again in eternity,
no more to pass away.
21. 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.
22. Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and
/c, 86: ?.— 7. 1,86:7. 88:94. 101:66. 133:63.64. m,
see X, Sec. 35. n, Acts 10: 34. i. Pet. 1: 17. o, 52: 2. 57: 1, 2,
5,7. ^j, 56: 20. 57:5. 63:20,48,49.
162 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXXVIIl.
you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws
but my laws when I come, for 1 am your Law -giver,
and what can stay my hand?
23. But, verily, I say unto you, teach one another
according to the oflSce wherewith I have appointed you,
24. And let every man esteem %is brother as him-
self, and practice virtue and holiness before me.
25. And again I say unto you, let every man esteem
his brother as himself ;
26. For what man among you having twelve sons,
and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obe-
diently, and he saith unto the one, be thou clothed in
robes and sit thou here ; and to the other, be thou
clothed in rags and sit thou there, and looketh u^jon
his sons and saith I am just.
27. Behold, this I have given unto you a parable,
and it is even as I am : I ssij unto you, be one ; and if
ye are ^not one, ye are not mine.
28. And again I say unto you, that the enemy in
the ^secret chambers seeketh your lives.
29. 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 %earts of men in your own land.
30. 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 wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in
your ears with a voice louder than that which shall
shake the earth ; but if ye are prepared, ye shall not
fear.
31. And that ye might escape the power of the
enemy, and be "gathered unto me a righteous people,
without spot and blameless •
32. Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the
q, ver. 25. 59: 6. 88: 123. r, 19: 9. 01: 8. s, 5: 32,
33. 10: 6, 25. 38: 13. 42: 64. 89:4. 117: 11. ^,45: 26,63.
87: 1—5. 130: 12. M,see ;, Sec. 10.
SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 163
commandment 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 ;
33. And from thence, whomsoever I will, shalPgo
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 whither -
soever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.
34. And noAv 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 ;
35. 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 com-
manded them ;
36. And this shall be their work, to govern the
affairs of the property of this church.
37. And they that have farms that cannot be sold,
let them be left or rented as seemeth them good.
38. 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.
39. 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 are
mine to give ; but beware of pride, lest ye ^"^become as
the Nephites of old.
40. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a
commandment, that every man, both elder, priest,
teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with
the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the
things which I have commanded.
-y, see 6, Sec. 37, w, see Sec. 42. a-, 39:15. 43:16, 95:8,
108:4. 3/, see 9, Sec, 18, 2, ver. 32. 39:15, 95:8,9, 105:
18. 33, 110: 9,10, 124: 36—44. 2a, 11: 7. 68: 31, 78: IS.
26, the Nephites were destroyed through wickeduess.
164 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XXXIX.
41. And let your preaching be the warning voice,
every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness.
42. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save
yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 39.
Revelation to James Covill, given through Joseph, the
Seer, in Fayette, New York, January 5th, 1831.
1. Hearken and listen to the voice of him who
is ^from all eternity to all eternity, the Great 1 AM,
even Jesus Christ,
2. '^ The light and the life of the world; alight
which ^shineth in darkness and the darkness compre-
hendeth it not :
3. The same which came in the ^^meridian of time
unto my own, and my own received me not;
4. 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, power to become my sons.
5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that re-
ceiveth my gospel, receiveth me ; and he that receiveth
not my gospel receiveth not me.
6. And this is my gospel : ^repentance and baptism
by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the
Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all
things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the king-
dom.
7. And now, behold, I say unto you, my servant
James, 1 have looked upon thy works and I know thee :
a, 29: 33. 61:1. 70:4. 88:6—13. 93:8—10. 6, see A, Sec. 6.
c, see h, Sec. 6. d, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 16, 20. e, see k, Sec. 11.
/', see h, Sec. 1 8.
SEC. XXXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 165
8. And verily I say unto thee, thine heart is now
right before me at this time, and, behold, I have be-
stowed great blessings upon thy head :
9. Nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow, for
thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and
the cares of the world ;
10. 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.
11. 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 recover my
people, which are of the house of Israel.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. And inasmuch as my people shall assemble
themselves to the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing
such as is not known among' the children of men, and
it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from
thence men shall ™go forth into all nations.
16. Behold, 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 upon the nations, but
I cannot deny nay word :
17. Wherefore lay to with your might and call
g, see I, Sec. 5. h, see b, Sec. 18. i, see k, Sec. 1 . /, see a.
Seel. /c, see e, Sec. 6. /,49:25. 64:37. 65:2. 117:8.
128: 19. m, see q, Sec. 18.
166 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XL.
"faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may be
pruned for the last time.
18. And inasmuch as they do repent and receive
the ^fullness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I
will stay mine hand in judgment :
19. Wherefore go forth, crying with a loud voice,
saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand ; crying
Hosanna ! blessed be the name of the most high God.
20. Go forth baptizing with water, ^^preparing the
way before my face, for the time of my coming ;
21. For the time is at hand ; the "^^day nor the hour
no man knoweth ; but it surely shall come,
22. And he that receiveth these things receiveth
me ; and they shall be ^gathered unto me in time and
in eternity.
23. And again, it shall come to pass, that on as
many as ye shall baptize with water, ye shall ^lay your
hands, and they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,
and shall be looking forth for the signs of my coming,
and shall know me.
24. Behold, U come quickly. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 4Q.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jan., and Sidney Bigdon,
given in Fayette, New York, January, 1S31, ex-
plaining why James Covill obeyed not the revelation
which loas given iinto 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.
n, see k, Sec. 24. o, see b, Sec. 18. p, see e, Sec. 1. q, see e,
Sec. 1. r, see j, Sec. 10. .s, see 2/, Sec. 20. t, see e, Sec. 1.
SEG. XLI.] COMMANDMENTS. 16 7
2. And he received the word with gladness, but
straightway Satan tempted him ; and the fear of perse-
cution, and the cares of the world, caused him to reject
the word ;
3. Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it re-
maineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good.
Amen.
SECTION 41,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seei\ in Kirtlaiid^
Ohio, February 4th, 1881.
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 me ; and jq that hear
me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with
the ^heaviest of all cursings.
2. Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I
have called : behold I give unto you a commandment,
that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree
upon my word,
3 . 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.
4. And I will be your Ruler when I come; and be-
hold, I *^come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is
kept.
5. He that receiveth my *^law and doeth it, the
same is my disciple ; and he that saith he receiveth it
and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall
be cast out from among you :
6. For it is not meet that the things which belong
to the children of the kingdom, should be given to
a, 76: 29—37. b, Sec. 42. c, see e, See. 1. d, ver. 6.
1^8 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLII.
them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to
be cast before swine.
7. And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph
Smith, jun., shoaldhave a house built, in which to live
and translate.
8. And again, it is meet that my servant Sidney
Kigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as
he keepeth my commandments.
y. And again, I have called my servant Edward
Partridge, and give a commandment, that he should be
appointed by the voice of the church, and '^ordained a
bishop unto the church, to leave his merchandise and
to spend all his time in the labors of the church :
10. To see to all things as it shall be appointed unto
him, in my laws in the day that I shall give them.
11. And this because his heart is pure before me,
for he is like unto Nathaniel of old, in whom there is
no guile.
12. These words are given unto you, and they are
pure before me ; wherefore beware how you hold them,
for they are to be answered upon your souls in the day
of judgment. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 42,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seei\ at Kirtland,
Ohio, February 9th, 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 Savior of the
world : inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep
my commandments,
e, first Bishop in the Church.
SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 169
2. Again, I say unto you, hearken and hear and
obey the ^law which I shall give unto you ;
3. For verily I say, as ye have assembled 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.
4. 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, jun., and Sidney Rigdon.
5. And I give unto them a commandment that they
shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given
by the power of my Spirit when they shall return ;
6. And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit,
preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting
up your voices as with the voice of a trump, declaring
my word like unto angels of God ;
7. And ye shall go forth baptizing with water, say-
ing— ^Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand.
8. 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,
9. Until the time shall come when it shall be re-
vealed unto you from on high, when the city of the
•^New Jerusalem shall be prepared, that ye may be
gathered in one, that ye may be my people and I will
be your God.
10. And again, I say unto you, that my servant
Edward Partridge shall stand in the ofiice 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.
11. Again, I say unto you, that it shall not be given
a, Sec. 42. b, see h, Sec. 3. c, see a, Sec. 1. d, see d, Sec. 28.
170 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLII.
to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build
up my church, except he be ordained by some one who
has authority, and it is known to the church that he has
authority, and has been regularly ordained by the heads
of the church.
12. And again, the elders, priests, and teachers 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 ^fullness of the gospel ;
13. And thej'^ shall observe the covenants and
church articles to do them, and these shall be their
teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit ;
14. And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the
prayer of faith, and if ye %'eceive not the Spirit, ye
shall not teach.
15. And all this ye shall observe to do as I have
commanded concerning your teaching, until the ^fullness
of my scriptures is given.
16. And as ye shall lift up your voices by the Com-
forter, ye shall speak and prophesy as seemeth me good ;
17. For, behold, the Comforter ^^knoweth all things,
and 'beareth record of the Father and of the Son.
18. And now, behold, I speak unto the church.
Thou shalt not kill ; and he that kills shall Jnot have
forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
19. And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he
that killetli shall die.
20. Thou shalt not steal ; and he that stealeth and
will not repent, shall be cast out.
21. Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not
repent, shall be cast out.
22. Thou shalt love thy '^wife with all thy heart,
and shalt cleave unto her and none else ;
23. Aud he that looketh upon a woman 'to lust
e, see 6, See. IS. /, 50 : 17, 18. g, vers. 5(5—58, h, 75: 10.
88: 41. 93: 2.''.— 28 /, r. John, 5: 6—8. in. Ne)). 11: 32. 35, .3fi.
;, vers. 19, 79. k, 49: 15—17. 75: 28. 8.".: 2. 132: 62. /, 63: 16.
SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 171
after her, shall deny the faith, and shall not have the
Spirit, and if he repents not he shall be cast out.
24. Thou shalt "'not commit adultery ; and he that
committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast
out ;
25 . But he that has committed adultery and repents
with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no
more, thou shalt forgive ;
26. But if he doeth it again, he shall not be for-
given, but shall be cast out.
27. Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor
do him any harm.
28. Thou knovvest my laws concerning these things
are given in my scriptures ; he that sinneth and re-
penteth not, shall be cast out.
29. If thou lovest me, thou shalt serve me and keep
all my commandments.
30. 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 covenant
and a deed which cannot be broken ;
31. 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 counselors,
two of the elders,* or High Priests, such as he shall or
has appointed and set apart for that purpose.
32. 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 consecra-
tion of the properties of my church, that they cannot
be taken from the church agreeable to my command-
ments ; every man shall be made accountable unto me,
a ^steward over his own property, or that which he has
m, vers. 25, 26, 80—83. 63: 14—19. 101: 6. 132: 26, 27, 39,
41—44, 52, 54, 61—63, 65. n, 58 : 35, 36. 85: 3. 104: 60, 66.
105:29. o.ver. 53. 51:3—6. 64:30. 70:9—11. 72:3,5,16,
17,20,22. 101:61. 104:11—44,54—57,68—86.
* The words, "or High Priests," were added by the Prophet some
years after; and also the words, "High Council j" in the 34th verse^
172 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLII.
received by consecratioD, inasmuch as is sofficient for
himself and family.
33. 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 con-
secration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the
bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have
not, from time to time, that every man who has need
may be amply supplied, and receive according to his
wants.
34. Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my store-
house, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall
be appointed by the PJIigh Council of the church, and
the bishop and his council,
35. And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the
public benefit of the church, and building houses of
worship, and building up of the ^New Jerusalem which
is hereafter to be revealed,
36. 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.
37. 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 ;
38. For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of
these, ye do it unto me ;
39. 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 of my people
who are of the house of Israel.
40. 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 ;
p, 102:1— 34. 120:1. g, vers. 9, 62, 67. 28:9. 45:66—71.
52: 43. 57: 2, 14. 58: 7, 13. r, the remnant of Joseph. 6-, see
(i^ Sec. 36. t^ 95; 13.
SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 173
41. And let all things he done in cleanliness before
me.
42. Thou shalt "not be idle; for he that is idle
shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the
laborer.
43. 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.
44. And the elders of the church, two or more,
shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands
upon them in my name ; and if they die they shall die
unto me, and if they live, they shall live unto me.
45. 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.
46. And it shall come to pass that those that die in
me, shall ^not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto
them ;
47. And they that die not in me, ^'wo unto them,
for their death is bitter.
48. 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 ;
49. He who hath faith to see shall see ;
50. He who hath faith to hear shall hear ;
51. The lame who hath faith to leap shall leap ;
52. 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 shall bear
their infirmities.
53. Thou shalt stand in the place of thy steward-
ship ;
u, 60: 13. 68: 30, 31. 75: 3, 29. 88: 124. v, 42: 44, 48—52.
59: 16—22. 89: 10, 11. tv, ver. 47. 84: 74, 75. x, 63: 49—52.
y, see w. z, vers. 49—52. 35: 8—11. 46: 19, 20. 52: 20. 84 :
65—73. 68: 10.
174 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLII.
54. Thou shalt not take thy brother's garment;
thou shalt ^^pay for that which thou shalt receive of
thy brother ;
55. And if thou obtainest ^^more than that which
would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my
store -house, that all things may be done according to
that which I have said.
56. Thou shalt ask, and my ^^Scriptures shall be
given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved
in safety ;
57. And it is expedient that thou should st hold
thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until
ye have received them in full.
58. 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.
59. Thou shalt take the things which thou hast
received, which have been given unto thee in my Scrip-
tures for a law, to be my law to govern my church ;
60. And he that doeth according to these things
shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be
damned, if he continues.
61. If thou shalt ask, ^^thou shalt receive revela-
tion upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that
thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things
— that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life
eternal.
62. Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto
you in mine own due time ^^vhere the New Jerusalem
shall be built.
63. And behold, it shall come to pass that my ser-
vants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to
the north and to the south ;
64. And even now, let him that gocth to the east,
2a, 51: 10—12. 2b, vers. 33, 34. 61: 13. 70: 7. 72: 10. 82: 18.
101: 06. 119: 1. 2c, the inspired translation of the Bible. 2d,
45: 60, (il. 94: 10. 124: 89. 2 e, vers. 65, 67. 59: 4. 76: 7. 88:
77—79. 121:26—33. 2 f, see g.
SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 175
teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west,
and this in consequence of that which is coming oh
the earth, and of ^^seoret combinations.
65. Behold, thou shalt observe all these things,
and great shall be thy reward ; for unto you it is given
to ^'^know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the
world it is not given to know them.
6(j. Ye shall observe the laws which ye have re-
ceived and be faithful.
0 7. And ye shall hereafter receive ^^church cove-
nants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both
here and in the New Jerusalem.
68. Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask
of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
69. Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you
the ^^kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the
church have been given. Even so. Amen.
70. The priests and teachers shall have their
stewardships, even as the members ;
71. And the elders,* or High Priests who are ap-
pointed to assist the bishop as counselors 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 purposes, as before mentioned ;
72. Or they are to receive a Just remuneration for all
their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may
be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.
73. And the bishop, also, shall receive his support,
or a just remuneration for all his services in the church.
74. t Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever
person among you, having put away their companions
for the ^''causc 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 ;
2g, see s, Sec. 38. 2h, see 2e. 2i, Revealed Laws.
2;, see .r, Sec. 35. 2k, i. Cor. 5: 9—13. 6: 9,13—20.
*Tlie words "or High Priests" were added by the Pi'ophet some
years after.
f Verses 74 to 93 inchisive, were given some days after the first
73 verses.
176 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLII.
75. 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.
76. 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 ;
77. And if they are not married, they shall repent
of all their sins, or ye shall not receive them.
78. And again, every person who belongeth to this
church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the com-
mandments and covenants of the church.
79. And it shall come to pass, that if any persons
among you shall kill, they shall be delivered up and
dealt with according to the laws of the land ; for re-
member that he hath ^"^no forgiveness, and it shall be
proven according to the laws of the land.
80. 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.
81. But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth
of two witnesses, and the elders shall lay the case be-
fore the church, and the church shall lift up their
hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with
according to the law of God.
" 82. And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop
is present also.
83. And thus ye shall do in all cases which shall
come before you.
84. And if a man or woman shall rob, he or she
shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
85. And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be
delivered up unto the law of the land.
21, ver. 76. See m. 2m, vers. 18, 19. 2n, see m.
SEC. XLIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 177
86. And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be
delivered up unto the law of the land.
87. And if he or she do ^''any manner of iniquity,
he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that
of God.
88. 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.
89. 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 before the world.
90. And if thy brother or sister offend ^"^many, he
or she shall be chastened before many.
9 1 . 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 confess not, he or she shall be delivered up
unto the law of God.
92. If any shall ^^'offend in secret, he or she shall
be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have oppor-
tunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or
she has offended, and to God, that the church may not
speak reproachfully of him or her.
93. And thus shall ye conduct in all things.
SECTION 43.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the JSeer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, February, 1831.
1. O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give an
ear to the words which I shall speak unto you ;
2o, ver. 28. 43: 11. 2p, 20: 80. 2q, that all may see
that there is justice in the church. 2r, confession and repent-
ance, intended to be as extensive as the oflenee.
178 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIII.
2. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that
ye have received a commandment for a **]aw unto my
church, through him whom I have appointed unto you,
to receive commandments and revelations from my
hand.
3. And this ye shall know assuredly that there is
^^none other appointed unto you to receive command-
ments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in
me.
4. But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else
shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through
him, for if it be taken from him, he shall not have
power except to appoint another in his stead ;
5. And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive
not the teachings of any that shall come before you as
revelations or commandments ;
6. And this I give unto you that you may not be
deceived, that you may know they are not of me.
7. For verily I say unto you, that he that is ^or-
dained 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.
8. And now, behold, I give unto you a command-
ment, that when ye are assembled together, 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 ;
9. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law
of my church, and be sanctified l)y that Avhich ye have
received, and ye shall *^bind yourselves to act in all
holiness before me,
10. That inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be
added to the kingdom which ye have received. Inas-
a, see Sec. 42. h, see 2u, Sec. 20. 28: 11, 12, 13. c, see h.
rf,S8: 127—141.
SEC. XLIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 179
much as ye doit not, it shall be taken, even that which
ye have received.
11. Purge ye out the iniquity which is among you ;
sanctify yourselves before me,
12. And if ye desire the glories of the kingdom,
appoint ye my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and uphold
him before me by the praj^er of faith.
13. 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 ;
14. 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.
15. 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 children of men the things
which I have put into your hands by the power of my
Spirit ;
16. And ye ^are to be taught from on high. Sanc-
tify yourselves and ye shall be ^endowed with power,
that ye may give even as I have spoken.
17. Hearken ye, for, behold, the great day of the
Lord is nigh at hand.
18. For the day cometh that the Lord shall Gutter
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 until I shall call again ;
19. Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found
among the wicked.
20. Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon
the ^nations to repent, both old and young, both bond
e, 46: 7—33. 50: 10—36. 52: 9. /', see x, Sec. 38. g, vers.
23—27. 1:11. 45:49. 63:5. 7i, see e, Sec. 21. 'i,seel,
Sec. 29. j, see b, Sec. 1.
i80 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLIII.
and free, saying, prepare yourselves for the great day of
the Lord ;
21. 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 cometh 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 ;
22. Yea, and again, when the lightnings shall streak
forth from the east unto the west, and shall utter forth
their voices unto all that live, and make the ears of all
tingle that hear, saying these words, 'Repent ye, for the
great day of the Lord is come.
23. And again, the Lord shall '"utter his voice out
of heaven, saying. Hearken, O ye nations of the earth,
and hear the words of that God who made you
24. O, ye nations of the earth, how often would 1
have "gathered you together as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, but ye would not?
25. 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 earthquakes, 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 everlasting salvation, but ye would not?
26. Behold the day has come, when the cup of the
wrath of mine indignation is full.
27. Behold, verily I say unto you, that these are
the words of the Lord your God ;
28. Wherefore labor ye, ^labor ye in my vineyard
A:, ver. 25. Z,.ver. 25. w, see^. n, 133: 8 — 15.
0, vers. 21, 22. p, see k, Sec. 24.
SEC. XLIV.J COMMANDMENTS. 181
for the last time — for the last time call upon the in-
habitants of the earth,
29. 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.
30. For the great ^Millennium, of which I have
spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come ;
31. 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 ;
32. And he that liveth in righteousness shall
be ^changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the ^^'earth
shall pass away so as by lire ;
33. And the wicked shall go away into "^unquench-
able fire, and their end no man knoweth on earth, nor
ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment.
34. Hearken ye to these words ; Behold, I am Jesus
Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things
up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity
rest upon your minds.
35. Be sober. Keep all my conimandments. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 44.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rtgdon,
give7i m Kirtland, Ohio, February, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser-
vants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my
church should be called together, from the east and
g, 1:36. 66:63. 84:119. 88: 17,26. r,29: 11,22. 5,88:
110. 101: 28. ^,29: 22. u, see t, Sec. 88. v, 88: 20, 28.
w, see tj Sec. 88. x, 29: 28. See eand/, Sec. 19,
182 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV.
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.
3. And it shall come to pass that they shall go
forth into the regions round about, and preach repent-
ance unto the people ;
4. And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye
shall obtain power to organize yourselves, ^according
to the laws of man ;
5. 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.
6. Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the
poor and the needy, and administer to their relief, that
they may be kept until all things may be done accord-
ing to my "^law which ye have received. Amen.
SECTION 45.
Revelation given through Joaei^h^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, March 7th, 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 foundation of the earth, who made
the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all
a, with civil officers, elected by themselves. b, that the civil
•llicers may be good men, and not persecutors. c, see Sec. 42.
a^ see x, Sec. 35.
SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 183
things were made which live, and move, and have a
being.
2. And again, I say, hearken unto my voice, lest
death shall overtake you ; in an hour when ye think
not the '^summer shall be past, and the harvest ended,
and your souls not saved.
3. Listen to him who is the ^advocate with the
Father, who is pleading your cause before him,
4. Saying, Father, behold the sufferings and death
of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased ;
behold the blood of thy Son which was shed — the
blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be
glorified ;
5. Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that
believe on my name, that they may come unto me and
have everlasting life.
6. 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,
7. For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the end, the ^light and the
life of the world — a light that ^shineth in darkness and
the darkness comprehendeth it not.
8. I came unto my *own, and my own received me
not ; but unto as many as received me, gave I ^power
to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God,
and even unto them that believed on my name gave I
power to obtain eternal life.
9. And even so I have sent mine ^^everlasting cove-
nant into the world, to be a light 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 ;
10. Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that
h, 66: 16. Jer. 8: 20. c, vers. 4,5. 29: 5. 62: 1. 110: 4.
d, see h, Sec. 6. e, see h, Sec. 6. /, see g, Sec. 6. q, see g,
Sec. 6. h, see k, Sec. 1. z, ver. 28. 1: 29. 3: 16—20. 5:
15,16. 10:45—53. 20:8—12. 64:42. 113:6. 115:5. j, see ;,
184 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV.
cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I
will show unto you my strong reasoning,
11. 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,
12. Who were '^separated from the earth, and were
received unto myself — a city reserved until a day of
righteousness shall come — a day which was sought for
by all holy men, and they found it not because of
wickedness and abominations ;
13 . And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth ;
14. But obtained a promise that they should find it
and see it in their flesh.
15. Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you,
and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men
in days of old ;
16. 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 con-
cerning the signs of my coming in the day when I shall
come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfill the
promises that I have made unto your fathers,
17. For as ye have looked upon the long absence of
your spirits from your bodies to be a bondage, I will
show unto you how the day of redemption shall come,
and also the Restoration of the scattered Israel.
18. 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.
19. But, verily, I say unto you, that desolation shall
come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and
this people shall be '"destroyed and scattered among all
nations.
20. And this temple which ye now see shall be
k, 84: 99, 100. 133: 54. /, vers. 43, 51—53. m, Luke 20;
16. 21: 23, 24.
SEC. XLV.J COMMANDMENTS. l85
thrown down that there shall not be left ^one stone
upon another.
21. 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.
22. 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 ;
23. 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,
24. And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem,
and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be
scattered among all nations ;
25., But they shall be gathered again, but they shall
remain until the °times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
26. And in that day shall be heard of wars and
rumors of wars, and the Pwhole earth shall be in com-
motion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they
shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end
of the earth.
27. And the love of men shall wax cold, and
iniquity shall abound ;
28. And when the times of the Gentiles is come in,
a *^light shall break forth amoug them that sit in dark-
ness, and it shall be the ^fullness of my gospel ;
29. But they receive it not, for they perceive not
the light and they turn their hearts from me because of
the precepts of men ;
30. And in that ^generation shall the times of the
Gentiles be fulfilled ;
31. And there shall be *men standing in that genera-
tion, that shall not pass, until they shall see an over-
n, Matt. 24: 2. Luke 19: 44. o, ver. 30. Luke 21: 24. Eom.
11: 25—27. p, vers. 33, 63,31, 49, 50. Luke 2^■. 10, 11, 25—27.
q, see i. r, see b, Sec. 18. s, see o. t, 29: 18 — 21. 84:
92—97,114,115,117. 87:3—7. 97:22—26.
186 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLV.
flowing scourge ; for a "desolating sickness shall cover
the land ;
32. But my disciples ^shall stand in holy places,
and shall not be moved ; but among the wicked, men
shall lift up their voices, and ^'curse God and die.
33. And there shall be "^earthquakes also in divers
places, and many desolations; yet men will harden
their hearts against me, and they will ^take up the
sword, one against another, and they will kill one another.
34. And, now, when I the Lord had spoken these
words unto my disciples, they were troubled :
35. And I said unto them, be not troubled, for
when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know
that the promises which have been made unto you
shall be fulfilled ;
36. And when the light shall ^begin to break forth,
it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will
show you :
37. 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 ;
38. Even so it shall be in that day when they shall
see all these things, then shall they '^^know that the
hour is nigh.
39. 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 :
40. And they shall ^*^^see signs and wonders, for they
shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the
earth beneath ;
41. And they shall behold blood, and fire, and
vapors of smoke ;
n,seet. v, 63: 24. 64:41—48. 87:8. 101:21,22,64.
tw, Rev. 16: 21. r, 43 : 18. 45: 33,48. 84: 118. 88: 87,90.
y, see p. z, see /. 2a, see e, Sec. 1. 26, see e, Sec. 1.
'2c, 88: 88—110. See e, Sec. 1.
SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 187
42. 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 ;
43. And the remnant shall be -^gathered unto this
place,
44. And then they shall look for me, and, behold,
I will come; and ^Hhey 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.
45. But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an
^%ngel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have
slept shall come forth to ^^meet me in the cloud ;
46. Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace, blessed
are you, for as you now behold 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 ^^saints shall come forth from the four quarters of
the earth.
4 7. Then shall the ^Jarm of the Lord fall upon the
nations,
48. 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,
49. 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,
50. And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the
scorn er shall be consumed, and they that have watched
for iniquity shall be hewn down and cast into the fire.
51. And then shall the Jews look upon me and
Id, see n, Sec. 29. 2e, vers. 17, 25, 44, 51—53. 133 : 13.
2/, 34: 7. 76: 63, 102. 78: 21. 84: 100. 88: 94—98. 1g, see /,
Sec. 29. 2 h, see m, Sec. 29. 2 i, see j, Sec. 10. 2 /, see / and g,
Sec. 1. 2k, 133: 20. 2 /, see x. 2 m, see e, Sec. 21. 2 n, see
g, Sec. 43. 2o, see / and g, Sec. 1.
7
188 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV.
say, ^PWhat are these wounds in thine hands and in
thy feet?
52. Then shall they know that I am the Lord ; for
I will say unto them, These wounds are the wounds
withwhich I was wounded in the house of my friends.
I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was cruci-
fied. I am the Son of God.
53. And then shall ^^they weep because of their
iniquities; then shall they lament because they per-
secuted their King.
54. And then shall the ^^heathen nations be re-
deemed, and they that knew no law shall have ^^part in
the first resurrection ; and it shall be tolerable for them.
55. And ^^Satan shall be bound that he shall have
no place in the hearts of the children of men.
56. And at that day, when I shall come in my
glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake con-
cerning the ^"ten virgins ; •
57. For they that are wise and have received the
truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide,
and have not been deceived ; verily I say unto you,
they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but
shall abide the day,
58. And the earth shall be given unto them for an
inheritance; and they shall ^^multiply and wax strong,
and their children shall grow up without sin unto sal-
vation ,
59. For the Lord shall be ^"'iu their midst, and his
glory shall be upon them, and he will be their King
and their Lawgiver.
60. And now, behold I say unto you, it shall not
be given unto you to know auy further concerning this
chapter, until the New Testament be ^""'tran slated, and
in it all these things shall be made known ;
2;),Zech. 12:10. 13:6. 2g, Zech. 12:10— 14. 2 r. Ezek.
36:23,36. 37: 28. 33: 16, 23. 39:7,21,23. 2,s, 76: 71— 80.
2^,88:110. 101:28. 2^,63:54. 2 v, 63: 51. 101:29—31. 132:
30, 63. 2w, see e, Sec. 1. 2x, translated by inspiration.
SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 189
61. Wherefore 1 give unto you that ye may now
translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to
come ;
62. For verily I say unto you, that great things
await you ;
63. 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.
64. Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, ^^gather ye
out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves to-
gether ye elders of my church ; go ye forth into the
western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent,
and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches
unto me ;
65. And with one heart and with one mind, gather
up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance
which shall hereafter be appointed unto you,
66. And it shall be called the ^^New Jerusalem, a
land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the
saints of the most High God ;
67. And the ^'^glory of the Lord shall be there, and
the ^^terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch
that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be
called ^^Zion.
68. And it shall come to pass, among the wicked,
that every man that will ^®not take his sword against
his neighbor, must needs flee unto ^^Zion for safety.
6 9 . And there shall be gathered unto it out of ^^every
2?/, see t, Sec. 38. 2z, see ;, Sec. 10. 3a, see q, See. 42.
3 h, 64: 41—43. 84: 4, 5, 31 , 32. 97: 15—20. Zc, see 3 h. 3d, 28:
9. 39:13. 42:35. 58:49,50. 59:3. 61:16,24. 62:2,4. 63:24,
25, 29, 36, 39—41, 43, 48. 64 : 18, 22, 26, 34, 35, 38, 41. 66: 6, 11.
68:25,26,29—32. 69:1,5,6,8. 70:1,8. 72:6,13—15,17,18,24,
26. 78: 3, 9. 82: 12—14. 84: 2—4, 32, 56, 58, 76, 104. 89: 1. 90:
32,34,36. 97:1,3—5,10,12,18—21,25. 99:6. 100:13. 101:16
—18, 21, 70, 74, 75. 103: 1 , 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 24, 29, 30, 34, 35, 104:
47,48. 105:5,8,9,13,14,34. 107:59,74. 109:51,59. 111:2,6,
115:3,6. 117:9,14. 118:2. 119:1,2,5,6,7. 124:36. 133:4.
9, 12, 18, 20, 21, 24, 32, 56. 3 e, vers. 33, 63, 69. 38: 29. 63: 33.
Sec. 87. 3/, see 3 d. Zg, see;. Sec. 10.
190 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLVI.
nation under heaven ; and it shall be the ^'^only people
that shall not be at war one with another.
70. And it shall be said among the wicked, ^^Let
us not go up to battle against ^^Zion, for the inhabi-
tants of Zion are terrible ; wherefore we cannot stand.
71. And it shall come to pass that the righteous
shall be gathered out from ^^"among all nations, and
shall come to Zion, singing with ^^songs of everlasting
joy.
72. 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 your works until ye have accomplished the
thing which I have commanded you ;
73. That when they shall know it, that they may
consider these things ;
74. For when the Lord shall appear he shall be
^'"terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them,
and they shall stand afar off and tremble ;
75. And ^"^all nations shall be afraid because of the
terror of the Lord, and the power of his might. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 46.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, March 8th, 1881.
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 ;
2. But notwithstanding those things which are
written, it always has been given to the elders of my
3A, see 0, Seo. 1. Isa. 13:4— 13. 06:14—16. 3i, see3 6.
3i, see 3 d. U, see j, Sec. 10. 3 /, 101: 18. Isa. 35: 10.
3 m, see e, Sec. 1. 3 n, see e, Sec. 1.
SEC. XL VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 191
church from the beginning, and ever shall be to ^con-
duct all meetings as they are directed and guided by
the Holy Spirit ;
3. Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast
any one out from your public meetings, which are held
before the world ;
4. Ye are also commanded not to cast any one, who
belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meet-
ings ; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, ^let him not
partake until he makes reconciliation.
5. And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any
out of your sacrament meetings, who are earnestly
seeking the kingdom : I speak this concerning those
who are not of the church.
6. And again I say unto you, concerning your ^con-
firmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of
the church, that are earnestly seeking after the king-
dom, ye shall not cast them out ;
7. But ye are commanded in all things to ask of
God, who giveth liberally ; and that which the Spirit
testifies unto you, even so I would that ye should do in
all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, con-
sidering the end of your salvation, doing all things with
prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced
by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the command-
ments of men, for some are of men, and others of
devils.
8. 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 ;
9. For verily I say unto you, they are given for
the benefit of those who love me and keep all my com-
mandments, 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.
a, I. Nep. 13: 37. Moro. 3:4. 6: 9. b, 20: 68, 69. iii. Nep. 12:
23—26. 18:28—33. c, see a. cZ, i. Corinth. 12 : 31. 14:1.
192 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLVI.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that
ye should always remember, and always retain in your
minds ^what those gifts are, that are given unto the
church,
11. 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 :
12. To some it is given one, and to some is given
another, that all may be profited thereby ;
13. 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 ;
14. To others it is given to believe on their words,
that they also might have eternal life if they continue
faithful.
16. And again, to some it is given by the Holy
Ghost to know the differences of administration, 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.
16. And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to
some to know the diversities of operations, whether it
be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may
be given to every man to profit withal.
17. And again, verily I say unto you, to some it is
given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom ;
18. To another it is given the word of knowledge,
that all may be taught to be wise and to have know-
ledge.
19. And again, to some it is given to have faith to
be healed,
20. And to others it is given to have faith to heal.
21. And again, to some it is given the working of
miracles,
22. And to others it is given to prophesy,
e, vers. 11— 33. i. Corinth. 12: 4—1 1. Moro. 10: 7— 26. /, ver.
16. I. Corinth. 12: 7. Moro. 10 : 17. ^, see ^, Sec. 20.
SEC. XLVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 193
23. And to others the discerning of spirits.
24. And again, it is given to some to speak with
tongues,
25. And to another it is given the interpretation of
tongues :
26. And all these gifts cometh from God, for the
benefit of the children of God.
27. 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 by any among you professing and vet be not of
God.
28. And it shall come to pass that he that asketh
in Spirit shall receive in Spirit ;
29. 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 :
30. He that asketh in Spirit, asketh according to
the will of God, wherefore it is done even as he asketh.
31. And again, I say unto you, all things must be
done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the
Spirit ;
32. And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit
for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with ;
33. And ye must practice virtue and holiness before
me continuallv. Even so. Ampii,
SECTION 47.
Revelation to Joseph Smithy jun.^ and John Whitmer^
given in Kirtland, Ohio, March 8th, 1831.
1. Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant
h, ver. 27.
194 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XLVIII.
John should write and keep a regular ^history, and
assist you, my servant Joseph, in transcribing all things
which shall be given you, until he is called to further
duties.
2. Again, verily I say unto you, that he can also
lift up his voice in meetings, whenever it shall be expe-
dient.
3. And again, I say unto you, that it shall be ap-
pointed unto him to keep the church record and history
continually, for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to
another office.
4. Wherefore it shall be given him, inasmuch as he
is faithful, by the Comforter, to write these things.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 48.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer ^ at Kirtland,
Ohio, March, 1881.
1. It is necessary that ye should remain for the
present time in your places of abode, as it shall be suit-
able to your circumstances ;
2. And inasmuch as ye have lands, ye shall impart
to the ^eastern brethren ;
3. And inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them
buy for the present 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.
4. It must needs be necessary, that ye save all the
money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can
a, see a, See. 21.
a, The saints who were coming from the state of N. York.
SEC. XLIX."| COMMANDMENTS. 195
in righteousness, that in any time ye may be enabled to
purchase ^land for an inheritance, even the city.
5. The place is not yet to be revealed, but after
your brethren ^come from the east, there are to be cer-
tain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to
know the place, or to them it shall be revealed.
6. And they shall be appointed to ^purchase the
lands, and to make a commencement to lay the ®foun-
dation of the city ; and then shall ye 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 commandments
which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter
receive. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 49.
Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, to Sidney Rigdon,
Parley P. Pratt, and Lemo7i Copley, given at
Kirtland, Ohio, March, 1831.
1. Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and
Parley, and Lemon, for behold, verily I say unto you,
that I give unto you a commandment that you shall go
and preach ^my gospel which ye have received, even as
ye have received it, unto the Shakers.
2. 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 ;
h, see q. Sec. 42. 45 : 65. 57: 8. 58: 37, 51. 63: 27. 64: 30. 90:
29,30. 101:18,70. 103:23. 105:29. c, see a. d, see b.
e, 67: 1—5. 84: 2—4.
a, see b, Sec. 18.
196 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIX.
3. Wherefore I send you, my servants Sidney and
Parley, to preach the gospel unto them ;
4. And my servant Lemon shall be ordained unto
this work, that he may reason with them, not accord-
ing to that which he has received of them, but accord-
ing to that which shall be taught him by you my ser-
vants, and by so doing I will bless him, otherwise he
shall not prosper.
5. Thus saith the Lord, for I am God, and have
sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the
redemption of the world, and have decreed that he
that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth
him not shall be damned.
6. And they have done unto the Son of man even
as they listed ; and he has taken his power 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 :
7. 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 ;
8. Wherefore I will that all men shall repent, for
all are under sin, except them which I have reserved
unto myself, holy men that ye know not of ;
9. Wherefore I say unto you, that I have sent unto
you mine ^everlasting covenant, even that which was
from the beginning,
10. And that which I have promised I have so ful-
filled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it ; and,
if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that
which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of
power ;
11. Wherefore I give unto you a commandment
that ye go among this people and say unto them, like
unto mine apostle of old, whose name was Peter ;
h, see e, Sec. 1. c, Matt. 25 : 13. d, see k, Sec. 1.
SEC. XLIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 197
12. Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus, who
was on the earth, and is to come, the beginning and
the end,
13. ^Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ, according to the holy commandment, for the
remission of sins ;
14. 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.
15. And again, I say unto you, that whoso forbid -
deth to marry is not ordained of God, for ^marriage is
ordained of God unto man ;
16. 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,
17. And that it might be filled with the measure of
man, according to his creation before the world was
made.
18. And whoso forbiddeth to abstain from meats,
that man should not eat the same, is not ordained of
God ;
19. For, behold, the beasts of the field and the fowls
of the air, and that which cometh of the earth, is or-
dained for the use of man for food and for raiment,
and that he might have an abundance :
20. But it is ^not given that one man should possess
that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth
in sin ;
21. And wo be unto man that sheddeth blood or
that wasteth flesh and hath no need.
22. And again, verily I say unto you, that the Son
of man cometh not in the form of a woman, neither of
a man traveling on the earth ;
23. Wherefore be not deceived, but continue in
steadfastness, looking forth for the ^^heavens to be
e, see 6, Sec. 18. f, ver, 16. See k, Sec. 42. g, 51: 9. 78:
^i 6. ...^ h, see^e, Sec. 21.
198 COVENANTS AND [SEC. L.
shaken, and the earth to ^tremble and to reel to and
fro as a drunken man, and for the J 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 trumpet.
24. But before the great day of the Lord shall come,
Jacob shall 'flourish in the wilderness, and the Laman-
ites shall "^blossom as the rose.
25. Zion shall ^flourish upon the hills and rejoice
upon the ^mountains, and shall be assembled together
unto the place which I have appointed,
26. Behold, I say unto you, go forth as I have com -
manded you — repent of all your sins, ^ask and ye shall
receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you :
27. Behold, I will go before you and be your rear-
ward ; and I will be in your midst, and you shall not
be confounded ;
28. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I '^come quickly.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 50.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, May, 1881.
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, accord-
ing as ye have asked and are agreed as touching the
church, and the spirits which have gone abroad in the
earth.
2. Behold, verily I say unto you, that there are
i, see X, Sec. 45. j, 133: 22. Isa. 40: 4, k, see I, Sec. 29.
7, Ezek. 20: 33—38. m, iii. Nep. 21: 22—25. Isa. 35: 1, 2. n,aQQV,
Sec, 35. 0, see v, Sec, 35. p, see c, Sec. 4. q, see e, Sec, 1.
SEC. L.] COMMANDMENTS. 199
many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone
forth in the earth, deceiving the world ;
3. And also Satan hath sought to deceive you, that
he might overthrow you.
4. Behold, I the Lord have looked upon you, and
have seen abominations in the church that profess my
name ;
5 . But blessed are they who are faithful and endure,
whether in life or in death, for they shall inherit eternal
life.
6. But wo unto them that are deceivers and hypo-
crites, for, thus saith the Lord, I will bring them to
Judgment.
7. Behold, verily I say unto you, there are hypo-
crites among you, who have deceived some, which has
given the adversary power, but behold such shall be
reclaimed ;
8. But the hypocrites 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 off from my church, for
the same are overcome of the world ;
9. Wherefore, let every man beware lest he do that
which is not in truth and righteousness before me.
10. And now come, saith the Lord, by the Spirit,
unto the elders of his church, and let us reason together,
that ye may understand :
11. Let us reason even as a man reasoneth one with
another face to face :
12. Now when a man reasoneth he is understood of
man, because he reasoneth as a man, even so will I, the
Lord, reason with you that you may understand ;
13. Wherefore I, the Lord, asketh you this question,
unto what were ye ordained?
14. To preach my gospel by the ^Spirit, even the
Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth ;
a, 41: 1. 76: 29—37. 104: 8,9. 121: 13—25. 6,42: 14.
200 COVENANTS AND [SEC. L.
15. And then receive ye spirits which ye could not
understand, and received them to be of God, and in
this are ye justified?
16 . Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves ;
nevertheless I will be merciful unto you — he that is
weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.
17. 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 truth or some other way?
18. And if it be by some other way, it be not of
God.
19. And again, he that receiveth the word of truth,
doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other
way?
20. If it be some other way it be not of God :
21. 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 the Spirit of
truth?
22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that re-
ceiveth, understandeth one another, and both are
edified and rejoice together ;
23. And that which doth not edify is not of God,
and is darkness ;
24. That which is of God is light; and he that re-
ceiveth light ^and continueth in God, receiveth more
light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter
until the perfect day.
25. 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 ;
26. For he that is ordained of God and sent forth,
the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstand-
ing he is least and the servant of all :
a, 67 ; 13. 93 ; 19, 20.
SEC. L.] COMMANDMENTS. 201
27. Wherefore he is possessor of all things ; for *^all
things are subject 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 ;
28. But no man is possessor of all things; ex-
cept ®he be purified and cleansed from all sin ;
29. And if ye are purified and cleansed from all
sin, ye shall ask ^whatsoever you will in the name of
Jesus and it shall be done :
30. 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.
31. 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, then you mav know that it is not of
God:
32. 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 ;
33. Not with railing accusation, that ye be not
overcome, neither with boasting, nor rejoicing, lest you
be seized therewith.
34. He that receiveth of God, let him account it
of God, and let him rejoice that he is accounted of
God worthy to receive,
35. 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 are not ordained
of him.
36. And behold, verily I say unto you, blessed
are you who are now hearing these words of mine from
d, 76: 5— 10, 63— 60. 93:27,28. 121:26—29. 132:20. e, ver.
27. 93: 27, 28. /, see c, See. 4. g, vers. 29, 30. h, see x,
Sec. 35.
^02 COVENANTS ANt) [sEC. L.
the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven
you.
37. Let my servant Joseph Wakefield, in whom I
am well pleased, and my servant Parley P. Pratt, go
forth among the churches and strengthen them by the
word of exhortation ;
38. And also my servant John Corrill, 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 I have appointed unto them :
39. Wherefore in this thing my servant Edward
Partridge is not justified, nevertheless let him repent
and he shall be forgiven.
40. Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot
bear all things now ; ye must grow in grace and in the
knowledge of the truth.
41. 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 ;
42. And none of them that my Father hath given
me shall be lost :
43. 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 Mn me and I in you ;
44. Wherefore I am in your midst, and I am the
good 'Shepherd, and the '"Stone of Israel. He that
buildeth upon this "rock shall never fall,
45. And the day cometh that you shall hear my
voice and °see me, and know that I am.
46. Watch, therefore, that ye may be ready. Even
so. Amen,
i, John 17: 2—12. 10: 27—29. j, see v.. Lecture on Faith.
Also 93: 3. iii. Nep. 11: 27. 19:23,29. Ether 3: 14. John 10: 30.
k, 88: 67. 93: 19—28. I, Mos. 3: 14. Alma 5: 38—60. Hela. 7:
18. III. Nep. 15: 16—24. Psalm 80: 1—3. m, 6: 34. 10: 69.
33:13. 65:2. See o, Sec. 6. Gen. 49: 24. n, seem. o, 35: 21.
67:10—14. 76:113-119. 84:19—25. 88:47—50,08,75. 93:1.
97: 16. 101: 38. 107: 19. 110: 1—9.
SEC. LI.] COMMANDMENTS. 203
SECTION 51.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in Thomp-
son, Geauga County, Ohio, May, 1831.
1. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, and
I will speak unto my servant Edward Partridge, and
give unto him directions, for it must need be that he
receive directions how to organize this people ;
2. For it must needs be that they be organized
according to my laws — if otherwise, they will be cut
off;
3. Wherefore 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.
4. And let my servant Edward Partridge, when he
shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a ^writ-
ing that shall secure unto him his portion, that he shall
hold it, even this right and this inheritance in the
church, until he transgresses and is not accounted
worthy by the voice of the church, according to the
laws and covenants of the church, to belong to the
church ;
5. And if he shall transgress and is not ^accounted
worthy to belong to the church, he shall not have power
to claim that portion which he has consecrated unto
the bishop for the poor and needy of my church ; there-
fore, he shall not retain the gift, but shall only have
claim on that portion that is ^deeded unto him.
6. And thus all things shall be made sure, accord-
ing to the laws of the land.
7. And let that which belongs to this people be
appointed unto this people ;
a, 49:20. 70:14. 78:5,6. 82:17. 6, ver. 5. c, 42:
30—39. d, vers. 4, 6. 42: 37. Sec. 83.
204 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LI.
8. 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, according
to the wants of this people.
9. And let every man deal honestly, and be ®alike
among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be
one, even as I have commanded you.
10. And let that which belongeth to this people not
be taken and given unto that of another church ;
11. Wherefore, if another church would receive
money of this church, let them *pay unto this church
again according as they shall agree ;
12. And this shall be done through the bishop or
the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the
church.
13. And again, let the bishop appoint a ^storehouse
unto this church, and let all thiugs 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.
14. And let him also reserve unto himself for his
own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall
be employed in doing this business.
15. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege
of organizing themselves according to ^my laws ;
16. And I consecrate unto them this land for a
little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them
otherwise, and command them to go hence ;
17. 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.
18. Behold, this shall be an ^example unto my
servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all
churches.
19. And whoso is found a faithful, a just, anda%ise
e, see a. /, 42 : 42, 53, 54. g, 42 : 34, 35. 58 : 24. 63 : 42.
72:10. 78:3. 82:18. 83:5,6. /i, 42 : 30— 39. i, Sec. 51,
an Example for all branches of the church. 58 : 35, 36. 72 : 19 — 26.
119 : 7. ;, see o, Sec. 42.
SEC. LII.] COMMANDMENTS. 205
steward, shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall
inherit eternal life.
20. Verily, I say unto you, I am Jesus Christ,
who ^cometh quickly, in an hour you think not.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 52,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, June 7th, 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,
2. 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, upon
the land which I will consecrate unto my people, which
are a ^remnant of Jacob, and them who are heirs ac-
cording to the ^covenant.
3. Wherefore, verily I say unto you, let my servants
Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon take their jour-
ney as soon as preparations can be made to leave their
homes, and journey to the land of Missouri.
4. And inasmuch as they are faithful unto me, it
shall be made know unto them what they shall do ;
5. And it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful,
be made ^known unto them the land of your inheri-
tance.
6. And inasmuch as they are not faithful, they shall
be cut off, even as I will, as seemeth me good.
7. And again, verily I say unto you, let my servant
k, see e, Sec. 1.
a, the Lamanites. b, the believing Gentiles. c, see b, Sec. 25,
206 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LII.
Lyman Wight, and my servant John Corril take their
journey speedily :
8. And also my servant John Murdock, and my
servant Hyrum Smith, take their journey unto the
same place by the vv^ay of Detroit.
9 . And let them journey from thence preaching the
word by the w^ay, 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.
10. 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 ;
11. For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work
short in righteousness, for the days cometh that I will
send forth judgment unto victory.
12. And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for
Satan desireth to sift him as chaff.
13. And behold, he that is faithful shall be made
ruler over many things.
14. And again, I will give unto you a ^pattern in
all things, that ye may not be deceived, for Satan is
abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the
nations ;
15. Wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is con-
trite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordi-
nances.
16. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose
language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he
obey mine ordinances.
17. And again, he that trembleth under my
power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits
of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and
truths which I have given you.
18. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth
d, see 2j, Sec. 20. e, vers. 15—19.
SEC. LII.] COMMANDMENTS. 207
not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not
of me ;
19. Wherefore by this ^pattern ye shall know the
spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.
20. And the days have come, according to men's
faith it shall be done unto them.
21. Behold, this commandment is given unto all
the elders whom I have chosen.
22. And again, verily I say unto you, let my ser-
vant Thomas B. Marsh, and my servant Ezra Thayre,
take their journey also, preaching the word by the way
unto this same land.
23. And again, let my servant Isaac Morley, and
my servant Ezra Booth take their journey, also preach-
ing the word by the way unto this same land.
24. And again, let my servants Edward Partridge
and Martin Harris take their journey with my servants
Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jun.
25. Let my servants David Whitmer and Harvey
Whitlock also take their journey and preach by the
way unto this same land.
26. And let my servants Parley P. Pratt and Orson
Pratt take their journey and preach by the way, even
unto this same land.
27. And let my servants Solomon Hancock and
Simeon Carter also take their journey unto this same
land, and preach by the way.
28. Let my servants Edson Fuller and Jacob Scott
also take their journey.
29. Let my servants Levi Hancock and Zebedee
Coltrin also take their journey.
30. Let my servants Reynolds Gaboon and Samuel
H. Smith also take their journey.
3 1 . Let my servants Wheeler Baldwin and William
Carter also take their journey.
/, vers. 14—18.
208 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LII.
32. And let my servants Newel Knight and Selah
J. Griffin, both be ordained, and also take their journey ;
33. 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.
34. He that is faithful, the same shall be kept and
blessed with much fruit.
35. And again, I say unto you, let my servants
Joseph Wakefield and Solomon Humphrey take their
journey into the eastern lands :
36. 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.
37. In consequence of transgression, let that which
was bestowed upon Heman Basset be taken from him,
and placed upon the head of Simonds Rider.
38. And again, verily I say unto you, let Jared
Carter be ordained a priest, and also George James be
ordained a priest.
39. Let the residue 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 idolatry nor wickedness practised.
40. And remember in all things the poor and the
needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that ^doeth not
these things, the same is not my disciple.
41. And again, let my servants Joseph Smith, jun.,
and Sidney Eigdon, and Edward Partridge, take with
them a recommend from the church. And let there
be one obtained for my servant Oliver Cowdery also ;
42. And thus, even as I have said, if ye are faith-
ful, ye shall assemble yourselves together to rejoice
upon the land of Missouri, which is the ^4and of your
inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies.
^,38:34-38. 42:37—39,43. 56:16. /i, sec 6, Sec. 25.
SEC. LIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 209
43. But, behold, I the Lord, will hasten the ^city
in its time, and will crown the faithful with joy and
with rejoicing.
44. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
and I will ^lift them up at the last day. Even so.
Amen.
SECTION 53.
Revelation through Joseph^ the Seer^ to Sid^iey Gilbert,
given at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1. Behold, I say unto you my servant Sidney Gil-
bert, 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 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, give unto you a commandment that
you shall forsake the world.
3. 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.
4. And also to be an agent unto this church in the
place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according
to commandments which shall be given hereafter.
5. And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take
your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, jun., and
Sidney Rigdon.
6. Behold, these are the first ordinances which you
i, seej, Sec. 10. j, see u, Sec. 5.
a, see a, Sec. 1. b, see b, Sec. 18.
^
210 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIV.
shall receive, and the residue shall be known in a time
to come, according to your labor in my vineyard.
7. And again, I would that ye should learn that it
is he only who is saved that endureth unto the end.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 54.
Revelation through Joseph^ the Seer, to Newel Knight,
given at Kirtland, Ohio, 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.
2. Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, my servant
Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the oflice where-
with I have appointed you ;
3. And if your brethren desire to escape their ene-
mies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly
humble before me and contrite ;
4. And as the covenant which they made uuto
me ^has been broken, even so it has become void and
of none effect ;
5. 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 ;
6. But blessed are they who have kept the covenant
and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain
mercy.
7. Wherefore, go to now and *^flee the land, lest
your enemies come upon you ; and take your journey,
and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to
pay monies for you.
a, see Sec, 51. &, a wealthy owner of lands in Thompson, c, Saints
from Colesville, N. Y., temporarily located at Thompson.
SEC. LV.] COMMANDMENTS. 211
8. And thus you shall take your journey into the
regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the
borders of the Lamanites.
9. And after you have done journeying, behold, I
say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until 1
prepare a place for you,
10. And again, be patient in tribulation until I
come ; and, behold, I *^conie quickly, and my reward is
with me, and they who have sought me ^early shall find
rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 55.
Revelation through Joseph^ the Seer^ to William W.
Phelps, given at Kirtland, Ohio, June, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you, my ser-
vant 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 shall have a remission of your
sins, and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying
on of hands ;
2. And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of
my servant Joseph Smith, jun., to be an elder unto
this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins
by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the
Son of the living God ;
3. And on whomsoever you ^shall lay your hands,
if they are contrite before me, you shall have power to
give the Holy Spirit.
d, see e, Sec. 1. e, the Colesville saints were among the first
who received the Gospel.
a, see I, Sec. 5. b, see 2j/, Sec. 20,
D
212 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVI.
4. 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.
5. And again, verily I say unto you, for this cause
you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph
Smith, jun., and Sidney Eigdon, that you may be
planted in the land of your inheritance to do this work.
6. And again, let my servant Joseph Coe also take
his journey with them. The residue shall be made
known hereafter, even as I will. Amen.
SECTION 56.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, 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 indignation, in the ^day of visi-
tation and of wrath upon the nations.
2. And he that will not take up his cross and follow
me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not
be saved.
3. Behold, I, the Lord, command, 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 ;
4. Wherefore I, the Lord, command '^and revoke,
c, 88: 118. 90: 15. 97: 3—6.
a, see /and ^, Sec. 1. 6,19: 5. 56: 4—6. 58: 32. 61: 19
SEC. LVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 213
as it seemeth me good ; and all this to be answered
upon the heads of the rebellious, saith the Lord ;
5. Wherefore, I revoke the commandment which
was given unto my servants Thomas B. Marsh and Ezra
Thayre, and give a new commandment unto my ser-
vant 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 ;
6. For behold, I revoke the commandment which
was given unto my servants Selah J. Griffin and Newel
Knight, in consequence of the stiff -neckedness of my
people which are in Thompson, and their rebellions ;
7. 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.
8. And again, verily I say unto you, that my ser-
vant Ezra Thayre must repent of his pride, and of his
selfishness, and obey the former commandment which I
have given him concerning the place upon which he lives ;
9. And if he will do this, as there shall be no divi-
sions made upon the land, he shall be appointed still to
go to the land of Missouri ;
10. Otherwise he shall receive the money which he
has paid, and shall leave the place, and shall be cut off
out of my church, saith the Lord God of hosts ;
11. And though the heaven and the earth pass
away, these words shall not pass away, but shall be
fulfilled.
12. And if my servant Joseph Smith, jun., 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, accord-
ing to that which they do ;
13. For according to that which they do, they shall
receive, even in lands for their inheritance.
14 . Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my people, you
have many things to do and to repent of; for behold,
^
214 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LVII.
your siDs have come up unto me, and are not par-
doned, because you seek to counsel in your own ways.
15. And your hearts are not satisfied. And ye obey
not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness.
16. ^Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your
substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your
souls ; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of
visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation — The
harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is
not saved !
17. *^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 of other men's goods, whose eyes are full
of greediness, who will not labor with your own hands !
18. But ^blessed are the poor who are pure in heart,
whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite,
for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power
and great glory unto their deliverance ; for the fatness
of the earth shall be theirs.
19. For behold, the Lord shall come, and his re-
compense shall be with him, and he shall reward every
man, and the poor shall rejoice ;
20. And *their generations shall inherit the earth
from generation to generation, for ever and ever. And
now I make an end of speaking unto you. Even so.
Amen.
SECTION 5 7.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in
Jackson County, Missouri, July, 1831.
1. Hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the
c, 104: 18. 105: 3. d, Mos. 4: 24—27. e, vers. 19, 20.
III. Nep. 12: 3. Isa. 29: 19. /", vers. 18, 19. 38: 10—20. Isa. 29: 19.
SEC. LVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 215
Lord your God, who have assembled yourselves together,
according to my commandments, in this land, which is
the land of Missouri, which is the land which I have
^appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the
saints :
2. Wherefore this is the land of promise, and
the ^place for the city of Zion.
3. And thus saith the Lord your God, if you will
receive wisdom, here is wisdom. Behold, the place
which is now called Independence, is the center place,
and a ^spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot
which is not far from the courthouse ;
4 . Wherefore it is wisdom that the land should be
'^purchased by the saints ; and also every tract lying
westward, even unto the line running directly between
Jew and Gentile.
5. And also every tract bordering by the prairies,
inasmuch as my disciples are' enabled to buy lands.
Behold, this is wisdom, that they may obtain it for
an ^everlasting inheritance.
6. And let my servant Sidney Gilbert stand in the
office which I have appointed him, to receive monies
to be an %gent unto the church, to buy land in all the
regions round about, inasmuch as can be in righteous-
ness, and as wisdom shall direct.
7. And let my servant Edward Partridge, stand
in the office which I have appointed him, to ^divide
the saints their inheritance, even as I have command-
ed ; and also those whom he has appointed to assist
him.
8. 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 money ^^to buy lands for the good of the
a, see ;', Sec. 10. b, see q, Sec. 42. c, 58: 57. 84: 3 — 5,
31, d, see q, Sec. 42. Also b, Sec. 48. e, 38: 16—20.
See b, Sec. 25. /, 53: 4. 57: 8—10, 14, 15. g, 41: 9—11. 42:
30—39, 71—73. Sec. 51. 58: 17, 18. A, see b, Sec. 48.
216 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVII.
saints, and that he may obtain whatsoever things
the disciples may need to plant them in their inheri-
tance.
9. And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain
a license — (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 service,
10. And thus provide for my saints, that my gospel
may be preached unto those %ho sit in darkness, and
in the region and shadow of death.
11. And again, verily I say unto you, let my ser-
vant William W. Phelps be planted in this place, and
be established as a printer unto the church ;
12. And lo, if the world receiveth his writings —
(behold here is wisdom) — let him obtain whatsoever
he can obtain in righteousness, tor the good of the
saints.
13. And let my servant Oliver Cowdery, assist him,
even as I have commanded, in whatsoever place I shall
appoint unto him, to copy, and to correct, and select,
that all things may be right before me, as it shall be
proved by the Spirit through him.
14. 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.
15. And now concerning the gathering. Let the
bishop and the agent make preparations for those
families which have been commanded to come to this
land, as soon as possible, and plant them in their in-
heritance.
16. And unto the residue of both elders and
members, further directions shall be given hereafter.
Even so. Amen.
i, the Lamanites. j, the Lamanites. k, see b, Sec. 25.
SEC. LVlIi.] COMMANDMENTS. 217
SECTION 58.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in
Jackson County, Missouri, August 1st, 1881.
1. Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give
ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concern -
ingyou, andalso concerning this land unto whichi have
sent you :
2. For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that
keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in
death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the re-
ward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for
the present time, the design of your God concerning
those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory
which shall follow after much tribulation.
4. For after ^much tribulation cometh the bless-
ings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be
crowned with much glory ; the hour is not yet, but is
nigh at hand.
5. Remember this, which I tell you before, that
you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall
follow.
6. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I
have sent you that you might be obedient, and that
your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the
things which are to come ;
7. And also that you might be honored of laying
the foundation, and of bearing record of the land upon
which the ^^Zion of God shall stand ;
8. And also that a feast of fat things might be pre-
pared for the poor ; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine
on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that
the mouths of the prophets shall not fail ;
a, 103: 11—14. b, see g.Sec. 42.
218 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVIII.
9. Yea a supper of the house of the Lord, well pre-
pared, unto which all nations shall be invited.
10. Firstly, the rich and the learned, the wise and
the noble ;
11. And after that cometh the May of my power :
then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the
deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and par-
take of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great
day to come.
12. Behold, I, the Lord, have spoken it.
13. And that the testimony might go forth from
^Zion, yea, from the mouth of the city of the heritage
of God :
14. 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 ;
15. But if he repent not of his sins, which are un-
belief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he
fall.
16. Behold his mission is given unto him, and it
shall not be given again.
17. And whoso standeth in his mission is appointed
to be a ^judge in Israel, like as it was in ancient days,
to divide the lands of the heritage of God unto his
children,
18. And to judge his people by the testimony of the
just, and by the assistance of his counselors, according
to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the
prophets of God ;
1 9 . For verily I say unto you , my law shall be kept
on this land.
20. Let no man think he is ruler, but let God rule
him that judgeth, according to the counsel of his own
will ; or, in other words, him that counseleth or sitteth
upon the judgment seat.
c, 90: 9— 11. Luke 14: 16— 24. (^, see g, Sec. 42, g, ver. 18.
64: 40. 107: 72—74,
SEC. LVllI.] COMMANDMENTS. 219
21. Let no man %reak the laws of the land, for he
that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break
the laws of the land :
22. Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be,
until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues
all enemies under his feet.
23. 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.
24. And now as I spake concerning my servant
Edward Partridge, this land is the land of his residence,
and those whom he has appointed for his counselors.
And also the land of the residence of him whom I have
appointed to keep my store-house;
25. Wherefore let them bring their families to this
land, as they shall counsel between themselves and me :
26. For behold, it is not meet that I should com-
mand in all things, for he that is compelled in all things,
the same is a slothful and not a wise servant ; where-
fore he receiveth no reward.
27. 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 ;
28. For the power is in them, wherein they are
agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good
they shall in no wise lose their reward.
29. But he that doeth not anything until he is
commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubt-
ful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is
damned.
30. Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that
will hold him guiltless that obeys not my command-
ments?
31. Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised
and have not fulfilled?
f, the Constitutional laws of the U. S. A. 98: 4—15. 101:
76—80. g, vers. 28, 29.
8
220 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVIII.
32. I command and a man obeys not, I revoke and
they receive not the blessing ;
33. 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.
34. And now I give unto you further directions
concerning this land.
35. It is wisdom in me that my servant Martin
Harris should be an example unto the church, in ^^aying
his monies before the bishop of the church.
36. And also, this is a 4aw unto every man that
Cometh unto this land, to receive an inheritance ; and
he shall do with his monies according as the law directs.
37. 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.
38. And other directions concerning my servant
Martin Harris shall be given him of the Spirit, that he
may receive his inheritance as seemeth him good.
39. And let him repent of his sins, for he seeketh
the praise of the world.
40. And also let my servant William W. Phelps
stand in the ofiice which I have appointed him, and
receive his inheritance in the land ;
4 1 . And also he hath need to repent, for I, the Lord,
am not well pleased with him, for he seeketh to excel,
and he is not sufficiently meek before me.
42. Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the
same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remembereth them
no more.
43. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his
sins. Behold, he will ^confess them and forsake them.
44. 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 inheritance in
A, see n, Sec. 42. i, see n, Sec. 42. j, 42: 25.
SEC. LVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 221
this land, except they desire it through the prayer of
faith, only as it shall be appointed unto them of the Lord.
45. For, behold, they shall '^push the people together
from the ends of the earth ;
46. Wherefore, assemble yourselves together, and
they who are not appointed to stay in this land, let
them preach the gospel in the regions round about, and
after that let them return to their homes.
4 7. Let them jDreach by the way, and bear testi-
mony of the truth in all places, and call upon the rich,
the high and the low, and the poor to repent ;
48. And let them build up churches inasmuch as
the inhabitants of the earth will repent.
49. And let there be an agent appointed by the
voice of the church, unto the church in Ohio, to receive
monies to 'purchase lands inZion.
50. And I give unto my servant, Sidney Rigdon,
a commandment that he shall write a description of the
land of Ziou, and a statement of the will of God, as it
shall be made known by the Spirit unto him ;
51. And an epistle and subscription, to be presented
unto all the churches to obtain monies, to be put into
the hands of the bishop to "^purchase lands for an in-
heritance for the children of God, of himself or the agent,
as seemeth him good or as he shall direct.
52. 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.
53. Behold, here is wisdom. Let them do this lest
they receive ^none inheritance, save it be by the shed-
ding of blood.
54. And again, inasmuch as there is land obtained,
let there be workmen sent forth of all kinds unto this
land, to labor for the saints of God.
k, 58: 45. Deut. 33: 17. I, see q, Sec. 42. m, see q,
Sec. 42. n, 63: 27—31.
222 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LVIII.
55. Let 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 ;
56. And let the work of the ^gathering be not in
haste, nor by flight, but let it be done as it shall be
counseled by the elders of the church at the confer-
ences, according to the knowledge which they receive
from time to time.
57. And let my servant Sidney Rigdon ^consecrate
and dedicate this land, and the spot of the temple unto
the Lord.
58. And let a conference meeting be called, and
after that let my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph
Smith, jun., return, and also Oliver Cowdery with
them, to accomplish the residue of the work which I
have appointed unto them in their own land, and the
residue as shall be ruled by the conferences.
59. And let no man return from this land, except
he bear record by the way of that which he knows and
most assuredly believes.
60. Let that which has been bestowed upon 'iZiba
Peterson be taken from him ; and let him stand as a
member in the church, and labor with his own hands,
with the brethren, until he is sufficiently chastened for
all his sins, for he confesseth them not, and he thinketh
to hide them.
61. Let the residue of the elders of this church,
who are .coming to this land, some of whom are exceed-
ingly blessed even above measure, also hold a confer-
ence upon this land.
62. And let my servant Edward Partridge direct
the conference which shall be held by them.
63. And let them also return, preaching the gospel
by the way, bearing record of the things which are re-
vealed unto them ;
64. For, verily, the sound must go forth from this
0, see ;, Sec. 10. p, 84: 3, 4. q, 32: 3.
SEC. LIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 223
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.
65. And behold the ^Son of man cometh. Amen.
SECTION 59.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in Zion, in
Jackson County, Missouri, August 7th, 1831.
1. Behold, blessed, saith the Lord, are they who
have come up unto this land with an eye single to my
glory, according to my commandments ;
2. 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 of my Father, which I have prepared
for them ;
3. Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the
land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they
shall receive for their reward the good things of the
earth ; and it shall bring forth in its strength ;
4. And they shall also be crowned with blessings
from above, yea, and with commandments not a few ;
and with revelations in their time : they that are faith -
ful and diligent before me.
5. Wherefore I give unto them a commandment,
saying thus ; ''Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength ;
and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
6. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Thou
r, see h, Sec. 18. s, see e, Sec. 1.
a, 76: 111. 81: 6. 98 : 18. 106: 8. Enos 1: 27. Ether 12:
32—34. b, 42: 29. Deut. 6: 5.
224 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIX.
shalt not steal ; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor
do anything like unto it.
7. Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
8. Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy
God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and
a contrite spirit.
9. And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself
unspotted from the world, thou shalt ^go to the house
of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day ;
10. For verily this is a day appointed unto you to
rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto
the Most High ;
11. J^evertheless thy vows shall be offered up in
righteousness on all days and at all times ;
12. But remember that on this the ^Lord's day,
thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto
the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren,
and before the Lord.
13. And on this day thou shalt do none other thing,
only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart
that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that
thy joy may be full.
14. Verily, this is fasting and prayer; or in other
words, rejoicing and prayer.
15. And inasmuch as ye do these things with
thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances ;
not with ^much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad
heart and a cheerful countenance ;
16. Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the
fullness of the earth is yours : the beasts of the field
and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon
the trees and walketh upon the earth ;
17. Yea, and the herb, and the good things which
Cometh of the earth, whether for food or for raiment,
or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gar-
dens, or for vineyards ;
c, G8: 29. Alma 1: 26, 27. d, 68: 29. e, 88: 69, 121.
SEC. LX.] COMMANDMENTS. 225
18. Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the
season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of
man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;
19. Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for
smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
20. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all
these things unto man ; for unto this end were they
made to be used with judgment, not to excess, neither
by extortion :
2 1 . And in nothing doth man offend God, or against
none is his wrath kindled, save those *who confess not
his hand in all things, and obey not his command-
ments.
22. Behold, this is according to the law and the
prophets : wherefore, trouble me no more concerning
this matter,
23 . But learn that he who doeth the works of right-
eousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this
world, and eternal life in the world to come.
24. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and the Spirit
beareth record. Amen.
SECTION 60.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in Jackson
County, Missouri, August 8th, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto the elders of
his church, who are to return speedily to the land from
whence they came. Behold, it pleaseth me, that you
have come up hither ;
2. But with some I am not well pleased, for they
will not open their mouths, but hide the talent which I
/, Job 1: 21. 2: 10.
226 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LX.
have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo
unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.
3. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more
faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that
which they have ;
4. For I, the Lord, rule 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.
5. 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, as seemeth you
good, it mattereth not unto me, and take your journey
speedily for the place which is called St. Louis.
6. And from thence let my servants Sidney Rigdon,
and Joseph Smith, jr., and Oliver Cowdery, take their
journey for Cincinnati ;
7 . 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.
8. And let the residue take their journey from St.
Louis, two by two, and preach the word, not in haste,
among the congregations of the wicked, until they
return to the churches from whence they came.
9. And all this for the good of the churches; for
this intent have I sent them.
10. 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 ;
11. 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.
12. And now I speak of the residue who are to
come unto this land.
13. Behold, they have been sent to preach my
a, 101 : 3,
SEC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 227
gospel among the congregations of the wicked ; where-
fore, I give unto them a commandment thus : Thou
shalt not ^idle away any time, neither shalt thou ^bury
thy talent that it may not be known.
14. And after thou hast come up unto the land of
Zion, and hast proclaimed my word, thou shalt speedily
return, proclaiming my word among the congregations
of the wicked, not in haste, neither in wrath nor with
strife ;
15. 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.
16. Behold, this is sufficient for you, and the will
of him who hath sent you.
17. And by the mouth of my servant Joseph Smith,
jun., it shall be made known concerning Sidney Rig-
don and Oliver Cowdery. The residue hereafter. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 61.
Revelation gweji through Joseph, the Seer, on the hank
of the Missouri river, Mcllujair' s Bend, August
12th, 1831.
1. Behold and hearken unto the voice of him who
has all power, who is from ^everlasting to everlasting,
even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
2. Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, O
ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this
b, see u, Sec. 42. e, vers. 2—4. d, 75 : 20. 84 : 92—95.
88 : 138—141. 99 : 4.
a, see a, Sec. 39.
228 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXI.
spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I, the Lord,
forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess
their sins with humble hearts ;
3. But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful
for this whole company of mine elders to be moving
swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either
side are perishing in unbelief ;
4. Nevertheless, I suffered it that ye might bear
record ; behold, there are many dangers upon the
waters, and more especially hereafter ;
5. For I, the Lord, have decreed in mine anger,
many destructions upon the waters ; yea, and especially
upon these waters ;
6. Nevertheless, all flesh is in mine hand, and he
that is faithful among you shall not perish by the
waters.
7. Wherefore it is expedient that my servant Sidney
Gilbert, and my servant William W. Phelps, be in haste
upon their errand and mission ;
8. 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 ;
9. But now, verily I say, it behoveth me that ye
should part, wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert
and William W. Phelps take their former company,
and let them take their journey in haste that they may
fill their mission, and through faith they shall over-
come ;
10. And inasmuch as they are faithful they shall
be preserved, and I, the Lord, will be with them.
11. And let the residue take that which is needful
for clothing.
12. Let my servant Sidney Gilbert take that which
is not needful with him, as you shall agree.
13. 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.
SEC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 229
14. Behold, I, the Lord, in the beginning blessed
the waters, but in the last days, by the mouth of my
servant John, I ^cursed the waters ;
15. Wherefore, the days will come that no flesh
shall be safe upon the waters,
16. 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.
17. And, as I, the Lord, in the beginning cursed
the land, even so in the last days have I blessed it, in
its time, for the use of my saints, that they may par-
take the fatness thereof.
18. And now I give unto you a commandment that
what I say unto one I say unto all, that you shall fore-
warn your brethren concerning ^these waters, that they
come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail
and they are caught in snares ;
19. I, the Lord, have decreed, and the destroyer
rideth upon the face thereof, and 1 revoke not the
decree ;
20. I, the Lord, was angry with you yesterday, but
to-day mine anger is turned away.
21. Wherefore, let those concerning whom I have
spoken, that should take their journey in haste ; again
I say unto you, let them take their journey in haste,
22. And it mattereth not unto me, after a little, if
it so be that they fill their mission, whether they go
by water or by land ; let this be as it is made known
unto them according to their judgments hereafter.
23. And now, concerning my servants Sidney Rig-
don, and Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, let
them come not again upon the waters, save it be upon the
canal, while journeying unto their homes, or in other
words they shall not come upon the waters to journey,
save upon the canal.
24. Behold, I, the Lord, have appointed away for
b, vers. 15, 16, 18, 19. c, the Missouri river.
230 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXI.
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
and go up unto the land of Zion ;
25. And they shall do like unto the children of
Israel, pitching their teuts by the way.
26. And, behold, this commandment you shall give
unto all your brethren ;
27. ISTevertheless unto whom it is given power to
command the waters, unto him it is given by the Spirit
to know all his ways ;
28. Wherefore let him do as the Spirit of the living
God commandeth him, whether upon the land or upon
the waters, as it remaineth with me to do hereafter ;
29. 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.
30. And again, verily I say unto you, my servants
Sidney Eigdon, and Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver
Cowdery, shall not open their mouths in the congrega-
tions of the wicked, until they arrive at Cincinnati;
31. And in that place they shall lift up their voices
unto God against that people ; yea unto him whose
anger is kindled against their wickedness ; a people
who were well nigh ripened for destruction ;
32. And from thence let them journey for the con-
gregations of their brethren, for their labors even now,
are wanted more abundantly among them, than among
the congregations of the wicked.
33. And now concerning the residue, let them
journey and declare the word among the congregations
of the wicked, inasmuch as it is given ;
34. And inasmuch as they do this, they shall rid
their garments, and they shall be spotless before me ;
35. And let them journey together, or two by two,
as seemeth them good, only let my servant Reynolds
Cahoon, and my servant Samuel H. Smith, with whom
SEC. LXH.] COMMANDMENTS. 231
<
I am well pleased, be not separated until they return
to their homes, and this for a wise purpose in me.
36. And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say
unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer little chil-
dren, for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken
you;
37. And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves
before me, the blessings of the ^kingdom are yours.
38. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be
sober, looking forth for the ^coming of the Son of Man,
for he cometli in an hour you think not.
39. Pray always that you enter not into temptation,
that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in
life or in death. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 62.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the hank
of the Missouri river, August 13th, 1831.
1. Behold, and hearken O ye elders of my church,
saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your ^ad-
vocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to
succor them who are tempted ;
2. And verily mine eyes are upon those who have
not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion ; wherefore
your mission is not yet full ;
3. 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.
d, see X, Sec. 35. e, see e, Sec. 1.
a, 45: 3 — 5,
232 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII.
4. And now continue your journey. Assemble
yourselves upon the ^land of Zion, and hold a meeting
and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the
Most High ;
5. And then you may return to bear record, yea,
even altogether, or two by two, as seemeth you good ;
itmatterethnot unto me, only be faithful, and declare
glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among
the congregations of the wicked.
6. Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you together
that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful
among you should be preserved and rejoice together in
the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promised the faith-
ful and cannot lie.
7. I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you
desireth to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in
chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it
from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in
all things.
8. These things remain with you to do according
to judgment and the directions of the Spirit.
9. Behold, the ^kingdom is yours. And behold,
and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so.
Amen.
SECTION 63.
Revelation given througJi Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtlancl,
about the last of August, 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
and his will concerning you :
h, see q, Sec. 42. c, see x, Sec. 35.
Sec. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 233
2. Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose
anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious ;
3. Who willeth to take even them whom he will
take, and preserveth in life them whom he will pre-
serve ;
4. Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure;
and destroy eth when he pleases, and is able to cast the
soul down to hell.
5. Behold, I, the Lord, utter my voice, and it shall
be obeyed.
6. Wherefore, verily I say, let the wicked take
heed, and let the rebellious fear and tremble ; and let
the unbelieving hold their lips, ''for the day of wrath
shall come upon them as a whirlwind, and all flesh
shall know that I am God.
7. And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but
not unto salvation.
8. Verily, I say unto you, there are those among
you who seek signs, and there have been such even
from the beginning ;
9. But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs
ff>^ w those that believe.
0. Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of
men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
11. Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works,
for without faith no man pleaseth God : and with whom
God is angry he is not well pleased ; wherefore, unto
such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their
condemnation.
12. Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with
those among you who have sought after signs and won-
ders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my
glory ;
13. Nevertheless, I give commandments, and many
have turned away from my commandments and have
not kept them.
a, see/ and g, Sec. 1.
234 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXIII.
14. 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.
15. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judg-
ment shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly
shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow
them in the eyes of the people.
16. And, verily, I say unto you, as I have said
before, 4ie that looketh on a woman to lust after her,
or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they
shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and
shall fear ;
17. Wherefore I, the Lord, have *^said that the
fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whoso-
ever 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.
18. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in
the ^first resurrection.
19. And now, behold, I, the Lord, say unto you,
that ye are not justified because these things are
among you ;
20. Nevertheless he that endureth in faith and
doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall re-
ceive an ^inheritance upon the earth when the day of
transfiguration shall come ;
21. When the earth shall be transfigured, even
according to the pattern which was shown unto mine
apostles upon the mount ; of which account the fullness
ye have not yet received.
22. And now, verily, I say unto you, that as I said
that I would make known my will unto you, behold I
will make it known unto you, not by the way of com-
b, see m, Sec. 42. c, see m, Sec, 42. d, ver. 18. Eev. 21:8.
e, ver. 17. Rev. 20: 6. /, see b, Sec. 25.
SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 235
mandment, for there are many who observe not to keep
my commandments ;
23. But unto him that keepeth my commandments,
I will give the ^mysteries of my kingdom, and the same
shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto
everlasting life.
24. And now, behold, this is the will of the Lord
your God concerning his saints, that they should as-
semble themselves together unto the ^land of Zion, not
in haste, lest there should be confusion, which bringeth
pestilence.
25. Behold, the land of Zion, I, the Lord, holdeth
it in mine own hands ;
26. Nevertheless, I, the Lord, rendereth unto Caesar
the things which are Caesar's :
27. Wherefore, I the Lord, willeth that you should
^purchase the lands that you may have advantage of
the world, that you may have claim on the world, that
they may not be stirred up unto anger ;
28. For Satan putteth it into their hearts to anger
against you, and to the shedding of blood;
29. Wherefore the land of Zion shall not be ob-
tained but by ^purchase or by blood, otherwise there is
none inheritance for you.
30. And if by purchase, behold you are blessed ;
31. And if by blood, as you are forbidden to shed
blood, lo, your enemies are upon you, and ^ye shall be
scourged from city to city, and from synagogue to syna-
gogue, and but^few shall stand to receive an inheritance.
32. I, the Lord, am angry with the wicked ; I am
holding my Spirit from the inhabitants of the earth.
33. I have sworn in my wrath, and 'decreed wars
upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay
the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man.
g, see 2e, Sec. 42. h, see q, Sec. 42. i, see q, Sec. 42. /, vers.
30,31. 58: 53. 101: 70—75. /t, 84: 58. 97: 26. 112: 24—26.
I, see /, Sec. 1.
236 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII.
34. And the saints also shall hardly escape ; never-
theless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will ™come
down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and
consume the wicked with "unquenchable tire.
35. And behold, this is not yet, but by and by ;
36. Wherefore, seeing that I, the Lord, have decreed
all these things upon the face of the earth, I will that
my saints should be assembled upon the land of Zion ;
37. And that every man should take righteousness
in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins, and lift a
warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth ; and
declare both by word and by flight, that ^'desolation
shall come upon the wicked.
38. Wherefore let my disciples in Kirtland arrange
their temporal concerns, which dwell upon this farm.
39. Let my servant Titus Billings, who has the
care thereof, dispose of the land, that he may be pre-
pared in the coming spring to take his journey up unto
the land of Zion, with those that dwell upon the face
thereof, excepting those whom I shall reserve unto my-
self, that shall not go until I shall command them.
40. And let all the monies which can be spared, it
mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, be
sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I
have ^appointed to receive.
41. Behold, I, the Lord, will give unto my servant
Joseph Smith, jun., 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.
42. Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his
store, or in other words, the store yet for a little season.
43. Nevertheless let him impart all the money
which he can impart, to be sent up unto the land of
Zion.
m, see e, Sec. 1. n, ver. 64. 19 : 6 — 16. 76 : 44 — 49. o, see /
and ^, Sec. 1. jo, 52 : 6—9.
SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 237
44. Behold, these things are in his own hands, let
him do according to wisdom.
45. Yerily 1 say, let him be ordained as an agent
unto the disciples that shall tarry, and let him be or-
dained unto this power ;
46. And now speedily visit the churches, expound-
ing these things unto them, with my servant Oliver
Cowdery. Behold, this is my will, obtaining monies
even as I have directed. •
47. He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome
the world.
48. 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 :
49. Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the
Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and
old things shall pass away, and all things become new,
they shall ^rise from the dead and shall not ^die after,
and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the
holy city.
50. And he that liveth when the Lord shall come,
and has kept the faith, blessed is he ; nevertheless it is
appointed to him to die at the age of man ;
5 1 . Wherefore children shall grow up until they be-
come old, ^old men shall die ; but they shall not "sleep
in the dust, but they shall be ^changed in the twinkling
of an eye :
52. Wherefore for this cause preached the apostles
unto the world the resurrection of the dead ;
53. These things are the things that ye must look
for, and speaking after the manner of the Lord, they
are now nigh at hand ; and in a time to come, even in
the day of the "^^'coming of the Son of Man.
54 . And until that hour there will be foolish virgins
q, vers. 40, 43. r, see 7n, Sec. 29. s, Alma 11: 45. 12: 18,
20. 88:116. Rev. 21:4. ^,101:30. Isa. 65: 20— 22, w^ 88;
116. 101:31. y, 101:31. ■m;, see e. Sec. 1,
238 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII.
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 unquenchable fire.
55. 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 coun-
sel but grieved the Spirit ;
56. 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.
57. And again, verily I say unto you, those who
desire in their hearts, in meekness, to warn sinners to
repentance, let them be ordained unto this power ;
58. For this is the day of warning, and not a day of
many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in
the last days.
59. Behold, I am from above, and my power lieth
beneath. I am over all, and in all, and through all,
and search all things, and the day cometh that all
things shall be subject unto me.
60. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus
Christ.
61. Wherefore let all men beware how they take
my name in their lips ;
62. For, behold, verily I say, that many there be
who are under this condemnation, who use the name of
the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.
6 3 . Wherefore let the church repent of their sins , and
I, the Lord , will own them, otherwise they shall be cut off.
64. Remember that that which cometh from above
is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by con-
straint of the Spirit, and in this there is no condemna-
tion, and ye ''receive the Spirit through prayer ; where-
fore, without this there remaineth condemnation.
X, see g, Sec, 1, y, ver. 31. z, ver. 65. 42 : 14.
SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 239
65. Let my servants Joseph Smith, jun. , and Sidney
Kigdon, seek them a home, as they are taught through
prayer by the Spirit.
66. These things remain to overcome through
patience, that such may receive a more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory, otherwise, a greater condem-
nation. Amen.
SECTION 64.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland,
September 11th, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you,
O ye elders of my church, hearken ye and hear, and
receive my will concerning you ;
2. For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should
overcome the world ; wherefore I will have compassion
upon you.
3. There are those among you who have sinned;
but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and
for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins.
4. I will be merciful unto you, for I have ^given
unto you the kingdom :
5 . And the ^^keys of the mysteries of the kingdom
shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, jun.,
through the means I have appointed, while he liveth,
inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances.
6 . There are those who have sought occasion against
him without cause ;
7. Nevertheless he has sinned, but verily I say unto
you, I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who ^confess
a, see x, Sec. 35. h, see b, Sec. 28. c, 42 : 25. 58 : 42, 43.
240 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV.
their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not
sinned unto death.
8. My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion
against one another, and forgave not one another in
their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and
sorely chastened :
9. Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to for-
give one another, for he that ^forgiveth not his brother
his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord,
for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive,
but of you it is required to ^forgive all men ;
11. And ye ought to say in your hearts, let God
judge between me and thee, and reward thee according
to thy deeds.
12. And he that *repenteth not of his sins, and
confesseth them not, then ye shall bring him before
the church, and do with him as the Scripture saith
unto you, either by commandment or by revelation.
13. And this ye shall do that God may be glorified,
not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but
that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that
ye may not offend him who is your Lawgiver.
14. Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these
things.
15. Behold, I, the Lord, was angry with him who
was my servant Ezra Booth, and also my servant Isaac
Morley, for they kept not the law, neither the com-
mandment ;
16. 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.
17. And also my servant Edward Partridge, be-
hold, he hath sinned, and Satan seeketh to destroy his
d, vers. 10—14. 98: 39, 40. iii. Nej). 12: 23, 24. 13: 14, 15.
e, 98 : 40. /, 42 : 80—83.
SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 241
sonl ; but when these things are made known unto
them, and they repent of the evil, they shall be forgiven.
18. And now, verily I say, that it is expedient in
me that my servant Sidney Gilbert, after a few weeks,
should return upon his business, and to his agency in
the land of Zion ;
19. And that which he hath seen and heard may
be made known unto my disciples, that they perish not.
And for this cause have I spoken these things.
20. And again, I say unto you, that my servant
Isaac Morley may not be tempted above that which he
is able to bear, and counsel wrongfully to your hurt, I
gave commandment that his farm should be sold.
21.1 will not that my servant Frederick G. Williams
should sell his farm, for I, the Lord, will 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 ;
22. And after that day, I, the Lord, will not hold
any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the
land of Zion ; for I the Lord, require the hearts of the
children of men.
23. Behold, now it is called ^to-day (until the com-
ing of the Son of man), and verily it is a day of sac-
rifice, and a day for the tithing of my people ; for he
that is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming) ;
24. For after to-day cometh the ^^burning : this is
speaking after the manner of the Lord ; for verily I
say, to-morrow all the proud and they that do wickedly
shall be as stubble ; and I will burn them up, for I am
the Lord of hosts : and I will ^not spare any that re-
main in Babylon.
25. Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while
it is called to-day.
^, vers. 24, 25. 85:3—5,9. 97:12. 119:1—7. Psalm 95: 7.
Heb. 3: 7, 15. 4: 7. h, ver. 23. 29: 21. 45: 57. 63: 34, 54. 76: 105.
88:94. 101:23—25. 133:40,41,64. Psalm 50: 3. Isa. 24: 6. Isa.
66: 15, 16. i, see i, Sec. 1.
242 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV.
26. 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.
27. Behold, it is said in my laws, or forbidden, to
get in debt to thine enemies ;
28. But behold it is not said at any time, that the
Lord should not take when he please, and pay as seem-
eth him good :
29. Wherefore as ye are agents, and ye are on the
Lord's errand; and whatever ye do according to the
will of the Lord, is the Lord's business,
30. And he hath set you to providefor his saints in
these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in
the land of Zion :
31. And behold, 1, the Lord, declare unto you, and
my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall
obtain it ;
3 2 . But all things must come to pass in their time ;
33. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye
are laying thejfoundation of a great work. And out
of small things proceedeth that which is great.
34. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a
willing mind ; and the ^willing and obedient shall eat
the good of the land of Zion in these last days ;
35. And the rebellious shall be cut off out of the
land of Zion, and shall be 'sent away, and shall not in-
herit the land :
36. For, verily, I say that the rebellious are "not
of the blood of Ephraim, wherefore they shall be
plucked out.
37. Behold, I, the Lord, have made "my church in
these last days like unto a judge sitting on a hill, or in
a ^high place, to judge the nations ;
j, Isa. 60: 22. k, Isa. 1: 19. /, 41: 5. 42: 37. 50:
8, 9. 66: 1. 63: 27—31. 97: 6, 7. 104: 4—9. m, see I. n,
see a, Sec. 1. o, see v, Sec. 35.
SEC. LXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 243
38. For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of
Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion ;
39. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by
them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall
be known.
40. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his
counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships,
shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their
stead ;
41. For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall
flourish, and the Pglory of the Lord shall be upon her,
42. And she shall be an ^ensign unto the people,
and there shall come unto her out of every nation
under heaven.
43. And the day shall come when the nations of
the earth shall '^'tremble because of her, and shall fear
because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken
it. Amen.
SECTION 65,
Revelation on Prayer^ given through Joseph^ the Seer,
at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, in the forepart of
October, 1831.
1. Hearken, and lo, 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 mien —
^Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight.
]}, 124: 6,9,11. See 36, Sec. 45. 9,115:5,6. See i. Sec.
45. r, 45: 67, 70, 74. 97: 18, 24. 105: 31, 32. See e, Sec. 1.
a, 44:4, 5. 45:9,43,44,56—58. 58:9. 88:92. 133:7—17.
See e, Sec. 1.
244 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVI.
2. 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 filled the whole earth ;
3. Yea, a voice crying— ^Prepare ye the way of the
Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready
for the Bridegroom ;
4. Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name,
make known ^his wonderful works among the people ;
5. 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 heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to
meet the kingdom of God which is ^set up on the
earth ;
6. Wherefore may the kingdom of God go forth,
that the ^^kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O
God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thy
enemies may be subdued ; for thine is the honor, power
and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
SECTION 66
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, October 25th, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant
William E. M'Lellin, Blessed are you, inasmuch as you
have turned away from your iniquities, and have re-
h, see X, Sec. 35. c, see m, Sec. 60. d, see e, Sec. 1 .
c, see a, Sec. 4. /, see e, Sec. 1. g, see vi, Sec. 50. h, 84:
94—102. 88:95—98. See e, Sec. 1. '
SEC. LXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 245
ceived my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the
Savior of the world, even of as many as believe on my
name.
2. Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiv-
ing mine ^everlasting covenant, even the ^fullness 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.
3. Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that
you are clean, but not all ; repent, therefore of those
things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the
Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you.
4. And now, verily, I, the Lord, will show unto
you what I will concerning you, or what is my will
concerning you ;
5. Behold, verily I say unto you, that it is my will
that you should proclaim my gospel from land to land,
and from city to city ; yea, in those regions round
about where it has not been proclaimed.
6. Tarry not many days in this place; go not up
unto the land of Zion as yet ; but inasmuch as you can
send, send ; otherwise, think not of thy property.
7. Go unto the eastern lands, bear testimony in
every place, unto every people, in their synagogues,
reasoning with the people.
8. 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 1, the Lord, will go with you.
' 9. ^Lay your 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 opened unto you.
10. Seek not to be cumbered. Forsake all unright-
a, see A;, Sec. 1. h, see h, Sec. 18. c, see z, Sec. 42.
246 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVII.
eousness. Cominit not adultery, a temptation with
which thou hast been troubled.
11. Keep these sayings, for they are true and faith-
ful, and thou shalt magnify thine office, and push
many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy
upon their heads.
12. 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.
13. Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your
Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
SECTION 67,
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram,
Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831.
1. Behold and hearken, O ye elders of my church,
who have assembled yourselves together, whose prayers
I have heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose
desires have come up before me.
2. 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.
3. Ye endeavored to believe that ye should re-
ceive the blessing which was offered unto you ; but
behold, verily, I say unto you, there were fears in your
hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not
receive.
4. And now I, the Lord, give unto you a testi-
mony of the truth of these commandments which are
lying before you ;
SEC. LXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 247
5. Your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph
Smith, jun., and his language you have known, and his
imperfections you have known ; and you have sought
in your hearts knowledge that you might express
beyond his language, this you also know ;
6. Now seek ye out of the book of commandments,
even the least that is among them, and appoint him
that is the most wise among you ;
7. Or, if there be any among you, that shall make
one like unto it, then ye are Justified in saying that ye
do not know that they are true ;
8. But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are
under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they
are true ;
9. For ye know that there is ^no unrighteousness
in them, and that which is righteous cometh down
from above, from the Father of lights.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, that it is
your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that
have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch
as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and
humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently
humble, the vail shall be rent and you shall ^see me
and know that I AM ; not with the carnal, neither
natural mind, but with the spiritual ;
11. For no man has seen God at any time in the
flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God ;
12. Neither can any natural man abide in the pre-
sence of God ; neither after the carnal mind ;
13. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God
now, neither the ministering of angels ; wherefore
continue in patience until ye are perfected.
14. 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, jun. Amen.
a, 50: 23, 24. 84: 45—47. 88: 40, 41, 49, 66, 67. b, see o, Sec. 50.
248 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXVIII.
SECTION 68.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram,
Portage Co., Ohio, November, 18 31, to Orson Hyde,
Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, a,nd William E.
M'Lellin. The mind and will of the Lord, as made
known by the voice of the Spirit, to a conference con-
cerning certain elders, and also certain items as
made known in addition to the covenants and com-
mandments.
1. My servant, Orson Hyde, was called by his ordi-
nance to proclaim the ^everlasting gospel, by the Spirit
of the living God, from people to people, and from land
to land, in the congregations of the wicked, in their
synagogues, reasoning with, and expounding all Scrip-
tures unto them.
2. And, behold, and lo, this is an ensample unto all
those who are ordained unto the Priesthood, whose
mission is appointed unto them to go forth ;
3. And this is the ensample unto them, that they
shall speak as they are ''moved upon by the Holy
Ghost,
4. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved
upon by the Holy Ghost, shall be scripture, 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:
5. Behold this is the promise of the Lord unto you,
0 ye my servants ;
6. Wherefore be of good cheer, and do not fear, for
1 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 am to come.
a, see 6, Sec. 18. 6,18:32. 34:10. 42:16.
SEC. LXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 249
7. This is the word of the Lord unto you my ser-
vant, Orson Hyde, and also unto my servant Luke
Johnson, and unto my servant Lyman Johnson, and
unto my servant William E. M'Lellin, and unto all the
faithful elders of my church.
8. ^Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to
every creature, acting in the authority which I have
given you, ^baptizing in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ;
9. And *^he that believeth and is baptized, shall be
saved, and he that believeth %ot shall be damned ;
10. And he tht believeth shall be blest with signs
following, even as it is written ;
11. 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 ;
12. And of as many as the Father shall bear record,
to 3^ou shall it be given power to ^seal them up unto
eternal life. Amen.
13. And now concerning the item sin addition to
the covenants and commandments, they are these : —
14. There remaineth hereafter, in the due time of
the Lord, other bishops to be set apart unto the church,
to minister even according to the first ;
15. Wherefore they shall be ^High Priests who are
worthy, and they shall be appointed by the^First Presi-
dency of the Melchisedek Priesthood, except they be
literal descendants of Aaron,
16. And if they be ^^literal descendants of Aaron,
they have a legal right to the bishopric, if they are
the 'firstborn among the sons of Aaron ;
c, see b, Sec. 1. d, see I, Sec. 5. e, see q, Sec. 20. /, 76:
84, 85, 102—106. 84: 74, 75. g, see e, Sec. 1. h, see d, Sec. 1.
i, 20: 67. 68:19. 78:15,19. 81:1,2. 84:6—42. Sec. 102. Sec.
107. 112: 30. 132: 45, 46. Sec. 124: 123—145. j, 68: 19—23.
81: 2. 102: 1, 3, 8—11, 19, 20, 23, 26, 27, 33. 107: 9, 17, 22, 24, 29,
33,36,64—68,76—84,91,92. 112:15,17,20. 115:15. Sec. 120.
124: 123—126. k, 20:66,67. 41: 9. 42: 10.31—34, 71, 73,82.
46: 27. Sec. 51. 57: 7, 15. 58: 24. 60: 10. 64: 17. 68: 14—24.
70:7—14. Sec. 72. 84:112—114. 85:1. 93:50. 107:15—17,68
—78,82,88. 117:11. Sec. 120. 124:141. ^, 84: 18, 26, 27, 30.
107: 13, 16, 70,76.
250 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVIII.
17. For the firstborn holds the right of the presi-
dency over this priesthood, and the ™keys or authority
of the same.
18. No man has a legal right to this office to hold
the keys of this priesthood, except he be a ^literal de-
scendant and the firstborn of Aaron ;
19. But as a ^High Priest of the Melchisedek
Priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser
offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no
literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he
is called, and set apart and ordained unto this power
under the hands of the ^First Presidency of the Mel-
chisedek Priesthood.
20. And a *^literal descendant of Aaron, also, must
be designated by this ^Presidency, and found worthy,
and ^anointed, and ordained under the hands of this
Presidency, otherwise they are not legally authorized to
officiate in their priesthood ;
21. But by virtue of the decree concerning their
right of the priesthood descending from father to son,
they may claim their %nointing, if at any time they
can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by revelation
from the Lord "under the hands of the above named
Presidency.
22. And again, no bishop or High Priest who shall
be set apart for this ministry, shall be tried or con-
demned for any crime, save it be before the ^First Presi-
dency of the church ;
23. And inasmuch as he is found guilty before this
Presidency, by testimony that cannot be impeached, he
shall be condemned ;
24. And if he repents he shall be ^^'forgiven, ac-
cording to the covenants and commandments of the
church.
25. And again, inasmuch as parents have children
m, 15, 16, 18. See Ic. n, see /. o, see i. p, see ;.
g,seek. r. see;. .9, ver. 21. 124:39. ^,ver. 20. 124: 39.
Uf see J. V, how a bisliop must be tried, see ;'. w, see d, Sec. 64.
SEC. LXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 251
in Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized,
that teach them not to understand the ^doctrine of
repentance, faith in Christ the son of the living God,
and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the
laying on of the hands when ^eight years old, the sin
be upon the heads of the parents ;
26. For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of
Zion, or in any of her Stakes which are organized ;
27. And their children shall be baptized for the re-
mission of their sins when ^eight years old, and receive
the laying on of the hands,
28. And they shall also ^^teach their children to
pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord.
29. And the inhabitants of Zion shall, also, observe
the ^^Sabbath day to keep it holy.
30. And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remem-
ber their ^'^labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to
labor, in all faithfulness ; for the ^^idler shall be had in
remembrance before the Lord.
31. 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 wickedness ;
they also seek not earnestly the ^^riches of eternity, but
their eyes are full of greediness.
32. These things ought not to be, and must be
done away from among them : wherefore let my ser-
vant Oliver Cowdery carry these sayings unto the land
of Zion.
33. And a commandment I give unto them, that
he that observeth not his ^^prayers before the Lord in
the season thereof, let him be had in remembrance
before the judge of my people.
34. These sayings are true and faithful ; wherefore
transgress them not, neither take therefrom.
a?, see 6, Sec. 1 8. y, vers. 26, 27. 20: 71. 2, ver. 25.
2a, ver. 31. 2b, 59 : 9, 10, 12—14. 2c, 42 : 42. 2d, 42 :
42. 2e, see 2a, Sec. 38. 2/, 20 : 47, 51. Alma 34: 21. in. Nep.
18: 21.
252 COVENANTS AND fSEC. LXIX.
35. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I ^^come
quickly. Amen.
SECTION 69.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Hiram,
Portage Co., Ohio, 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 entrusted with the command-
ments and the monies which he shall carry unto the
land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true
and faithful ;
2. Wherefore, I the Lord will that my servant,
John Whitmer, should go with my servant Oliver Cow-
dery;
3. 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 :
4. And also that he receive counsel and assistance
from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others.
5. And also my servants who are abroad in the
earth, should send forth the accounts of their ^steward-
ships to the land of Zion ;
6 . For the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place
to receive and do all these things ;
7. 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 knowl-
edge;
8. Preaching and expounding, writing, copying,
2,g, see e, Sec. 1.
a, see a, Sec. 21 . b, see a. Sec. 1. c, see o, Sec. 42.
SEC. LXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 253
selecting, and 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 generation to generation, ^for ever and ever.
Amen.
SECTION 70.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, November, 1831.
1. Behold, and hearken, O ye inhabitants of Zion,
and all ye people of my church, who are far off, and
hear the word of the Lord which I give unto my ser-
vant Joseph Smith, jun., and also unto my servant
Martin Harris, and also unto my servant Oliver Cow-
dery, and also unto my servant John Whitmer, and
also unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, and also unto my
servant William W. Phelps, by the way of command-
ment unto them ;
2. For I give unto them a commandment; where-
fore hearken and hear, for thus saith the Lord unto
them —
3. I, the Lord, have appointed them, and ordained
them to be ^stewards over the revelations and com-
mandments which I have given unto them, and which
I shall hereafter give unto them ;
4 . And an account of this ^stewardship will I require
of them in the day of judgment :
5. Wherefore I have appointed unto them, and this
is their business in the church of God, to manage them
and the concerns thereof ; yea, the benefits thereof.
d, see p, Sec. 38.
aj,see o, Sec. 42. b, see o, Sec. 42.
254 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXX.
6. Wherefore a commandment I give unto them,
that they shall not give these things unto the church,
neither unto the world :
7. Nevertheless, inasmuch as they ^receive more
than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it
shall be given into my storehouse,
8. And the benefits shall be consecrated unto the
inhabitants of Zion, and unto their generations, inas-
much as they become %eirs according to the laws of
the kingdom.
9. Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every
man in his ^stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have ap-
pointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man.
10. And, behold %one are exempt from this law
who belong to the church of the living God ;
11. Yea, neither the bishop, neither the %gent who
keepeth the Lord's storehouse, neither he who is ap-
pointed in a stewardship over ^temporal things ;
12. 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 ;
13. Yea, even more abundantly, which abundance
is multiplied unto them through the ^manifestations of
the Spirit ;
14. ISTevertheless, in your temporal things you shall
be ^equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the
abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be
withheld.
15. Now this commandment I give unto my ser-
vants for their benefit while they remain, for a mani-
festation of my blessings upon their heads, and for a
reward of their diligence and for their security ;
16. For food and for raiment ; for an inheritance ;
for houses and for lands, in whatsoever circumstances
c, see 26, See. 42. d, 68 : 25 — 32. e, see o, Sec. 42. f, see
Sec. 85. g, see/, Sec. 57. h, see 2b, Sec. 42. i, by revelation.
;', see a, Sec. 51.
SEC. LXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 255
I, the Lord, shall place them, and whithersoever I, the
Lord, shall send them ;
17. For they have been faithful over many things,
and have done well inasmuch as they have not sinned.
18. Behold, I, the Lord, am merciful and will bless
them, and they shall enter into the joy of these things.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 71.
Revelation given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio,
December 1st, 1831.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser-
vants, Joseph Smith, jun,, and Sidney Rigdon, that
the time has verily come, that it is necessary and ex-
pedient in me that you should open your mouths in
proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, ex-
pounding the ^mysteries thereof out of the scriptures,
according to that portion of Spirit and power which
shall be given unto you, even as I will.
2. Verily, I say unto you, proclaim unto the world
in the regions round about, and in the church also, for
the space of a season, even until it shall be made
known unto you.
3. Verily this is a mission for a season, which I
give unto you,
4. Wherefore, ^labor ye in my vineyard. Call
upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record,
and prepare the way for the commandments and reve-
lations which are to come.
5. Now, behold this is wisdom ; whoso readeth, let
him understand and receive also ;
a, see 2e. Sec. 42. b, see k, Sec. 24.
256 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXII.
6. For unto him that receiveth it shall be given
more abundantly, even power ;
7. Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon
them to ^meet you both in public and in private ; and
inasmuch as ye are faithful, their shame shall be made
manifest.
8. Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong
reasons against the Lord.
9. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, there is no
weapon that is formed against you shall prosper ;
10. And if any man lift his voice against you, he
shall be confounded in mine own due time ;
11. Wherefore, keep my commandments, they are
true and faithful. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 72.
Revelation given at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,
December 4th, 1831.
1. Hearken and listen to the voice of the Lord, O
ye who have assembled yourselves together, who are
the ^High Priests of my church, to whom the ^kingdom
and power have been given.
2. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in
me for a ^bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you,
unto the church in this part of the Lord's vineyard ;
3. 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 stewardship, both
in time and in eternity.
0, Isa. 41: 21. 43: 9.
a, see i, Sec. 68. h, see x. See. 35. c, see k, Sec. 68.
d, see 0, Sec. 42.
SEC. LXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 257
4. For he who is faithful and wise in time, is
accounted worthy to inherit the ^mansions prepared
for them of my Father.
5. Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church
in this part of my vineyard, shall render an 'account of
their stewardship unto the bishop which shall be ap-
pointed of me, in this part of my vineyard.
6 . These things shall be had on record, to be handed
over unto the bishop in Zion ;
7. And the duty of the bishop shall be made known
by the commandments which have been given, and the
voice of the conference.
8. And now, verily I say unto you, my servant
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 Redeemer. Even so. Amen.
9. 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 : —
10. To keep the Lord's ^storehouse; to receive
the ^funds of the church in this part of the vineyard ;
11. 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 ;
12. That this also may be consecrated to the good
of the church, to the poor and needy ;
13. And he who hath not wherewith 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 ;
14. And the labors of the faithful who ^labor in
spiritual things, in administering the gospel and the
e, see a, Sec. 59. /, see o, Sec. 42. g, see g. Sec. 51.
h, see 2b, Sec. 42. i, see o, Sec. 42. ;, see o, Sec. 42.
268 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXII.
things of the kingdom unto the church, and unto the
world, shall answer the debt unto the bishop in Zion ;
15. Thus it cometh out of the church, for accord-
ing to the Maw every man that cometh up to Zion,
must lay all things before the bishop in Zion.
16. 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,
17. A ^certificate from the judge or bishop in this
part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth
every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for an
inheritance, and to be received as a "^wise steward, and
as a faithful laborer ;
18. Otherwise he shall not be accepted of the
bishop of Zion.
19. 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 hinaself and his accounts approved in all
things.
20. And again, let my servants who are appointed
as stewards over the ^literary concerns of my church,
have claim for assistance upon the bishop or bishops,
in all things,
21. 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,
22. That they also may render themselves approved
in all things, and be accounted as ^wise stewards.
23. And now, behold, this shall be an ^ensample
for all the extensive branches of my church, in what-
k, see n, Sec. 42. I, vers. 18 — 26. 52: 41. m, see o,
Sec. 42. w, vers. 17— 26. 52:41. o, see See. 70. p, The
Book of Covenants. q, see o, Sec. 42, r, an Ensample for
all Stewards,
SEC. LXXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 259
sover land they shall be established. And now I make
an end of my sayings. Amen.
24. A few words in addition to the laws of the
kingdom, respecting the members of the church ; they
that are appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto
Zion, and they who are privileged to go up unto Zion,
25. Let them carry up unto the bishop a ^certificate
from three elders of the church, or a certificate from
the bishop,
26. Otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of
Zion, shall not be accounted as a *wise steward. This
is also as an ensample. Amen.
SECTION 73.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon,
given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. 10th,
1832. The word of the Lord unto them concerning
the Elders of the Church of the living God, estab-
lished 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 expedient in
me, that they should continue preaching the gospel,
and in exhortation to the churches in the regions round
about, until conference ;
2. And then, behold, it shall be made known unto
them, by the ^ voice of the conference, their several
missions.
3. Now, verily, I say unto you my servants, Joseph
s, see /. t, seeo, Sec. 42.
a,_see_Sec.'75,
260 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXIV.
Smith, jun., and Sidney Eigdon, saith the Lord, it is
expedient to ^translate again,
4. And inasmuch as it is practicable, to preach in
the regions round about until conference ; and after
that it is'expedient to continue the work of ^translation
until it be finished.
5. And let this be a pattern unto the elders until
further knowledge, even as it is written.
6. Now I give no more unto you at this time.
Gird up your loins and be sober. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 74.
An Explanation of the First Epistle to the Corinthians^
Chapter 7, verse 14^ given by revelation^ through
Joseph J the Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio,
January, 1832.
1. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the
wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the hus-
band, else were your children unclean, but now ^are
they holy.
2. Now in the days of the apostles the law of cir-
cumcision was had among all the Jews who believed
not the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. And it came to pass that there arose a great con-
tention among the people concerning the law of circum-
cision, for the unbelieving husband was desirous that
his children should be circumcised and become subject
to the law of Moses, which law was fulfilled.
4. And it came to pass that the children, being
h, the Bible. c, until the translation of the Bible is finished.
a, 29: 46—48. Moro. 8: 8—24.
SEC. LXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 261
brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave
heed to the traditions of their fathers, and believed not
the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy ;
5. 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,
6. 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,
7. But "^little children are holy, being sanctified
through the atonement of Jesus Christ ; and this is
what the scriptures mean.
SECTION 75,
Revelation given at Amherst^ Loraine Co., Ohio, in
Conference, January 25th, 1832.
1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I who speak even
by the voice of my Spirit; even Alpha and Omega,
your Lord and your God ;
2. Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go
forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard.
3. Behold, I say unto you, that it is my will that
you should go forth and not tarry, neither be Mdle but
labor with your mights,
4. Lifting up your voices as with the sound of
a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the
h, see a.
a, see u, Sec. 42.
262 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXV.
revelations and commandnients which 1 have given
you,
5. And thus if ye are faithful ye shall be '^laden with
many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and
immortality, and eternal life.
6. Therefore, verily I say unto my servant AVilliam
E. M'Lellin, I ^revoke the commission which I gave
unto him to go unto the eastern countries,
7. And I give unto him a ^new commission and a
new commandment, in the which I, the Lord, chasten
him for the murmurings of his heart ;
8. And he sinned, nevertheless I forgive him, and
say unto him again, go ye into the south countries,
9. And let my servant Luke Johnson go with him
and proclaim the things which I have commanded them,
10. Calling on the name of the Lord for the ^Com-
forter, which shall teach them all things that are expe-
dient for them,
11. Praying always that they faint not, and inas-
much as they do this, I will be with them even unto
the end.
12. Behold, this is the will of the Lord your God
concerning you. Even so. Amen.
13. And again, verily thus saith the Lord, let my
servant Orson Hyde, and my servant Samuel H. Smith,
take their journey into the eastern countries, and pro-
claim the things which I have commanded them ; and
inasmuch as they are faithful, lo, I will be with them
even unto the end.
14. And again, verily 1 say unto my servant Ly-
man Johnson, and unto my servant Orson Pratt, they
shall also take their journey into the eastern countries ;
and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto
the end.
15. And again, I say unto my servant Asa Dodds,
b, 33: 9. c, see b, Sec. 66. d, see c. e, see h,
Sec. 42.
SEC. LXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 263
and unto my servant Calves Wilson, that they also
shall take their journey unto the western countries,
and proclaim my gospel, even as I have commandQ.d
them.
16 . And he who is faithful shall overcome all things,
and shall be ^lifted up at the last day.
17. And again, I say unto my servant Major N.
Ashly, and my servant Burr Riggs, let them take their
journey also into the south country ;
18. 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 ;
19. And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they
receive you, ^leave your blessing upon that house ;
20. And in whatsoever house ye enter, and they
receive you not, ye shall depart speedily from that
house, and ^shake off the dust of your feet as a testi-
mony against them ;
21. 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 ;
22. 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 over-
come all things, and be ^lifted up at the last day. Even
so. Amen.
23. 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 concerning you ;
24. 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 ;
25. Wherefore, I, the Lord, give unto you this
/, see u, Sec. 5. g, Matt. 10 : 12, 13. h, see d, Sec. 60. i, Matt.
10 : 15. ;, see u, Sec. 5. k, 70 : 12, 13. 72 : 14, 15.
264 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXV.
commandment, that ye obtain places for your families,
inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open their
hearts ;
26. 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 the west,
or to the north, or to the south :
27. 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.
28. And again, verily I say unto you, that every
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.
29. Let every man be diligent in all things. And
the ^idler shall not have place in the church, except he
repents and mends his ways.
30. Wherefore, let my servant Simeon Carter, and
my servant Emer Harris, be united in the ministry ;
31. And also my servant Ezra Thayre, and my ser-
vant Thomas B. Marsh;
32. Also my servant Hyrum Smith, and my servant
Reynolds Cahoon ;
33. And also my servant Daniel Stanton, and my
servant Seymour Brunson ;
34. And also my servant Sylvester Smith, and my
servant Gideon Carter ;
35. And also my servant Ruggles Eames, and my
servant Stephen Burnett ;
36. And also my servant Micah B. Welton ; and
also my servant Eden Smith. Even so. Amen.
I, see c, Sec. 4. m, see h, Sec. 42. n, see u, Sec. 42.
SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 265
SECTION 76.
A Vision, given to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney
Rigdon, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, February
16th, 1832.
1. Hear O ye heavens, and give ear O earth, and
rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and
beside him there is no Savior :
2. Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and
the extent of his doings none can find out ;
3. His purposes fail not, neither are there any who
can stay his hand ;
4. From ^eternity to eternity he is the same, and
his years never fail.
5. For thus saiththe 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 ;
6. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be
their glory ;
7. And to them will I reveal ^all mysteries, 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 pleasure of my will concerning all things
pertaining to my kingdom ;
8. Yea, even the *^wonders of eternity shall they
know, and things to come will I show them, even the
things of many generations ;
9. And their wisdom shall be great, and their un-
derstanding reach to heaven : and before them the
wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding
of the prudent shall come to nought ;
10. For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and
a, see a, Sec. 39. h, see 2e, Sec. 42. c, see h.
266 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI.
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.
11. We, Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon,
being in the Spirit on the sixteenth of February, in
the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
thirty -two,
12. By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened
and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see
and understand the things of God —
13. Even those things which were from the begin-
ning before the world was, which were ordained of the
Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was in the
bosom of the Father, even from the beginning,
14. Of whom we bear record, and the record which
we bear is the ^fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
who is the Son, whom we *saw and with whom we con-
versed in the heavenly vision ;
15. For while we were doing the work of ^transla-
tion, which the Lord had appointed unto us, we came
to the twenty -ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John,
which was given unto us as follows.
16. Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, con-
cerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of
Man, and shall come forth ;
17. They who have done good in the ^H'esurrection
of the just, and they who have done evil in the resur-
rection of the unjust.
18. Now this caused us to marvel, for it was given
unto us of the Spirit ;
19. 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 ;
<e, vers. 114— 119. m. Nep. 17: 15—25. 19: 30—36. 26: 14—16.
I. -Corinth. 2:9. e, see h, Sec. 18. /, see o, Sec. 50. g, trans-
lating the New Testament. h, see m, Sec. 29.
SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 267
20. And we ^beheld the glory of the Son, on the
right hand of the Father, and received of his full-
ness ;
21. And ^saw the holy angels, and they who are
sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the
Lamb, who worship him for ever and ever.
22. 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 ;
23. 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 —
24. That by him and through him, and of him™the
worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants there-
of are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
25. 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 Begotten Son,
whom the Father loved, and who was in the bosom of
the Father — was thrust down from the presence of God
and the Son,
26. And was called ^Perdition, for the heavens
wept over him — he was ^Lucifer, a son of the morning.
27. And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen I is fallen !
even a son of the morning.
28. And while we were yet in the Spirit, 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 king-
dom of our God, and his Christ,
29. Wherefore he maketh war with the saints of
God, and encompasses them round about.
30. And we saw a ^vision of the sufferings of those
with whom he made war and overcame, for thus came
the voice of the Lord unto us.
i, see 0, Sec. 60. j'Yer. 67. k, testimony founded on knowl-
edge. /, see o/Sec. 50. m, 93: 9,10. nj see 2oJ, Sec. 29. o,
vers. 32, 43. p, Isa. 14: 12. q, 29 : 36, 37. r, vers. 36, 44—49.
268 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI.
31. Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who
know my power, and have been made partakers there-
of, and suffered themselves, through the power of the
devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy
my power —
32. They are they who are the sons of ^perdition,
of whom I say that it had been better for them never
to have been born,
33. For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer
the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in
eternity ;
34. Concerning whom I have said there is *no for-
giveness in this world nor in the world to come,
35. Having "denied the Holy Spirit after having
received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son
of the Father — having crucified him unto themselves,
and put him to an open shame.
36. These are they who shall go away into the ^lake
of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels,
37. And the ^only ones on whom the second death
shall have any power ;
38. Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be re-
deemed in the due time of the Lord, after the suffer-
ings of his wrath ;
39. 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.
40. And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which
the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us,
41. That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be
crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world,
and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all
unrighteousness ;
s, 42: 18, 79. 76: 32—34, 38, 43, 44. 84: 41. 132: 27. t, see s.
u, see s. Alma 39: 6. iii. Nep.'29: 7. v, 63: 17. 86: 44—49. i. Nep.
15:29. li.Nep. 1:13. 2:29. 9:8—19,26,34,36. 28: 15, 21, 23. Jacob
6: 10. Alma 12: 16—18. iii. Nep. 27: 11, 12. Moro. 8: 13, 14, 21.
?/;, see V. X, vers, 41—43, 81—88, 98—112. y, 93: 7.
SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 269
42. That through him all might be saved whom the
Father had put into his power and made by him,
43. Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works
of his hands, except the sons of '^perdition, who deny
the Son after the Father has revealed him ;
44. 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
torment ;
45. And the end thereof, neither the place thereof,
nor their torment, no man knows,
46. Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will
be revealed unto man, except to them who are made
partakers thereof :
47. Nevertheless!, the Lord, show it by vision unto
many, but straightway shut it up again ;
48. 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.
49. And we heard the voice, saying, Write the
vision, for lo ! this is the end of the vision of the suf-
ferings of the ungodly !
50. 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 ;
51. They are they who received the testimony of
Jesus, and ^^believed on his name and were baptized
after the manner of his burial, being ^^buried in the
water in his name, and this according to the command-
ment which he has given,
52 . That by keeping his commandments they might
2, seev. 2a, see v. 2b, see v. Isa. 66: 24. 2c, sons
of Perdition. 2c?, see m, Sec. 29. 2e, see q, Sec. 20.
2f, see I, Sec. 5.
270 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXXVl.
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,
53. And who overcome by faith, and are ^%ealed
by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds
forth upon all those who are just and true.
54. They are they who are the ^^church of the first
born.
55. They are they into whose hands the Father has
given ^'all things —
56. They are they who are ^■'Priests and Kings, who
have received of his fullness, and of his glory,
57. And are Priests of the Most High, after the
order of Melchisedek, which was after the order of
Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten
Son ;
58. Wherefore, as it is written, '^Hhej are Gods,
even the sons of God —
59. Wherefore ^'all things are theirs, whether life
or death, or things present, or things to come, all are
theirs and they are Christ's and Christ is God's ;
60. And they shall overcome all things ;
61. Wherefore let no man glory in man, but rather
let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies
under his feet —
62. These shall dwell in the ^'"presence of God and
his Christ for ever and ever.
63. These are they whom he shall ^^bringwith him,
when he shall come in the clouds of heaven, to reign on
the earth over his people.
64. These are they who shall have part in the ^^first
resurrection.
65. These are they who shall come forth in the re-
surrection of the just.
2g, see d, Sec. 1. 2h, see a, Sec. 1. 2i, see d, Sec. 50. 2;,
ver. 57. 78:15,18. 128:23. 132:19,20,37. 2^,132:17—20,
37. 21, see d, Sec. 50. 2m, vers. 94 — 96. 2n, see e, Sec. 1.
2o, see m, Sec. 29.
SEC. LXXVl.] COMMANDMENTS. 271
66. These are they who are come unto ^PMount
Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly
place, the holiest of all.
67. These are they vrho have come to an innumer-
able company of angels, to the general assembly and
church of Enoch, and of the first born.
68. These are they whose names are written in
heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all.
69. These are they who are just men made perfect
through Jesus the mediator of the ^*inew covenant, who
wrought out this perfect atonement through the shed-
ding of his own blood.
70. 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 firma-
ment is written of as being typical.
71. And again, we saw the '-^terrestrial world, and
behold and lo, these are they who are of the terres-
trial, whose glory differs from that of the ^"church of
the first born, who have received the fullness of the
Father, even as that of the ^^moon differs from the sun
ill the firmament.
72. Behold, these are they who ^^^died without law,
73. And also they who are the spirits of men ^^kept
in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gos-
pel unto them, that they might be judged according to
men in the flesh,
74. Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the
flesh, but afterwards received it.
75. These are they who are honorable men of the
earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.
76. These are they who receive of his glory, but
not of his fullness.
2p, Heb. 12: 22—24. 2q, see Jc, Sec. 1, 2r, 79: 1, 14. 88:
2, 4, 20, 22, 25, 28. 105: 4, 5. 131: 1. 2s, Matt. 13: 43, i. Corinth.
15:40—42. 2?;, see 88: 99, 100. 128:22. i. Cor. 15: 40. 2w, see«.
Sec. 1. 2v, I. Cor. 15: 41. 2w, 45: 54. 88: 99. 2x, 88:
99, 100. 128: 22.
272 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI.
77. These are they who receive of the presence of
the Son, but not of the fullness of the Father ;
78. Wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not
bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs
from the sun.
79. These are they who are ^^not valiant in the
testimony of Jesus ; wherefore they obtain ^^not the
crown over the kingdom of our God.
80. And now this is the end of the vision which we
saw of the terrestrial, that the Lord commanded us to
write while we were yet in the Spirit.
81. And again, we saw the glory of the telestial,
which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of
the ^^stars differs from that of the glory of the moon
in the firmament.
82. These are they who received not the gospel of
Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus.
83. These are they who deny not the Holy Spirit.
84. These are they who are ^^thrust down to hell.
85. These are they who shall not be redeemed from
the devil, until the ^4ast resurrection, until the Lord,
even Christ the Lamb shall have finished his work.
86. These are they who receive not of his fullness
in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through
the ministration of the terrestrial ;
87. And the terrestrial through the ministration of
the celestial ;
88. And also the telestial receive it of the ^^ad-
ministering of angels who are appointed to minister for
them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits
for them, for they ^^shall be heirs of salvation.
89. And thus we saw in the heavenly vision, the
glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understand-
ing,
1y, receive a reward according to their works. 22, they cannot
become kings. 8a, vers. 88—90, 98—106, 109—112. 88: 31, 32.
I. Cor. 15: 41. 36, see v. 3c, 43: 18. 88: 100, 101.
3(i, Heb. 1: 14. 3e,Heb. 1:14.
SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 273
90. And no man knows it except him to whom
God has revealed it.
91. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial,
which excels in all things the glory of the telestial,
even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in
dominion.
92. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial,
which excels in all things — where God, even the Father,
reigns upon his throne for ever and ever ;
93. Before whose throne all things bow in humble
reverence and give him glory for ever and ever.
94. They who dwell in ^%is 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
fullness and of his grace ;
95. And he makes them ^^equal in power, and in
might, and in dominion.
96. And the glory of the celestial is one, even as
the glory of the ^^sun is one.
97. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even
as the glory of the ^^moon is one.
98. 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 ;
99. For these are they who are of Paul, and of
Apollos, and of Cephas.
100. 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 ;
101. But receive not the gospel, neither the testi-
mony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the ^'"'ever-
lasting covenant.
102. Last of all, these all are they who will not be
3/, ver. 62. See a, Sec. 1. Zg, 29: 12, 13. 35; 2. 38: 24—27.
50 : 43, 44. 78 : 5—7. 84 : 35—39. 132 : 20. Zh, i. Cor. 15 •
40,41. 3i, I. Cor. 15:40,41. 3;, i. Cor. 15: 41. 3/1", see /fc. Sec. 1.
274 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI.
gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto ^Hhe
church of the first born, and received into the cloud.
103. These are ^™they who are liars, and sorcerers,
and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves
and makes a lie.
104. These are they who suffer the ^^wrath of
God on earth.
105. These are they who suffer the ^^vengeance of
eternal fire.
106 . These are they who are ^Pcast down to hell and
suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fullness
of times when Christ shall have subdued all enemies
under his feet, and shall have perfected his work,
107. When he shall ^^^deliver up the kingdom, and
present it unto the Father spotless, saying — I have over-
come and have ^^trodden the wine-press alone, even
the wine -press of the fierceness of the wrath of Al-
mighty God.
108. Then shall ^^he be crowned with the crown of
his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign
for ever and ever.
109. 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,
110. 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 for ever and
ever ;
111. For they shall be judged according to their
works, and every man shall receive according to his
own works, his own dominion, in the ^^mansions which
are prepared,
112. And they shall be ^"'servants of the Most
U, see a, Sec. 1. 3m, 63: il , 18. Eev. 21: 8. 22: 15. Zn, Jude
1 : 14—16. 3o, Jude 1 : 7. Zp, see v. Zq, i. Cor. 15 :
24—28. 3r, 133: 46—51. 3.s, Eev. 19 : 16. 22: 3—5. Zt, 132 : 25.
3w, Rom. 14: 10 — 12. Philip. 2 : 9 — 11' Zv, telestial mansions.
Zw, servants of God, but not Gods nor sons of God. 132: 16, 17.
SEC. LXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 275
High, but where God and Christ dwell they cannot
come, worlds without end.
113. This is the end of the vision which we saw,
which we were commanded to write while we were yet
in the Spirit.
114. But great and marvelous 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 dominion,
115. Which he commanded us we should not write
while we were yet in the spirit, and are not ^"^lawful
for man to utter ;
116. Neither is man capable to make them known,
for they are ^^'only to be seen and understood by the
power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those
who love him, and purify themselves before him ;
117. To ^^whom he grants this privilege of seeing
and knowing for themselves ;
118. 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.
119. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and
honor, and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
SECTION 77.
Key to John's Revelation^ given through Joseph, the
Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, about the 1st of
March, 1832.
1. Q. — What is the ^sea of glass spoken of by John,
4th chapter, and 6th verse of the Revelations?
3x, III. Kep. 28: 12—14. Sj/, i: Cor. 2: 9 —15. 3z, vers.
5—10. See o, Sec. 50.
a, 130: 6—9.
276 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVII,
A. — It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and
eternal state.
2. Q. — What are we to understand by the four
•^beasts, spoken of in the same verse?
A. — They are figurative expressions, used by the
Revelator John, in describing heaven, the ^Paradise of
God, the happiness of man, and of '^beasts, and of
creeping things, and of the fowls of the air ; that,
which is spiritual, being in the ^likeness of that which
is temporal ; and that which is ^temporal, is in the
likeness of that which is spiritual ; the ^spirit of man
is the likeness of his person, as also the ^spirit of the
beast, and every other creature which God has created.
3. Q. — Are the four beasts limited to individual
beasts, or do they represent classes or orders?
A. — They are limited to four individual beasts,
which were shown to John, to represent the glory of
the ^classes of beings, in their destined order or sphere
of creation, in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity.
4. Q. — What are we to understand by the eyes,
and wings, which the beasts had?
A. — Their eyes are a ^representation of light, and
knowledge ; that is, they are full of knowledge ; and
their wings are a '^representation of power, to move, to
act, &c.
5. Q. — What are we to understand by the four and
twenty elders, spoken of by John?
b, every living creature to be made immortal, to be endowed with
knowledge and language. c, a place for the departed spirits of
all flesh. cZ, a condition of happiness, e, the spirit of every living
thing, being in the likeness of its temporal body. /, the like-
ness consists in the resemblance of form. ^gr, the spirit of man,
in the image or form of the body. h, the spirits of beasts, fowls,
fish, creeping things, kc, resembling their temjDoral bodies. i,
the eternal glory, power, knowledge and happiness of every class of
animated beings, represented by four individual or figurative
beasts. j, that they are full of light and knowledge, i» man-
ifest from the wisdom of their language. k, their actions and
movements, like that of man, are by the power of their wills, and,
like all intelligence, they are independent in their respective
spheres. For the last ten letters of reference, see Sec. 29: 22 — 25.
Also 1st and 2nd chapters of Gen., Inspired Translation. Pearl of
Great Price, pp. 4 — 6. pp. 34 — 36.
SEC. LXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 277
A. — We are to understand that these elders whom
John saw, were elders who had been faithful in the
work of the ministry and were dead ; who 'belonged
to the seven churches, — and were then in the ^Paradise
of God.
6. Q. — What are we to understand by the book
which John saw, which was sealed on the back
with "seven seals?
A. — We are to understand that it contains the re-
vealed will, mysteries, and works of God; the hidden
things of his economy concerning this earth during
the °seven thousand years of its continuance, or its
temporal existence.
7. Q. — What are we to understand by the ^seven
seals with which it was sealed?
A. — We are to understand that the ^first seal con-
tains the things of the first thousand years, and
the ''second also of the second thousand years, and so
on until the seventh.
8. Q. — What are we to understand by the ^four
angels, spoken of in the 7th chap, and 1st verse of
Revelations?
A. — We are to understand that they are four
angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power
over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to
destroy ; these are the}^ who have the ^everlasting
gospel to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people ; having power to shut up the heavens,
to "seal up unto life, or to cast down to the ^regions
of darkness.
9. Q. — What are we to understand by the angel
^, Eev. 1: 20. Chapters 2 and 3. m, ver. 2. Luke 32: 43.
II. Cor. 12: 4. Eev. 2: 7. ii. Nep. 9: 13. Alma 40: 12, 14. iv. Nep. 1:
14. Moro. 10: 34. n, Eev. 5: 1. o, one of the secret Eecords
kept in heaven: no man in heaven or on earth, or even angel, found
worthy to open it, or look thereon. p, the hidden mysteries of
God's economy, concerning this earth, during its temporal existence
of seven thousand years. q, the secrets of the first thousand years.
r, the secrets of the second thousand years, &c. s, four heavenly
messengers who commit the gospel preparatory to the Second Coming
of Christ. t, see b, Sec. 18. w, see d, Sec. 1. v, see d, Sec. 1,
278 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVII.
ascending from the east, Revelations 7th chap, and 2nd
verse?
A. — We are to understand that the angel ascending
from the east, is he to whom is given the "^^seal of the
living God, over the twelve tribes of Israel ; wherefore
he crieth unto the four angels having the ^everlasting
gospel, saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor
the trees, till we have ^sealed the servants of our God
in their foreheads ; and if you will receive it, this is
^Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes
of Israel and restore all things.
10. Q. — What time are the things spoken of in
^Hhis chapter to be accomplished?
A. — They are to be accomplished in the sixth thou-
sandth year, or the opening of the ^^sixth seal.
11. Q. — What are we to understand by ^^sealing
the one hundred and forty -four thousand, out of all
the tribes of Israel ; twelve thousand out of every
tribe?
A. — We are to understand that those who are sealed
are ^**High Priests, ordained unto the holy order of God,
to administer the ^^everlasting gospel ; for they are they
who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people, by ^*the angels to whom is given power over
the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come
to the ^^church of the first born.
12. Q. — What are we to understand by the ^^sound-
ing of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of
Revelations?
A. — We are to understand that as God made the
world in six days, and on the ^^seventh day he finished
his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of
w, see d, Sec. 1. x, see b, Sec. 18. y>see d, Sec. 1.
z, see g, Sec. 27. 2a, Rev. 8. 2b, His hidden purposes, relating
to the sixth thousandth years, before they close. 2c, ver. 9. 2d,
these 144,000 High Priests are messengers sent forth to prepare the
way for the coming of the Lord. 2e, see b. Sec. 18. 2f, ordained
by angels who are in possession of the High Priesthood. 2g, see a.
Sec. 1. 2h, 88: 94 — 107. 2i, God finished the work of creation on
the seventh day. See pp. 6 and 35, Pearl of Great Price.
SEC. LXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 279
the 2Jdust of the earth ; even so, in the ^'^beginning of
the seventh thousand years w^ill the Lord God sanctify
the earth, and complete the salvation of man, and judge
all things, and shall redeem all things, except that which
he hath not put into his power, when he shall have
^'sealed all things, unto the end of all things ; and the
sounding of the ^'"trumpets of the seven angels, are the
preparing, and finishing of his work, in the ^^beginning
of the seventh thousand years ; — the preparing of the
way before the ^°time of his coming.
13. Q. — When are the things to be accomplished,
which are written in the 9th chapter of Revelations ?
A. — They are to be accomplished ■^Pafter the opening
of the seventh seal, before the coming of Christ.
14. Q. — What are we to understand by the little
book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the
10th chapter of revelations?
A. — We are to understand that it was a ^^mission,
and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel ;
behold, this is ^'^Elias ; who, as it is written, must come
and restore all things.
15. Q. — What is to be understood by the ^^two wit-
nesses, in the eleventh chapter of Revelations?
A. — The}^ are two prophets that are to be raised up
to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the
restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews, after they are
gathered, and build the city of Jerusalem, in the land
of their fathers.
2j, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 6 and 35. ii. Nep. 2: 15. 29 : 7. Jacob
4: 9. Mos. 2: 25. 4:21. 7:27.28:17. Alma 18: 28, 34, 36. 22:
10—13. 42: 2. Mor. 6: 15. 9: 11, 12, 17. Ether 3 : 15, 16. Moro.
10: 3. 2k, in the morning of the seventh great day of rest, the bod-
ies of the saints will be resurrected. See m. Sec. 29. 21, see d, Sec.
1. 2m, 88: 94 — 107. 2n, a period which is nigh, even at the doors.
2o, see e. Sec. 1. 2p, the opening of the seventh seal, and the sound-
ing of the trumpets of the fifth and sixth angel, are events of the
morning of the seventh thousand years, before the coming of Christ.
2q, see Sec. 7. Rev. 10: 8 — 11. 2r, see g, Sec. 27. 2s, ii. Nep.
8: 18—20.
280 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVIII.
SECTION 78.
Revelation given at Hiram ^ Portage County ^ Ohio,
between the 1st and 20th of March, 1832. TJie
order given of the Lord to Enoch, (Joseph
Smith, jr., J for the purpose of establishing the
poor.
1. The Lord spake unto Enoch, (Joseph Smith, jr. , )
saying. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God,
who are ordained unto the ^high priesthood of my
church, who have assembled yourselves together ;
2. And listen to the counsel of him who has or-
dained 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 ;
3. For verily I say unto you, the time has come,
and is now at hand ; and behold, and lo, it must needs
be that there be an ^organization of my people, in regu-
lating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for
the poor of my people, both in this place and in the
land of Zion,
4. Or in other words, the city of Enoch, (Joseph)
for a permanent and ^everlasting establishment and
order unto my church, to advance the cause, which ye
have espoused to the salvation of man, and to the glory
of your Father who is in heaven,
5 . That you may be *^equal in the bands of heavenly
things ; yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining
of heavenly things ;
6. For if ye are not ^equal in earthly things, ye
cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things ;
7. For if you will that I give unto you a place in
a, see i, Sec. 68. b, vers. 11, 12. c,ver. 11. 82: 11, 12^
15,20. 92:1,2. 104:1,48. d,yer. 6. e, see a, Sec. 51,-
SEC. LXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 281
the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by
doing the things which I have commanded you and
required of you.
8. And now, verily thus saith the Lord, it is ex-
pedient that all things be done unto my glory, by you
who are joined together in this order ;
9. Or in other words, let my servant Ahashdah
(Newel K. Whitney) and my servant Gazelam, or
Enoch, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) and my servant Pel agoram,
(Sidney Rigdon,)sit in council with the saints which
are *in Zion ;
10. 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 ;
11. Wherefore a commandment I give unto you, to
prepare and ^organize yourselves by a bond or everlast-
ing covenant that cannot be broken.
12. And he who breaketh it shall lose his office
and standing in the church, and shall be delivered
over to the ^buffetings of Satan until the day of re-
demption.
13. Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I pre-
pare you, and the foundation, and the en sample which
I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the com-
mandments which are given you,
14. That through my providence, notwithstanding
the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that
the church may stand ^independent above all other crea-
tures beneath the celestial world,
15. That you may come up unto the crown prepared
for you, and be made rulers over ^many kingdoms, saith
the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath estab-
lished the foundations of 'Adam-ondi-Ahman ;
16. Who hath appointed "Michael your prince, and
/, see q, Sec. 42. g, ver. 3. h, 82: 21. 104: 9, 10.
i, 58: 3, 4. See k, Sec. 63. j, see Sec. 44. k, 132: 19, 53.
/, 107: 53. Sec. 116. 117: 8,11. m,107: 54,55.
282 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXIX.
established his feet, and set him upon high, and given
unto him the keys of salvation ^under the counsel and
direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of
days or end of life.
17. Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little chil-
dren, and ye have not as yet understood how great
blessings the Father hath in his own hands and pre-
pared for you ;
18. And ye cannot bear all things now, neverthe-
less be of good cheer, for I will lead you along :
the ^kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are
yours ; and the ^riches of eternity are yours ;
19. And he who receiveth all things with thankful-
ness shall be made glorious ; and the things of this
earth shall be added unto him, even an ^hundred fold,
yea, more ;
20. Wherefore, do the things which I have com-
manded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son ^Ahman,
who prepareth all things before he taketh you ;
21. For ye are the ^church of the first born, and
he will take you %p in a cloud, and appoint every man
his portion.
22. And he that is a faithful and "wise steward
shall inherit all things. Amen.
SECTION 79.
Revelation through Joseph^ the Seer, given at Hiram,
Portage County, Ohio, between the 1st and 20th q/
March, 1832.
1. Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that
n, ver. 15. 107:54,55. 0,366.^,860.35. ^, S66 2a, Sec. 38.
q, 132: 55. r, in the pure language, signifies God. s, see a, Sec. 1.
^,76:102. 88:96. ti, 51 : 19. 84:39. 101:61. 124:14.
SEC. LXXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 283
my servant Jared Carter should go again into the
eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to
city, in the power of the ordination wherewith he has
been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy,
even the ^everlasting gospel ;
2. And I will send upon him the Comforter, which
shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall
go;
3. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him
again with ^sheaves ;
4. Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant
Jared Carter, and fear not, saith your Lord, even Jesus
Christ. Amen.
SECTION 80,
Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram,
Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of
March, 1832.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant
Stephen Burnett, go ye, go ye into the world and
preach the gospel to every creature that cometh under
the sound of your voice ;
2. And inasmuch as you desire a companion, I will
give unto you my servant ^Eden Smith ;
3. AVherefore go ye and preach my gospel, whether
to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west,
it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss ;
4. Therefore, declare the things which ye have
heard and verily believe, and ''know to be true.
a, see h, Sec. 18. b, see h, Sec. 42. c, see k. Sec. 24.
a, 76: 36. h, see I, Sec. 20.
10
284 COVENANTS AND fSEC. LXXXI.
5. Behold, this is the will of him who hath called
you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
SECTION 81.
Revelation through Joseph^ the Seer^ given at Hiram^
Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of
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 wherewith yow are called, even to be a ^High
Priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant
Joseph Smith, jun.,
2. Unto whom I have given the ^keys of the king-
dom, which belongeth always unto the ^Presidency of
the High Priesthood :
3. Therefore, verily, I acknowledge him and will
bless him, and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful
in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto
you, in prayer 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 :
4. And in doing these things thou wilt do the
greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and will promote
the glory of him who is your Lord ;
5. 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 ;
6. And if thou art faithful unto the end, thou shalt
a, see t, Sec. 68. h, see x, Sec. 35. c, see ;', Sec. 68.
SEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 285
have a crown of immortality and eternal life in the
*^ mansions which I have prepared in the house of my
Father.
7. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and
Omega, even Jesus Cl\rist. Amen.
SECTION 82.
Revelation given in Jackson County^ Missouri^ April
26th, 1832^ showing the order given to Enochs and
the Church in his day.
1. Yerily, verily I say unto you, my servants, that
inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your tres-
passes, even so I, the Lord, forgive you ;
2. 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 hence-
forth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon
your heads ;
3 . For unto whom ^much is given much is required ;
and he who sins against the greater light shall receive
the greater condemnation.
4. Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give
them unto you ; and inasmuch as ye keep not my say-
ings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors,
and justice and judgment are the penalty which is
affixed unto my law ;
5. Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all.
Watch, for the adversary ^spreadeth his dominions and
darkness reigneth ;
d, see a, Sec. 59.
a, Luke 12: 48. 6, 38: 11, 12.
286 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXII.
6. And the anger of God kindleth against the in-
habitants of the earth ; and none doeth good, for all
have gone out of the way.
7. 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 ^for-
mer sins return, saith the Lord your God.
8. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new
commandment, that you may understand my will con-
cerning you,
9. Or, in other words, I give unto you directions
how you may act before me, that it may turn to you
for your salvation.
10. I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say,
but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
11. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is ex-
pedient for my servant Alam, and Ahashdah, (Newel
K. Whitney,) Mahalaleel, and Pelagoram, (Sidney
Rigdon,) and my servant Gazelam, (Joseph Smith,) and
Horah, andOlihah, (Oliver Co wdery,) and Shalemanas-
seh, and Mahemson, (Martin Harris,) to be bound to-
gether by a ^bond and covenant that cannot be broken
by transgression, (except judgment shall immediately
follow,) in your several stewardships,
12. To manage the affairs of the poor, and all things
pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of Zion and
in the land of Shinehah, (Kirtland,)
13. For I have consecrated the land of Shinehah,
(Kirtland,) in mine own due time for the benefit of
the saints of the Most High, and for a ^Stake to
Zion ;
14. For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holi-
ness ; her borders must be enlarged ; her Stakes must
be strengthened ; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must
arise and put on her ^beautiful garments :
c, Ezek. ?.: 20. c^, 78: 11— 13. e, ver. 14. 94:1. 96:1.
101:21. 104:48. 107:36,37,74. 115:6,18. 119:7. 124:2,36,134.
125: 4. /, Isa. 52 : 1. in. Nep. 20 : 36.
SEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 287
15. Therefore I give unto you this commandment,
that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall
be done according to the lavp's of the Lord.
16. Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good.
17. 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, inas-
much as his wants are just ;
18. And all this for the benefit of the ^church of
the living God, that every man may ^improve upon his
talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea,
even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's store-
house, to become the ^common property of the whole
church.
19 . Every man seeking the Mnterest of his neighbor,
and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of
God.
20. This order I have appointed to be an 'everlast-
ing order unto you, and unto your successors, inasmuch
as you sin not ;
21. And the soul that sins against this covenant,
and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with
according to the laws of my church, and shallbe de-
livered over to the ™buffetings of Satan until the day
of redemption.
22. And now, verily I say unto you, and this is
wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the "^mam-
mon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you.
23. Leave Judgment alone with me, for it is mine
and I will repay. Peace be with you ; my blessings
continue with you,
24. For even yet the ^kingdom is yours, and shall
be for ever, if you fall not from your steadfastness.
Even so. Amen.
g, see a, Sec. 61. h, see a, Sec. 1. i, Matt. 25 : 14 — 30.
;, see n, Sec. 42. k, see a, Sec. 51. /, 78: 11—13. 82: 11, 17- 22.
m, see h, Sec. 78. n, Luke 16: 9. o, see x, Sec. 35.
288 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIII. , LXXXIV.
SECTION 83.
Revelation giveii tlirough Joseph, the Seer, at Indepen-
dence, Jackson County, Missouri, April 30th, 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.
2. Women have ^claim on their husbands for their
maintenance, until their husbands are taken, and if
they are not found transgressors they shall have fellow-
ship in the church ;
3. And if they are not faithful, they shall not have
fellowship in the church ; yet they may remain upon
their inheritance according to the laws of the land.
4 . All children have '^claim upon their parents for
their maintenance until they are of age.
5. 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 in-
heritances.
6. And the storehouse shall be kept by the "^con-
secrations of the church, and widows and orphans shall
be provided for, as also the poor. Amen.
SECTION 84,
A Revelation, given through Joseph, the Prophet, at
Kirtland, Geauga, County, Ohio, the 22nd and
23rd of September, 1832.
1. A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant
a, I. Tim. 5. i. Pet. 3. 6,29:47,48. 68:25—31. c,
see a, Sec. 51. d, see n, Sec. 42.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 289
Joseph Smith, jun., and six elders, as they united their
hearts and lifted their voices on high.
2. 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 ^gathering of his saints to stand upon
Mount Zion, which shall be the city of ^JSTew Jerusalem,
3. 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 Joseph Smith,
jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4. 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, even the place of
the temple, which temple shall be ^reared in this gen-
eration ;
5. For verily, this generation shall not %11 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.
6. And the ^sons of Moses, according to the Holy
Priesthood which he received under the hand of his
father-in-law, 'Jethro ;
7. And Jethro received it under the hand of Caleb ;
8. And Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu ;
9. And Elihu under the hand of Jeremy ;
10. And Jeremy under the hand of Gad ;
11. And Gad under the hand of Esaias ;
12. And Esaias received it under the hand of God.
13. Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and
was blessed of him —
14. Which Abraham received the ^Priesthood from
a, see ?', Sec. 10. 6, see c?, Sec. 28. c, 57: 1 — 3.
e, 124: 49 — 54. /, a generation does not all pass away in one
hundred years. g, vers. 31, 32. h, vers. 31, 34. /, Exo-
dus 18. ;, Gen. 14: 18—20.
290 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV.
Melohisedek, who received it through the lineage of
his fathers, even till Noah ;
15. And from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage
of their fathers ;
16. And from Enoch 'to Abel, who was slain by
the conspiracy of his brother, who received the "^Priest-
hood by the commandments of God, by the hand of
his father Adam, who was the first man —
17. Which "Priesthood continueth in the church
of God in all generations, and is without beginning of
days or end of years.
18. And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also
upon ° Aaron and his seed, throughout all their gener-
ations— which priesthood also continueth and ^abideth
forever with the Priesthood, which is ^after the holiest
order of God.
19. And this ^greater Priesthood administereth
the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the
kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God ;
20. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the ^power
of godliness is manifest ;
21. And without the ordinances thereof, and the
authority of the Priesthood, the power of godliness
is hiot manifest unto men in the flesh ;
22. For without this no man can "see the face of
God, even the Father, and live.
23. 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 ;
24. But they hardened their hearts and could not
endure his presence, therefore the Lord in his wrath (for
his anger was kindled against them) swore that they
k, through Lamech and Methuselah. I, through six suc-
cessive generations, to Abel, or Seth. m, 107:40 — 57. 71,107:1.
See i, Sec. 68. o,vers. 26—28, 30. p, Exodus 40: 15. Num.
• 25: 13. q, see i, Sec. 68. r, see i, Sec. 68. .s, vers. 21—30.
107:8—12,18,19. 113:8. 128:11. ^, Luke 3: 16. John 10: 41.
w, see 0, Sec. 50. y, see o, Sec. 50.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 291
should not ^enter into his rest while in the wilderness,
which rest is the fullness of his glory.
25. Therefore he took Moses out of their midst,
and the ^Holy Priesthood also,
26. And the Cesser priesthood continued, which
priesthood holdeth the %ey of the ministering of angels
and the preparatory gospel ;
27. Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and
of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of
carnal 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 Holy Ghost from his mother's
womb ;
28. For he was baptized 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 over-
throw 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 coming of the Lord, in whose
hand is given ^^all power.
29. And again, the offices of elder and bishop are
necessary '^^appendages belonging unto the ^'^High
Priesthood.
30. And again, the offices of teacher and deacon
are necessary ^%ppendages belonging to the lesser
priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron
and his sons.
31. Therefore, as I said ^^concerning the sons of
Moses — for the sons of Moses, and also the sons of
Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice
in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built
unto the Lord in ^'^this generation, upon the ^^conse-
crated spot as I have appointed ;
M?, Heb. 3: 11, 18, 19. 4:1—11. .r, see t, Sec. 68. y, The
Aaronic. z, 107: 13—15, 20. Exodus 33: 1—4. 2a, Ezek. 20:
25. 26, Matt. 3: 3. 2c, 93: 17. 2(^.107:7,11,22—26.36,37.
2e, see I, Sec. 68. 2/, 107: 85—88. 1g, vers. 6, 32. 2/i, see /.
1%, ver. 3. 57: 1—3.
292 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV.
32. And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be
^jfilled 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 ;
33. For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these
two Priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the mag-
nifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto
the ^'^renewing of their bodies ;
34. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron
and the seed of Abraham, and the church and ^'king-
dom, and the ^'"elect of God ;
35. And also all they who receive this ^^Priesthood
receiveth me, saith the Lord ;
36. For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me ;
37. And he that receiveth me ^"receiveth my
Father ;
38. And he that receiveth my Father, ^Preceiveth
my Father's kingdom ; therefore ^'^all that my Father
hath shall be given unto him ;
39. And this is according to the oath and covenant
which belongeth to the Priesthood.
40. Therefore, all those who receive the Priesthood,
receive this ^""oath and covenant of my Father, which
he cannot break, neither can it be moved ;
4 1 . But whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath
received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall '-^^not
have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world
to come.
42. And all those who come not unto this ^*Priest-
hood which ye have received, 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 concerning you.
2;, ver. 5. 2A, Gal. 3: 27— 29. 2/, see a?, Sec. 35.
2m, ver. 99. 29: 7. 2n, vers. 88-90. 112: 20. 2o, John 13:
20. 2p, see ./■, Sec. 35. 2q, see d, Sec. 50. 2r, vers. 40,
48. 25, 41: 1. 76: 29—37. 2t, see i, Sec. 68. 2u, ver. 88.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 293
43. And I now give unto you a commandment to
beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to
the words of eternal life :
44. For you shall live by every word that pro-
ceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
45. For the word of the Lord is truth, and ^^what-
soever is truth is light, and ^^whatsoever is light is
Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ ;
46. And the Spirit giveth 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 ;
47. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of
the Spirit, cometh unto God, even the Father ;
48. And the Father teacheth him of the ^^cove-
nant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you,
which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not
for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole
world ;
49. And the whole world lieth in sin, and groan-
eth under darkness and under the bondage of sin ;
50. And by this you may know they are under the
bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
51. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the
bondage of sin ;
52. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not a*^
quainted with my voice, and is not of me ;
53. And by this you may know the righteous from
the wicked, and that the whole world groan eth under
sin and darkness even now.
54. And your minds in times past have been dark-
ened because of unbelief, and because you have treated
lightly the things you have received,
55. Which vanity and unbelief hath brought the
^^whole church under condemnation.
2y, 88: 6—13, 41, 49, 50, 66, 67. 2w, see 2v. 2x, 93: 2.
2j/, 93: 28. 22, see k, Sec. 1. 3a, see a, Sec. 1.
294 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV.
56. And this condemnation resteth upon the chil-
dren of Zion , even all :
57. And they shall remain under this condemnation
until they repent and remember the ^'^new covenant,
even the Book of Mormon and the former command-
ments which I have given them, not only to say, but to
do according to that which I have written,
58. That they may bring forth fruit meet for their
Father's kingdom, otherwise there remain eth a scourge
and a judgment to be poured out upon the ^^children
of Zion :
59. For shall the children of the kingdom pollute
my holy land? Yerily, I say unto you, Nay.
60. Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear
my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch
as you receive these things ;
61. 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 testi-
mony to all the world of those things which are com-
municated unto you.
62. Therefore ^®go ye into all the world, and what-
soever place ye cannot go into ye shall send, that the
testimony may go from you into all the world unto
every creature.
63. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say
unto you, for you are ^^mine apostles, even God's High
Priests ; ye are they whom my Father hath given me —
ye are my friends ;
64. Therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say
unto you again, that ^»every soul who believeth on your
words, and is baptized by water for the remission of
sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost ;
65 . And these ^^signs shall follow them that believe.
Sb, see k, Sec. 1. 3c, upon those gathered in Missouri. 3d,
43: 34. 88: 121. 3e, see b, Sec. 1. 3/, 20: 2, 3. 27: 12. 95: 4.
Zg, Mark 16: 15—18. Acts 2: 37—39. dh, Mark 16: 17, 18.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 295
66. In my name they shall do many wonderful
works ;
67. In my name they shall cast out devils ;
68. In my name they shall heal the sick ;
69. In my name they shall open the eyes of the
blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf ;
70. And the tongue of the dumb shall speak ;
71. And if any man shall administer poison unto
them it shall not hurt them ;
72. And the poison of a serpent shall not have
power to harm them.
73. 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.
74. Verily, verily, I say unto you ^^they who believe
not on your words, and are not baptized 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.
75. And this revelation unto you, and command-
ment, is in force ^^'from this very hour upon all the
world, and the gospel is unto all who have not re-
ceived it.
76. 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.
77. 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 commandment, that ye become
Si, Luke 8: 54—56. 9: 36. 3;, Mark 16: 16. 3k, ver. 74.
Zl, see X, Sec. 35. 3m, in April, 1832.
296 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXXXIV.
even as ray friends in days when I was with them
traveling to preach the gospel in my power,
78. For I suffered them not to have purse or scrip,
neither two coats ;
79. Behold I send you out to ^'^prove the world,
and the laborer is worthy of his hire.
80. And any man that shall go and preach this
gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful
in all things shall ^^not be weary in mind, neither
darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint : and an
hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed.
And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst.
81. Therefore, ^i^take no thought for the morrow,
for what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, or where-
withal ye shall be clothed ;
82. 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 "^lot
arrayed like one of these ;
83. For your Father who art in heaven, knoweth
that you have need of all these things.
84. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the
things of itself.
85. Neither take ye thought beforehand ^^what ye
shall say, but ^""treasure up in your minds continually
the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very
hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
86. Therefore let no man among you, (for this com-
mandment is unto all the faithful who are called of
God in the church unto the ministry,) from this
hour ^^take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim
this gospel of the kingdom.
87. 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.
3n, vers. 86—97. 3o, 89: 18—21. 3;j, iii. Nep. 13: 25—34.
Scy, Matt. 10: 19, 20. 3r, 11: 22. 3.s-, see j, Sec. 24.
3f, ver. 117.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 29 7
88. And whoso receiveth you, there I will 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 mine angels round about you, to bear
you up.
89. Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the
same ^"will feed you, and clothe you, and give you
money.
90. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives
you money, shall in no wise lose his reward :
91. And he who doeth not these things is not my
disciple ; by this you may know my disciples.
92. He that receiveth you not, go away from him
alone by yourselves, and ^^cleanse your feet even with
water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear
testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven,
and return not again unto that man.
93. And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do
likewise.
94. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not ;
and ^'""wo unto that house, or that village or city that
rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony con-
cerning me.
95. Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that village
or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testi-
mony of me ;
96. For I the Almighty, have laid my hands upon
the nations, to ^"^scourge them for their wicked-
ness :
97. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not
^.e taken from the earth until I have completed my
work which shall be cut short in righteousness,
98. 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.
Zu, Matt. 10: 40—42. Zv, see d, See. 60. 3w, see f and g, Sec. 1 .
Sx, see /and g, Sec. 1. 3?/, Jer. 31 : 33, 34. Zz, Isa. 52 : 8.
298 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV.
and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together
sing this new song, saying —
99. The Lord hath brought ^^again Zion :
The Lord hath ^^redeemed his people, Israel,
According to the election of grace,
AVliich was brought to pass by the faith
And ^'^covenant of their fathers.
100. 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.
101. The earth hath travailed and brought forth
her strength :
And truth is established in her bowels :
And the heavens have smiled upon her :
And she is clothed *^with the glory of her God :
For he stands in the midst of his people ;
102. Glory, and honor, and power, and might,
Be ascribed to our God ; for he is full of mercy,
Justice, grace and truth, and peace.
For ever and ever. Amen.
103. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, it is
expedient that every man who goes forth to proclaim
mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as they have
families, and receive monies 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.
104. And let all those who have not families, who
receive monies, 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 print-
ing thereof, and for establishing Zion.
105. And if any man shall give unto any of you a
4a, Isa. 52: 8. 46, Eom. 11: 25—28. 4c, Kom. 11: 27, 28.
4o?, see 2t, Sec. 45. 4e, see j, Sec. 10. 4f, 45: 11—14. The
Zion of Enoch. Pearl of Great Price, p. 22. 4^, Zion to be taken
up in a cloud. 4A, Isa. 11: 9.
SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 299
coat, or a suit, take the old and cast it unto the poor,
and go your way rejoicing,
106. 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.
107. Therefore, take with you those who are or-
dained unto the ^'lesser priesthood, and send them be-
fore you to make appointments, and to prepare the
way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are
not able to fill.
108. Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in
ancient days,_^built up my church unto me.
109. Therefore, let every man stand in his own
office, and labor 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 ?
110. Also the body hath need of every member,
that all may be edified together, that the system may
be kept perfect.
111. And behold the '^^High Priests should travel,
and also the elders, and 'also the lesser priests ; but
the deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch
over the church, to be standing ministers unto the
church.
112. And the bishop. Newel K. Whitney, also,
should travel round about and among all the churches,
searching after the poor to administer to their wants
by humbling the rich and the proud ;
113. He should also employ an agent to take charge
and to do his secular business as he shall direct ;
114. Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city
of New York, also to the citj^ 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
4i, the Aaronic. 4;. i. Cor. 12; 31. 4^ see i, Sec. 58,
300 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXV.
the ^'desolation and utter abolishment which await
them if they do reject these things ;
115. For if they do reject these things the hour of
their judgment is nigh, and their house shall be left
unto them desolate.
116. Let him trust in me and he shall not be con-
founded ; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the
ground unnoticed.
117. And verilj^I say unto you, the rest of my ser-
vants, go ye forth as your circumstances 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 understandingly the ^"desolation of abomi-
nation in the last days ;
118. For, with you saith the Lord Almighty, I will
*^rend their kingdoms : I will not only ^Pshake the
earth, but the ^^^starry heavens shall tremble ;
119. 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.
120. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end. Amen.
SECTION 85.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer^ in Kirtlancl,
Ohio, November 27th, 1832, concerniiig the Saints
in Zion, Jackson Co,, Missouri.
1. It is the duty of the Lord's clerk, whom he has
41, see / and g, Sec. 1. 4m, ver. 87. 4??, see/ and g, Sec. 1.
4o, Dan. 2: 34, 35, 44, 45. 4p, see e, Sec. 21. 4q, see e, Sec. 21.
4r, see e. Sec. 21, 4s, see e, Sec. 1.
SEC. LXXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 301
appointed, to keep a ^history, and a General Church
Record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all
those who consecrate properties, and receive inheri-
tances legally from the bishop ;
2. And also their manner of life, their faith, and
works ; and also of all the apostates who apostatize
after receiving their inheritances.
3. It is contrary to the will and commandment of
God, that those who receive not their inheritance by
^consecration, agreeably to his law, which he has given,
that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against
thfe day of ^vengeance and burning, should have their
names enrolled with the people of God ;
4. Neither is their *^genealogy to be kept, or to be
had where it may be found on any of the records or
history of the church ;
5. Their names shall not be found, neither the
names of the fathers, nor the names of the children
written in the *^book of the law of God, saith the Lord
of Hosts.
6. Yea, thus saith the ^still small voice, which
whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often
times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh
manifest, saying :
7. And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God,
will ^send one mighty and strong, holding the sceptre of
power in his hand, clothed with ^Hight for a covering,
whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words ; while
his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order
the house of God, and to arrange by ^lot the inheri-
tances of the saints, whose names are found, and the
names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled
in the ^book of the law of God :
8. While that man, who was called of God and ap-
a, see a, Sec. 21. b, see n, Sec. 42. c, see f and g, Sec. 1.
d, Ezra 2: 62, 63. e, vers. 1, 9. /, I. Kings 19: 11—13.
g, A future messenger promised. h, bi'illiant and glorious in ap-
pearance, i, Joshua, chap. 14 — 19. ;', vers. 1, 5, 9, 11.
302 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVI.
pointed, that putteth forth his hand to ^steady the ark
of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree
that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning ;
9. And all they who are not found written in
the ^book of remembrance, shall find none inheritance
in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their
portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers,
where are "^wailing and gnashing of teeth.
10. These things I say not of myself; therefore, as
the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfill.
11. And they who are of the "High Priesthood,
whose names are not found written in the book of the
law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have
been cut off from the church ; as well as the lesser
priesthood, or the members, in that day, shall °not find
an inheritance among the saints of the Most High ;
12. Therefore it shall be done unto them as unto
the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in
the second chapter and sixty -first and second verses of
Ezra.
SECTION 86.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Prophet^ at Kirt-
land, Geauga Co.^ Ohio, Dec. 6th, 1832, explaining
the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser-
vants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the
tares.
2. Behold, verily I say, that the field was the world,
and the apostles were the sowers of the seed ;
k, I. Cliron. 13: 9—12. I, see ;. m, see e, Sec. 19.
n, see i, Sec. 58. o, see e, Sec. 19.
SEC. LXXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 303
3. And after they have fallen asleep, the ^great
persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore,
even ^Babylon, that maketh 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.
4. 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.
5. Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels
are **crying unto the Lord day and night, who are
ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the
fields ;
6. But the Lord said 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.
7. Therefore let the wheat and the tares grow
together until 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 and lo ! the
tares are bound in bundles, and the field remain eth to
be burned.
8. Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with
whom the Priesthood hath continued through the ^lin-
eage of your fathers.
9. For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh,
and have been hid from the world *with Christ in
God;
10. Therefore your life and the Priesthood hath
remained and must needs remain through you and
your lineage, ^until the restoration of all things spoken
by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world
began.
11. Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my
a, Eev. 17 chap. h, Eev. 14, 17, 18 chap. c, Rev. 12 : 14.
d, Matt. 13 : 39—42. e, being of the seed of Abraham. /, spirits
hid with Christ, reserved for the last dispensation. g, Acts 3 : 21.
304 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVII.
goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this
Priesthood, a ^savior.unto my people Israel. The Lord
hath said it. Amen.
SECTION 87.
Revelatio7i and Prophecy^ given through Joseph^ the
Seer, on War. Given December 25th ^ 1832.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, concerning the wars
that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebel-
lion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate
in the death and misery of many souls.
2. The days will come that war will be poured out
upon all nations, ^beginning at that place ;
3. For behold, the Southern States shall be divided
against the Northern States, and the Southern States
will call on other nations, even the nation of Great
Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon
other nations, in order to defend themselves against
other nations ; and thus ^war shall be poured out upon
all nations.
4 . And it shall come to pass, after many days, ^slaves
shall rise up against their masters, who shall be mar-
shalled and disciplined for war :
5. And it shall come to pass also, that the ^rem-
nants who are left of the land will marshal themselves,
and shall become exceeding angry, and shall vex the
Gentiles with a sore vexation ;
6. And thus with the sword, and by bloodshed,
the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn ; and with
h, Obadiah 1:21. Rom. 11 : 25—31.
a, 139: 12,13. 6,45: 69. c, fulfilled, in part, in the last
American war. d, remnants of Joseph.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 305
famine, and plague, and earthquakes, and the thunder
of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall
the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the v^^rath,
and indignation and chastening hand of an Almighty
God, until the ^consumption decreed, hath made a full
end of all nations ;
7. That the cry of the saints, and of the *blood of
the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the
Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of
their enemies.
8. Wherefore, stand ye in %oly places, and be not
moved, until the ^day of the Lord come ; for behold it
cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
SECTION 88.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga Co., Ohio, December 27th, 1832.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have
assembled yourselves together to receive his will con-
cerning you.
2. Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the
angels rejoice 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.
3. Wherefore, T now send upon you another ^Com-
forter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in
your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise ; which
e, see/ and g, See. 1. /, 58 : 63. 63 : 28—31. i. Nep. 14 : 13.
22:14. II. Nep. 5:16. 28:10. Mor. 8 : 27, 40, 41. Ether 8: 22
—24. Rev. 18 : 24. 19 : 2. g, the Stakes of Zion intended to be
holy places. 45 : 32. 101 : 64. h, see e, Sec. 1.
a, vers. 4, 5.
306 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII.
other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my
disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.
4. This Comforter is the promise which I give unto
you of eternal life ; even the glory of the celestial
kingdom :
5. Which glory is that of the ^church of the first
born ; even of God the holiest of all, through Jesus
Christ his Son :
6. He that ascended up on high, as also he ^de-
scended below all things ; in that he comprehended all
things, that he might be in all and through all things,
•^the light of truth ;
7. Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ.
As also he is 4n the sun, and the light of the sun, and
the power thereof by which it was made.
8. As also he is the *moon, and is the light of
the moon, and the power thereof by which it was
made.
9. As also the flight of the stars, and the power
thereof by which they were made.
10. And the earth also, and the power thereof;
even the earth upon which you stand.
11. And the light which now shineth, which giveth
you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes,
which is the '^same light that quickeneth your under-
standings ;
12. Which light proceedeth forth from the presence
of God to fill the immensity of space.
13. The light which is in all things ; which giveth
Jlife to all things : which is the ^law by which all things
are governed : even the power of God who sitteth upon
his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in
the midst of all things.
h, see a, Sec. 1. c, 122 : 8. Eph. 4 : 9, 10. d, vers. 7—13,
40, 41, 49, 50, 66, 67. 14 : 9. 84 : 44—48. 93 : 2, 8—17, 20, 23—39.
e, see d. f, see d. g, see d. h, see d. i, the light
of all worlds as transmitted through space. ?, the great principle
of life. k, the law of power by which all things are governed.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 30 7
14. Now, veril)'' I say unto you, that through the
redemption which is made for you is brought to pass
the ^resurrection from the dead.
15. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man.
16. And the resurrection from the dead is the re-
demption of the soul ;
17. And the redemption of the soul is through him
who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is de-
creed that the poor and the meek of the earth '"shall
inherit it.
18. Therefore it must needs be sanctified from all
unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celes-
tial glory ;
19. For after it hath filled the measure of its crea-
tion, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the '^pre-
sence of God the Father ;
20. That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom
may ^^possess it for ever and ever ; for, for this intent
was it made and created, and for this intent are they
sanctified.
21. And they who are not sanctified through the
law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ,
must inherit ^another kingdom, even that of a terres-
trial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.
22. For he who is not able to abide the law of a
^celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial glory ;
23. And he who cannot abide the law of a ^'terres-
trial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory :
24. 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.
I, vers. 15—17, 20, 27—29. See m, Sec. 29. Also ii. Nep. 2: 8.
9:4.6—19.22. Mos. 13: 35. 15:8,9,20—27. 16:7—11. Alma
5:15. 7:12. 11:41—45. 12:12—18,24,25. 22:14. 33:22. 40
chap. 41:2—5. 42:23. Hela. 14: 15— 1 7, 25. iii. Nep. 23: 9—
13. 26: 5. Mor. 6: 21. 7: 6. 9: 13. Moro. 7: 41. 10: 34. m,
seep, Sec. 38. n, 101: 65. 130: 7, 9. o, see p, Sec. 38. p,
43: 18, 33. 76: 102, 111, 112. q, vers. 38, 39. r, vers. 38, 39.
s, vers. 38, 39.
308 COVKNANTS AND [sEC. LXXXVIIT.
25. 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.
26. Wherefore it shall be sanctified; yea, notwith-
standing Ht shall die, it shall be quickened again, and
shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and
"the righteous shall inherit it :
27. For notwithstanding they die, they also shall
rise again a ^spiritual body :
28. 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.
29. Ye who are ^^quickened by a portion of the
celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a
fullness :
30. And they who are ^quickened by a portion of
the terrestrial glory, shall then receive of the same,
even a fullness :
31. And also they who are ^quickened by a portion
of the telestial glory, shall then receive of the same,
even a fullness ;
32. And they who remain shall also be quickened ;
nevertheless 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 which they might
have received.
33. For what doth it profit a man if a gift is be-
stowed upon him, and he receiveth not the gift? Be-
hold he rejoiceth not in that which is given unto him,
neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.
34. And again, verily I say unto you, that which is
governed by law is also preserved by law, and ^per-
fected and sanctified by the same.
t,M)l: 2b. 43:32. 7/,see jo, Sec. 38. y, see m, Sec 29.
tv.7&: 50—70,94—96. .r, 76: 71—80. y, 76: 81—90,98—112.
z, perfected, according to the law obeyed.
SEC. LXXXVITI.] COMMANDMENTS. 309
35. That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by
law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and
willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin,
cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice,
nor Judgment. Therefore they must ^^remain filthy
still.
36. All ^''kingdoms have a law given :
3 7 . And there are many kingdoms ; for there is ^^no
space in which there is no kingdom ; and there is no
kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or
a lesser kingdom.
38. And unto ^^every kingdom is given a law ; and
unto every law there are certain bounds also and con-
ditions.
39. All beings who abide not in those conditions
are not justified ;
40. For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence;
wisdom receiveth wisdom ; truth embraceth truth ;
virtue loveth virtue ; 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 governeth and executeth all
things ;
41. He ^^comprehendeth all things, and all things
are before him, 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.
42. 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 ;
43. And their courses are fixed ; even the courses
2a, I. ITep. 15: 33—35. ii. Nep. 9: 16. Alma 7: 21. Mor.
9: 14. 26, laws of the tiniverse. 1c, infinity of kingdoms.
2d, laws adapted to every kingdom. 2e, 93: 30. 35, 36. 2/,
laws of planetary motion.
310 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII.
of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the
earth and all the planets ;
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that
ye may understand?
47. 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.
48. I say unto you, he hath seen him; never-
theless, he who came unto his own was not compre-
hended.
49. The light ^"^shineth in darkness, and the dark-
ness comprehendeth it not ; nevertheless, the day shall
come when ^^you shall comprehend even God ; being
quickened in him and by him.
50. Then shall ye know that ye ^^have seen me,
that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you,
and that you are in me, otherwise ye could not abound.
51. Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man
having a field, and he ^'^sent forth his servants into the
field to dig in the field ;
52. 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 ;
53. And he said unto the second, go ye also into the
2g, Celestial time. 2h, see h, Sec. 6. 2i, vers. fi6 — fiS. 93:
28. 101: 32 — 34. 2j, every spirit of man, in his pre-existent
state, saw God. 2k, each planetary kingdom is visited by its
Creator in its time and season.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 311
field, and in the second hour I will visit you with the
joy of my countenance ;
54. And also unto the third saying, I will visit
you;
55. And unto the fourth, and so on unto the
twelfth.
56. 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 ;
57. And then he withdrew from the first that he
might visit the second also, and the third, and the
fourth, and so on unto the twelfth ;
58. 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 ;
59. Beginning at the first, and so on unto the last,
and from the last unto the first, and from the first unto
the last ;
60. Every man in his own order, until his hour was
finished, even according as his lord had commanded
him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in
him, that they all might be glorified.
61. Therefore, unto this parable will I liken %11
these kingdoms, and the inhabitants thereof ; every
kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and in its season ;
even according to the decree which God hath made.
62. And again, verily I say unto you, my 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 ;
63. Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto
yoQ : seek me diligently and ye shall find me ; ^'"ask
and ye shall receive ; knock and it shall be opened unto
you;
21, the inhabitants of each planet blessed with the presence and
visits of their Creator, 2m, see c, Sec, 4.
312 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII.
64. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it
shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you ;
65. And if ye ask anything that is not expedient
for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation.
66. Behold, that which you hear is as the ^^voice
of one crying in the wilderness — in the wilderness, be-
cause 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.
67. 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.
68. Therefore sanctify yourselves that your minds
become single to God, and the days will come that you
shall ^Psee him; for he will unvail his face unto you,
and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way,
and according to his own will.
69. 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 ;
70. Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call
a ^""solemn assembly, even of those who are the first
laborers in this last kingdom ;
71. And let those whom they have warned in their
traveling, call on the Lord, and ponder the warning
in their hearts which they have received for a little
season.
72. Behold, and lo ! I will take care of your flocks,
and will raise up elders and send unto them.
73. Behold, I will hasten my work in its time ;
74. And I give unto you, who are the first laborers
in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble
yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and pre-
2n, 5: 14. He who beholds God is no longer in the wilderness.
2o, ver.49. 2p, see o, Sec. 50. 2q. ver. 121. 59 : 15..
2r,vers. 74--82, 117. 95 : 7. 108: 4. 109: 6, 10.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 3 tB
pare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves ; yea, purify
your hearts, and ^^cleanse your hands and your feet
before me, that I may make you clean ;
75. 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 fulfill this prom-
ise, this great and last promise, which I have made
unto you, when I will.
76. Also, I give unto you a commandment, that ye
shall continue in ^*prayer and fasting from this time
forth.
77. And I give unto you a commandment, that
you shall teach one another the doctrine of the king-
dom ;
78. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend
you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in
theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gos-
pel, in ^"all things that pertain unto the kingdom of
God, that are expedient for you to understand ;
79. Of things both in heaven and in the 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 of coun-
tries and of kingdoms,
80. 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.
81. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the
people, and it becometh every man who hath been
warned, to warn his neighbor.
82. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and
their sins are upon their own heads.
2s, vers. 138—141. 2^,seec, Sec. 4. Mos. 27: 22, 23. 6: 6.
8:26. 10:7. 17:3,9. 28:6. 30:2. Hela. 3: 35. iii. Nep. 13:
16—18. 27:1. IV. Nep. 1: 12. Moro. 6: 5. 2m, 11: 22. 90:15.
314 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXXXVllI.
83. He that seeketh me early shall jBlnd me, and
shall not be forsaken.
84. Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that
you may be perfected in your ministry 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 testimony, and to prepare the saints
for the hour of judgment which is to come ;
85. That their souls may escape the wrath of God,
the ^^desolation of abomination which awaits 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.
86. 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 ;
87. 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 bathed in blood, and the
stars shall become exceeding angry, and shall cast
themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig
tree.
88. And after your testimony cometh wrath and
indignation upon the people ;
89 . For after your testimony cometh the ^^testimony
of earthquakes, that shall cause groaniugs in the midst
of her, and men shall fall upon the ground, and shall
not be able to stand.
90. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of
thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice
of tempests, and the voice Of the waves of the sea,
heaving themselves beyond their bounds.
2y, see d, Sec. 1. 2m;, 84 : 1 14, 117. 2x, see x, Sec. 45.
2y, see n, See. 29. 2z, see x, Bee, 45.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 315
9 1 . And all things shall be in commotion ; and
surely, men's hearts shall fail them ; for fear shall come
upon all people ;
92. And angels shall fly through the midst of
heaven, crying with a ^^loud voice, sounding the trump
of God, saying, Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants
of the earth ; for the judgment of our God is come :
behold, and lo ! the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to
meet him.
93. And immediately there shall appear a *^^great
sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together.
94. And another angel shall sound his trump, say-
ing. That ^^great church, the mother 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
waters, and on 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 ; there-
fore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound
his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall
hear it.
95. And there shall be ^^silence in heaven for the
space of half an hour, and immediately after 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 unvailed ;
96. And the ^*saints that are upon the earth, who
are alive, shall be quickened, and be caught up to meet
him.
97. 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 meet him in the midst of the
pillar of heaven :
3a, 43: 18, 25. Sec. 13. 20:6. Sec. 27. 128:19—21. 133:17.
Testimony of three witnesses. 36, Luke 21: 25 — 27. ?>c 20:21.
3rf, 38: 12. Rev. 8: 1. 3e, see e, Sec. 1. 3/, 84: 100. 70: 102.
Zg, see I, Sec. 29.
11
316 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVlII.
98. 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
meet him : and all this by the voice of the sounding of
the trump of the angel of God.
99. 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 re-
ceived 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.
100. 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 con-
demnation :
101. And these are the rest of the dead, and they
live not again until the thousand years are ended,
neither again, until the end of the earth.
102. And another trump shall sound, which is the
fourth trump, saying, There are found among those who
are to remain until that great and last day, even the
end, who shall remain ^^filthy still.
103. 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 ;
104. And this shall be the sound of his trump,
saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and
that are under 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, say-
ing. Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon
the throne, for ever and ever : for the hour of his
judgment is come.
105. And again, another angel shall sound his
3A, see 20-, Sec. 76. 3i, 76: 81— 85, 102— 107. Mat. 25: 31— 46.
3;, The sons of Perdition. 3/.-, Isa. 45: 23. Eom. 14: 11. Phil. 2:
10,11.
SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 3 17
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 !
106. 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 ;
107. And then shall the angels 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.
108. And then shall the first angel again sound his
trump in the ears of all living, and reveal the secret
acts of men, and mighty works of God in the first
thousandth year.
109. And then shall the second angel sound his
trump, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the
thoughts and intents of their hearts, and the mighty
works of God in the second thousandth year :
110. And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound
his trump : and he shall stand forth 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.
111. And then he shall be loosed for a little season,
that he may gather his armies :
112. And ^^Michael, the seventh angel, even the
archangel, shall gather together his armies, even the
hosts of heaven.
113. And the devil shall gather together his armies
even the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle
against Michael and his armies :
U, ver. 94, see i, Sec. 1. 3m, 133: 46—51. Joel 3: 9—19. Rev.
14: 14—20. 3/1, see b, Sec. 25. 3o, see 3^, Sec. 76. ^jp, see
2t,: Sec. 45. 32, see A, Sec 27.
318 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII.
114. And then cometh the battle of the great
God ; and the devil and his armies shall be cast away
into their own place, and they shall not have power
over the saints any more at all ;
115. For Michael shall fight their battles, and shall
overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sit-
teth upon the throne, even the Lamb.
116. This is the glory of God, and the sanctified ;
and they shall not any more see death.
117. Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends,
call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you ;
118. 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 learn-
ing even by study, and also by faith.
119. Organize yourselves, prepare every needful
thing, and ^^establish a house, even a house of prayer,
a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learn-
ing, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God ;
120. 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.
121. 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.
122. Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and lei
not all be spokesmen at once ; but let one speak at a
time, and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all
have spoken, that all may be edified of all, and that
every man may have an equal privilege.
123. See that ye love one another; cease to be
covetous, learn to impart one to another as the gospel
requires ;
3r, see c, Sec. 65. 3s, 95: 3—17. 97: 10—17. Sec. 109. Zt, ver.
69. 59: 15.
SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 319
124. Cease to be idle ; cease to be unclean ; cease
to find fault one with another ; 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 ;
125. And, above all things, clothe yourselves with
the bonds of charity, as with a mantle, which is the
bond of perfectness and peace ;
126. Pray always, that ye may not faint until I
come: behold, and lo, I will ^"come quickly, and re-
ceive you unto myself. Amen.
127. And again, the order of the house prepared for
the presidency of the school of the prophets, established
for their instruction in all things that are expedient
for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in
other words, those who are called to the ministry in
the church, beginning at the High Priests, even down
to the deacons :
128. And this shall be the order 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.
129. Therefore he shall be first in the house of
God, in a place that the ?.ongregation in the house may
hear his words carefully and distinctly, not with loud
speech.
130. 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).
131. Let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees
before God, in token or remembrance of the ^^everlast-
ing covenant,
132. And when any shall come in after him, let the
teacher arise, and, with uplifted hands to heaven ; yea,
even directly, salute his brother or brethren with these
words :
3u, see g. Sec. 1. 3u, see k, Sec. 1.
320 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII.
133. Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token of re-
membrance of the ^^everlasting covenant, in which
covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination
that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your
friend and brother through the grace of God, in the
bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of
God blameless, in thanksgiving, for ever and ever.
Amen.
134. And he that is found unworthy of this saluta-
tion, shall not have place among you : for ye shall not
suffer that mine house shall be polluted by him.
135. And he that cometh in and is faithful before
me, and is a brother, or if they be brethren, they shall
salute the president or teacher with uplifted hands to
heaven, with this same prayer and covenant, or by say-
ing Amen, in token of the same.
136. Behold, verily, I say unto you, this is a sample
unto you for a salutation to one another in the house
of God, in the ^^school of the prophets.
137. 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 taber-
nacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification.
138. And ye shall not receive any among you into
this school save he is clean from the blood of this
generation :
139. And he shall be received by the ordinance of
the ^^washing of feet, for unto this end was the ordi-
nance of the washing of feet instituted.
140. And again, the ordinance of washing feet is to
be administered by the President, or Presiding elder of
the church.
141. It is to be commenced with prayer, and after
3w, see k, Sec. 1. Sx, vers. 137—141. 90: 7, 13. 95: 10, 17.
97i 5, 6. 8y, vers. 74, 75, 140, 141.
SEC. LXXXIX.] ■^i.J COMMANDMENTS. 3^1
partaking of bread and wine, he is to gird himself ac-
cording to the pattern given in the thirteenth chapter
of John's testimony concerning me. Amen.
SECTION 89.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, February 27th, 1838.
1. 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.
2. 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 all saints in the last days.
3. 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.
4. Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, in
consequence of evils and designs which do and will
exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I
have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you
this word of wisdom by revelation,
5. That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or
strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither
meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling
yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before
him.
6. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^pure
wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7. And, again, '^strong drinks are not for the belly,
but for the washing of your bodies.
a, vers. 18—21. h, 27: 1—14. c, 27: 3, 4.
§22 COVENANTS AND [sEC. LXXXIX.
8. 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.
9. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or
belly.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, '^all whole-
some herbs God hath ordained for the constitution,
nature, and use of man.
11. Every herb in the season thereof, and every
fruit in the season thereof ; all these to be used with
prudence and thanksgiving.
12. Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of
the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man
with thanksgiving ; nevertheless they are to be used
sparingly ;
13. And it is pleasing unto me that they should
not be used ^only in times of winter, or of cold, or
famine.
14. 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 for
wild animals that run or creep on the earth ;
15. And these hath God made for the use of man
only in *times of famine and excess of hunger.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. And all saints who remember to keep and do
these sayings, walking in obedience to the command -
d, 59: 17—20. Alma 46: 40. f, ver. 15. 59: 16—20. /, ver.
13. 59: 16- 20.
SEC. XC] COMMANDMENTS. 323
merits, shall ^receive health in their navel, and marrow
to their bones,
19. And shall ^find wisdom and great treasures of
knowledge, even hidden treasures ;
20. And shall run and not be weary, and shall
walk and not faint ;
21. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise,
that the destroying angel ^shall pass by them, as the
children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.
SECTION 90.
Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given in Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, March 8th, 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 into my ears ;
2. Therefore thou art blessed from henceforth
that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you ;
which ^kingdom is coming forth for the last time.
3. 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 world to come ;
4. Nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be
given to another ; yea, '^even unto the church.
5. 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 de-
g, Prov. 3: 8. h, 76: 5—10. i, Exod. 12: 23, 29.
a, see x, Sec. 35. b, 124: 91—96.
324 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XC.
sceud, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and
beat upon their house.
6. 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 ;
7. As also through your administration the keys of
the ^'school of the prophets, which I have commanded
to be organized,
8. That thereby they may be perfected in their
ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations
of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe,
9. 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, Hhey shall
turn unto the Jews ;
10. 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 Joseph, of
the gospel of their salvation.
11. For it shall come to pass in that day, that every
man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own
tongue, and in his own language, through those who
are ordained unto this power, by the administration of
the ^Comforter, shed forth upon them, for the revela-
tion of Jesus Christ.
12. And now, verily I say unto you, I give unto
you a commandment, that you continue in the ministry
and Presidency,
13. And when you have finished the ^'translation
of the prophets, you shall from thenceforth preside
over the affairs of the church and the school ;
14. And from time to time, as shall be manifest by
c, see 3x, Sec. 88. d, see o, Sec. 18. e, see o, Sec. 18. /, 42:
58—60. 43: 23—27. 58: 63, 64. 88: 84, 87—92. 133: 37—60, 68—
74. See c, Sec. 58. g, see h, Sec. 42. h, the Prophets of the Old
Testament.
SEC. XC] COMMANDMENTS. 825
the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mys-
teries of the kingdom,
15. And set in order the churches, and study and
learn, and become acquainted with ^all good books, and
with languages, tongues, and people.
16. And this shall be your business and mission in
all your lives, to preside in council, and set in order all
the affairs of this church and kingdom.
17. Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be
admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for
it bringeth a snare upon your souls.
18. Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness
and uncleanness far from you.
19. Now, verily I say unto you, let there be a place
provided as soon as it is possible, for the family of thy
counselor and scribe, even Frederick G. Williams :
20. 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.
21. And let my counselor, even Sidney Rigdon,
remain where he now resides, until the mouth of the
Lord shall name.
22. And let the bishop seek 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 ;
23. That thereby he may be enabled to discharge
€very debt ; that the storehouse of the Lord may not
be brought into disrepute before the eyes of the people.
24. Search diligently, pray always, and be believ-
ing, and all things shall work together for your good,
if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant
wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
25. Let your families be small, especially mine aged
servant Joseph Smith, sen., as pertaining to those who
do not belong to your families ;
•i, see c, Sec. 55.
326 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XC.
26. 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,
27. And thereby you are hindered in accomplishing
those things which I have commanded you.
28. 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 to the land of Zion ;
29. And the residue of the money may be conse-
crated unto me, and she be rewarded in mine own due
time.
30. Verily I say unto you, that it is meet in mine
eyes that she should go up unto the land of Zion, and
receive an inheritance from the hand of the bishop,
31. That she may settle down in peace inasmuch as
she is faithful, and not be idle in her days from thence-
forth.
32. And behold, verily I say unto you, that ye shall
write this commandment, and say unto your brethren
in Zion, in love greeting, that I have called you also to
preside over Zion in mine own due time :
33. Therefore, let them cease wearying me concern-
ing thig matter.
34. Behold, I say unto you that yxDur brethren in
Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them ;
35. Nevertheless, I am not well pleased with many
things, and I am not well pleased with my servant
William E. M'Lellin, neither with my servant Sidney
Gilbert ; and the bishop also, and others have many
things to repent of ;
36. 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 be-
fore me :
37. For she shall not be removed out of her place.
I the Lord, have spoken it. Amen.
j, 97: 26.
SEC. XCI,, XCII.] COMMANDMENTS. 327
SECTION 91.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,,
Geauga County, Ohio, March 9th, 1883.
1. Verily, thussaith the Lord unto you concerning
the Apocrypha, there are many things contained
therein that are true, and it is mostly translated cor-
rectly ;
2. There are many things contained therein that
are not true, which are interpolations by the hands
of men.
3. Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that
the Apocrypha should be translated.
4. Therefore, whoso readethit, let him understand,
for the Spirit manifesteth truth ;
' 5. And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit, shall
obtain benefit therefrom ;
6. And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot
be benefited, therefore it is not needful that it should
be translated. Amen.
SECTION 92.
Revelation given to Enoch (Joseph Smith, jr.,) on the
order of the church for the benefit of the poor.
Oivento the Saints in Kirtland, March loth, 1833.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the
^united order, organized agreeable to the commandment
previously given, a revelation and commandment con-
a, 78: 3—7, 11—15. 82: 11, 15—21. 85: 1—5, 9—12.
^28 COVENAN'TS AND [SEC. XCIII.
cerning my servant Shederlaomach, (Frederick G. Wil-
liams,) 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 Sheder-
laomach, (Frederick G. Williams,) 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 for ever. Amen.
SECTION 93.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, May 6th, 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 knovs^ that I am,
2. And that I am the true light that ^lighteth
every man that cometh into the world ;
3 . And that I am 4n the Father, and the Father ^in
me, and the Father and I are one :
4. The Father because he gave me of his fullness,
and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh
my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.
5. I was in the world and received of my Father,
and the ^ works of him were plainly manifest ;
6. And John saw and bore record of the fullness of
my glory, and the fullness of John's record is hereafter
to be revealed :
a, see o, Sec. 50. h, 84: 45—48. c, 50: 43. Sec. v, on Faith,
d, 50:43. See. V, on Faith. e, John 5: 36. 10:25. 12:47—60.
14: 10—12.
SEC. XCIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 329
- \
7. And he bore record, saying, I saw his glory that
he %as ii\ the beginning before the world was ;
8. Therefore in the beginning the Word was, for he
was the Word, even the messenger of salvation,
9. 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.
10. The worlds were made by him : men were made
by him : all things were made by him, and through
him, and of him.
11. And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory,
as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of
grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came
and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
12. And I, John, saw that he received not of the
^fullness at the first, but received grace for grace :
13. And he received not of the fullness at first, but
continued from grace to grace, until he received a full-
ness ;
14. And thus he was called the Son of God, be-
cause he received not of the fullness at the first.
15. And I, John, bear record, 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 beloved
Son.
16. And I, John, bear record that he received a
fullness of the glory of the Father ;
17. 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.
18. And it shall come to pass, that if you are
faithful you shall receive the fullness of th? ricord of
John.
/, vers. 8—10, 21. 76 : 13, 24. John 1 : 1—3, 10. g, vers. 13—
17,26. Luke 2: 52. ii. Nep. 9:20. Alma 7 : 13. 13 : 7. 18:32.
26 : 35. Hela. 9 : 41. m. Nep. 27 : 26. Mor. 8: 17. Moro. 7 : 22.
h, Mat. 28 : 18.
H30 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCIII.
19. I give unto you these sayings that ye may
understand and know how to worship, and know what
you worship, that you may come unto the Father in
my name, and in due time receive of his fi7llness,
20. For if you keep my commandments you shall
receive of his 'fullness, and be glorified in me as I am
in the Father ; therefore, I say unto you, you shall re-
ceive grace for grace.
21. And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the
beginning with the Father, and am the ^first-born ;
22. And all those who are begotten through me are
partakers of the glory of the same, and are the ^church
of the first-born.
23. Ye were also in the beginning with the Father ;
that which is ^Spirit, even the Spirit of truth,
24. And truth is knowledge of things as they are,
and as they were, and as they are to come ;
25. And whatsoever is more or less than this, is the
spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the be-
ginning.
26 . The Spirit of truth is of God. I ™am the Spirit
of truth, and John bore record of me, saying — He re-
ceived a fullness of truth, yea, even of all truth,
27. And no man receiveth a fullness unless he
keepeth his commandments.
28. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth
truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and
"knoweth all things.
29. Man was also in the ^beginning with God.
Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or
made, neither indeed can be.
30. All truth is independent in that sphere in which
God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence
also, othe'^wise there is no existence.
I, vers. 26 — 28. j, Colos. 1 : 16 — 18. k, see a, Sec. 1. /, vers.
24—38. m, vers. 9, 11, 23. n, 88:49, 67. See .7. 0, vers.
23,24,32—38. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 6, 35. Job, 38:7. Eccles.
12 : 7. Heb. 12 : 9. Mos. 7 : 27. Alma 18 : 34. Ether 3 : 15.
SEC. XCIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 331
31. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is
the condemnation of man, because that which was from
the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they
receive not the light.
32. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the
light is under condemnation,
33. For Pman is spirit. The elements are *^eternal,
and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receiveth
a fullness of joy ;
34. And when separated, man cannot receive a
fullness of joy.
35. The elements are the ^tabernacle of God ; yea,
man is the tabernacle of God, ^even temples ; and
whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that
temple.
36. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other
words, light and truth ;
37. Light and truth forsaketh that evil one.
38. Every spirit of man was Hnnocent in the be-
ginning, and God having redeemed man from the fall,
men became again in their "infant state, innocent be-
fore God.
39. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away
light and truth, through disobedience, from the chil-
dren of men, and because of the tradition of their
fathers.
40. But I have commanded you to bring up your
children in light and truth ;
41. But verily I say unto you, my servant Frede-
rick G. Williams, you have continued under this con-
demnation ;
42. You have not taught your children light and
truth, accordingto the commandments, and that wicked
one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause
of your affliction.
p, ver. 23, 77 : 2. q, vers. 29—32. 132 : 20. r, 88 : 12, 41, 45.
s, I. Cor. 3 : 16, 17. 6: 19. ii. Cor. 6:16. ^, 29 : 46, 47. Mos.
3 : 16—19. 15 : 25. Moro. 8 : 12, 22. m, see L
332 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCHI.
43. And now a commandment 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.
44. Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon,
that in some things he hath not kept the command-
ments concerning his children ; therefore, firstly set in
order thy house.
45. Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith,
jun,, or, in other words, I will call you friends, for
you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance
with me.
46. I called you my servants for the world's sake,
and ye are their servants for my sake ;
47. And now, verily, I say unto Joseph Smith,
jun., you have not kept the commandments, and must
needs stand rebuked before the Lord.
48. Your family must needs repent and forsake
some things, and give more earnest heed unto your
sayings, or be removed out of their place.
49. 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.
50. My servant Newel K. Whitney, also a bishop
of my church, hath need to be chastened and set in
order his family, and see that they are more diligent
and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall
be removed out of their place.
51. 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 uphold
him.
52. And let my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and
Frederick G. Williams, make haste also, and it shall
V, see c, Sec. 4.
Sec. xciv.] commandments. 335
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.
53. And verily, I say unto you, that it is my will
that you should hasten to ^^translate my scriptures,
and to obtain a knowledge of history, and of countries,
and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this
for the salvation of Zion. Amen.
SECTION 94.
Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Qeauga County, Ohio, May 6th, 1833.
1. And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, 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 ;
2. And behold it must be done according to the
pattern which I have given unto you.
3. And let the first lot on the south, be consecrated
unto me for the building of an house for the Pre-
sidency, for the work of the Presidency, in obtaining
revelations ; and for the work of the ministry of the
Presidency, in all things pertaining to the church and
kingdom.
4. Verily I say unto you, that it shall be built
fifty -five by sixty -five feet in the width thereof and in
the length thereof, in the inner court ;
5. And there shall be a lower court and a higher
court, according to the pattern which shall be given
unto you hereafter ;
6. And it shall be dedicated unto the Lord from
w, the scriptures given by revelation.
334 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XCIV»
the foundation thereof, according to the order of the
Priesthood, according to the pattern which shall be
given unto you hereafter :
7. And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord
for the work of the Presidency.
8. 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 ;
9. But if there shall come into it any unclean thing,
my glory shall not be there ; and my presence shall
not come into it.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, the second
lot on the south shall be dedicated unto 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 shall command you ;
11. 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 ;
12. 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.
13. And on the third lot shall my servant Hyrum
Smith receive his inheritance.
14. And on the first and second lots on the north
shall my servants Reynolds Gaboon and Jared Carter
receive an inheritance,
15. That they may do the work which I have ap-
pointed unto them, to be a committee to build mine
houses, according to the commandment, which I, the
Lord God, have given unto you.
16 . These two houses are not to be built until I give
unto you a commandment concerning them.
17. And now I give unto you no more at this time.
Amen.
SEC. XCV.J COMMANDMENTS. 335
SECTION 95.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, in Kirtland,
Geauga County^ Ohio, June 1st, 1833.
1. Yerily, 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 chastisement I prepare a
way for their deliverance in all things out of tempta-
tion, and I have loved you.
2. Wherefore ye must needs be chastened and stand
rebuked before my face,
3. For ye have sinned against me a very grievous
sin, in that ye have not considered the great command-
ment in all things, that I have given unto you concern-
ing the '^building of mine house,
4. 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 upon %11 flesh.
5. But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are
many who have been ordained among you, whom I have
called, but ®few of them are chosen ;
6. They who are not chosen have sinned a very
grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at
noon -day;
7. And for this cause I gave unto you a command-
ment that you should call your ^solemn assembly, that
your fastings and your mournings might come up into
the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by interpre-
tation, the Creator of the first day, the beginning and
the end.
8. Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a
commandment, that you should build an house, in the
a, 88: 119. 6, see ^-, Sec. 24. c, 101: 95. Isa. 28: 21.
rf, Joel 2: 28. Acts 2: 17. 6,105:35,36. 121:34—40. /", see
2r, Sec. 88.
336 COVENANTS AND "[sEC, :s:cv.
which house I design to ^endow those whom I have
chosen with power from on high ;
9. For this is the ^promise of the Father unto you ;
therefore I commanded you to tarry, even as mine
apostles at Jerusalem ;
10. Nevertheless my servants sinned a very grievous
sin, and contentions arose in the ^school of the prophets,
which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord ;
therefore I sent them forth to be chastened.
11. Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you
should build an house. If you keep my commandments,
you shall have power to build it ;
12. If you keep not my commandments, the love of
the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you
shall walk in darkness.
13 . Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord ;
let the house be built, not after the manner of the
world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after
the manner of the world ;
14. Therefore let it be built after the manner which
I shall show unto Hhree of you, whom ye shall appoint
and ordain unto this power.
15. And the size thereof shall be fifty and five feet
in width, and let it be sixty -five feet in length, in the
inner court thereof ;
16. And let the lower part of the inner court be
dedicated unto me for your sacrament offering, and
for your preaching, and your fasting, and your praying,
and the offering up your most holy desires unto me,
saith your Lord.
17. 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.
g, see x, Sec. 38. h, see x, Sec. 38. i, see Zx, Sec. 88.
j, Hyrum Smith, Reyiiolds Cahoon, and Jared Carter. See 94: 13 —
1.5. k, see Zx, Sec. 88.
SEC. XCVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 337
SECTION 96.
Revelation to Enoch (^Joseph Smithy j^'i) i^howing the
order of the city or Stake of Zion, Shinehah, (^Kirt-
land^) given at Kirtland, Geauga County^ Ohio,
June 4th, 1833.
1 . Behold, 1 say unto you, Here is wisdom, whereby
ye may know how to act concerning this matter, for it
is expedient in me tliat this Stake that I have set for
the strength of Zion should be made strong ;
2. Therefore let my servant Ahashdah (Newel K.
Whitney) take charge of the place which is named
among you, upon which I design to build mine holy
house ;
3. And again, let it be divided in lots according to
wisdom, for the benefit of those who seek inheritances,
as it shall be determined in council among you.
4. 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 ;
5. 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 the purpose of subduing
the hearts of the children of men for your good. Even
so. Amen.
6. And again, verily I say unto you, it is wisdom
and expedient in me, that my servant Zombre (John
Johnson) whose offering I have accepted, and whose
prayers I have heard, unto whom I give a promise of
eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments
from henceforth,
7. For he is a descendant of Seth, (Joseph,) and a
a, see a, Sec. 92.
338 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVII.
partaker of the blessings of the promise made unto his
fathers.
8. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient 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 ;
9. Therefore ye shall ordain him unto this blessing,
and he shall seek diligently to take away incumbrances
that are upon the house named among you, that he
may dwell therein. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 97,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, August 2nd, 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 diligently to learn wisdom and to find
truth.
2. Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such,
for they shall obtain, for I, the Lord, show mercy unto
all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I
may be justified when I shall bring them into judg-
ment.
3. Behold, I say unto you, concerning the ^school
in Zion, I, the Lord, am well pleased that there should
be a school in Zion, and also with my servant Parley
P. Pratt, for he abideth in me ;
4 . And inasmuch as he continueth to abide in me ;
a, vers. 4 — 6. See .r, Sec. 88.
SEC. XCVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 339
he shall continue to preside over the school in the land
of Zion, until I shall give unto him other command-
ments ;
5. And I will bless him with a multiplicity of
blessings, in expounding all scriptures and mysteries
to the edification of the school, and of the church in
Zion ;
6. And to the residue of the school, I, the Lord,
am willing to show mercy, nevertheless there are those
that must needs be chastened, and their works shall be
made known.
7. The axe is laid at the root of the trees, and
every tree that bringeth ^not forth good fruit, shall be
hewn down and cast into the fire : I, the Lord, have
spoken it.
8. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know
their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their
spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their cove-
nants by sacrifice ; yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord,
shall command, they are all accepted of me,
9. 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.
10. Verily, I say unto you, that this 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 ;
11. Yea, let it be built speedily, by the "^tithing of
my people :
12. Behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice
which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there
may be an house built unto me for the salvation of
Zion,
13. For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and
for a place of instruction for all those who are called
h, Mat. 3 : 10. c, 124 : 49—54. d, ver. 12. See n, Sec. A2.
340 COVENANTS AND [sEC. XCVII.
to the work of the ministry in all their several callings
and ofBces,
14. That they may be perfected in the understand-
ing of their ministry — ^in theory, in principle, and in
doctrine — in all things pertaining to the kingdom of
God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been
conferred upon you.
15. And inasmuch as my people build an house unto
me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any un-
clean thing to come into it that it be not defiled, ^my
glory shall rest upon it ;
16. 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 ;
17. But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and
my glory shall not be there, for I will not come into
unholy temples.
18. And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she
shall prosper, and spread herself and become very
glorious, very great, and very terrible,
19. 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,
20. And he hath sworn by the power of his might,
to be her salvation and her high tower ;
21. 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 ;
22. For behold, and lo, Vengeance cometh speedily
upon the ungodly as the whirlwind, and who shall
escape it ;
23. The Lord's ^scourge shall pass over by nightand
e, 84 : 5, 31, 32. /, ver. 17. g, see o, Sec. 50. h, Pearl
of Great Price, p. 18. i, see/ and g, Sec. 1. j, Isa. 28: 15.
SEC. XCVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 341
by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people ; yet
it shall not be stayed until the Lord come ;
24. For the indignation of the Lord is kindled
against their abominations and all their wicked works ;
25. Nevertheless Zion shall escape if she observe to
do all things whatsoever I have commanded her,
26. 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 pestilence, with plague,
with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire ;
27. 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,
28. And I will bless her with blessings, and multi-
ply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her
generations for ever and ever, saith the Lord your God.
Amen,
SECTION 98.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, August 6th, 1883.
1. Yerily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let
your hearts be comforted ; yea, rejoice evermore, and
in everything give thanks,
2. Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers
have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and
are recorded with this seal and testament ; the Lord
hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted ;
3. Therefore he giveth this promise unto you, with
an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled, and
k,M: 36„3r.,
342 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVIII.
all things wherewith you have been afflicted, shall work
together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith
the Lord.
4. And now, verily 1 say unto you concerning the
laws of the land, it is my will that my people should
observe to do all things whatsoever I command them ;
5. 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 ;
6. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your
brethren of my church, in befriending that law which
is the ^constitutional law of the land ;
7. And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is
more or less than these, cometh of evil.
8. I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are
free indeed ; and the law also maketh you free ;
9. Nevertheless, when the '^wicked rule the people
mourn ;
10. Wherefore, honest men, and wise men should
be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye
should observe to uphold ; otherwise whatsoever is less
than these cometh of evil.
11. 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 ;
12. For he will give unto the faithful line upon
line, precept upon precept ; and I will try you and
prove you herewith ;
13. And whoso '^layeth down his life in my cause,
for my name's sake, shall find it again, even life eternal :
14. 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
a, ver. 58: 21, 22. 101: 77—80. 109: 54. b, vers. 10—12.
c, vers. 14, 15. 101: 35—38. 103: 27, 28. 123: 7,9. 124: 54. 136:
31, 39.
SEC. XCVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 343
covenant, ^even unto death, that you may be found
worthy ;
15. For if ye will not abide in my covenant, ye are
not worthy of me ;
16. Therefore 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 ;
17. And again, the hearts of the Jews unto the
prophets, and the prophets unto the Jews, lest I come
and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all flesh
be consumed before me.
18. Let not your hearts be troubled, for in my
Father's house are ^many mansions, and I have pre-
pared a place for you, and where my Father and I am,
there ye shall be also.
19. Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with
many who are in the church at Kirtland,
20. For they do not forsake their sins, and their
wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covet-
ousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the
words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given
unto them.
21. Yerily 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.
22. And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do
whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn
away all wrath and indignation from you, and the
Agates of hell shall not prevail against you.
23. Now I speak unto you concerning your families ;
if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye
bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither
seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded ;
d, see c. e, see a, Sec. 2. /, Eom. 11; 26 — 31. g, see a,
Sec. 59. h, see I, Sec. 10.
344 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XCVIII.
24. But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be ac-
counted unto you as being meted out as a just measure
unto you.
25. And again, if your enemy shall smite you the
second time, and you revile not against your enemy,
and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred
fold.
26. And again, if he shall smite you the third time,
and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled
unto you four fold ;
27. And these three testimonies shall stand against
your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted
out.
28. And now verily I say unto you, if that enemy
shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into
judgment 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 ;
29. And then if he shall come upon you, or your
children, or your children's children unto the third and
fourth generation ; I have delivered thine enemy into
thine hands,
30. And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be
rewarded for thy righteousness ; and also thy children
and thy children's children unto the third and fourth
generation ;
31. 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
endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and
thou art justified.
32. Behold, this is the law I gave unto my servant
Nephi, and thy fathers Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and
Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles.
33. And again, this is the *law that I gave unto
i, Alma .48: 10—25.
SEC. XCVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 345
mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle
against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I,
the Lord, commanded them.
34. And if any nation, tongue, or people, should
proclaim war against them, they should first lift a ^stan-
dard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue ;
35. 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 ;
36. 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,
37. And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and
their children's battles, and their children's children's,
until they have avenged themselves on all their enemies,
to the third and fourth generation.
38. Behold, this is an ensample unto all people,
saith the Lord your God, for justification before me.
39. 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 forgiveness, thou shalt for-
give him, and shall hold it no more as a testimony
against thine enemy,
40. And so on unto the second and third time ; and
as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass where-
with he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive
him, until seventy times seven :
4 1 . And if he trespass against thee and repent not
the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him ;
42. And if he trespass against thee the second time,
and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him ;
43. And if he trespass against thee the third time,
and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him ;
44. But if he trespass against thee the fourth time,
thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testi-
monies before the Lord, and they shall not be blotted
;, 105: 38,40.
346 Covenants and [sec. xcix.
out until he repent and reward thee four fold in all
things wherewith he has trespassed against thee ;
45. And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with
all thine heart, and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will
avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred fold ;
46. And upon his children, and upon his children's
children of all them that hate me, unto the third and
fourth generation ;
47. But if the children shall repent, or the chil-
dren'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 trespasses,
wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their
fathers have trespassed, or their father's fathers, then
thine indignation shall be turned away,
48. And vengeance shall no more come upon them,
saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never
be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord
against them. Amen.
SECTION 99.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, August, 1883.
1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto my servant
John Murdock, thou art called to go into the eastern
countries from house to house, from village to village,
and from city to city, to proclaim mine ^^everlasting
gospel .unto the inhabitants thereof, in the midst of
persecution and wickedness ;
2. And whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and you
a, see b, Sec. 18.
SEC. C] COMMANDMENTS. 347
shall have power to declare my word in the demonstra-
tion of my Holy Spirit ;
3. And whoso receiveth you as a little child, ^re-
ceiveth my kingdom, and blessed are they, for they
shall obtain mercy ;
4. 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.
5. And behold, and lo, I ^corne quickly to judg-
ment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they
have committed against me, as it is written of me in
the volume of the book.
6. 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 ;
7. And after a few years, if thou desirest of me,
thou mayest go up also unto the goodly land, to possess
thine inheritance :
8. Otherwise thou shalt continue proclaiming my
gospel until thou be taken. Amen.
SECTION 100.
Revelation given in Perrysburg, N. Y., to Joseph
Smith, jun., and Sidney Rig don, October 12th, 1833.
1. Yerily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my 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 ;
h, see X, Sec. 35. c, see d, Sec. 60. d, see d. Sec. 60.
e, see e, Sec. 1.
12
348 COVENANTS AND [sEC. C.
2. Therefore, follow me, and listen to the counsel
which I shall give unto you.
3. 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.
4. Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come
unto this place ; for thus it was expedient in me for the
salvation of souls ;
5. Therefore, verily, I say unto you, lift up your
voices unto this people, speak the thoughts that I shall
put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded
before men ;
6. For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea,
in the very moment, ^what ye shall say.
7. 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.
8. And I give unto you this promise, that inas-
much as ye do this, the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth
in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall
say,
9. And it is expedient in me that you, my servant
Sidney, should be a ^spokesman unto this people ; yea,
verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a
spokesman unto my servant Joseph ;
10. And I will give unto him power to be mighty
in testimony ;
11. And I will give unto thee power to be mighty
in expounding all scriptures, that thou niayest be a
spokesman unto him, and he shall be a ^revelator unto
thee, that thou raayest know the certainty of all things
pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth.
12. Therefore, continue your journey and let your
a, 84: 85. Matt. 10: 19, 20. b, ver. ] 1. 124: 104. c, 21:
1. 124: 94.
SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 349
hearts rejoice ; for behold, and lo, I am with you even
unto the end.
13. And now I give unto you a word concerning
Zion. Zion shall be *^redeemed, although she is chas-
tened for a little season.
14. Thy brethren, my servants Orson Hyde, and
John Gould, are in my hands, and inasmuch as they
keep my commandments, they shall be saved.
15. Therefore let your hearts be comforted, for all
things shall work together for good to them that walk
uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church ;
16. For I will raise up unto myself a pure people,
that will serve me in righteousness ;
17. And all that call on the name of the Lord, and
keep his commandments, shall be saved. Even so.
Amen.
SECTION 101.
Revelation given to Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland,
Geauga County, Ohio, December 16th, 1838.
1. Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren
who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and ^cast out
from the land of their inheritance,
2. I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come
upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in con-
sequence of '^their transgressions ;
3. Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in
that day when I shall come to make up *^my jewels.
4. Therefore, they must needs be chastened and
d, 101: 18, 43, 74, 75. 103: 1, 11, 13, 15. 105: 1, 2, 9, IS, 16, 34.
109: 51. 136: 18.
a, ver. 76. 64: 30—36. 84: 54—59. 103: 2, 11. 104: 51. 109:
47. 121: 23. b, vers. 3—9. c, 60: 4. Mai. 3: 11:
350 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CI.
tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer
up his only son ;
5. For all those who will not endure chastening,
and deny me, cannot be sanctified.
6. Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and
contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and
covetous desires among them ; therefore by these things
they ^polluted their inheritances.
7. 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.
8. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly
my counsel ; but, in the *day of their trouble, of
necessity they feel after me.
9. Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding their
sins, my bowels are filled with compassion towards
them : I will not utterly cast them off ; and in the day
of wrath I will ^remember mercy.
10. 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 sword of mine indigna-
tion in the behalf of my people ; and even as I have
said, it shall come to pass.
11. 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.
12. And in that day all who are found upon the
watch tower, or in other words, all mine Israel shall be
saved.
13. And they that have been scattered shall be
^gathered :
14. And all they who have mourned shall be '^com-
forted ;
d, 84: 55—59. e, vers. 39—42. /, vers. 39—42, 44—
54. 5f. vers. 10— 19. 103:11—20. A, see /and .<?, Sec. 1.
i, see/, and g, Sec. 1. j, the saints shall again be gathered to
Zion. vers. 17—19. 29: 7. 38: 31. 39: 22. 42: 36. 45: 43. 84:
2, 4. 133: 4, 7. 103: 11—13. k, 56: 18—20.
SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 351
1 5 . And all they who have given their lives for mj^
name shall be Wowned.
16. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted con-
cerning Zion ; for all flesh is in mine hands : be still
and know that I am God.
17. Zion shall not be '"moved out of her place,
notwithstanding her children are scattered ;
18. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall
return, and come to their inheritances, they and their
children, with ^songs of everlasting joy, to build up
the waste places of Zion ;
19. And all these things that the prophets might
be fulfilled.
20. And, behold, there is none other place appointed
than that which I have appointed ; neither shall
there be any other place appointed than that which I
have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my
saints,
21. Until the day cometh when there is found no
more room for them ; and then I have other places
which I will appoint unto them, and they shall be
called ^Stakes, for the curtains, or the strength of
Zion.
22. Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on
my name, and worship me according to mine everlast-
ing gospel, should ^gather together, and stand in holy
places,
23. And prepare for the revelation which is to
come, when the vail of the covering of my temple, in
my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken
off, and all flesh shall "^see me together.
24. And every corruptible thing, both of man, or
of the beast of the field, or of the fowls of the heavens,
or of the fish of the sea, that dwell upon all the face of
the earth, shall be 'consumed ;
I, Kev. 20: 4. m, vers. 20—22. n, 45: 71. Isa. 35: 10.
0, see d, Sec. 88. p, see j, Sec. 10. q, 38: 8. 93: 1. See e,
Sec. 1. r, 29: 24.
352 COVENANTS AND fsEC CI.
25. And also that of element shall ^melt with fer-
vent heat ; and all things shall become new, that my
knowledge and %lory may dwell upon all the earth.
26. And in that day the enmity of man, and the
"enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall
cease from before my face.
27. And in that day ^whatsoever any man shall ask,
it shall be given unto him.
28. And in that day Satan shall not have power ^^to
tempt any man.
29. And there shall be no sorrow because there is
no death.
30. In that day an infant shall not die ^until he is
old, and his life shall be as the ^'age of a tree,
31. And when he dies he shall not sleep, (thatisto
say in the earth,) but shall be changed in the twinkling
of an eye, and shall be ^caught up, and his rest shall
be glorious.
32. Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when
the Lord ^^shall come, he shall reveal '^^'all things —
33. Things which have passed, and hidden things
which no man knew — things of the earth, by which it
was made, and the purposes and the end thereof —
34. Things most precious — things that are above,
and things that are beneath — things that are in the
earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.
35. 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.
36. Wherefore, fear not even ^^unto death; for in
this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is
full.
5,29: 23.24. 43: 32. 133: 41,49. ^ 76: 7—9. 88: 19. 93:
1. w, 77: 2. -u, see c, Sec. 4. w, see 2<, Sec. 45. x,
see t, Sec. 63. t/, Isa. 65: 22. z, The resurrection, during the
Millennium, a continued work, old people, as they fall asleep, heing
raised. 2a, see e, Sec. 1. 26, vers. 33—35. 88: 108,109.
121: 26—33. Isa. 11: 9. 2c, ver. 37. See c, Sec. 98.
SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 353
37. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the
life of the body ; but care for the soul, and for the
^'^life of the soul ;
38. And seek the ^^face of the Lord always, that in
patience ye may possess your souls^ and ye shall have
eternal life.
39. When men are called unto mine everlasting
gospel, and covenant witli an everlasting covenant, they
are accounted as the ^*salt of the earth, and the savor
of men ;
40. They are called to be the savor of men. There-
fore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it
is thenceforth good for nothing, only to be cast out,
and trodden under the '-^^feet of men.
41. Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children
of Zion, even many, but not all; they were found
transgressors, therefore they must needs be chastened.
42. He that exalteth himself shall be ^^^abased, and
he that abaseth himself shall be ^^exalted.
43. And now, I will show unto you a parable, that
you may know my will concerning the redemption of
Zion.
44. A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very
choice ; and he said unto his servants. Go ye unto my
vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and
plant twelve olive trees,
45. And set watchmen round about them, and build
a tower^ that one may overlook the land round about,
to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive
trees may not be broken down, when the enemy shall
come to spoil, and take unto themselves the fruit of my
vineyard.
46 . Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did
as their lord commanded them ; and planted the olive
trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen,
and began to build a tower.
2d, Luke 12 : 15—21 . 2e, see o. Sec. 50. 2f, 103 : 10.
2g, vers. 41, 42. 2h, Matt. 23 : 12. 2i, Matt. 23 : 12.
354 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CI.
47. And while they were yet laying the foundation
thereof, they began to say among themselves, And what
need hath my lord of this tower ?
48. And consulted for a long time, saying among
themselves, What need hath my lord of this tower, see-
ing this is a time of peace?
49. Might not this money be given to the ex-
changers? for there is no need of these things !
50. And while they were at variance one with an-
other they became very slothful, and they hearkened
not unto the commandments of their lord,
51. And the enemy ^^came by night, and broke
down the hedge, and the servants of the nobleman
arose and were affrighted, and fled ; and the enemy
destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
52. 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?
53. Ought ye not to have done even as I com-
manded 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
'■^•^watchmen upon the tower, and watched for my vine-
yard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should
come upon you?
54. And behold, the watchman upon the tower
would have seen the ^'euemy 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.
55. And the lord of the vineyard said unto one ot
his servants. Go and gather together the residue of my
servants, and take ^'"all the strength of mine house,
which are my warriors, my young men, and they that
are of middle age also among all my servants, who are
2j, Matt. 24 : 43. 2k, Ezek. 33 : 2—7. 21, Ezek. 33 : 2—7.
2m, referring to the saints in the states. 35: 13, 14. 87: 5—8. 103: 22,
29. 105 : 29, iO.
SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 355
the strength of mine house, save those only whom I
have appointed to tarry ;
56. And go ye straightway unto the land of my
vineyard, and ^^redeem my vineyard, for it is mine, I
have bought it with money.
57. Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land ;
break down the walls of mine enemies ; throw down
their tower, and scatter their watchmen:
58. And inasmuch as they gather together against
you, ^°avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I
may ^^come with the residue of mine house, and possess
the land.
59. And the servant said unto his lord, When shall
these things be?
60. And he said unto his servant. When I will, go
ye straightway, and do all things ^^^whatsoever I have
commanded you ;
61. 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.
62. And his servant went straightway, and did all
things whatsoever his lord commanded him, and ^^after
many days all things were fulfilled.
63. Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto
you '^^wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inas-
much as they are willing to be guided in a right and
proper way for their salvation,
64. That the work of the gathering together 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.
65. Therefore, I must gather together my people,
according to the parable of the wheat and the tares,
2n, referring to the lands purchased by the saints in Jackson
Co., Missouri. 2o, the principle of self-defence justified. 2p, see e,
Sec. 1. 2q, 95 : 16—19. 2r, see u, Sec. 78. 25, 58: 44.
105: 15. 136: 18. Complete fulfillment, at the coming of Christ
with the residue of his house. 2t, vers. 64 — 74. 2u, seej, Sec. 10.
2v, see g, Sec. 87. 2w, see b, Sec. 4.
356 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CI.
that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess
eternal life, and be ^"^crowned with celestial glory when
I shall ^^come in the kingdom of my Father, to reward
every man according as his work shall be,
66. While the tares shall be bound in ^^bundles,
and their bands made strong, that they may be burned
with unquenchable fire.
6 7. Therefore, a commandment I give unto all the
churches, that they shall continue to '^^gather to-
gether unto the places which I have appointed ;
68. Nevertheless, as I have said unto you in a
former commandment, let not your gathering be
in "^'^haste, nor by flight; but let all things be pre-
pared before you :
69. And in order that all things be prepared before
you, observe the commandments which I have given
concerning these things,
70. Which saith, or teacheth, 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 Zion, for the beginning of the
gathering of my saints ;
7 1 . All the land which can be purchased in Jackson
county, and the counties round about, and leave the
residue in mine hand.
72. Now, verily I say unto you, let all the churches
gather together ^^all their monies ; let these things be
done in their time, be not in haste, and observe to have
all things prepared before you.
73. And let honorable menbe apiDointed, even^^wise
men, and send them to purchase these lands ;
74. And every church in the eastern countries when
they are built up, if they will hearken unto this
counsel, they may buy lauds and gather together upon
them, and in this way they may establish Zion.
2.r, 29 : 11—13. 63 : 49. 76 : 50—70, 94, 95. 88 : 28, 29. 1y, see e.
Sec. 1. 22, see I, Sec. 38. 3a, see;. Sec. 10. 7>h, see j, Sec. 10.
3c, see;, Sec. 63. 3c^,see;, Sec. 63. 3e, 105: 28—30.
SEC. CI.] COMMANDMENTS. 357
75. There is even now already in store a sufficient,
yea, even an abundance, to redeem Zion, and establishher
waste places, no more to be thrown down, were the
churches, who call themselves after my name, willing to
hearken to my voice.
76. And again I say unto you, those who have been
scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they
should continue to ^^importune for redress, and
redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as
rulers, and are in authority over you,
77. According to the laws and constitution of the
people which I have suffered to be established, and
should be maintained for the rights and protection of
all flesh, according to just and holy principles,
7 8 . 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.
79. Therefore, it is not right that any man should
be in ^°bondage one to auother.
80. 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 of blood.
81. Now, unto what shall I liken the children of
Zion? I will liken them unto the "^'parable of the
woman and the unjust judge (for men ought always to
pray and not to faint) which saith,
82. There was in a city a judge which feared not
God, neither regarded man.
83. And there was a widow in that city, and she
came unto him, saying. Avenge me of mine adversary.
84. And he would not for a while, but afterward he
said within himself. Though I fear not God, nor regard
man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge
her, lest, by her continual coming, she weary me.
8/, vers. 77—95. 3^, 104 : 16—18, 83, 84. Sh, the Lord
raised up the framers of the American Constitution. Si, Luke 18: 1—8.
358 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CI.
85. Thus will I liken the children of Zion.
86. Let them importune at the feet of the Judge ;
87. And if he heed them not, let them importune
at the feet of the Governor ;
88. And if the Governor heed them not, let them
importune at the feet of the President ;
89. And if the President heed them not, then will
the Lord rise and come forth out of his ^^hiding place,
and in his fury vex the nation,
90. And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce
anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful,
and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion
among hypocrites, and unbelievers ;
91. Even in outer darkness, where there is ^^weep-
ing, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
92. Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be
opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto
them, that these things may not come upon them.
93. What I have said unto you, must needs be, that
all men may be left without excuse ;
94. That wise men and rulers may hear and know
that which they have ^^never considered ;
95. That I may proceed to bring to pass ^'"my act,
my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work,
that men may discern between the righteous and the
wicked, saith your God.
96. And again, I say unto you, it is contrary to my
commandment, and my will, that my servant Sidney
Gilbert should sell my storehouse, which I have ap-
pointed unto my people, into the hands of mine enemies.
97. Let not that which I have appointed be pol-
luted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who
call themselves after my name ;
98. For tliis is a very sore and grievous sin against
me, and against my people, in consequence of those
3;, 101: 89. 121: 1, 4. 123: 6. 3k, see e, Sec. 19. 3/, in. Nep.
20: 45. 21: 8. 3m, see c, See. 95.
SEC. Cll.j COMMANt)MEN*rS. 359
things which I have decreed and are soon to befall the
nations*
99. Therefore, it is my will that my people should
claim, and hold claim upon that which I have appointed
unto them, though they should not be permitted to
dwell thereon ;
100. Nevertheless, I do not say they shall not dwell
thereon ; for inasmuch as they bring forth fruit and
works meet for my kingdom, they shall dwell thereon ;
101. They shall build, and ^^another shall not in-
herit it ; they shall plant vineyards, and they shall eat
the fruit thereof. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 102,
Minutes of the Organization of the High Council of
the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kirt-
land, February 17, 1834.
1. This day a general council of twenty-four High
Priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, jun., by
revelation, and proceeded to organize 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.
2. The High Council was appointed by revelation
for the purpose of settling important difficulties 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.
3 . Joseph Smith, jun. , 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.
Sn, Isa. 65: 20—22.
360 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CII.
Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke John-
son, High Priests, were chosen to be a standing council
for the church, by the unanimous voice of the Council.
4. The above-named counselors were then asked
whether they accepted 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 accord-
ing to the grace of God bestowed upon them.
5. The number composing the council, who voted
in the name and for the church, in appointing the
above-named counselors were forty - three, as follows : —
Mne High Priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and
thirteen members.
6 . Voted : that the High Council cannot have power
to act without seven of the above-named counselors,
or their regularly-appointed successors are present.
7. These seven shall have power to appoint other
High Priests, whom they may consider worthy and
capable to act in the place of absent counselors.
8. Voted : that whenever any vacancy shall occur
by the death, removal from office for transgression, or
removal from the bonds of this church government, of
any one of the above-named counselors, it shall be
filled by the nomination of the President or Presidents,
and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of
High Priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the
name of the church.
9. The President of the church, who is also the
President of the council, is appointed by revelation,
and acknowledged in his administration, by the voice
of the church ;
10. And it is according to the dignity of his office
that he should preside over the Council of the church ;
and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other
Presidents, appointed after the same manner that he
himself was appointed ;
11. And in case of the absence of one or both of
SEC. CII.] COMMANDMENTS. 361
those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to
preside over the Council without an assistant : and in
case that he himself is absent, the other Presidents have
power to preside in his stead, both, or either of them.
12. 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 counselors
to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain, who of
the twelve shall speak first, commencing with number
one, and so in succession to number twelve.
13 . Whenever this Council convenes to act upon any
case, the twelve counselors shall consider whether it is a
diflScult one or not ; if it is not, two only of the coun-
selors shall speak upon it, according to the form above
written.
14. But if it is thought to be diflficult, four shall be
appointed ; and if more difficult, six ; but in no case
shall more than six be appointed to speak.
15. The accused, in all cases, has a right to one half
of the Council, to prevent insult or injustice ;
16. And the counselors 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.
17. Those counselors who draw even numbers, that
is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, are the individuals who are to
stand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent insult
or injustice.
18. In all cases the accuser and the accused shall
have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the
Council after the evidences are heard, and the coun-
selors who are appointed to speak on the case, have
finished their remarks.
19. After the evidences are heard, the counselors,
accuser and accused have spoken, the President shall
give a decision according to the understanding which he
shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve coun-
selors to sanction the same by their vote.
362 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CII.
20. But should the remaining counselors, who have
not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evi-
dences and pleadings impartially, discover an error in
the decision of the President, they can manifest it, and
the case shall have a re -hearing ;
2 1 . And if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional
light is shown upon the case, the decision shall be
altered accordingly ;
22. But in case no additional light is given, the first
decision shall stand, the majority of the Council having
power to determine the same.
23. In cases of difficulty, respecting doctrine or
principle, (if there is not a sufficiency written to make
the case clear to the minds of the Council,) the
President may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord
by revelation.
24. The High Priests, when abroad, have power to
call and organize a council after the manner of the fore-
going to settle difficulties when the parties, or either of
them shall request it :
25. 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.
26. It shall be the duty of said council to transmit
immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full
statement of the testimony accompanying their decision,
to the High Council of the seat of the First Presidency
of the church.
27. Should the parties, or either of them be dissatis-
fied with the decision of said council, they may appeal
to the High Council of the seat of the First Presidency
of the church, and have a re -hearing, which case shall
there be conducted, according to the former pattern
written, as though no such decision had been made.
28. 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.
SEC. CII.] COMMANDMENTS. 363
29. The traveling or located High Priests abroad,
have power to say whether it is necessary to call such
a council or not.
30. There is a distinction between the High Council
of traveling High Priests abroad, and the traveling
High Council composed of the Twelve apostles, in their
decisions.
31. From the decision of the former there can be an
appeal, but from the decision of the latter there cannot.
32. The latter can only be called in question by the
general authorities of the church in case of transgression.
33. Resolved, that the President or Presidents of
the seat of the First Presidency of the church, shall
have power to determine whether any such case, as
may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re -hearing, after
examining the appeal and the evidences and statements
accompanying it.
34. The twelve counselors then proceeded to cast
lots or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and
the following was the result, namely : —
1 Oliver Cowdery,
2 Joseph Coe,
3 Samuel H. Smith,
4 Luke Johnson,
5 John S. Carter,
6 Sylvester Smith,
7 John Johnson,
8 Orson Hyde,
9 Jared Carter,
10 Joseph Smith, Sen.,
11 John Smith,
12 Martin Harris.
After prayer the conference adjourned.
Oliver Cowdery, ) ^, ,
^ TT } Clerks.
Orson Hyde, \
364 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIII.
SECTION 103.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer ^ at Kirtland,
Geauga County^ Ohio, February 24th, 1834.
1. Verily I say unto you, my friends, behold I will
give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you
may know how to act in the discharge of your duties
concerning the salvation and ^redemption of your
brethren, who have been scattered on the land of
Zion ;
2. Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine
enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without
measure in mine own time ;
3. For I have suffered them thus far, that they
might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their
cup might be full ;
4. And that those who call themselves after my
name might be chastened for a ^little season with a
sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not
hearken altogether unto the precepts and command-
ments which I gave unto them.
5. But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed
a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as
they hearken from this very hour, unto the counsel
which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6. Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, ^begin
to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour,
7. And by hearkening to observe all the words
which 1, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them,
they shall never cease to prevail until the *^kingdoms
of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth
is given unto the saints, to ^possess it for ever and
ever.
a, vers. 11—40. h, 84: 68. 95: 1, 2. 97: 6, 7, 26—28. 101:
1, 2, 4, 5, 41. 105: 6. c, vers. 7, 11—14. d, Dan. 2: 34, 35,
44, 45. e, 38: 20. 56: 19, 20.
SEC. GUI.] COMMANDMENTS. 365
8. But inasmuch as they keep not my command-
ments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the
^kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them,
9. For they were set to be a light unto the world,
and to be the saviors of men.
10. And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of
men, they are ^as salt that has lost its savor, and is
thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and
trodden under foot of men.
11. But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that
your brethren which have been scattered shall ^return
to the land of their inheritances, and build up the
waste places of Zion ;
12. For after much tribulation, as I have said
unto you in a ^former commandment, cometh the
blessing.
13. Behold, this is the blessing which I have pro-
mised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of
your brethren ; your redemption, and the redemption
of your brethren, even their ^restoration to the land
of Zion, to be established no more to be thrown down ;
14. Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances,
they shall be thrown down, for I will not spare them
if they pollute their inheritances.
15. Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion
must needs come by ^^power ;
16. Therefore, I will 'raise up unto my people a
man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children
of Israel,
17. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the
seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of
'"bondage with power, and with a stretched out arm :
18. And as your fathers were "led at the first, even
so shall the redemption of Zion be.
f, Dan. 7: 21. 22. g, 101: 39—41. K. 101: 17—19. Isa.
35: 10. z, 58: 3—5. ;, see h. k, vers. 16—20, 23—28.
I, the one referred, to, in this prophecy, is not yet revealed. m, an
indication that the saints will be in bondage. n, 101: 55. 103:
15, 17—20. 105: 30. 133: 67. 136: 18, 22.
S66 COVENANTS ANt> [sEC. CIIl*
19. Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not
unto you as I said unto your fathers, mine angel shall
go up before you, but ^not my presence ;
20. But I say unto you, mine angels shall go before
you, and ^also my presence, and in *itime ye shall
possess the goodly land.
21. Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant
Baurak Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) is the man to whom I
likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard
spake in the parable which I have given unto you.
22. Therefore let my servant Baurak Ale (Joseph
Smith, jr.) say unto the ''strength of my house, my
young men and the middle aged, gather yourselves
together unto the land of Zion, upon the land which I
have bought with monies that has been consecrated
unto me ;
23. And let all the churches send up wise men with
their monies, and ^purchase lands even as I have com-
manded them ;
24. And inasmuch as mine enemies come against
you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have
consecrated to be the land of Zion ; even from your *own
lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought
before me, against them, ye shall "curse them ;
25. And whomsoever ye curse, I will ^'curse, and ye
shall avenge me of mine enemies ;
26. And my presence shall be with you even in
avenging me of mine enemies, unto the ^^third and
fourth generation of them that hate me.
27. Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my
sake, for whoso layeth down ^his life for my sake shall
find it again ;
28. And whoso is ^not willing to lay down his life
for my sake, is not my disciple.
0, 84: 23—28. Exod. 33: 1—4. p, vers. 22—27. q, see h.
r, 101: 65. s, see q. Sec. 42. t, see q, Sec. 42. u, 24:
15—17. 124:93. 132:45—48. u, see w. iw, 97: 22. 98:45.
101:58. 103:2,7,25,26. 105:15,30. 133:51. jc, see e, Sec.
98. y, see c, Sec. 98.
SEC. cm.] COMMANDMENTS. 56 7
29. It is my will that my servant Sidney Rigdon
shall lift up his voice in the congregations in the eastern
countries, in preparing the churches to keep the com-
mandments which I have given unto them, concerning
the restoration and ^redemption of Zion.
30. It is my will that my servant Parley P. Pratt,
and my servant Lyman Wight should not return to the
land of their brethren, until they have obtained com-
panies to go up unto the land of Zion, by tens, or by
twenties, or by fifties, or by an hundred, until they have
obtained to the number of five hundred of the ^^strength
of my house.
3 1 . Behold this is my will ; ask and you shall
receive, but men do not always do my will ;
32. Therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred,
seek diligently, that perad venture you may obtain three
hundred ;
33. And if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek
diligently, that peradventure ye may obtain one hun-
dred.
34. But verily I say unto you, a commandment I
give unto you, that ye shall not go up unto the land qf
Zion, until you have obtained one hundred of the
strength of my house, to go up with you unto theland
of Zion.
35. Therefore as I said unto you, ask and ye shall
receive ; pray earnestly that peradventure my servant
Baurak Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) may go with you, and
preside in the midst of my people, and organize my
kingdom upon the consecrated land, and ^^establish the
children of Zion upon the laws and commandments
which have been, and which shall be given unto you.
36. All victory and glory is brought to pass unto
you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of
faith.
37. Let my servant Parley P. Pratt journey with my
servant Joseph Smith, jr.
2, see h. 2a, ver. 22. 101: 55. 2b, Sec. 42,
368 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CIV.
38. Let my servant Lyman Wight journey with my
servant Sidney Rigdon.
39. Let my servant Hyrum Smith journey with my
servant Frederick G. Williams.
40. Let my servant Orson Hyde journey with my
servant Orson Pratt, whithersoever my servant Joseph
Smith, jr., shall counsel them, in obtaining the fulfill-
ment of these commandments which I have given unto
you, and leave the residue in my hands. Even so.
Amen.
SECTION 104.
Revelation given April 23rd, 1834, to Enoch, (Joseph
Smith, jun.,') concerning the order of the church
for the benefit of the poor.
1. Verily I say unto you, my friends, I give unto
you counsel, and a commandment, concerning all the
properties which belong to the order which I com-
manded to be organized and established, to be an ^united
order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my
church, and for the salvation of men until I come,
2. With promise immutable and unchangeable, that
inasmuch as those whom I commanded were faithful
they should be blessed with a multiplicity of blessings ;
3 . But inasmuch as they were not faithful they were
nigh unto cursing.
4. Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants
have not kept the commandment but have broken the
covenant by covetousness, and with feigned words,
I ^have cursed them with a very sore and grievous
curse ;
a, see /, Sec. 82. b, vers. 6—10. 82: 21.
SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 369
5. For I, the Lord, have decreed in my heart, that
inasmuch as any man belonging to the order, shall be
found a transgressor, or, in other words, shall break
the covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be
^cursed in his life, and shall be trodden down by whom
I will,
6. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in these
things ;
7. And all this that the innocent among you may
not be condemned with the unjust, and that the guilty
among you may not escape, because I, the Lord, have
promised unto you a '^crown of glory at my right hand.
8. Therefore, inasmuch as you are found trans-
gressors, ye cannot escape my ®wrath in your lives ;
9. Inasmuch as ye are cut off by transgressions, ye
cannot escape the ^buffetings of Satan, until the day of
redemption.
10. And I now give unto you power from this very
hour, that if any man among you, of the order, is
found a transgressor, and repenteth not of the evil,
that ye shall deliver him over unto the ^buffetings of
Satan, and he shall not have power to bring evil upon
you.
11. It is wisdom in me : therefore, a commandment
I give unto you, that ye shall organize j'^ourselves and
appoint ^every man his stewardship,
12. That every man may give an account unto me
of his stewardship which is appointed unto him ;
13. For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should
make every man accountable, 'as stewards over earthly
blessings, which I have made and prepared for my crea-
tures.
14. I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built
the earth as a very handy work, and all things therein
are mine :
c, see 6. (^,76:50—70. 88:2—5. e, ver. 5. 82:21.
/, see h, Sec. 78. g, see h, Sec. 78. h, see o, Sec. 42. i, see
0, Sec. 42.
370 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV.
15. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints,
for all things are mine ;
16. But it must needs be done in mine own way ;
and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have de-
creed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be
exalted, in that the rich are made low ;
17. For the earth is full, and there is enough and
to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given
unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abun-
dance which I have made, and impart not his portion
according to the ^law of my gospel, unto the poor and
the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in
hell, being in torment.
19. And now, verily I say unto you, concerning the
properties of the order.
20. Let my servant Pelagoram (Sidney Rigdon) have
appointed unto him the place where he now resides, and
the lot of Tahhanes (the tannery) for his stewardship,
for his support while he is laboring in my vineyard,
even as I will when I shall command him ;
21. And let all things be done according to the
counsel of the order, and united consent or voice of
the order, which dwell in the land of Shinehah. (Kirt-
land.)
22. And this stewardship and blessing, I, the
Lord, confer upon my servant Pelagoram, (Sidney
Rigdon,) for a blessing upon him, and his seed after
him ;
23. And I will multiply blessings upon him, inas-
much as he shall be humble before me.
24. And again, let my servant Mahemson (Martin
Harris) have appointed unto him, for his stewardship,
the lot of land which my servant Zombre (John John-
son) obtained in exchange for his former inheritance,
for him and his seed after him ;
j, see n, Sec. 42.
SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 371
25. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply
blessings upon him, and his seed after him.
26. And let my servant Mahemson (Martin Harris)
devote his monies for the proclaiming of my words,
according as my servant Gazelam (Joseph Smith, jr.)
shall direct.
27. And again, let my servant Shederlaomach
(Frederick G. Williams) have the place upon which he
now dwells.
28. And let my servant Olihah (Oliver Cowdery)
have the lot which is set off joining the house, which
is to be for the Laneshine -house, (printing office,)
which is lot number one, and also the lot upon which
his father resides.
29. And let my servants Shederlaomach (Frederick
G. Williams) and Olihah (Oliver Cowdery) have the
Laneshine -house, (printing office,) and all things that
pertain unto it ;
30. And this shall be their stewardship which shall
be appointed unto them :
31. And inasmuch as they are faithful, behold I
will bless, and multiply blessings upon them,
32. And this is the beginning of the stewardship
which I have appointed them, for them and their seed
after them ;
33. And, inasmuch as they are faithful, I will mul-
tiply blessings upon them, and their seed after them,
even a multiplicity of blessings.
34. And again, let my servant Zombre (John John-
son) have the house in which he lives, and the inheri-
tance— all, save the ground which has been reserved
for the ^^building of my houses, which pertains to that
inheritance, and those lots which have been named for
my servant Olihah. (Oliver Cowdery.)
35. And, inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply
blessings upon him.
k, Sections 94 and 95.
372 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CIV.
36. And it is my will that he should sell the lots
that are laid off for the building up of the city of my
saints, inasmuch as it shall be made known to him by
the voice of the Spirit, and according to the counsel of
the order, and by the voice of the order.
37. And this is the beginning of the stewardship
which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing unto
him, and his seed after him ;
38. And, inasmuch as he is faithful, I will multiply
a multiplicity of blessings upon him.
39. And again, let my servant Ahashdah (Newel
K. Whitney) have appointed unto him the houses and
lot where he now resides, and the lot and building on
which the Ozondah (mercantile establishment) stands,
and also the lot which is on the corner south of the
Ozondah (mercantile establishment), and also the lot
on which the Shule (ashery) is situated.
40. And all this I have appointed unto my servant
Ahashdah, (Newel K. Whitney,) for his stewardship,
for a blessing upon him and his seed after him, for the
benefit of the Ozondah (mercantile establishment) of
my order which I have established for my Stake in the
land of Shinehah ; (Kirtland ;)
41. Yea, verily, this is the stewardship which I have
appointed unto my servant Ahashdah, (N. K. Whitney,)
even this whole Ozondah, (mercantile establishment,)
him and his agent, and his seed after him ;
42. And, inasmuch as he is faithful in keeping my
commandments which I have given unto him, I will
multiply blessings upon him, and his seed after him,
even a multiplicity of blessings.
43. And again, let my servant Gazelam (Joseph
Smith, jr.) have appointed unto him the lot which is
laid off for the 'building of my house, which is forty
rods long, and twelve wide, and also the inheritance
upon which his father resides ;
/, Sec. 96.
SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 373
44. And this is the beginning of the stewardship
which I have appointed unto him, for a blessing upon
him, and upon his father ;
45. For, behold, I have reserved an inheritance for
his father, for his support; therefore he shall be reck-
oned in the house of my servant Gazelam, (Joseph
Smith, jr.,)
46. And I will multiply blessings upon the house of
my servant Gazelam, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) inasmuch as
he is faithful, even a multiplicity of blessings.
47. And now, a commandment I give unto you
concerning Zion, that you shall no longer be bound as
an ^United Order to your brethren of Zion, only on
this wise.
48. After you are organized, you shall be called the
United Order of the '^Stake of Zion, the city of Shine -
hah. (Kirtland.) And your brethren, after they are
organized, shall be called the United Order of the "City
of Zion ;
49. And they shall be organized in their own
names, and in their own name ; and they shall do
their business in their own name, and in their own
names ;
50. And you shall do your business in your own
name, and in your own names.
51. And this I have commanded to be done for
your salvation, and also for their salvation, in conse-
quence of their being ^Mriven out, and that which is to
come.
52. The covenants being broken through transgres-
sion, by covetousness and feigned words ;
5 3 . Therefore, you are dissolved as an '^United Order
with your brethren, that you are not bound only up to
this hour unto them, only on this wise, as I said, by loan
as shall be agreed by this order in council, as your cir-
m, see I, Sec. 82. n, 94 : 1. In Ohio. o, in tlie western
part of Missouri. _p, see a, Sec 1^1. g, dissolution between the
United Order of Kirtland, and the United Order of the City of Zion.
374 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV.
cumstances will admit and the voice of the council
direct.
54. And again, a commandment I give unto you
concerning your stewardship which I have appointed
unto you.
55. Behold, all these properties are mine, or else
your faith is vain, and ye are found hypocrites, and
the covenants which ye have made unto me are
broken ;
56. And if the properties are mine, then ye are
stewards, otherwise ye are no stewards.
57. But, verily I say unto you, I have appointed
unto you to be stewards over mine house, even stewards
indeed ;
58. And for this purpose I have commanded you to
organize yourselves, even to Shinelah (print) my words,
the fullness of my ''scriptures, the revelations which 1
have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from
time to time give unto you,
59. For the purpose of building up my church and
kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the
time when I shall ^dwell with them, which is nigh at
hand.
60. And ye shall prepare for yourselves a treasury,
and consecrate it unto my name ;
61. And ye shall appoint one among you to keep
the treasury, and he shall be ordained unto this bless-
ing;
62. And there shall be a seal upon the treasury,
and all the sacred things shall be delivered into the
treasury, and no man among you shall call it his own,
or any part of it, for it shall belong to you all with one
accord ;
63. And I give it unto you from this very hour:
and now see to it, that ye go to and make use of the
stewardship which I have appointed unto you, exclusive
. r, United Order for Printing. s, see e, Sec. 1.
SEC. CIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 375
of the sacred things, for the purpose of Shinelane
(printing) these sacred things as I have said ;
64. And the avails of the sacred things shall be had
in the treasury, and a seal bhall be upon it, and it shall
not be used or taken out of the treasury by any one,
neither shall the seal be loosed which shall be placed
upon it, only by the voice of the order, or by command-
ment.
65. And thus shall ye preserve the avails of the
sacred things in the treasury, for sacred and holy pur-
poses :
66. And this shall be called the sacred treasury of
the Lord ; and a seal shall be kept upon it that it may
be holy and consecrated unto the Lord.
67. And again, there shall be another treasury pre-
pared, and a treasurer appointed to keep the treasury,
and a seal shall be placed upon it ;
68. And all monies that you receive in your steward-
ships, by improving upon the properties which I have
appointed unto you, in houses, or in lands, or in cattle,
or in all things save it be the holy and sacred writings,
which I have reserved unto myself for holy and sacred
purposes, shall be cast into the treasury as fast as you
receive monies, by hundreds, or by fifties, or by
twenties, or by tens, or by fives ;
6 9 . Or in other words, if any man among you obtain
five talents, (dollars,) let him cast them into the
treasury ; or if he obtain ten, or twenty, or fifty, or an
hundred, let him do likewise ;
70. And let not any man among you say that it is
his own, for it shall not be called his, nor any part
of it;
71. And there shall not any part of it be used, or
taken out of the treasury, only by the voice and com-
mon consent of the order.
72. And this shall be the voice and common consent
of the order ; that any man among you, say unto the
376 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIV.
treasurer, I have need of this to help me in my steward-
ship ;
73. If it be five talents, (dollars,) or, if it be ten
talents, (dollars,) or twenty, or fifty, or an hundred,
the treasurer shall give unto him the sum which he
requires, to help him in his stewardship.
74 . Until he be found a transgressor, and it is mani-
fest before the council of the order plainly, that he is
an unfaithful and an ^unwise steward ;
75. But so long as he is in full fellowship, and is
faithful, and wise in his stewardship, this shall be his
token unto the treasurer, that the treasurer shall not
withhold.
76. But in case of transgression, the treasurer shall
be subject unto the council and voice of the order.
77. And in case the treasurer is found an unfaithful,
and an unwise steward, he shall be subject to the coun-
cil and voice of the order, and shall be removed out of
his place, and another shall be appointed in his stead.
78. And again, verily I say unto you, concerning
your debts, behold it is my will that you should pay
all your debts ;
79. And it is my will that you should humble your-
selves before me, and obtain this blessing by your
diligence and humility, and the prayer of faith ;
80. And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble,
and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften
the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I
shall send means unto you for your deliverance.
81. Therefore write speedily unto Cainhannoch,
(New York,) and write according to that which shall
be dictated by my Spirit, and I will soften the hearts of
those to whom you are in debt, that it shall be taken
away out of their minds to bring affliction upon you,
82. And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful^
t, Luke 16 : 1—12.
gEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. 377
and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the
victory.
83. I give unto you a promise, that you shall be
delivered this once out of your bondage ;
84. Inasmuch as you obtain a chance to loan money
by hundreds, or thousands, even until you shall loan
enough to deliver yourselves from bondage, it is your
privilege ;
85 . And pledge the properties which I have put into
your hands, this once, by giving your names by com-
mon consent or otherwise, as it shall seem good unto
you.
86. I give unto you this privilege, this once, and
behold, if you proceed to do the things which I have
laid before you, according to my commandments, all
these things are mine, and ye are my stewards, and the
master will not suffer his house to be broken up. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 105.
Revelatio7i given through Joseph^ the Seer, on Fishing
River, Missouri, June 22nd, 1834.
1. Verily I say unto you who have assembled your-
selves together that you may learn my will concerning
the ^redemption of mine afflicted people.
2. Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the trans-
gressions of my people, speaking concerning the church
and not individuals, they might have been redeemed
even now ;
3. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient
to the things which I required at their hands, but are
a, see h, Sec. 103.
378 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CV.
full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their
substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted
among them,
4. And are not united according to the ^union re-
quired by the law of the celestial kingdom ;
5. And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the
principles of the law of the celestial kingdom, other-
wise I cannot receive her unto myself ;
6. And my people must needs be chastened until
they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things
which they suffer.
7. I speak not concerning those who are appointed
to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church,
for they are not all under this condemnation ;
8. But I speak concerning my churches abroad —
there are many who will say. Where is their God?
Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, other-
wise we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our
monies.
9. Therefore, in consequence of the transgression
of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders
should *^wait for a little season for the redemption of
Zion,
10. That they themselves may be prepared, and
that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have
experience, and know more perfectly concerning their
duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
11. And this cannot be brought to pass until mine
elders are *^endowed with power from on high ;
12. For behold, I have prepared a great endow-
ment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inas-
much as they are faithful and continue in humility
before me ;
13. Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders
6, see a, Sec. 51. 38:27. 104:1. 105:4,5. c, vers. 10— 19.
d, see X, Sec. 38.
SEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. 3 79
should wait for a little season, for the redemption of
Zion ;
14. For behold, I do not require at their hands
to ^fight the battles of Zion ; for, as I said in a former
commandment, even so will I fulfill. I will fight your
battles.
15. Behold, the ^destroyer I have sent forth to
destroy and lay waste mine enemies : and not many
years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heri-
tage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands
which I have consecrated for the gathering together of
my saints.
16. Behold, I have commanded my servant Baurak
Ale (Joseph Smith, jr.) to say unto the ^strength of my
house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle-
aged, to gather together for the redemption of my
people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies,
and scatter their watchmen ;
17. But the strength of mine house have not
hearkened unto my words ;
18. But inasmuch as there are those who have
hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing
and an ^endowment for them, if they continue
faithful.
19. I have heard their prayers, and will accept their
offering ; and it is expedient in me, that they should
be brought thus far for a trial of their faith.
20. And now, verily I say unto you, a command-
ment I give unto you, that as many as have come up
hither, that can stay in the region round about, let
them stay ;
21. And those that cannot stay, who have families
in the east, let them tarry for a little season, inasmuch
as my servant Joseph shall appoint unto them ;
22. For I will counsel him concerning this matter.
e, 98: 37. /; see /and g, See. 1. g, 102: 55. 103: 22,
30. h, see x, Sec. 38.
13
380 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CV.
and all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them
shall be fulfilled.
23. And let all my people who dwell in the regions
round about be very faithful, and prayerful, and hum-
ble before me, and reveal not the things which I have
revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that they
should be revealed.
24. Talk not of judgment, neither boast of faith,
nor of mighty works, but carefully gather together, as
much in one region as can be consistently with the
feelings of the people ;
25. And behold, I will give unto you favor and
grace in their eyes, that you may rest in peace and
safety, while you are saying unto the people, Execute
judgment and justice for us according to law, and 're-
dress us of our wrongs.
26. Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in
this way you may find favor in the eyes of the people,
until the army of Israel becomes Very great ;
27. And I will soften the hearts of the people, as I
did the heart of Pharaoh, from time to time, until my
servant Baurak Ale, (Joseph Smith, jr.,) and Baneemy,
(mine elders,) whom I have appointed, shall have time
to gather up the strength of my house,
28. And to have sent wise men, to fulfill that which
I have commanded concerning the '^purchasing of all
the lands in Jackson county that can be purchased, and
in the adjoining counties round about ;
29. For it is my will that these lands should be
purchased, and after they are purchased that my saints
should possess them according to the laws of 'consecra-
tion which I have given ;
30. And after these lands are "^purchased, I will
hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession
of their own lands, which they have previously pur-
chased with their monies, and of throwing down the
i, 101: 81—95. j, ver. 31. k, see q, See. 42. I, see n,
Sec. 42. v/i, seen, Sec. 42.
SEC. CV.] COMMANDMENTS. .381
towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and
scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine
enemies unto the third and fourth generation of them
that hate me.
31. But firstly, let my army become "very great,
and let it be sanctified before me, that it may be-
come '^fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that
her banners may be terrible unto all nations ;
32. That the kingdoms of this world may be con-
strained to acknowledge, that the ^kingdom of Zion is
in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ ;
therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
33. Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me
that the first elders of my church should receive their
'^endowment from on high in my house, which I have
commanded to be built unto my name in the land of
Kirtland ;
34. And let those commandments which I have
given concerning Zion and her ^aw be executed, and
fulfilled, after her redemption.
35. There has been a day of calling, but the time
has come for a day of ^choosing, and let those be
chosen that are worthy ;
36. And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by
the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen, and they
shall be sanctified ;
3 7. And inasmuch as they follow the counsel which
they receive, they shall have power ^after many days to
accomplish all things pertaining to Zion.
38. And again I say unto you, sue for peace, not
only the people that have smitten you, but also to all
people ;
39. And lift up an ensign of peace, and make a
proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth ;
40. And make proposals for peace unto those who
n, ver. 26. o, 6: 14. -p, Isa. 60: 1 — 5, 11, 12. q, see x,
Sec. 38. r, Sec. 42. s, see e, Sec. 95. t, see 2s,
Sec. 101.
382 COVENANTS AND fSEC. CVI.
have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit
which is in you, and all things shall work together for
your good ;
41. Therefore be faithful, and behold, and lo, I am
with you even unto the end. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 106,
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Kirtland,
Ohio, November 25th, 1834.
1. It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery
should be appointed and ordained a presiding High
Priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the
regions round about ;
2. And should preach my ^everlasting gospel, and
lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his
own place, but in the adjoining countries,
3. And devote his whole time in this high and holy
calling which I now give unto him, seeking diligently
the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all
things necessary shall be added thereunto, for the laborer
is worthy of his hire.
4. And again, verily I say unto you, the "^coming
of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world
as a thief in the night :
5. Therefore, gird up your loins that you may be
the ^children of the light, and that day shall not over-
take you as a thief.
6. And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy
in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my
sceptre, and separated himself from the crafts of men :
a, see bf Sec. 18. b, see e, Sec. 1. c, see e, Sec. 1,
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 383
7. Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I
will have mercy on him ; and notwithstanding the
vanity of his heart, I will lift him up, inasmuch as he
will humble himself before me ;
8. And I will give him grace and assurance where-
with he may stand, and if he continue to be a faithful
witness and a light unto the church, I have prepared a
crown for him in the ^mansions of my Father. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 107
A Uevetation through Joseph^ the Prophet^ give7i at
Kirtland, Ohio, on Priesthood; the fore part, or the
first fifty-eight verses, being given March 28th,
1835; the other items loere revealed at sundry
times.
1. There are, in the church, Hwo Priesthoods,
namely, the Melchisedek, and Aaronic, including the
Levitical priesthood.
2. Why the first is called the Melchisedek Priest-
hood, is because Melchisedek was such a great High
Priest.
3. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood,,
after the order of the Son of God;
4. But out of respect or reverence to the name of
the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition
of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called
that Priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek
Priesthood.
d, see a, Sec. 59.
a, 84: 6—41,
384 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVII.
5. All other authorities or offices in the church
are ^appendages to this Priesthood ;
6. But there are two divisions or grand heads — one
is the Melchisedek Priesthood, and the other is the
Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood.
7. The office of an ^elder comes under the Priest-
hood of Melchisedek.
8. The Melchisedek Priesthood holds the right of
Presidenc)^, and has power and authority ^over all the
offices in the church in all ages of the world, to admin-
ister in spiritual things.
9. The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the
order of Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the
offices in the church.
10. High Priests after the order of the Melchisedek
Priesthood, have a right to officiate 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.
11. An elder has a right to officiate in his stead
when the High Priest is not present.
12. The High Priest aLnd elder are to administer in
spiritual things, agreeable to the covenants and com-
mandments of the church ; and they have a right to
officiate in all these offices of the church when there
are no higher authorities present.
13. The second priesthood is called the priesthood
of ® Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his
seed, throughout all their generations.
14. Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because
it is an ^appendage to the greater or the Melchisedek
Priesthood, and has power in administering outward
ordinances.
15. The bishopric is the presidency of this priest-
hood and holds the keys or authority of the same.
h, vers. 6—20. 84 : 18—30. c, vers. 11, 12, 89. d, vers.
64, 65. e, 84 : 27. /, ver. 5.
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 385
16. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold
the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal de-
scendant of Aaron.
17. But as a High Priest of the Melchisedek Priest-
hood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices,
he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal
descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is
called and set apart and ordained unto this power by
the hands of the ^Presidency of the Melchisedek Priest-
hood.
18. The power and authority of the Higher or Mel-
chisedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the
spiritual blessings of the church —
19. To have the privilege of receiving the '^mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven — to have the heavens 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 Media-
tor of the new covenant.
20. The power and authority of the lesser, or
Aaronic priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ^minister-
ing of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances
the letter of the gospel — the ^baptism of repentance
for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and
commandments .
21. Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding
offices growing out of, or appointed of or from among
those who are ordained to the several offices in these
two priesthoods.
22. Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, ^three Presid-
ing High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and or-
dained to that office, and upheld by the confidence,
faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the
Presidency of the church.
23. The Twelve traveling counselors are called to be
g, 68: 15, 19—24. h, 84: 19—24. i, 84: 19—24. j, Heb.
12: 22—24. k,M: 22—24. /, 84: 26. m, 84: 27.
n, see /, Sec. 68.
386 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVII.
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.
24. And they form a quorum, ^equal in authority
and power to the three Presidents previously men-
tioned.
25. 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 their calling ;
26. And they form a quorum Pequal in authority
to that of the Twelve special witnesses or apostles just
named.
27. 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.
28. (A majority may form a quorum, when circum-
stances render it impossible to be otherwise.)
29. 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.
30. The decisions of these quorums, or either of
them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness,
and lowliness of heart, meekness and long-suffering,
and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance,
patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity ;
31. Because the promise is, if these things abound
in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge
of the Lord.
32. And in case that any decision of these quorums
is made in "lunrighteousness, it may be brought before
0, vers. 36, 87. p, ver. 23. q, an Appeal may be bad before
a general assembly of councils.
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 387
a general assembly of the several quorums, which con-
stitute the spiritual authorities of the church, other-
wise there can be no appeal from their decision.
33. The Twelve are a traveling presiding High
Council, to oflSciate in the name of the Lord, under the
direction of the Presidency of the church, agreeable to
the institution of heaven ; to build up the church, and
regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations ; ^first
unto the Gentiles, add ^secondly unto the Jews.
34. The ^seventy are to act in the name of the
Lord, under the direction of the Twelve or the travel-
ing High Council, in building up the church and regu-
lating all the affairs of the same in all nations — first
unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews ;
35. The Twelve being sent out, holding the keys,
to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of
Jesus Christ — -and first unto the Gentiles and then unto
the Jews.
36. The standing High Councils, at the Stakes of
Zion, form a quorum "equal in authority, in the affairs
of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of
the Presidency, or to the traveling High Council.
3 7 . The High Council in Zion, form a quorum ^equal
in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their
decisions, to the Councils of the Twelve at the Stakes
of Zion.
38. It is the duty of the traveling High Council to
call upon the "^seventy, when they need assistance, to
fill the several calls for preaching and administering the
gospel, instead of any others.
39. It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large
branches of the church, to ordain ^evangelical minis-
ters, as they shall be designated unto them by revela-
tion.
40. The order of this Priesthood was confirmed to
r, see o, Sec. 18. .5, see o, Sec. 18. t, vers. 25, 26, 35,
38,90,93—98. w, ver. 37. -y, ver. 36. w, ver. 34.
X, Patriarchs.
388 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVII.
be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs
to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom
the promises were made.
41 . This order was instituted in the days of Adam,
and came down by lineage in the following man-
ner : —
42. 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 re-
ceived the promise of God by his father, that his pos-
terity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they
should be preserved unto the end of the earth,
43. Because he (Seth) was a perfect man, and his
likeness was the express likeness of his father's, inso-
much that he seemed to be like unto his father in all
things, and could be distinguished from him only by
his age.
44. Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years and
four months, by the hand of Adam.
45. God called upon Cainan in the wilderness, in
the fortieth year of his age, and he met Adam in
journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was 87 years
old when he received his ordination.
46. Mahalaleel was 496 years and seven days old
when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also
blessed him.
47. Jared was 200 years old when he was ordained
under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.
48. Enoch was 25 years old when he was ordained
under the hand of Adam, and he was 65 and Adam
blessed him.
49. And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him,
and was before his face continually ; and he walked
with God 365 years, making him 430 years old when
he was translated.
50. Methuselah was 100 years old when he was or-
dained under the hand of Adam.
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 389
51. Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained
under the hand of Seth.
52. Noah was 10 years old when he was ordained
under the hand of Methuselah.
53. Three years previous to the death of Adam, he
called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch,
and Methuselah, who were all ^High Priests, with the
residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the
valley of ^Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed upon
them his last blessing.
54. And the Lord ^^appeared unto them, and they
rose up and blessed Adam, and called him ^''Michael,
the Prince, the Archangel.
55. And the Lord administered comfort 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.
56. And Adam stood up in the midst of the congre-
gation, and notwithstanding he was bowed down with
age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever
should befall his posterity unto the ^^latest generation.
57. These things were all written in the book of
Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time.
58. It is the duty of the Twelve, also, to ordain
and set in order all the other officers of the church,
agreeable to the revelation which says :
59. To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in
addition to the church laws respecting church business —
60. Verily, 1 say unto you, says the Lord of hosts,
there must needs be ^^presiding elders to preside over
those who are of the office of an elder ;
61. And also priests to preside over those who are
of the ofiice of a priest ;
y, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 13, 14. z, see I, Sec. 78. la,
Pearl of Great Price, p. 18. 26, 78: 16. 2c, 78: 16.
Dan. 12: 1, M, Pearl of Great Price, p. 14. 26, vers.
.89, 90.
390 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVII.
62. And also teachers to preside over those who are
of the office of a teacher ; in like manner, and also the
deacons ;
63. 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.
64. Then comes the ^^High Priesthood, which is the
greatest of all :
65. Wherefore it must needs be that one be
appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the
Priesthood, and he shall be called President of the
High Priesthood of the church ;
66. Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest
over the High Priesthood of the church.
67. From the same comes the administering of or-
dinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying
on of the hands.
68. Wherefore the office of a bishop is not equal
unto it ; for the ^^office of a bishop is in administering
all temporal things ;
69. Nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the
High Priesthood, unless he is a ^^literal descendant of
Aaron ;
70. For unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron
he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood.
71. Nevertheless, a High Priest that is after the
order of Melchisedek, may be set apart unto the minis-
tering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them
by the Spirit of truth,
72. And also to be a Judge in Israel, to do the busi-
ness of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgress-
ors upon testimony as it shall be laid before him ac-
cording to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors,
whom he has chosen, or will choose among the elders
of the church.
2/, the Melchisedek. 2g, see k, Sec. 68. 2h, see k,
Sec. 68.
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 391
\ 73. 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.
74. 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 chvirch 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 ;
75. And inasmuch as there are other bishops ap-
pointed they shall act in the same oflSce.
76. 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 inde-
pendently, without counselors, 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.
77. And the decision of either of these councils,
agreeable to the commandment which says,
78. Again, verily, I say unto you, the most im-
portant business of the church, and the most difficult
cases of the church, inasmuch as there is not satis-
faction upon the decision of the bishop or judges, it
shall be handed over and carried up unto the Council
of the church, before the Presidency of the High Priest-
hood ;
79. And the Presidency of the Council of the High
Priesthood shall have power to call other High Priests,
even twelve, to assist as counselors ; and thus the Presi-
dency of the High Priesthood and its counselors shall
have power to decide upon testimony according to the
laws of the church.
80. And after this decision it shall be had in re-
membrance no more before the Lord ; for this is the
highest Council of the church of God, and a final de-
cision upon controversies in spiritual matters.
392 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVII.
8 1 . There is not any person belonging to the church
who is exempt from this Council of the church.
82. And inasmuch as a President of the High
Priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remem-
brance before the common council of the church, who
shall be assisted by twelve counselors of the High
Priesthood ;
83. And their decision upon his head shall be an
end of controversy concerning him.
84. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice
and the laws of God, that all things may be done in
order and in solemnity before him, according to truth
and righteousness.
85. 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 teacl:
them their duty — edifying one another, as it is given
according to the covenants.
86. 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 their office, as given in the cove-
nants.
87. Also the duty of the president over the priest-
hood of Aaron is to preside over forty-eight priests,
and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties
of their office, as is given in the covenants.
88. This president is to be a bishop ; for this is one
of the duties of this priesthood.
89. 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.
90. This presidency is a distinct one from that of
the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel
into all the world.
91. And again, the duty of the President of the
SEC. CVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 393
otice of the High Priesthood is to preside over the
whole church, and to be like unto Moses.
a2. Behold, here is wisdom ; yea, to be a ^*seer, a
revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the
gifts ot God which he bestows upon the head of the
church.
93. And it is according to the vision, showing the
order of the seventy, that they should have seven
presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the num-
ber of the seventy :
94. And the seventh president of these presidents is
to preside over the six ;
95. And these seven presidents are to choose other
seventy besides the first seventy, to whom they belong,
and are to preside over them ;
96. And also other seventy, until seven times
seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity re-
quires it.
97. And these seventy are to be traveling ministers
unto the Gentiles first, and also unto the Jews ;
98. Whereas other oflScers of the church, who be-
long not unto the Twelve, neither to the seventy, are
not under the responsibility to travel among all nations,
but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow,
notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible
ofiices in the church.
99. Wherefore now let every man learn his duty,
and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all
diligence.
100. He that is slothful 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.
2i, 21: 1. 124: 94, 125.
394 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CVIII,
SECTION 108.
A Revelation through Joseph Smith, jr., concerning
Lyman Sherman, given at Kirtland, Geauga
County, Ohio, December 26th, 1835.
1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant
Lyman, your sins are forgiven you, because you have
obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to
receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.
2. Therefore, let your soul be at rest concern-
ing your spiritual standing, and resist no more my
voice ;
3. And arise up and be more careful henceforth, in
observing your vows which you have made, and do
make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great
blessings.
4. Wait patiently until the ^solemn assembly shall
be called of my servants, then you shall be remembered
with the first of mine elders, and receive right by ordi-
nation with the rest of mine elders, whom I have
chosen.
5. Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto
you if you continue faithful ;
6. And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day
that you shall have right to preach my gospel where-
soever I shall send you, from henceforth from that
time.
7. Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your
conversation, in all your prayers, and in all your ex-
hortations, and in all your doings ;
8. And behold ! and lo ! I am with you to bless
you, and deliver you for ever. Amen.
a, see 2r, Sec. 88.
§EC, CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 395
\ SECTION 100.
The following Prayer was given by revelation to
JosepJi, the Seer, and was repeated in the Kirtland
Temple at the time of its dedication^ March 27th,
1886.
1. Thanks be to thy namej O Lord God of Israel,
who keepest covenant and showest mercy unto thy ser-
vants who walk uprightly before thee, with all their
hearts ;
2 . Thou who hast ^commanded thy servants to build
a house to thy name in this place. (Kirtland.)
3. And now thou beholdest, O Lord, that thy ser-
vants have done according to thy commandment,
4. And now we ask thee, Holy Father, in the name
of Jesus Christ, the Son of thy bosom, in whose name
alone, salvation can be administered to the children of
men, we ask thee, O Lord, to accept of this house, the
workmanship of the hands of us, thy servants, which
thou didst command us to build ;
5. For thou knowest that we have done this work
through great tribulation ; and out of our poverty we
have given of our substance, to build a house to thy
name, that the Son of man might have a place to
manifest himself to his people.
6. And as thou hast said in a ^revelation, given to
us, calling us thy friends, saying, "Call your solemn
assembly, as I have commanded you ;
7. 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,
8. Organize yourselves ; prepare every needful
a, 35, Sec. 88. b, 88: 117—120.
396 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIX.
thing, and establish a house, 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,
9. 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."
10. And now. Holy Father, we ask thee to assist us,
thy people, with thy grace, in calling our ^solemn as-
sembly, that it may be done to thy honor, and to thy
divine acceptance,
1 1 . And in a manner that we may be found worthy,
in thy sight, to secure a fulfillment of the promises
which thou hast made unto us, thy people, in the reve-
lations given unto us ;
- 12. That thy glory may rest down upon thy people,
and upon this thy house^ which we now dedicate to
thee, that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be
holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in
this house,
13. And that all people who shall enter upon the
threshold of the Lord's house, may feel thy power, and
feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sancti-
fied it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness.
14. And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those
who shall worship in this house, may be taught words
of wisdom out of the *^best books, and that they may
seek learning even by study, and also by faith, as thou
hast said ;
15. And that they may grow up in thee, and re-
ceive a fullness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized
according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every
needful thing ;
16. And that this house may be a house of prayer,
a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory
and of God, even thy house ;
c, see 2r, Sec. 88. d, see c, Sec. 55,
SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 397
17. That all the incomings of thy people, into this
house, may be in the name of the Lord ;
18. That all the outgoings from this house may be
in the name of the Lord ;
19. And that all their salutations may be in the
name of the Lord, with holy hands, uplifted to the
Most High ;
20. And that no ^unclean thing shall be permitted
to come into thy house to pollute it ;
21. And when thy people transgress, any of them,
they may speedily repent, and return unto thee, and
find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings
which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those
who shall reverence thee in thy house.
22. And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants
may go forth from this house, armed with thy power,
and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory
be round about them, and thine ^angels have charge
over them ;
23. And from this place they may bear exceedingly
great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ^ends of
the earth, that they may know that this is thy work,
and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfill that
which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets,
concerning the last days.
24. We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the peo-
ple that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and
standing in this thy house, to all generations, and for
eternity,
25. That no weapon ^formed against them shall
prosper ; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall
into the same himself ;
26. That no combination of wickedness shall have
power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom
thy name shall be put in this house ;
e, 97 : 15—17. /, 84 : 88. g, see h, Sec. 1. h, Isa.
54: 17.
398 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CIX.
27. And if any people shall Vise against this people,
that thine anger be kindled against them,
28. And if they shall smite this people, thou wilt
smite them, thou wilt fight for thy people as thou didst
in the day of battle, that they may be delivered from
the hands of all their enemies.
29. We ask thee. Holy Father, to confound, and
astonish, and bring to ^shame and confusion, all those
who have spread lying reports, abroad, over the world,
against thy servant, or servants, if they will not repent,
when the ^everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed in
their ears,
30. And that all their works may be brought to
naught, and be swept away by the 'hail, and by the
judgments which thou wilt send upon them in thine
anger, that there may be an "^end to lyings and slanders
against thy people ;
31. For thou knowest, O Lord, that thy servants
have been innocent before thee in bearing record of
thy name, for which they have suffered these things ;
32. Therefore we plead before thee a full and com-
plete deliverance from under this yoke ;
33. Break it off, O Lord; break it off from the
necks of thy servants, by thy power, that we may rise
up in the midst of this generation and do thy work.
34. O Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, and as
all men sin, forgive the transgressions of thy people,
and let them be blotted out forever.
35. Let the '^anointing of thy ministers be sealed
upon them with power from on high ;
36. Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on
the day of Pentecost, let the ''gift of tongues be poured
out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and
the interpretation thereof.
i, 98: 34—38. ;, Isa. 28: 15—19. Jer. 16: 19. k, see b,
Sec. 18. I, see j. 7n, iii. Nep. 21: 11, 19-21. 29: 4, 9. Chap.
30. Mor. 8: 21, 41. n, 124: 39. o, Acts 2: 2—12.
SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 399
37. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing
mighty wind, with thy glory.
38. Put upon thy servants the testimony of the
covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word,
they may ^seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy
saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in
thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because
of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in
the day of trouble.
39. And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter,
and the people of that city receive their testimony, let
thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city, that
they may ^gather out of that city the righteous, that
they may come forth to Zion, or to her Stakes, the
places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting
joy ;
40. And until this be accomplished, let not thy
judgments fall upon that city.
41. And whatsoever city thy servants shall enter,
and the people of that city receive not the testimony of
thy servants, and thy servants warn them to save them-
selves from this untoward generation, let it be upon
^that city according to that which thou hast spoken by
the mouths of thy prophets ;
42. But deliver thou , O Jehovah, we beseech thee, thy
servants from their hands, and cleanse them from their
blood.
43. O Lord, we delight not in the destruction of our
fellow men ! their souls are precious before thee ;
44. But thy word must be fulfilled ; help thy ser-
vants to say, svith thy grace assisting them, thy will be
done, O Lord, and not ours.
45. We know that thou hast spoken by the mouth
of thy prophets terrible things concerning the wicked,
in the last days — that thou wilt pour out thy judg-
ments, without measure ;
f, see d, Sec. 1. q, see ;', Sec. 10. r, see / and g, Sec. 1.
400 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CIX.
46. Therefore, O Lord, deliver thy people from the
calamity of the wicked ; enable thy servants to ^seal up
the law, and bind up the testimony, that they may be
prepared against the day of burning.
47. We ask thee, Holy Father, to remember those
who have been driven (by the inhabitants of Jackson
County, Missouri) from the lands of their inheritance,
and break off, O Lord, this yoke of afliction that has
been put upon them.
48. Thou knowest, O Lord, that they have been
greatly oppressed and afflicted by wicked men, and our
hearts flow out with sorrow, because of their grievous
burdens.
49. O Lord, how long wilt thou suffer this people
to bear this afiliction, and the cries of their innocent
ones to ascend up into thine ears, and their blood come
up in testimony before thee, and not make a display of
thy testimony in their behalf?
50. Have mercy, O Lord, upon that wicked mob,
who have driven thy people, that they may cease to
spoil, that they may repent of their sins, if repentance
is to be found ;
51. But if they will not, make bare thine arm, O
Lord, and h^edeem that which thou didst appoint a
Zion unto thy people !
52. And if it cannot be otherwise, that the cause of
thy people may not fail before thee, "may thine anger
be kindled, and thine indignation fall upon them, that
they may be wasted away, both root and branch, from
under heaven ;
53. But inasmuch as they will repent, thou art
gracious and merciful, and wilt turn away thy wrath,
when thou lookest upon the face of thine anointed.
54. Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of
the earth, have mercy upon the rulers of our land, may
those principles which were so honorably and nobly
s, see d, Sec. 1. t, see h, Sec. 103. Isa. 1: 27. u, 105: 14, 15.
SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 401
defended, viz., the "^Constitution of our land, by our
fathers, be established for ever ;
55. Remember the kings, the princes, the nobles,
and the great ones of the earth, and all people, and the
churches, all the poor, the needy, and afflicted ones of
the earth,
56. That their hearts may be softened, when thy
servants shall go out from thy house, O Jehovah, to
bear testimony of thy name, that their prejudices may
give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain
favor in the sight of all,
57. That all the ends of the earth may know that
we thy servants have ^heard thy voice, and that thou
hast sent us,
58. That from among all these, thy servants the
sons of Jacob may gather out the righteous to build a
^holy city to thy name, as thou hast commanded them.
59. We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other ^'Stakes,
besides this one which thou hast appointed, that the
gathering of thy people may roll on in great power and
majesty, that thy work may be cut short in righteous-
ness.
60. Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken be-
fore thee, concerning the revelations and command-
ments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified
with the Gentiles ;
61. But thou knowest that thou hast a great love
for the children of Jacob, who have been scattered
upon the mountains, for a long time, in a cloudy and
dark day ;
62. We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the
children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from^this hour, may
begin to be redeemed,
63. And the yoke of bondage may begin to be
broken off from the house of David,
V, see a, Sec. 98. lo, 20: 16. 76: 14, 22—24. x, the city
New Jerusalem or Zion. ?/, see d, Sec. 88. z, 45 : 25.
402 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CIX.
64. And the children of Judah may begin to return
to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their
father ;
65. And cause that the ^^remnants of Jacob, who
have been cursed and smitten, because of their trans-
gression, be converted from their wild and savage con-
dition, to the fullness of the everlasting gospel,
66. That they may lay down their weapons of
bloodshed, and cease their rebellions ;
67. And may all the scattered remnants of Israel,
who have been driven to the ends of the earth, come
to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah,
and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before
thee.
68. O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith,
junior, and all his afflir^tions and persecutions, how he
has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O
mighty God of Jacob, and the commandments which
thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely
striven to do thy will.
69. Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and chil-
dren, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and
preserved by thy fostering hand ;
70. Have mercy upon all their immediate con-
nections, that their prejudices may be broken up, and
swept away as with a flood, that they may be converted
and redeemed with Israel, and know that thou art
God.
71. Remember, O Lord, the presidents, even all the
presidents of thy church, that thy right hand may
exalt them, with all their families, and their immediate
connections, that their names may be perpetuated, and
had in everlasting remembrance, from generation to
generation.
72. Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all
their families, and all their immediate connections, with
2a, American Indians.
SEC. CIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 403
all their sick and afflicted ones, with all the poor and
meek of the earth, that the ^''kingdom which thou hast
set up without hands, may become a great mountain,
and fill the whole earth ;
73. That thy '^'^church may come forth out of the
wilderness of darkness, and shine forth ^^fair as the
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with
banners,
74. And be adorned as a bride for that day when
thou shalt '-^^unvail the heavens, and cause the ^^mount-
ains to flow down at thy presence, and the valleys to
be exalted, the rough places made smooth ; that thy
glory may fill the earth,
75. That when the trump shall sound ^^for the dead
we shall be caught up in the cloud to meet thee, that
we may ever be with the Lord,
76. That our garments may be pure, that we may
be clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms
in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads, and
reap eternal joy for all our sufferings.
77. O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our
petitions, and answer us from heaven, thy holy habita-
tion, where thou sitteth enthroned, with glory, honor,
power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judg-
ment, mercy, and an infinity of fullness, from ever-
lasting to everlasting.
78. O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord, and answer
these petitions, and accept the dedication of this house
unto thee, the work of our hands, which we have built
unto thy name !
79. And also this church, to put upon it thy name ;
and help us by the power of thy Spirit, that we may
mingle our voices with those bright, shining seraphs
around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing,
Hosanna to God and the Lamb ;
2b, see x, Sec. 35. 2c, see a, Sec. 1. 2d, see i, Sec. 5.
2e, see e, Sec. 1. 2/, 133: 44. 2g, see m, Sec. 29.
404 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CX.
80. And let these thine ^^^anointed ones be clothed
with salvation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy.
Amen, and Amen.
SECTION 110.
Visions manifested to Joseph, the Seer, and Oliver Cow-
dery in the Kirtland Temple, April 3rd, 1836.
1. The ^vail was taken from our minds, and the eyes
of our understanding were opened.
2. We ''saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork
of the pulpit, before us, and under his feet was a paved
work of pure gold in color like amber.
3. His eyes were as a flame of fire, the hair of his
head was white like the pure snow, his countenance
shone above the brightness of the sun, and his voice
was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even
the voice of Jehovah, saying —
4 . I am the first and the last, I am he who liveth,
I am he who was slain, I am your ^advocate with the
Father.
5. Behold, your sins are forgiven you, you are clean
before me, therefore lift up your heads and rejoice,
6. Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let
the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with
their might, built this house to my name,
7. For behold, I have accepted this house, and my
name shall be here, and I will manifest myself to my
people in mercy in this house,
2h, ver. 35. 124: 39.
a, Isa. 25: 7. b, see o, Sec. 50. c, see c, Sec. 45.
SEC. ex.] COMMANDMENTS. 405
8. Yea, I will *^appear unto my servants, and speak
unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep
my commandments, and do not pollute this holy
house,
9. Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thou-
sands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the bless-
ings which shall be poured out, and the ^endowment
with which my servants have been endowed in this
house ;
10. And the fame of this house shall spread to
foreign lands, and this is the beginning of the blessing
which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people.
Even so. Amen.
11. After this vision closed, the heavens were again
opened unto us, and Moses appeared before us, and
committed unto us the %eys of the gathering of Israel
from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the
^ten tribes from the land of the north.
12. After this, ^Elias appeared, and committed the
dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying, that in
us, and ^our seed, all generations after us should be
blessed.
13. After this vision had closed, another great and
glorious vision burst upon us, for ^Elijah the prophet,
who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood
before us, and said —
14. Behold, the time has fully come, which was
spoken of by the mouth of Malachi, testifying that he
(I^lijah) should be sent before the great and dreadful
day of the Lord come,
15. To turn the hearts of the ^fathers to the chil-
dren, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole
earth be smitten with a curse.
16 . Therefore the keys of this dispensation are com-
d, seeo, Sec. 50. e, see x, Sec. 38. /, 45: 43. 133: 13.
^, Keys given to this kingdom, throvigh the ProjDhet, to lead the ten
tribes. h, see g, Sec. 27. i, 124: 57,58. j, see a, Sec. 2.
k, see c, Sec. 2.
406 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXI.
mitted into your hands, and by this ye may know that
the great and dreadful day of the Lord is •near, even
at the doors.
SECTION 111.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, August
6th, 1836.
1. I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with
your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies ;
2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for
the benefit of Zion ; and many people in this city whom
I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion,
through your instrumentality !
3. Therefore it is expedient that you should form
acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be
led, and as it shall be given you ;
4. And it shall come to pass in due time, that I
will give this city into your hands, that you shall have
power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover
your secret parts ; and its wealth pertaining to gold
and silver shall be yours.
5. Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I
will give you power to pay them.
6. Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will
deal mercifully with her.
7. Tarry in this place, and in the regions round
about ;
8. And the place where it is my will that you
should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you
by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow
unto you.
I, see e, Sec X.
SEC. CXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 407
9. This place you may obtain by hire, &c. And
inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabi-
tants and founders of this city ;
10. For there are more treasures than one for you
in this city ;
11. Therefore be ye as wise as serpents and yet
without sin, and I will order all things for your good,
as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.
SECTION 112,
The word of the Lord, given through Joseph, the Pro-
phet, unto Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, July
23rd, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the
Lamb,
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servant
Thomas, I have heard thy prayers, and thine alms have
come up as a memorial before me, in behalf of those
thy brethren who were chosen to bear testimony of my
name, and to '^send it abroad among all nations, kin-
dreds, tongues, and people, and ordained through the
instrumentality of my servants.
2. Verily I say unto you, there have been some few
things in thine heart and with thee with which I, the
Lord, was not well pleased ;
3. Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thy-
self thou shalt be exalted ; therefore all thy sins are
forgiven thee.
4. Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face,
and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto
the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews ; and thou shalt
send forth my word unto the ends of the earth.
(?, see c[, Sec. 18,
408 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXII.
5. Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning,
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 thy speech.
6. Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and re-
move not thy house, for I, the Lord, have a great work
for thee to do, in publishing my name among the chil-
dren of men ;
7. Therefore, gird up thy loins for the work. Let
thy feet be shod also, for thou art chosen, and thy path
lieth among the mountains, and among many nations ;
8. And by thy word many high ones shall be
brought low, and by thy word many low ones shall be
exalted.
9 . Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor,
and at thy rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease
its perverseness.
10. Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall
lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy
prayers.
11. I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers
concerning thy brethren. 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.
12. And pray for thy brethren of the Twelve. Ad-
monish them sharply' for my name's sake, and let them
be admonished for all their sins, and be ye faithful be-
fore me unto my name.
13. And after their temptations, and much tribula-
tion, 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 converted, and I will heal
them.
14. Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you,
I say unto all the ^Twelve, Arise and gird up your
b, John 21: 15—17.
SEC. CXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 409
loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my
sheep.
15. Exalt not yourselves; rebel 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.
16. Yerily I say unto you, my servant Thomas,
Thou art the man whom I have chosen to hold the keys
of my kingdom (as pertaining to the Twelve) abroad
among all nations,
17. 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 servant Hyrum,
cannot come ;
18. For on them have I laid the burden of all the
churches for a little season ;
19. 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 ;
20. Whosoever receiveth my word receiveth me,
and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth those (the First
Presidency) whom I have sent, whom I have made
counselors for my name's sake unto you.
21. And again, I say unto you. That whosoever ye
shall send in my name, by the voice of your brethren,
the Twelve, duly recommended and authorized by you,
shall have ^power to open the door of my kingdom unto
any nation whithersoever ye shall send them,
22. Inasmuch as they shall humble themselves
before me, and abide in my word, and hearken to the
voice of my Spirit.
23. Verily, verily I say unto you, ^Darkness covereth
the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people,
and %11 flesh has become corrupt before my face.
c, see 6, Sec. 28. 6^,107:34,35,38,95—98. Isa. 60: 2.
/, 38: 10—12.
410 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXII.
24. 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 of the earth, saith the Lord.
25. And upon my house ^shall it begin, and from
my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord.
26. 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.
27. Therefore, see to it that ye trouble not your-
selves concerning the affairs of my church in this place,
saith the Lord ;
28. But purify your hearts before me, and then 'go
ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every
creature who has not received it,
29. And ^he that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved, and he that believeth not, and is not baptized,
shall be damned.
30. For unto you, (the Twelve,) and those (the
First Presidency) who are appointed with you, to be
your counselors and your leaders, is the power of this
Priesthood given, for the last daj^s and for the last time,
in the which is the ^'dispensation of the fullness of
times.
31. Which power you hold in connection with all
those who have received a dispensation at any time from
the beginning of the creation ;
32. For verily I say unto you, the 'keys of the dis-
pensation which ye have received, have come down from
the fathers; and last of all, being sent down from
heaven unto you.
33. Verily I say unto you. Behold how great is
your calling Cleanse your hearts and your garments,
g, see/ and (/, Sec. 1. h, i. Pet. 4: 17, 18. i, see q, Sec. 18.
;', see q, Sec. 20. k, see n. Sec. 27. I, see b, Sec. 28.
SEC. CXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 411
lest the blood of this generation be required at your
hands.
34. Be faithful until I come, for I ™come quickly,
and my reward is with me to recompense every man
according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega.
Amen.
SECTION 113.
Answers by revelation to certain Questions on Scripture^
given through Joseph^ the Seer, March, 1888.
1. Wlio is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of
Isaiah?
2. Verily thus saith the Lord, it is Christ.
3. What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of
the 11th chapter of Isaiah that should come of the
Stem of Jesse?
4. Behold thus saith the Lord, it is a servant in the
hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as
well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on
whom there is laid much power.
5. What is the root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th
verse of the 11th chapter?
6. Behold thus saith the Lord, it is a descendant of
Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs
the Priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom, for an
^ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last
days.
7. Questions by Elias Higbee, as follows — " What
is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd chapter, 1st
m, see e, Sec. 1.
a^ see *, Sec. 45.
14
412 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXIV.
verse, which saith, put on thy strength O Zion? And
what people had Isaiah reference to?"
8. He had reference to those whom God should
call in the last days, who should hold the power of
Priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of
Israel ; and to put on her strength is to put on the
authority of the Priesthood, which she (Zion) has a
right to by lineage ; also to return to that power which
she had lost.
9. " What are we to understand by Zion's loosing
herself from the bands of her neck, 2nd verse? "
10. We are to understand that the scattered rem-
nants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence
they have fallen, which if they do, the promise of the
Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them reve-
lation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands
of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the
remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among
the Gentiles.
SECTION 114.
Revelation^ given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far
West, Caldivell County, Missouri, April 17th, 1838.
1. Verily thus saith the Lord, it is wisdom in my
servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his
business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposi-
tion of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission
unto me next spring, in company with others, even
Twelve, including himself, to testify of my name, and
bear glad tidings unto all the world ;
2. For verily thus saith the Lord, that inasmuch as
there are those among you who *^deny my name, others
a, 118: 1, 6.
SEC. CXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 413
shall be planted in their stead, and receive their bishop-
ric. Amen.
SECTION 115.
Revelation^ given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far West,
Missouri, April 26th, 1888, making known the will
of God concerni7ig the building up of this place, and
of the Lord's House, &c.
1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant
Joseph Smith, jr., and also my servant Sidney Rigdon,
and also my servant Hyrum Smith, and your coun-
selors who are and shall be appointed hereafter ;
2. And also unto you my servant Edward Partridge,
and his counselors ;
3. And also unto my faithful servants, who are of
the High Council of my church in Zion (for thus it
shall be called,) and unto all the elders and people of
my church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scat-
tered abroad in all the world ;
4. For thus shall ^my church be called in the last
days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
5. Verily I say unto you all, Arise and shine forth,
that thy light may be a ''standard for the nations,
6. And that the gathering together upon the land
of Zion, and upon her Stakes, may be for a ^defence,
and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when
it shall be **poured out without mixture upon the whole
earth.
7. Let the city. Far West, be a holy and consecrated
a, see a, Sec. 1. fc, see ?, Sec. 45. c, 45 : 62 — 71. (7, see
and g, Sec. 1.
414 COVENANTS AND fSEC. CXV.
land unto me, and it shall be called most holy, for the
ground upon which thou standest is holy ;
8. Therefore I command you to build an house unto
me, for the gathering together of my saints, that they
may worship me ;
9. And let there be a beginning of this work, and
a. foundation, and a preparatory work, this following
summer ;
10. And let the beginning be made on the 4th day
of July next, and from that time forth let my people
labor diligently to build an house unto my name,
11. And in one year from this day let them ^re-
commence laying the foundation of my house :
12. Thus let them from that time forth labor dili-
gently until it shall be finished, from the corner stone
thereof unto the top thereof, until there shall not any
thing remain that is not finished.
13. Verily I say unto you, let not my servant
Joseph, neither my servant Sidney, neither my servant
Hyrum, get in debt any more for the building of an
house unto my name ;
14. But let an house be built unto my name accord-
ing to the ^pattern which I will show unto them.
15. And if my people build it not according to the
pattern which I shall show unto their Presidency, I will
not accept it at their hands ;
i6. But if my people do build it according to the
pattern which I shall show unto their Presidency, even
my servant Joseph and his counselors, then T will
accept it at the hands of my people.
17. And again, verily I say unto you, it is my will
that the city of Far West should be built up speedily
by the gathering of my saints,
18. And also that other places should be appointed
e, Before the year expired the saints were driven ontdf Missouri.
But the Twelve laid the corner stone very early in the morning of
the 26th of Ajjril, 1839, before the mob were awake. 124 : 49—54.
/, see e.
SEC. CXVI., CXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 415
for Stakes in the regions round about, as they shall be
manifest unto my servant Joseph, from time to time ;
19. For behold, I will be with him, and I will
sanctify him before the people, for unto him have I
given the %eys of this kingdom and ministry. Even
so. Amen.
SECTION 116.
Revelation to Joseph^ the Seer^ given near Wight's
Ferry ^ at a place called Spring Hill, Davis County,
Missouri, May 19th, 1838, wherein Spring Hill is
named by the Lord.
1. ^Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the
place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or
the ^Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel
the prophet.
SECTION 117,
Revelation, given through Joseph the Seer, concerning
William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, Oliver Granger,
and others. Far West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838.
1. Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant
William Marks, and also unto my servant N. K. Whit-
ney, let them settle up their business speedily and
g, see b, Sec. 28.
a, see I, Sec. 78. b, Dan. 7 : 9—14.
416 COVENANTS AND fsEC. CXVIT.
journey from the land of Kirtland, before I, the Lord,
send again the snows upon the earth ;
2. Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and
not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it ;
3 . Therefore if they tarry it shall not be well with
them.
. 4. Let them repent of all their sins, and of all
their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord, for
what is property unto me, saith the Lord?
5. Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for
debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the Lord,
and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands,
saith the Lord ;
6. For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the
fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have
I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of
all the armies of the nations of the earth?
7. Therefore will I not make ^solitary places to bud
and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance, saith
the Lord.
8. Is there not room enough upon the ^mountains
of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and upon the plains of Olaha
Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you
should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect
the more weighty matters?
9. Therefore come up hither unto the land of my
people, even Zion.
10. Let my servant William Marks be faithful over
a few things, and he shall be a ruler over many. Let
him preside in th^ midst of my people in the city Far
West, and let him be blessed with the blessings of my
people.
11. Let my servant N. K. Whitney be ashamed of
the Nicholatine band and of all their secret abomina-
tions, and of all his littleness of soul before me, saith
a, Great American Desert and extensive prairies, then unsettled.
h, the great Rocky Mountains, the valleys of which were then un-
settled.
SEC. CXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 417
the Lord, and come up to the land of '^Adam-ondi-
Ahman, and be a bishop unto my people, saith the
Lord, not in name but in deed, saith the Lord.
12. And again, I say unto you, I remember my
servant Oliver Granger, behold, verily I say unto him,
that his name shall be held in sacred remembrance from
generation to generation, for ever and ever, saith the
Lord.
13. Therefore let him contend earnestly for the re-
demption of the First Presidency of my church, saith
the Lord, when he falls he shall rise again, for his
sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me, than his in-
crease, saith the Lord :
1 4 . Therefore let him come up hither speedily, unto
the land of Zion, and in the due time he shall be made
a merchant unto my name, saith the Lord, for the
benefit of my people ;
15. Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver
Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him
for ever and ever.
IC). And again, verily I say unto you, let all my
servants in the land of Kirtland remember the Lord
their God, and mine house also, to keep and preserve
it holy, and to overthrow the money changers in mine
own due time, saith the Lord. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 118.
Revelation, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Far
West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838, in ansiver to the
question, ^'■Show us thy will, 0 Jjord, concerning
the Twelve?''
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, let a conference be
held immediately, let the Twelve be organized, and let
c, see I, Sec, 78.
418 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXIX.
men be appointed to ^supply the place of those who are
fallen .
2. Let my servant Thomas remain for a season in
the land of Zion, to publish my word.
3. Let the residue continue to preach from that
hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart,
in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the
Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for
their families, and an effectual door shall be opened for
them, from henceforth ;
4. And next spring let them depart to go over the
great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the full-
ness thereof, and bear record in my name.
5. Let them take leave of my saints in the city Far
West, on the 26th day of April next, on the building
spot of my house, saith the Lord.
6. Let my servant John Taylor, and also my ser-
vant John E. Page, and also my servant Wilford
Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be
appointed ^to fill the places of those who have fallen,
and be officially notified of their appointment.
SECTION 119.
Revelation given through Joseph^ the Projohet, at Far
West, Missouri, July 8th, 1838, in answer to the ques-
tion, 0 Lord, shoiv unto thy servants hoiv much thou
requirest of the properties of the 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,
a, ver. 6. 114: 2. h, ver. 1. 114: 2.
a, see n, Sec. 42.
SEC. CXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 419
2. For the building of mine house, and for the
laying of the foundation of Zion and for the Priesthood,
and for the debts of the Presidency of my church ;
3. And this shall be the ^beginning of the tithing
of my people ;
4. 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 for ever, for
my holy Priesthood, saith the Lord.
5. 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 properties, and shall observe
this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide
among you.
6. 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 judg-
ments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy,
behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of
Zion unto you ;
7. And this shall be an ensample unto *all the
Stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 120.
Revelation giveyi through Joseph^ the Seer, at Far West,
Missouri, July 18th, 1838, making known the dis-
position of property tithings, as named in the reve-
lation given on the 8th inst.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, the time is now
h, see n. Sec. 42. c, 64: 23. 97 : 11, 12. Lev. 27 : 30, 32. Num.
18: 26. Deut. 12 : 17. 14: 23, 28. ii. Chron. 31 : 5. 6, 12. Neh. 12 :
44.13:6,12. 10:37,38. Matt. 23 : 23. Deut. 14 : 22. 26:12.
Luke 11: 42. 18: 12. Gen. 14 : 20. Lev. 27 : 31. Num.18: 24,
26, 28. Deut. 12 : 6, 11. 26 : 12. Amos 4 : 4. Mai. 3 : 8, 10. Heb.
7 : 5, 6, 8, 9. d, tithing, a standing law for ever, e, see n, Sec. 42.
/, a law not only for Zion, but for all her Stakes.
420 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXI.
come, that it shall be disposed of by a Council, com-
posed of the First Presidency of my church, and of
the bishop and his council, and by my High Council ;
and by mine own voice unto them, saith the Lord.
Even so. Amen.
SECTION 121.
A Prayer and Prophecies^ loritten by Joseph, the Seer,
while in Liberty jail, Clay County, Missouri, March
20th, 1839.
1. O God ! where art thou? And where is the
pavilion that covereth thy ^hiding place?
2. How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine
eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens,
the wrongs of thy people, and of thy servants, and
thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3. Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these
wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart
shall be softened towards them, and thy bowels be
moved with compassion towards them?
4. O Lord God Almighty, Maker of the heaven,
earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are and
who controlleth and subjecteth the devil, and the dark
and benighted dominion of Shayole ! Stretch forth thy
hand ; let thine eye pierce : lei thy pavilion be taken
up ; let thy ^hiding place no longer be covered ; let
thine ear be inclined ; let thine heart be softened, and
thy bowels moved with compassion towards us ;
5. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies ;
and in the fury of thine heart, with thy "^sword avenge
us of our wrongs ;
a, see 3;', Sec. 101. b, see 3j, See. 101. c, see /"and g. Sec. 1.
SEC. CXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 421
6. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God ! and
thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.
7. My son, peace be unto thy soul ; thine adversity
and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment ;
8. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall
exalt thee on high ; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes ;
9. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail
thee again, with warm hearts and friendly hands ;
10. Thou art not yet as Job ; thy friends do not
contend against thee, neither charge thee with trans-
gression, as they did Job ;
11. And they who do charge thee with transgres-
sion, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects
shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the
burning rays of the rising sun ;
12. And also that God hath set to his hand and
seal, to change the times and seasons, and to blind
their minds, that they may not understand *^his marvel-
ous workings ; that he may prove them also, and take
them in their own craftiness ;
13. Also because their hearts are corrupted, and
the things which they are willing to bring upon others,
and love to have others suffer, may come upon them-
selves, to the very uttermost ;
14. That they may be disappointed also, and their
hopes may be cut off ;
15. And not many years hence, that they and their
posterity shall be ^sweptfrom under heaven, saith God,
that not one of them is left to stand by the wall :
16. 'Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel
against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they
have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith
the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine
eyes, and which I commanded them ;
17. But those who cry transgression, do it because
d, see a, Sec. 4. e, Terrible judgments prououuoed upou
apostates. /, apostates cursed.
422 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXI.
they are the servants of sin, and are the children of
disobedience themselves ;
18. And those who ^swear falsely against my ser-
vants, that they might bring them into bondage, and
death :
19. Wo unto them ; because they have offended my
little ones, they shall be severed from the ordinances of
mine house ;
20. Their basket shall not be full, their houses and
their barns shall perish, and they themselves shall be
despised by those that flattered them ;
21. They shall not have '^right to the Priesthood,
nor their posterity after them, from generation to gener-
ation ;
22. It had been better for them that a millstone
had been hanged about their necks, and they drowned
in the depth of the sea.
23. Wo unto all those that ^discomfort my people,
and drive, and murder, and testify against them, saith
the Lord of Hosts ; a generation of vipers shall not
escape the damnation of hell.
24 . Behold, mine eyes see and know all their works,
and I have in reserve a ^swift judgment in the season
thereof, for them all ;
25. For there is a time appointed for every man,
according as his works shall be.
26. God shall give unto you (the saints) ^knowledge
by his Holy Spirit, yea by the unspeakable gift of the
Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world
was until now ;
27 . Which our forefathers have waited with anxious
expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their
minds were pointed to, by the angels, as ^heldin reserve
for the fullness of their glory :
g, the doom of false-swearers among apostates. h, they and
their posterity cursed in regard to the rights of the Priesthood. i,
the doom of mobs who murder and drive the saints. _;", war,
scourges, pestilences, cyclones, tempests, Avhirl winds and other swift
judgments will waste thena away. k, see 2b, Sec, 101. I, see
2b, Sec. 101.
SEC. CXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 423
28. A time to come in the which nothing shall be
withheld, whether there be one God or ^"many Gods,
they shall be manifest ;
29. All thrones and dominions, principalities and
powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon '^all who
have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ ;
30. And also if there be bounds set to the heavens,
or to the seas ; or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon,
or stars ;
31. All the times of their revolutions ; all the ap-
pointed days, months, and years, and all the days of
their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws,
and set times, shall be revealed, in the days of the ^'dis-
pensation of the fullness of times,
32. According to that which was ordained in the
midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other
Gods, before this world was, that should be Preserved
unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man
shall enter into his eternal presence, and into his im-
mortal rest.
33. How long can rolling waters remain impure?
What power shall stay the heavens? As well might
man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri
river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as
to hinder the Almighty from '^pouring down knowledge
from heaven, upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.
34. Behold, there are many called, but ^few are
chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35. Because their hearts are set so much upon the
things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men,
that they do not learn this one lesson —
36. That the rights of the Priesthood are insepara-
bly connected with the powers of heaven, and that the
powers of heaven ^cannot be controlled nor handled
only upon the principles of righteousness.
m, 76: 58. 132: 20. n, see 2b, Sec. 101. o, see w,
Sec. 27. . p, see 26, Sec. 101. q, see 2b, Sec. 101. r, see e,
Sec. 95. s, 107: 30—32.
4 24 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXI.
37. That they may be conferred upon us,itis true ;
but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify
our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or
dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the chil-
dren of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold,
the heavens withdraw themselves ; the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved ; and when it is withdrawn. Amen to
the Priesthood, or the authority of that man.
38. Behold ! ere he is aware, he is left unto himself,
to kick against the pricks ; to persecute the saints, and
to fight against God.
39. We have learned, by sad experience, that it is
the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon
as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will
immediately begin to exercise ^unrighteous dominion.
40. Hence many are called, but "few are chosen.
4 1 . No power or influence can or ought to be main -
tained by virtue of the Priesthood, only by persuasion,
by long suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by
love unfeigned ;
42. By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall
greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without
guile,
4 3 . Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved
upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth after-
wards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast
reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy ;
44. That he may know that thy faithfulness is
stronger than the cords of death ;
45. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards
all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue
garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy con-
fidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the
doctrine of the Priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as
the dews from heaven.
46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant com-
t, Matt. 24: 45 — 51. u, see e, Sec. 95.
SEC. CXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 425
panion, and thy sceptre an unchanging sceptre of
righteousness and truth, and thy dominion shall be an
everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means
it shall flow unto thee for ever and ever.
SECTION 122.
The word of the Lord to Joseph^ the Prophet, while in
Liberty jail, Clay County, Missouri, March, 1839.
1. The ends of the earth shall enquire after thy
name, and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell
shall rage against thee,
2. While the pure in heart, and the wise, and the
noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and author-
ity, and blessings constantly from under thy hand,
3. And thy people shall never be turned against
thee by the testimony of traitors ;
4. And although their influence shall cast thee into
trouble, and into bars and walls, thou shalt be had in
honor, and but for a small moment and thy voice shall
be more terrible in the midst of thine enemies, than the
fierce lion, because of thy righteousness ; and thy God
shall stand by thee for ever and ever.
5. If thou art called to pass through tribulation ;
if thou art in perils among false brethren ; if thou art
in perils among robbers ; if thou art in perils by land
or by sea ;
6 . If thou art accused with all manner of false accu-
sations ; if thine enemies fall upon thee ; if they tear
thee from the society of thy father and mother and
brethren and sisters ; and if with a drawn sword thine
enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of
426 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXIIl.
thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six
years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say.
My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O,
my father, what are the men going to do with you? and
if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and
thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl
around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb ;
7. And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or
into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death
passed upon thee ; if thou be cast into the deep ; if the
billowing surge conspire against thee ; if fierce winds
become thine enemy ; if the heavens gather blackness,
and all the elements combine to hedge up the way ;
and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open
the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that
all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be
for thy good.
8. The Son of Man hath descended below them
all ; art thou greater than he?
9. Therefore, hold on thy way, and the Priesthood
shall remain with thee, for their bounds are set, they
cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years
shall not be numbered less, therefore, fear not what
man can do, for God shall be with you for ever and
ever.
SECTION 123.
Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as
set forth by Joseph, the Prophet, ivhile in Liberty
jail, Clay County, Missouri, March, 1839.
1. And again, we would suggest for your consid-
eration the propriety of all the saints gathering up a
a, see c, Sec. 88.
Sec. cxxiii.] commandments. 427
_(.
knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses
\put upon them by the people of this State ;
2. And also of all the property and amount of
damages which they have sustained, both of character
and personal injuries, as well as real property ;
3. And also the names of all persons that have had
a iiand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold
of them and find them out ;
4. And perhaps a committee can be appointed to
find out these things, and to take statements, and affi-
davits, and also to gather up the libelous publications
that are afloat.
5. And all that are in the magazines, and in the
encyclopedias, and all the libelous histories that are
published, and are writing, and by whom, and present
the whole concatenation of diabolical rascality, and
nefarious and murderous impositions that have been
practised upon this people,
6. That we may not only publish to all the world,
but present them to the heads of government in all
their dark and hellish hue, as the last effort which is
enjoined on us by our Heavenly Father, before we can
fully and completely claim that promise which shall
call him forth from his ^hiding place, and also that the
whole nation may be left without excuse before he can
send forth the power of his mighty arm.
7. It is an imperious duty that we owe to God, to
angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and
also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have
been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care,
under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny,
and oppression, supported, and urged on, and upheld
by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly
riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited
lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the
world with confusion, and has been growing stronger
a, see 3j, Sec. 101.
428 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXlll.
and stronger, and is now the very main -spring of all
corruption, and the whole earth groans under the
weight of its iniquity.
8. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band ; they are
the very hand -cuffs, and chains, and shackles, and
fetters of hell.
9. Therefore it is an imperious duty that we owe,
not only to our own wives and children, but to the
widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have
been murdered under its iron hand ;
10. Which dark and blackening deeds are enough
to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and
pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and
palsy.
11. And also it is an imperious duty that we owe
to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in
heart ;
12. (For there are many yet on the earth among all
sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by
the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait
to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth be-
cause they know not where to find it ;)
13. Therefore, that we should waste and wear out
our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of
darkness, wherein we know them ; and they are truly
manifest from heaven.
14. These should then ^be attended to with great
earnestness.
15. Let no man count them as small things; for
there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the
saints, which depends upon these things.
16. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is
benefited very much by a very small helm in the time
of a storm, by being kejDt workways with the wind and
the waves.
17. Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheer -
b, Elder A. M. Musser is appointed to gather up these libelous
reports.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 429
fully do all things that lie in our power, and then may
(we stand still with the utmost assurance, to see the
Salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
SECTION 124
Revelatio7i given to Joseph Smith, at Nauvoo, Hancock
County, Illinois, January 19th, 1841.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant
Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and
acknowledgments, which you have made, for unto this
end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my
wisdom through the ^weak things of the earth.
2. Your prayers are acceptable before me, and in
answer to them I say unto you, that you are now called
immediately to make a ^solemn proclamation of my
gospel, and of this '^Stake which I have planted to be
a corner stone of Zion, which shall be polished with
that refinement which is after the similitude of a
palace.
3. This proclamation shall be made to all the kings
of the world — to the four corners thereof — to the
honorable President elect, and the high minded Gover-
nors of the nation in which you live, and to all the
nations of the earth scattered abroad.
4. Let it be written in the spirit of meekness and
by the power of the Holy Ghost, which shall be in you
at the time of the writing of the same ;
5. For it shall be *^given you by the Holy Ghost to
know my will concerning those kings and authorities,
even what shall befall them in a time to come.
a, see j, Sec. 1. h, see h, See. 18. c, see g. Sec. 87.
d, the spirit of prophecy more fully to be made manifest.
430 COVENANTS AND [SEC CXXIV.
6. For, behold! I am about to call upon them to
give heed to the light and glory of Zion, for the set
time has come to favor her.
7. Call ye,, therefore, upon them with loud procla-
mation, and with your testimony, fearing them not, for
they are as grass, and all their glory as the flower
thereof which soon falleth, that they may be left also
without excuse,
8. And that I may visit them in the day of visita-
tion, when I shall **unvail the face of my covering, to
appoint the portion of the oppressor among hypocrites,
where there is gnashing of teeth, if they reject my ser-
vants and my testimony which I have revealed unto
them.
9. And again, I will visit and soften their hearts,
many of them for your good, that ye may find grace in
their eyes, that they may *come to the light of truth,
and the Gentiles to the exaltation or lifting up of Zion.
10. For the day of my visitation cometh speedily,
in an hour when ye think not of, and where shall be
the safety of my people, and refuge for those who shall
be left of them?
11. Awake! O, kings of the earth! Come ye, O,
come ye, with your gold and your silver, to the help of
my people, to the house of the daughters of Zion.
12. And again, verily I say unto you. Let my servant
Robert B. Thompson help you to write this proclama-
tion, for I am well pleased with him, and that he should
be with you ;
13. Let him, therefore, hearken to your counsel,
and I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings ;
let him be faithful and true in all things from hence-
forth, and he shall be great in mine eyes ;
14. But let him remember that his ^stewardship
will I require at his hands.
e, see e. Sec. 1. /, Isa. 60: 3, 10, 11, 12. g, see u,
Sec. 78. •
\
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 431
15. And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my
servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because
of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth
that vi^hich is right before me, saith the Lord.
16. Again, let my servant John C. Bennett, help
you in your labor in sending my word to the kings of
the people of the earth, and stand by you, even you my
servant Joseph Smith, in the hour of afliction, and his
reward shall not fail if he receive counsel ;
17. And for his love he shall be great, for he shall
be mine if he do this, saith the Lord. I have seen the
work which he hath done, which I accept, if he con-
tinue, and will crown him with blessings and great
glory.
18. And again, I say unto you, that it is my will
that my servant Lyman Wight should continue in
preachingfor Zion, in the spirit of meekness, confessing
me before the world, and I will bear him up as on
eagle's wings, and he shall beget glory and honor to
himself, and unto my name.
19. That when he shall finish his work, that I may
receive him unto myself, even as I did my servant
David Patten, who is with me at this time, and also
my servant Edward Partridge, and also my aged
servant Joseph Smith, sen., who sitteth with Abraham
at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is
mine.
20. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant
George Miller is without guile ; he may be trusted be-
cause of the integrity of his heart ; and for the love
which he has to my testimony I, the Lord, love him ;
21. I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head
the office of a bishopric, like unto my servant Edward
Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations of
mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the
heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let
no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor
me.
432 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXIV.
22. Let my servant George, and my servant Lyman,
and my servant John Snider, and others, build a ^^house
unto my name, such an one as my servant Joseph shall
show unto them ; upon the place which he shall show
unto them also.
23. And it shall be for a house for boarding, a house
that strangers may come from afar to lodge therein :
therefore let it be a good house, worthy of all accepta-
tion, that the weary traveler may find health and
safety while he shall contemplate the word of the
Lord ; and the corner stone I have appointed for
Zion.
24. This house shall be a healthy habitation if it be
built unto my name, and if the governor which shall
be appointed unto it shall not suffer any pollution to
come upon it. It shall be holy, or the Lord your God
will not dwell therein.
25. And again, verily I say unto you, Let ^all my
saints come from afar ;
26. And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen mes-
sengers, and say unto them ; come ye, with all your
gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and
with all your antiquities ; and with all who have knowl-
edge of antiquities, that will come, may come, and
bring the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree,
together with all the precious trees of the earth ;
27. And with iron, with copper, and with brass, and
with zinc, and with all your precious things of the
earth, and build a house to my name, for the ^Most
High to dwell therein ;
28. For there is not a place found on earth that he
may come and restore again that which was lost unto
you, or which he hath taken away, even the fullness of
the Priesthood ;
29. For a ''baptismal font there is not upon the
h, vers. 23, 24, 56—82. 111—122: i, see ;, Sec. 10. ,;, 97 ; 15
-17. k, vers. 30—36, 39. Sections 127, 128. i. Cor. 15 : 29.
SEC* CXXIV.J COMMANDMENTS. 433
earth, that they, my saints, may be 'baptized for those
who are dead ;
30. For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and
cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your
poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house
unto me.
31. But I command you, all ye my saints, to build
a house unto me ; and I grant unto you a sufficient
time to build a house unto me, and during this time
your ^baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.
32. But behold, at the end of this appointment, your
"^baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto
me ; and if you do not these things at the end of the
appointment, ye shall be ^rejected as a church, with
your dead, saith the Lord your God.
33. For verily I say unto you, that after you have
had sufficient time to build a house to me, wherein the
ordinance of ^baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for
which the same was instituted from before the founda-
tion of the world, ^your baptisms for your dead cannot
be acceptable unto me,
34. For therein are the keys of the holy Priesthood,
ordained that you may receive honor and glory.
35. And ^after this time, your baptisms for the dead,
by those who are scattered abroad, are not acceptable
unto me, saith the Lord ;
36. For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her
Stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have ap-
pointed for refuge, shall be the ^places for your baptisms
for your dead.
37. And again, verily I say unto you. How shall
your bashings be acceptable unto me, except ye per-
form them in a house which you have built to my
name?
I, see k. m, see k. n, an ordinance of the Lord's house.
0, the saints to be rejected if they refuse to buiki the Lord's house.
p, see k. q, see k. r, that is, after the date of tliis revelation.
s, an ordinance of the house of the Lord, built in the places named.
<, ver. 39. 88: 138, 141.
434 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV.
38. For, for this cause I "commanded Moses that
he should build a tabernacle, that they should bear it
with them in the wilderness, and to build a house in
the land of promise, that those ordinances might be
revealed which had been hid from before the world
was ;
39. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that your
^anointings, and your washings, and your baptisms for
the dead, and your solemn assemblies, and your me-
morials for your sacrifices, by the sons of Levi, and for
your oracles in your most holy places, wherein you
receive conversations, and your statutes and judgments,
for the beginning of the revelations and foundation of
Zion, and for the glory, honor, and endowment of all
her municipals, are ordained by the ordinance of my
holy house which my people are ^always commanded to
build unto my holy name.
40. And verily I say unto you, Let this house be
built unto my name, that I ^may reveal mine ordinances
therein, unto my people ;
41. For I deign to reveal unto my church, things
which have been kept hid from before the foundation
of the world, things that pertain to the ^dispensation
of the fullness of times ;
42. And I will show unto my servant Joseph all
things pertaining to this house, and the Priesthood
thereof ; and the place whereon it shall be built ;
43. And ye shall build it on the place where you
have contemplated building it, for that is the spot
which I have chosen for you to build it ;
44. If ye labor with all your might, I will con-
secrate that spot that it shall be made holy ;
45. And if my people will hearken unto my voice,
and unto the voice of my servants whom I have ap-
u, Exod. 25 : 1 — 9. i. Chron. chapters 28, 29. v, enumeration
of things belonging to the house of God. 88: 74,139 — 141. w, a
standing commandment. x, revelation of ordinances to be given
in the house of God. y, see n, Sec. 27.
SEC. CXXIV. I COMMANDMENTS. 435
pointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto
you, they shall not be moved out of their place.
46. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor
unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed,
they shall not be blessed, because they pollute mine holy
grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and
my holy words which I give unto them.
4 7. And it shall come to pass. That if you build a
house unto my name, and do not do the things that I
say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto
you, neither fulfill the promises which ye expect at my
hands, saith the Lord ;
48. For instead of blessings, ye, by your own works,
bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon
your own heads, by your follies, and by all your abomi-
nations, which you practise before me, saith the Lord.
49. Verily, verily I say unto you. That when I give
a commandment to any of the sons of men,' to do a
work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all
their might, and with all they have, to perform that
work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies
come upon them, and hinder them from performing that
work ; behold, it behoveth me to require that work no
more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept
of their offerings ;
50. And the iniquity and transgression of my holy
laws and commandments, I will visit upon the heads of
those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth
generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me,
saith the Lord God.
51. Therefore for this cause %ave 1 accepted the
offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a
city and a house unto my name, in Jackson county,
Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the
Lord your God :
52. And I will ^^answer judgment, wrath, and in-
z, vers. 49, 50, 52, 53, 2a, judgments decreed against
the enemies of Zion,
436 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV.
dignation, wailing, and anguish, and gnashing of teeth
upon their heads, unto the third and fourth generation,
so long as they repent not and hate me, saith the Lord
your God,
53. And this I make an example unto you, for your
consolation concerning all those who have been com-
manded to do a work, and have been ^^'hindered by
the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith
the Lord your God ;
54. For I am the Lord your God, and will save all
those of your brethren who have been pure in heart,
and have been slain in the land of Missouri, saith the
Lord.
55. And again, verily I say unto you, I command
you again to build a house to my name, even in this
place, that you may ^^prove yourselves unto me that
ye are faithful in all things whatsoever 1 command you,
that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, im-
mortality, and eternal life.
56. And now I say unto you as pertaining to my
boarding house which I have commanded you to build
for the boarding of strangers, let it be built unto my
name, and let my name be named upon it, and let my
servant Joseph, and his house have place therein, from
generation to generation ;
57. For this ^^anointing have I put upon his head,
that his blessing shall also be put upon the head of
his posterity after him,
58. And as I said unto Abraham concerning the
kindreds of the earth, even so I say unto my servant
Joseph, in thee and in ^^thy seed shall the kindred of
the earth be blessed.
59. Therefore, let my servant Joseph and his seed
after him have place in that house, from generation to
generation, for ever and ever, saith the Lord,
2b, see 2. 2c, vers, 25—48. 2d, ver. 58. 110 : 12.
2e, ver. 57. 110 : 12.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 437
60. And let the name of that house be called Nau-
voo house, and let it be a delightful habitation for man,
and a resting place for the ^%eary traveler, that he may
contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this
the corner-stone thereof;
61. That he may receive also the counsel from those
whom I have set to be as plants of renown, and as
watchmen upon her walls.
62. Behold, verily I say unto you, let my servant
George Miller, and my servant Lyman Wight, and
my servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws,
organize themselves, and appoint one of them to be a
president over their quorum for the purpose of building
that house.
6 3 . And they shall form a constitution whereby they
may receive stock for the building of that house.
64. And they shall not receive less than fifty dollars
for a share of stock in that house, and they shall be
permitted to receive fifteen thousand dollars from any
one man for stock in that house ;
65. But they shall not be permitted to receive over
fifteen thousand dollars stock from any one man ;
66. And they shall not be permitted to receive
under fifty dollars for a share of stock from any one
man in that house ;
67. And they shall not be permitted to receive any
man as a stockholder in this house, except the same
shall pay his stock into their hands at the time he re-
ceives stock ;
68. And in proportion to the amount of stock he
pays into their hands, he shall receive stock in that
house ; but if he pays nothing into their hands, he shall
not receive any stock in that house.
69. And if any pay stock into their hands, it shall
be for stock in that house, for himself, and for his gener-
ation after him, from generation to generation, so long
2/, see h.
438 COVENANTS ANt) [sEC. CXXIV.
as he and his heirs shall hold that stock, and do not sell
or convey the stock away out of their hands by their
own free will and act, if you will do my will, saith the
Lord your God.
70. And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant
George Miller, and my servant Lyman Wight, and my
servant John Snider, and my servant Peter Haws, re-
ceive my stock into their hands, in monies or in pro-
perties, wherein they receive the real value of monies,
they shall not appropriate any portion of that stock to
any other purpose, only in that house ;
71. And if they do appropriate any portion of that
stock any where else, only in that house, without the
consent of the stockholder, and do not repay fourfold
for the stock which they appropriate any where else,
only in that house, they shall be accursed, and shall be
moved out of their place, saith the Lord God, for I, the
Lord, am God, and cannot be mocked in any of these
things.
72. Verily I say unto you. Let my servant Joseph
pay stock into their hands for the building of that
house, as seemeth him good ; but my servant Joseph
cannot pay over fifteen thousand dollars stock in that
house, nor under fifty dollars ; neither can any other
man, saith the Lord.
73. And there are others also who wish to know my
will concerning them, for they have asked it at my
hands.
74 . Therefore I say unto you concerning my servant
Vinson Knight, if he will do my will, let him put stock
into that house for himself, and for his generation after
him, from generation to generation,
75. And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in
the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor
and the needy, and let him not fail, neither let his heart
faint, and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall
not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be
mine, saith the Lord.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 439
76. Let his family rejoice, and turn away their
hearts from affliction, for I have chosen him and
anointed him, and he shall be honored in the midst of
his house, for I will forgive all his sins, saith the Lord.
Amen.
77. Verily I say unto you, let my servant Hyrum
put stock into that house as seemeth him good, for him-
self and his generation after him, from generation to
generation.
78. Let my servant Isaac Galland put stock into
that house, for I, the Lord, love him for the work he
hath done, and will forgive all his sins ; therefore, let
him be remembered for an interest in that house from
generation to generation.
79. Let my servant Isaac Galland be appointed
among you, and be ordained by my servant William
Marks, and be blessed of him, to go with my servant
Hyrum, to accomplish the work that my servant Joseph
shall point out to them, and they shall be greatly
blessed.
80. Let my servant William Marks pay stock into
that house, as it seemeth him good, for himself and his
generation, from generation to generation.
81. Let my servant Henry G. Sherwood pay stock
into that house, as it seemeth him good for himself and
his seed after him, from generation to generation.
82. Let my servant William Law pay stock into
that house, for himself and his seed after him, from
generation to generation.
83. If he will do my will, let him not take his
family unto the eastern lands, even unto Kirtland ;
nevertheless, I, the Lord, will build up Kirtland, but I,
the Lord, have a scourge prepared for the inhabitants
thereof.
84. And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are
many things with which I am not well pleased ; behold,
he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the coun-
sel which I have ordained, even the Presidency of my
440 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXlV.
church, and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship
of my people.
85. Let no man go from this place who has come
here essaying to keep my commandments.
86. If they ^^live here let them live unto me ; and
if they die, let them die unto me; for they shall rest
from all their labors here, and shall continue their
works.
87. Therefore let my servant William put his trust
in me, and cease to fear concerning his family, because
of the sickness of the land. If ye love me, keep my
commandments, and the sickness of the land shall re-
dound to your glory.
88. Let my servant William go and proclaim ^^my
everlasting gospel with a loud voice, and with great joy,
as he shall be moved upon by my Spirit, unto the in-
habitants of Warsaw, and also unto the inhabitants of
Carthage, and also unto the inhabitants of Burlington,
and also unto the inhabitants of Madison, and await
patiently and diligently for further instructions at my
general conference, saith the Lord.
89. If he will do my will, let him from henceforth
hearken to the counsel of my servant Joseph, and with
his interest support the cause of the poor, and ^^publish
the new translation of my holy word unto the inhabi-
tants of the earth ;
90. And if he will do this, I will bless him with a
multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken,
nor his seed be found begging bread.
91. And again, verily I say unto you, Let my ser-
vant William be appointed, ordained, and anointed, as
a counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room of my
servant Hyrum, that my servant Hyrum may take the
office of Priesthood and ^^Patriarch, which was ap-
pointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by
right,
29, vers. 85, 87, 108— no. 2/i, see &, Sec. 18. 2i, inspired
translation of the Scriptures. 2;, vers. 92, 96, 124. 107: 39.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 441
92. That from henceforth he shall hold the ^^keys
of the patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my
people,
93. That ^'whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and
whoever he ^'"curses shall be cursed ; that whatsoever
he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven ; and
whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven ;
94. And from this time forth I ^'^appoint unto him
that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator
unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph,
95. That he may act in concert also with my ser-
vant Joseph, and that he shall receive counsel from my
servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the ^^keys
whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with
the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priest-
hood, and gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put
upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery ;
96. That my servant Hyrum may bear record of
the things which I shall show unto him, that his name
may be had in honorable remembrance from generation
to generation, for ever and ever,
97. Let my servant William Law also receive ^Pthe
keys by which he may ask and receive blessings ; let
him be humble before me, and be without guile, and
he shall receive of my Spirit, even the '-^'^Comforter,
which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things,
and shall give him in the very hour, what he shall
say.
98. And these signs shall follow him ; he shall heal
the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered
from those who would administer unto him deadly
poison ;
99. And he shall be led in paths where the poison-
ous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and he shall
2k, the Presiding Patriarch. 21, see d. Sec. 1. 2in, see d,
Sec. 1. 2??,, ver. 95. 2o, the order of God for receiving
'revelatioris, 2p, the order, ordained of God. 2^', see h, Sec. 42,
442 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXIV.
mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon
eagles' wings ;
100. And what if I will that he should raise the
dead, let him not withhold his voice.
101. Therefore, let my servant "William cry aloud
and spare not, with joy and rejoicing, and with hosan-
nas to him that sitteth upon the throne for ever and
ever, saith the Lord your God.
102. Behold, I say unto you, I have a mission in
store for my servant William, and my servant Hyrum,
and for them alone ; and let my servant Joseph tarry
at home, for he is needed : the remainder I will show
unto you hereafter. Even so. Amen.
103. And again, verily I say unto you, if my ser-
vant Sidney will serve me and be counselor unto my
servant Joseph, let him arise and come up and stand
in the office of his calling, and humble himself before
me ;
104. And if he will offer unto me an acceptable
offering, and acknowledgments, and remain with my
people, behold, I, the Lord your God, will heal him
that he shall be healed ; and he shall lift up his voice
again on the mountains, and be a ^"^spokesman before
my face.
105. Let him come and locate his family in the
neighborhood in which my servant Joseph resides,
106. And in all his journeyings let him lift up his
voice as with the sound of a trump, and warn the in-
habitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come ;
107. Let him assist my servant Joseph ; and also let
my servant William Law assist my servant Joseph, in
making a ^^solemn proclamation unto the kings of the
earth, even as I have before said unto you.
108. If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him
not remove his family unto the eastern lands, but let
him change their habitation, even as I have said.
2r, 100: 9, 11. 2s, ver. 2.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 443
109. Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to
find safety and refuge out of the city which I have ap-
pointed unto you, even the city of Nauvoo.
110. Yerily I say unto you, even now, if he will
hearken to my voice, it shall be well with him. Even
so. Amen.
111. And again, verily I say unto you. Let my ser-
vant Amos Davies pay stock into the hands of those
whom I have appointed to build a house for boarding,
even the Nauvoo House ;
112. This let him do if he will have an interest,
and. let him hearken unto the counsel of my servant
Joseph, and labor with his own hands that he may
obtain the confidence of men ;
113. And when he shall prove himself faithful in
all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea,
even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many ;
114. Let him therefore abase himself that he may
be exalted. Even so. Amen.
115. And again, verily I say unto you, if my ser-
vant Robert D. Foster will obey my voice, let him build
a house for my servant Joseph, according to the con-
tract which he has made with him, as the door shall be
open to him from time to time ;
116. And let him repent of all his folly, and clothe
himself with charity, and cease to do evil, and lay aside
all his hard speeches,
117. And pay stock also into the hands of the
quorum of the Nauvoo House, for himself and for his
generation after him, from generation to generation,
118. And hearken unto the counsel of my servants
Joseph and Hyrum and William Law, and unto the
authorities which I have called to lay the foundation of
Zion, and it shall be well with him for ever and ever.
Even so. Amen.
119. And again, verily I say unto you, Let no man
15
444 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV.
pay stock to the quorum of the IsTauvoo House, unless
he shall be a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the
revelations I have given unto you, saith the Lord your
God ;
120. For that which is more or less than this com-
eth of evil, and shall be attended with cursings and not
blessings, saith the Lord your God. Even so. Amen.
121. And again, verily I say unto you. Let the
quorum of the Nauvoo House have a just recompense
of wages for all their labors which they do in building
the Nauvoo House, and let their wages be as shall be
agreed among themselves, as pertaining to the price
thereof ;
122. And let every man who pays stock bear his
proportion of their wages, if it must needs be, for
their support, saith the Lord ; otherwise, their labors
shall be accounted unto them for stock in that house.
Even so. Amen.
123. Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you
^^the officers belonging to my Priesthood, that ye may
hold the keys thereof, even the Priesthood which is
after the order of Melchisedek, which is after the order
of my Only Begotten Son.
124. First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a
^"Patriarch unto you, to hold the sealing blessings of
my church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby
ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye
may not fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation
that may come upon you.
125. I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a
presiding elder over all my church, to ^^'be a translator,
a revelator, a seer, and prophet.
126. I give unto him for counselors my servant
Sidney Rigdon, and my servant William Law, that
2t, vers. 124—145. Sec. 13. 2: 1. 20; 1—4. 21: 1, 10, 27: 8—
13. 107:1—70. 2/<, vers. 92— 96. 107:39. 2y, see 2i,
Sec. 107.
SEC. CXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 445
these may constitute a quorum and^^'First Presidency,
to receive the oracles for the whole church,
127. I give unto you my servant Brigham Young,
to be a President over the ^"^Twelve traveling Council,
128. Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the
authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the
earth, and after that to send my word to every crea-
ture ;
129. They are — Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt,
Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor,
John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards,
George A. Smith ;
130. David Patten I have ^^taken unto myself;
behold, his Priesthood no man taketh from him ; but,
verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto
the same calling.
131. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a
^^High Council, for the corner stone of Zion ;
132. Viz., Samuel Bent, H. G. Sherwood, George
W. Harris, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel
Knight, David Dort, Dunbar Wilson ; (Seymour Brun-
son I have taken unto myself, no man taketh his
Priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the
same Priesthood in his stead and verily I say unto you,
let my servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this
calling in his stead ;) David Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler,
William Huntington.
133. And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith, to
be a president over a ^^quorura of High Priests ;
134. Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose
of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing
presidents or servants over different Stakes scattered
abroad,
135. And they may travel also if they choose, but
rather be ordained for standing presidents, this is the
office of their calling, saith the Lord your God.
2w, seej, Sec. 68. 2x, see p, See. 18. 2y, David Patten was
killed by a Missouri mob. 2z, for ISTauvoo. 3a, vers. 134 — 136.
44 6 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXIV.
136. I give unto him Amasa Lyman, and Noah
Packard, for counselors, that they may preside over
the quorum of High Priests of my church, saith the
Lord.
137. And again, I say unto you, I give unto you
John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker,
which Priesthood is to preside over the ^''quorum of
elders, vs^hich quorum is instituted for standing min-
isters, nevertheless they may travel, yet they are or-
dained to be standing ministers to my church, saith the
Lord.
138. And again, I give unto you Joseph Young,
Josiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman,
Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to ^*^pre-
side over the quorum of seventies,
139. Which quorum IS instituted for traveling elders
to bear record of my name in all the w^orld, wherever
the traveling High Council, my apostles, shall send them
to prei)are a way before my face.
140. The difference between this quorum and the
quorum of elders is, that one is to travel continually,
and the other is to preside over the churches from time
to time ; the one has the responsibility of presiding
from time to time, and the other has no responsibility
of presiding, saith the Lord your God.
141. And again, I say unto you I give unto you Vin-
son Knight, Samuel H. Smith, and Shadrach Roundy,
if he will receive it, to ^"^preside over the bishopric ; a
knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in the
Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
142. And again, I sayunto you, Samuel Kolfe and
his counselors for priests, and the president of the
teachers and his counselors, and also the president of
the deacons and his counselors, and also the ^^president
of the stake and his counselors ;
143. The above offices I have given unto you, and
36, 107: 60, 89. 3c, 107: 93—98. Zd, Presiding? Bishop.
3e, 107: 10,
SEC. CXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 447
the keys thereof, for helps and for governments, for
the work of the ministry, and the perfecting of my
saints ;
144. And a commandment I give unto you that you
should fill all these offices and ^%pprove of those names
which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at
my general conference,
145. And that ye should prepare rooms for all these
offices in my house when you. build it unto my name,
saith the Lord vour God. Even so. Amen.
SECTION 125.
Hevelation given through Joseph^ the Seer, at Nauvoo,
Hancock County, Illinois, March, 1841, concerning
the Sairits in the Territory of Iowa.
1. "What is the will of the Lord, concerning the
saints in the Territory of Iowa?"
2. Verily, thus saith the Lord, I say unto you, if
those who call themselves by my name, and are essay-
ing to be my saints, if they will do my will and keep
my commandments concerning them ; let them gather
themselves together, unto the places which I shall ap-
point unto them by my servant JosejDh, and build up
cities unto my name, that they may be prepared for
that which is in store for a time to come.
3. Let them build up a city unto my name upon
the land opposite to the city of Nauvoo, and let the
name of Zarahemla be named upon it.
4. And let all tho::^ who come from the east, and
the west, and the north, and the south, that have de-
3/, see 2u, Sec. 20.
448 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXVI., CXXVII.
sires to dwell therein, take up their Inheritance in the
same, as well as in the city of Nashville, or in the city
of Nauvoo, and in all the ^Stakes which I have ap-
pointed, saith the Lord.
SECTION 126.
Revelation^ given through Joseph, the Seer, in the house
of Elder Brigham Young, Nauvoo, Illinois, July
9th, 1841.
1. Dear and well beloved brother Brigham Young,
verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Brig-
ham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your
family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable
to me ;
2. I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for
my name.
3. I therefore command you to ^send my word
abroad, and take special care of your family from this
time, henceforth, and for ever. Amen.
SECTION 127,
Address to the Saints in Nauvoo, dated Nauvoo,
September 1st, 1842.
1 . Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me
that my enemies, both in Missouri and this State, were
a, see g, Sec. 87.
a, 107: 38. See q, Sec. 18.
SEC. CXXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 449
again in the pursuit of me ; and inasmuch as they
pursue me without a 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
inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in false-
hood of the blackest die, 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
require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When
I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will
return to you again.
2. And as for the perils which I am 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 for what cause it seems mys-
terious, unless I was ordained from before the founda-
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, whether it be good or bad.
But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to
swim in. It all has become a 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 of 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 ex-
ceedingly glad, for Israel's God is their God, and he
will meet out a just recompense of reward upon the
heads of all their oppressors.
4. And again, verily thus saith the Lord, Let the
work of ''my temple, and all the works which I have
a, 124: 25—48, 55.
450 , COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVII.
appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease;
and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and
patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall
in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of hosts.
And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the
prophets and righteous men that were before you. For
all this there is a reward in heaven.
5. And again, I give unto you a word in relation to
the baptism for your dead.
6. Yerily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning
your dead : Wiien any of you are ^baptized for j^our
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 the truth, saith the Lord ;
7. That in all your recordings it may be recorded
in heaven ; whatsoever you ^bind on earth, may be
bound in heaven ; whatsoever you loose on earth, may
be loosed in heaven ;
8. For I am about to restore many things to the
earth, pertaining to the Priesthood, saith the Lord of
hosts.
9. 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 remembrance from generation to
generation, saith the Lord of hosts.
10. I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with
exceedingly great desire, to have addressed them from
the stand, on the subject of baptism for the dead, on
the following sabbath. But inasmuch as it is out of
my power to do so, I will write the word of the Lord
from time to time, on that subject, and send it to you
by mail, as well as many other things.
11. I now close my letter for the present, for the
want of more time ; for the enemy is on the alert, and
as the Savior said, the prince of this world cometh,
but he hath nothing in me.
h, see k, Sec. 124. c, 128 : 3, 4, 7. d, see d, Sec. 1.
e, 128: 4,7—10.
SEC. CXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 451
12. 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 128.
Address to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, dated Naiivoo, September 6th, 1842.
1. As I stated to you in my letter before I left my
place, that I would vrrite to you from time to time, and
give you information in relation to many subjects, I
now resume the subject of the baptism for 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 con-
cerning a recorder. I have had a few additional views
in relation to this matter, which I now certify. That
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 be a ^recorder appointed in each ward of the 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.
a, recorder and witnesses necessary.
452 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVIII.
and names, &c., and the history of the whole transac-
tion ; naming also, some three individuals that are
present, if there be any present, who can at any time
when called upon, certify to the same, that in the
''mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be
established.
4. Then let there be a general recorder, to whom
these other records can be handed, being attended with
certificates over their own signatures, certifying that
the record 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 statement that he verily believes
the above statement and records to be true, from his
knowledge of the general character and appointment 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 withhis 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 it is only to an-
swer the will of God, by conforming 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 knowledge 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 Revelations xx. 12 — ''And I 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."
h, records aud witnesses necessary when the dead are judged, c,
plan laid before the foundation of the world. d, Eev. 20: 12.
SEC. CXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 453
7. You will discover in this quotation, that the
books were opened ; and another book 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 spoken
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 prin-
ciple agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is com-
manded you in the revelation contained in the letter
which I wrote to you previously to my leaving my place
— that in all your recordings it may be ^recorded in
heaven.
8. Now the nature of this ordinance consists 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 whatso-
ever 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 Mo not record
on earth, shall not be recorded in heaven ; for out of
the books shall your dead be judged, according to their
own works, whether they themselves have attended
to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by
the means of their own agents, according to the ordi-
nance which God has prepared for their salvation
from before the foundation of the world, according
to the ^records which they have kept concerning their
dead.
9. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine
that we talk of — a power which records or binds on
earth, and binds in heaven. Nevertheless in all ages
of the world, whenever the^ord has given a dispensa-
e, ordinances for the dead recorded on earth. f, also recorded
in heaven. g, see d, Sec. 1. h, ver. 3. i, a record
necessary as well as the ordinance. j, these records essential in
the great judgment.
454 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXVIII.
tion of the Priesthood to any man bj'^ 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 be-
came a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be
annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah.
This is a faithful saying ! Who can hear it?
10. And again, for the ^precedent, Matthew xvi. 18,
19, "And I also say 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 heaven, and whatso-
ever 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 summum honum of the whole subject
that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers
of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys
are given, 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 immortality and
eternal life. The ordinance of baptism by water, to be
immersed therein in order to ^"answer to the likeness of
the dead, that one principle might accord with the
other. 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 instituted to form a relationship
with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in
likeness of the dead.
13. Consequently the "baptismal font was instituted
k, these records will be a law on earth and in heaven, in behalf
of the dead. ^, 14. 21:1. 85:1—5,9—12. 88:2. 127:6,9.
Matt. 16: 18, 19. m, baptism for the dead being a symbol of
the burial and the resurrection, n, symbol of the grave.
gEC. CXXVllI.] COMMANDMENTS. 455
as a simile of the grave, and was commanded to be in
a place underneath where the living are wont to as-
semble, to show 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 earthly
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 afterwards 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 heavenly."
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 Pkeys
of the kingdom which consist in the key of knowl-
edge.
15. And now, my dearly beloved brethren and
sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in
relation to the dead, and the living, that cannot be
lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation.
For their salvation is necessary, and essential to our
salvation, 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 baptism for the
dead, I will give you another quotation of Paul, 1 Co-
rinthians XV. 29, "Else what shall they do which are
baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all ; why
are they then baptized for the dead?"
17. And again, in connection with this quotation, 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, and in an
0, records on earth and in heaven must agree. p, see d, See. 1 .
q, 2: 2. 110: 15. Heb. 11: 40.
456 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVIII.
especial manner this most glorious of all subjects be-
longing to the everlasting gospel, viz., the baptism for
the dead ; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th
and 6th, "Behold, I will send you ^Elijah the prophet,
before the coming 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. I might have rendered a plainer translation 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 smitten with a curse, unless there is a
welding link of some kind or other, between the fathers
and the children, upon some subject or other, and be-
hold what is that subject? It is the %aptism for the
dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect ;
neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither
can they nor we, be made perfect, without those who
have died in the gospel also ; for it is necessary in the
ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times ;
which "dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that
a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding
together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and
glories should take place, and be revealed from the days
of Adam even to the present time; and not only this,
but those things which never have been revealed from
the foundation of 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 fullness of
times.
19. Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we
have received? "A voice of gladness! A voice of
mercy from heaven ; and a voice of ^^truth out of the
r, see a, Sec. 2. s, see c, Sec. 2. t, baptism for the dead, the
connecting link between the fathers Avho are dead, and tlie living
children. ^i, see n, Sec. 27. 27: 8—13. 84: 6— 19,25— 34, 64—72.
86: 8—11. 87: 8—11. 88: 108—110. 90: 2,7. 110: 11—16. 112:
15,32. 115:19. 124:28,40,41. -y, Matt. 11: 25. Luke 10: 21.
w, 1: 29, 30. 20: 6—10. 27: 5.
SEC. CXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 457
\earth ; glad tidings for the dead ; a voice of gladness
ior the living and the dead ; glad tidings of great joy ;
hpw beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those
that bring glad tidings of good things ; and that say
unto Zion, behold ! thy God reigneth. As the dews of
Carmel, so shall the knovrledge of God descend upon
them."
20. And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings
froml Cumorah ! Moroni, an angel from heaven, de-
claring the fulfillment of the prophets — ^the book to be
revealed. A voice of the 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 of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when
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 dispen-
sation of the fullness 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 tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-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 declaring their dispensation, their
rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory,
and the power of their Priesthood ; giving line upon
line, precept upon precept ; here a little, and there a
little — giving us consolation 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,
X, Si e /, Sec. 27. y, Sec. 17. z, see k, Sec. 27. 2a, see d,
Se.'. 5. 2b, fee k, Sec. 27.
458 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXVIII.
and be exceedingly 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 enable us to
redeem them out of their ^'^prison ; 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 lands tell
the wonders of your eternal king. And ye rivers, and
brooks, and rills flow down with gladness. Let the
woods, and all the trees of the field praise the Lord ;
and ye solid rocks weep for joy. And let the sun,
moon, and 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, glory, and salvation,
andhonor, 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 coming, and who can
stand when he appeareth ; for he is like a refiner's fire,
and like fuller's 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 righteousness. 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
finished, a ^%ook 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. I am, as ever, your
humble servant and never deviating friend,
Joseph Smith.
2c, vers. 1—18. See See. 127. M, 76: 7.3, 74. Isa. 24: 17— 2.{.
42: 7 49: 9. fil: I. i. V t. .3: 19. 4: 6, Zech. 9: II, 12. 2e, 84:
31. Mai. 3: 1—3. If, Secti iis 127, 128
SEC. CXXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 459
SECTION 129.
Three Grand Keys by lohich Good or Bad Angels or
'Spirits may be known. Revealed to Joseph^ the
Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, February 9th, 1848.
1. There are two kinds of beings in heaven — viz.,
angels who are resurrected personages, having ^bodies
of flesh and bones.
2. For instance, Jesus said, "Handle me and see,
for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me
have."
3. 2nd. The ^spirits of just men made perfect —
they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same
glory.
4. When a messenger comes, saying he has a mes-
sage from God, offer him your hand, and request him
to shake hands with you.
6. If he be an angel, he will do so, and you will
feel his hand.
6. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect,
he will come in his glory ; for that is the only way he
can appear.
7. Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will
not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven
for a just man to deceive ; but he will still deliver his
message.
8. If it be the Devil as an angel of light, when you
ask him to shake hands, he will offer you his hand, and
you will not feel anything : you may therefore detect
him.
9. These are ^' three grand keys whereby you may
know whether any administration is from God.
a, Matt. 27 : 52, .53. Luke 24: 36—40. Eev. 19: in. 22 : 8. 9.
Hela, 11: _25, iii. Nep. 23: 9—13. 6, Heb. 12: 23. c, vers. 1—8.
460 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXX.
SECTION 130.
Important Items of Instruction^ given by Joseph^ the
Prophet^ April 2nd, 1843.
1. When the Savior shall appear, we shall see him
as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves :
2. And the same sociality which exists among us
here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled
with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.
3. (John xiv. 23.) The appearing of the Father
and the Son, in that verse, is a. personal appearance;
and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a
man's heart, is an old sectarian notion, and is false.
4 . In answer to the question , " Is not the reckoning
of God's time, angel's time, prophet's time, and man's
time according to the planet on which they reside?"
5. I answer, yes. But there are no angels who
minister to this earth but those who do belong or have
belonged to it.
6. The angels do not reside on a planet like this
earth.
7. But they reside in the presence of God, on a
globe like a ^sea of glass and fire, where all things for
their glory are manifest — past, present, and future,
and are continually before the Lord.
8. The place where God resides is a great '^Urim
and Thummim.
9. This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state,
will be made like unto crystal and will be a ^Urim and
Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon,
whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom,
or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to
those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ's.
a, vers. 8, 9. 77 : 1, h, vers. 9—11. See d^ Sec, 17, c, see h.
SEC. CXXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 461
10. Then the ^white stone mentioned in Revela-
tions ii. 17, will become a ^Urim and Thummim to each
individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining
to a higher order of kingdoms, even all kingdoms, will
be made known ;
11. And a *white stone is given to each of those
who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a
new name written, which no man knoweth save he
that receiveth it. The new name is the %ey word.
12. I prophesy, in the name of the Lord God, that
the commencement of the difficulties which will cause
much bloodshed previous to the coming of the Son of
Man will be *'in South Carolina.
13. It may probably arise through the slave
question. This a voice declared to me, while I was
praying earnestly on the subject, December 25th, 1832.
14. I was once praying very earnestly to know the
time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard
a voice repeat the following : —
15. ''Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art
'eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the
Son of Man : therefore let this suffice, and trouble me
no more on this matter."
16. I was left thus, without being able to decide
whether this coming referred to the ^beginning of the
millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether
I should die and thus see his face.
17. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will
not be any '^sooner than that time.
18. Whatever principles of intelligence we attain
d, Exod. 39. Lev. 8 : 6—8. Num. 27:21. Deut. 33 : 8. e, see d.
f, see d. g, Eev. 2:17. h, ve . 13. See Sec. 87. i. near the
end of the year A. D. 1890. 45 : 42—44. 49 : 6, 7. See'propheey
of Joseph, uttereri 14th of March, 1835. (Published m Mil. Star,
No. 13, Vol. 15.) ''Even 56 years should wind uj) the scene."
Whether this had reference to the coming of Christ or to the fulfill-
ment of the "times of the Gentiles" is unknown. ;, the be-
ginning of the seventh Millennium will be before the seven angels
sound their trumpets', preparatory to the coming of Christ. See"77:
12. k, Joseph's opinion.
462 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXXl.
unto in this life, it will rise Vith us in the resurrec-
tion ;
19. And if a person gains more knowledge and
intelligence in this life through his diligence and obe-
dience than another, he will have so much the advan-
tage in the world to come.
20. There is a "^law, irrevocably decreed in heaven
before the foundations of this world, upon which all
blessings are predicated ;
21. And when we obtain any blessing from God,
it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predi-
cated.
22. The Father has a body of flesh and bones as
tangible as man's ; the Son also : but the Holy Ghost
has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a "personage
of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not
dwell in us.
23. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it
may descend upon him and not tarry with him.
SECTION 131.
Remarks of Joseph^ the PropJiet, at Ramus, Illinois^
May 16th and 17th, 1843.
1. In the celestial glory there are ^three heavens or
degrees ;
2. And in order to obtain the highest, a man must
enter in to this ^Order of the Priesthood ; (meaning
the new and everlasting covenant of marriage;)
I, knowledge gained by obedience in this life, will be retained
in the resurrection. m, ancient law and decrees, through which
blessings are granted. n, Lecture 5 : 2, 3.
a, II. Cor. 12 : 1—4. b, 132.
SEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 463
3. And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
4. He may enter into the other, but that is the end
of his kingdom : he cannot have an increase.
5. (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of
prophecy (mentioned by Peter) means a man's *^know-
ing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation
and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the
Holy Priesthood.
6. It is impossible for a man to be saved in igno-
rance.
7. There is no such thing as ^immaterial matter.
All spirit is ^matter, but it is more fine or pure, and
can only be discerned by purer eyes.
8. We cannot see it; but when our bodies are
purified, we shall see that it is all matter.
SECTION 132,
Revelation on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant,
including Plurality of Wives. Given through
Joseph, the Seer, inNauvoo, Hancock County, Illi-
nois, July 12th, 1848.
1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant
Joseph, that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand,
to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified
my servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ; as also Moses,
David and Solomon, my servants, as touching the prin-
ciple and doctrine of their having ^many wives and
concubines :
c, 68: 12. 76: 63. 124: 124. ii Pet. 1: 19. d, see pampliLt
on "Absurdities of Immaterialism." e, see pamphlet ou "Absur-
dities of Immaterialism."
a, vers. 3,34,37—40, 61—63. Geu. 16. 21: 3, 18—21. 25: 6. Chap-
ters 29, 30. 33: 5—7. 37: 2. Exod. 21: 7—11. 22: 16. Lev. 18: 18.
464 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXII.
2. Behold! and lo, I am the Lord thy God, and
will answer thee as touching this matter :
3. Therefore, prepare thy heart to receive and obey
the instructions which I am about to give unto you ; for
all those who have this law revealed unto them ^must
obey the same ;
4. For behold I I reveal unto you a ^new and an
everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that *^cove-
nant, then are ye damned ; for no one can ^reject this
covenant, and be permitted to enter into my glory ;
5. For all who will have a blessing at my hands,
shall *abide the law which was appointed for that bless-
ing, and the conditions thereof, as were ^instituted from
before the foundation of the world ;
6. And as pertaining to the ^new and everlasting
covenant, it was instituted for the fullness of my glory ;
and he that receiveth a fullness thereof, 'must and
shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the
Lord God.
7. And verily I say unto you, that the ^conditions
of this law are these : — All covenants, contracts, bonds,
obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections,
associations, or expectations, that are not made, and
entered into, and '^sealed, by the Holy Spirit of pro-
mise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and
for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation
and commandment through the medium of mine
anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold
this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant
Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is
Num 12: 1. Deut. 17: 14— 18. 21:10—17. 22:28,29. 25:5—10.
Judges 1: 16. 4: 11. 8: 29—32. See also chapters 6 and 7. 10:4.
12:8.9,18,14. i. Sam. 1:1, 2. 25:42,43. 27: 3. 30: 5, 8. ii. Sam.
2:1—4. 3:2—5,14—16. 5:13,23. 12:8. 15:16. 16:21,22.
19:5. 20:3. i. Kings 1: I— 4. 11:1—10. 15:5. i. Chron. 2: 18,
19,46,48. 3:1—9. 4:5. 7:4,14. 8:8,9. 14:3. 28:5. ii. Chron.
11: 21. 13: 21. 24: 2, 3. Isaiah 4: 1. Ilosea 1: 2, 3, 6, P. 3: 1—3.
Matt. 19: 3— 9. Mark 10: 11. 12. Luke 20: 27— 36. i. Cor. 11:11.
I. Tim. 3: 2, 12. Eev. 21: 12. b, veis. 4, 5, 13—18, 27. c, vers.
3, 5, 13—18, 27. 31: 2, 3, 4. d, vers. 6,13—18, 27. e, 131:
1—4. /, 88: 38, 39. g, vers. 11, 28, 63. h. see c. i, see
d. j, 88: 38, 39. k, vers. 19, 46, 47.
SEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 465
never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this
power and the keys of this Priesthood are conferred,)
are of no efficacy, virtue or force, in and after the re-
surrection from the dead ; for all contracts that are
not made unto this end, have an end when men are
dead.
8. Behold ! mine house is a house of order, saith
the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.
9. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that
is not made in my name !
10. Or, will I receive at your hands that which I
have not appointed !
11. And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord,
except it be by Uaw, even as I and my Father "^or-
dained unto you, before the world was !
12. I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you
this commandment, that no man shall come unto the
Father but by me, or by my word, which is my law,
saith the Lord ;
13. And everything that is in the world, whether
it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or
powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be,
that are not by me, or by my word, saith the Lord,
shall be thrown down, and shall "not remain after men
are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith
the Lord your God ;
14. For whatsoever things ^'remain, are by me;
and whatsoever things are not by me, shall be shaken
and destroyed.
15. Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the
world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word ;
and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world,
and she with him, their ^covenant and marriage are
not of force when they are dead, and when they are
out of the world ; therefore, they are not bound by
any law when they are out of the world ;
I, vers. 5, 63. m, 49: 15. See I. n, vers. 14 — 18.
0, vers. 15 — 27. p, vers. 16, 17.
466 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXII.
16. Therefore, when they are '^out of the world,
they neither marry, nor are given in marriage ; but are
appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering
servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far
more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory ;
17. For these angels did not abide my law, there-
fore they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately
and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition,
to all eternity, and from henceforth are not Gods, but
are angels of God, for ever and ever.
18. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man
marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time
and for all eternity, if that ^covenant is not by me, or
by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the
Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have
anointed and appointed unto this power — then it is
not valid, neither of force when they are out of the
world, because they are not joined by me, saith the
Lord, neither by my word ; when they are out of the
world, it cannot be received there, because the angels
and the Gods are appointed there, by whom they can-
not pass ; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory, for
my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.
19. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man
marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by
the ^new and everlasting covenant, and it is Sealed
unto them by the HoJy Spirit of promise, by him who
is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power,
and the keys of this Priesthood ; and it shall be said
unto them, ye shall come forth in the first resurrection ;
and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next re-
surrection ; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, princi-
palities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths
— then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of Life,
that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed
innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and
q, all ordinances must be properly attended to in this world, or
they will be invalid and of no effect in the world to come, r, vers.
7, 46, 47. .s, see c. t, vers. 7, 4(>, 47.
SEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 467
commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it
shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever Jiiy
servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all
eternity, and shall be of full force when they are out
of the world ; and they shall "pass by the angels, and
the Gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and
glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their
heads, which glory shall be a fullness and a continua-
tion of the seeds for ever and ever.
20. Then shall they be ^Gods, because they have
no end ; therefore shall they be from everlasting to
everlasting, because they continue ; then shall they be
above all, because ^^all things are subject unto them.
Then shall they be Gods, because they have all power,
and the angels are subject unto them.
21. Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye'^^abide
my law, ye cannot attain to this glory ;
22. For 5'strait is the gate, and narrow the way that
leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of ^the
lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive
me not in the world, neither do ye know me.
23. But if ye receive me in the world, then shall
ye know me, and shall receive ^^your exaltation, that
where I am, ye shall be also.
24. This is eternal lives, to know the only wise and
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am
he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.
25. Broad is the gate, and ^^wide the way that
leadeth to the deaths, and many there are that go in
thereat ; because they receive me not, neither do they
abide in my law.
26. Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man ^^marry
a wife according to my word, and they are ^'^sealed
u,yers. 16—18, 20. v, 17—19, 37. John 10: 34, 35. Rev; 14: 1.
22: 4. w, 50: 26—28. x,Uh 1—4. y, ii. Nep. 9: 41,
31:9,17,18. 33:9. Alma 37: 44, 45. Hela. 3: 29, 30. in. ITep. 14: 13,
14. 2, continuation of posterity in the eternal world, vers. 30, 31.
N"umbers 16: 22. Heb. 12: 9. 2a, John 14: 2, 3. 26, iii. Nep.
14: 13. Matt. 7: 13. 2c, ver. 19. 2d, vers. 7, 19, 20.
468 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXXII.
by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine
appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or
transgression of the ^^new and everlasting covenant
whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they
commit no murder, wherein they shed innocent blood —
yet ^*they shall come forth in the first resurrection,
and enter into their exaltation ; but they shall be
^^destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto
the ^^buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption,
saith the Lord God.
27. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which
shall not be forgiven in the world, nor out of the
world, is in that ye ^'commit murder, wherein ye shed
innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye
have received my ^^new and everlasting covenant, saith
the Lord God ; and he that abideth not this law, can
in no wise enter into my glory, but shall be damned,
saith the Lord.
28. I am the Lord thy God, and will give unto thee
the law of my Holy Priesthood, as was ordained by me,
and my Father, before the world was.
29. Abraham received all things, whatsoever he
received, by revelation and commandment, by my word,
saith the Lord, and ^^hath entered into his exaltation,
and sitteth upon his throne.
3 0 . Abraham received promises concerning his seed ,
and of the fruit of his loins, — from whose loins '^^ye
are, namely, my servant Joseph, — which were to con-
tinue so long as they were in the world ; and as touch-
ing Abraham and his seed, ^'"out of the world they
should continue ; both in the world and out of the
world should they continue as innumerable as the stars ;
or, if ye were to count the sand upon the sea shore, ye
could not number them.
2e, see c. If, vers. 19, 2.S. 1g, vers. 41—43, 54, 63, 64.
Ill, see h, Sec. 78. 2z, after having leoeived so great light, if a
person murder.^, there is no forgiveness. 42: 18,79. 2/, see c.
Ik, vers. 37. Luke 13 : 28. 2/, ii. Nep. 3 : 7, 11, 12. 14—17.
2m, vers. 19, 31—37.
SEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 469
31. This promise is yours, also, because ye are of
Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham ;
and by this law are the continuation of the works of
my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself.
32. Go ye, therefore, and do the ^"^works of Abra-
ham ; enter ye into my law, and ye shall be saved.
33. But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot re-
ceive the promise of my Father, which he made unto
Abraham.
34. God commanded Abraham, and Sarah ^^gave
Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it?
Because this was the law, and fromHagar sprang many
people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other
things, the promises.
35. Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation?
Verily, I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, com-
manded it.
3 6 . Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac ;
nevertheless, it was written, thou shalt not kill. Abra-
ham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted
unto him for righteousness.
37. Abraham received concubines, and they bear
him children, and it was accounted unto him for right-
eousness, because they were ^^given unto him, and he
abode in my law, as Isaac also, and Jacob did none
other things than that which they were commanded ;
and because they did none other things than that
which they were commanded, they have entered into
their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit
upon thrones, and are not angels, but ^"^are Gods.
38. David also received many wives and concu-
bines, as also Solomon and IVfoses my servants ; as also
many others of my servants, from the beginning of
creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin,
save in those things which they ^^'received not of
me.
In, John 8: 39. 2o, Geu. 16. 25: 12—18. 2p, Gen. 25: 6.
2g, 133: 55. See v. 2r, vers. 7, 19, 39.
4 70 COVENANTS AND [SEC. CXXXII.
39. David's wives and concubines were ^^given
unto him, of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant,
and others of the prophets who had the keys of this
power; and in none of these things did he sin against
me, save in the case of Uriah and his wife ; and,
therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and re-
ceived his portion ; and he shall ^'not inherit them
out of the world ; for I gave them to another, saith
the Lord.
40. I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee,
my servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all
things; ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto
you according to my word :
41. And as ye have asked concerning adultery —
verily, verily I say unto you, if a man ^"receiveth a
wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she
be with another man, and I have not appointed unto
her by the holy anointing, she hath committed adultery,
and shall be destroyed.
42. If she be not in the new and everlasting cove-
nant, and she be with another man, she has ^^com-
mitted adultery ;
43. And if her husband be with another woman,
and he was under a vow, he hath broken his vow, and
'^^^hath committed adultery,
44. And if she hath not committed adultery, but is
innocent, and hath not broken her vow, and she know-
eth it, and I reveal it unto you, my servant Joseph,
then shall you have power, by the power of my Holy
Priesthood, to take her, and give her unto him that
^''hath not committed adultery, but hath been faithful ;
for he shall be made ruler over ^-^many ;
45. For I have conferred upon you the keys and
power of the Priesthood, wherein I restore ^^all things,
and make known unto you all things in due time.
2.S, 7, 19, 38. II. Sam. 12: H. 2t, ii. Sam. 12: 11. 15: 16. 16:
20—2.3. 20: 3. 2u, vers. 4—7, 19. 2v, see m. Sec. 42.
2w, see vi. Sec. 42. 2x, see m, Sec. 42. 2y. Luke 19: 15—26.
2z, Acts 3: 21. Isaiah 4: 1.
bEC. CXXXII. ] COMMANDMENTS. 471
4 6. And verily, verily I say unto you, that ^^what-
soever you seal on earth, shall be sealed in heaven ;
and whatsoever you ^'^bind on earth, in my name, and
by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound
in the heavens ; and whosesoever sins you ^'^remit on
earth shall be remitted eternally in the heavens ; and
whosesoever sins you ^*^retain on earth, shall be re-
tained in heaven.
47. And again, verily I say, ^^whomsoever you
bless, I will bless, and whomsoever you ^'^curse, I will
curse, saith the Lord ; for I, the Lord, am thy God.
48. And again, verily I say unto you, my servant
Joseph, that whatsoever you give on earth, and to
whomsoever you ^^give any one on earth, by my word,
and according to my law, it shall be visited with bless-
ings, and not cursings, and with my power, saith the
Lord, and shall be without condemnation on earth,
and in heaven ;
49. For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with
thee even unto the end of the world, and through all
eternity ; for verily, I ^'^seal upon you your exaltation,
and prepare a ^^throne for you in the kingdom of my
Father, with Abraham your father.
50. Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will
forgive all your sins ; I have seen your sacrifices, in
obedience to that which I have told you ; go, therefore,
and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the
offering of Abraham, of his son Isaac.
51. Yerily, I say unto you, a commandment I give
unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom
I have given unto you, that she stay herself, and par-
take not of that which I commanded you to offer unto
her ; for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I
did Abraham ; and that I might require an offering at
your hand, by covenant and sacrifice ;
3a, see d, Sec. 1. 35, see d, Sec. 1. Matt. 18: 18. 3c, Matt.
16: 19. John 20: 23. 3(/, John 20: 23. Se, 124: 93.
3/, 124: 93. 3g, ver. 39. 3/i. ver, 23. Si, vers,
19: 37.
4 72 COVENANTS AND [sEC. CXXXII.
52. And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive
^^all those that have been given to my servant Joseph,
and who are virtuous and pure before me ; and those
who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall
be destroyed, saith the Lord God ;
53. For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall
obey my voice ; and I give unto you my servant Joseph,
that he shall be made ruler over many things, for he
hath been faithful over a few things, and from hence-
forth I will strengthen him.
54. And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith,
to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to
none else. But if she will not abide this command-
ment, she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord ; for I am
the Lord thy God, and will destroy her, if she abide
not in my law ;
55. But if she will not abide this commandment,
then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even
as he hath said ; and I will bless him and multiply him
and give unto him an ^'^hundred-fold in this world, of
fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and
lands, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives
in the eternal worlds.
56. And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid
forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses ; and then
shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has
trespassed against me ; and I, the Lord thy God, will
bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to re-
joice.
5 7. And again, I say, let not my servant Joseph
put his property out of his hands, lest an enemy come
and destroy him ; for Satan seeketh to destroy ; for I
am the Lord thy God, and he is my servant; and be-
hold ! and lo, I am with him, as I was with Abraham
thy father, even unto his exaltation and glory.
58. Now, as touching the law of the Priesthood,
there are many things pertaining thereunto.
3^ ver. 65. Zk, Mark 10: 28—30.
SiEC. CXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 473
59. Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was
Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him
that sent me : and I have endowed him with the keys
of the power of this Priesthood, if he do anything in
my name, and according to my law, and by ray word,
he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.
60. Let no one, therefore, set on my servant
Joseph ; for I will Justify him ; for he shall do the
sacrifice which I require at his hands, for his transgres-
sions, saith the Lord your God.
61. And again, as pertaining to the law of the
Priesthood: If any man espouse a virgin, and desire
to espouse another, and the first give her consent ; and
if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and
have vowed to no other man, then is he justified ; he
cannot commit adultery, for they are ^'given unto him ;
for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth
unto him and to no one else ;
62. And if he have ten virgins given unto him by
this law, ^'"he cannot commit adultery, for they belong
to him, and they are given unto him, therefore is ho
justified.
6;>. But if one or either of the ten virgins, 'Rafter
she is espoused, shall be with another man ; she has
^"committed adultery, and shall be destroyed ; for they
are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth,
according to my commandment, and to fulfill the pro-
mise which was given by my Father ^*^before the
foundation of the world ; and for their exaltation in
the eternal worlds, that they may bear ^^the souls of
men ; for herein is the work of my Father continued,
that he may be glorified.
64. And again, verily, verily I say unto you, if any
man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and
he teaches unto her the ^'^law of my Priesthood, as
3/, vev. 48. 3m, 19, 20, 48. 3n. ver. 41. 3o, Titus
1: 2. 3jo, that is, the souls or spirits of men to be born in heuveu.
Vers. 19, 30. 'dq, ver. 52.
474 COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS. [SEC. CXXXIt.
pertaining to tliese things, then shall she believe, and
administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith
the Lord your God, for 1 will destroy her ; for 1 will
magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide
in my law.
H5. Therefore, it shall be lawful in me, if she re-
ceive not this law, for ^"^him to receive all things, what-
soever I, the Lord his God, will give unto him, because
she did not administer unto him according to my word ;
and she then becomes the transgressor ; and he is
exempt from the law of Sarah, who administered unto
Abraham according to the law, when I ^^commanded
Abraham to take Hagar to wife.
66. And now, as pertaining to this law, verily, verily
I say unto you, I will reveal more unto you, hereafter ;
therefore, let this suffice for the present. Behold, I
am Alpha and Omega. Amen.
3r, ver. 65. 3.s, vers. 34—37.
APPENDIX.
SECTION 133.
Revelation^ called the Appe7idix, given through Joseph,
the Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio.
1. Hearken, O ye people of ^my church, saith the
Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord con-
cerning you :
2. The Lord who shall suddenly come ^to his
temple ; the Lord who shall come ^down upon the
world with a curse to judgment ; yea, upon all the
nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly
among you.
3. For he shall make "^bear his holy arm in the
eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth
shall see the salvation of their God.
4. Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people ;
sanctify yourselves ; ^gather ye together, O ye people
of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that
have not been commanded to tarry.
5. Go ye ^out from Babylon. Be ye clean that
bear the vessels of the Lord.
6. Call your ^solemn assemblies, and speak often
one to another. And let every man call upon the
name of the Lord ;
7. Yea, verily I say unto you again, the time has
a, see a, Sec. 1 b, see d, Sec. 3'i. c. see e. Sec. 1. d, Isa.
52: 10. e, see 9, Sec. 10. f, see ^ Sec. 10. ^, see 2r,
Sec 8S
16
476 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxiii.
come when the voice of the Lord is unto you, ^go ye
out of Babylon ; ^gather ye out from among the
nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven
to the other.
8. Send forth the elders of ^my church unto ^the
nations which are afar off ; unto the islands of the
sea ; send forth unto foreign lands ; call upon all
nations ; firstly, ^upon the Gentiles, and then "^upon
the Jews.
9. And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and
the voice of the Lord unto all people : "^Go ye forth
unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people
may be enlarged, and that her ^Stakes may be strength-
ened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions
round about ;
10. Yea, let the cry go' forth among all people:
Awake and arise and go forth to ^meet the Bride-
groom : behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye
out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the *^great
day of the Lord.
11. Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day
nor the hour.
12. Let them therefore, who are ''among the Gen-
tiles, flee unto Zion.
13. And let them who be of ^Judah flee unto
Jerusalem, unto the mountains of the Lord's house.
14. Go ye out from among the nations, ^even from
Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is
spiritual Babylon.
15. But verily, thus saith the Lord, Let not your
flight be in "haste, but let all things be prepared before
you ; and he that goeth let him not ^look back, lest
sudden destruction shall come upon him.
h, see j. Sec. 10. ?, see j, Sec. 10. 9, see a, Sec. 1. k,seeb,
Sec. 1. /, see 0, Sec. 18. ??i. see 0, Sec. 18. v, see /, Sec. 10.
0, see g, Sec. 87. p, see e, Sec. 1. q; see e, Sec. 1. r, see ;,
Sec. 10. s, see 0, Sec. 4b. t, see ;. Sec. 10. w. see ;,Sec.
10. V; Uen. 19 : 20.
SEC. CXXXIII.] APPENDIX. 4 77
16. Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the
earth. Listen ye elders of ^my church together, and
hear the voice of the Lord, for he calleth upon all
men, and he commandeth "^all men everywhere to re-
pent ;
17. For, behold, the Lord God hath ^sent forth the
angel crying through the midst of heaven, saying,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths
straight, for the ^hour of his coming is nigh.
18. When the Lamb shall ^^stand upon Mount
Zion, and with him a hundred and forty -four thousand,
having his Father's name written on their foreheads :
19. Wherefore, prepare ye for the ^''coming of the
Bridegroom ; go ye, go ye out to meet him,
20. For behold, he shall ^^stand upon the mount of
Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great
deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and ^^upon the
land of Zion ;
21. And he shall ^^utter his voice out of Zion, and
he shall ^^speak from Jerusalem, and' his ^%oice shall
be heard among all people,
22. And it shall be a voice as of the ^^Voice of
many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder,
which ^'shall break down the mountains, and the^Jval-
leys shall not be found ;
23. He shall command the great deep, and it shall
be driven back into the north countries, and the
^'4slands shall become one land,
24. 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.
25. And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in
w, see a, Sec. 1. x, see b, Sec. 1. y, see Sections 13, 27.
z, see e, Sec. 1. 2a, Rev. 14: 1. 2h, see e, See. 1. 2c, 45: 48.
2d, III. ITep. 20: 22. 21: 25. 2e, Joel 3: 16. 2/, Joel 3: Ifi.
2g, 45: 49. Zh, 110: 3. Rev. 19: 6. 2i, ver. 40. 49: 23. Isaiah
40:4. 2;, see2i. 2A;, ver. 24. Rev. 6: 15. 2^ Gen
10: 25. Isaiah 62: 4.
478 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxiii.
the midst of his people, and shall ^'"reign over all
flesh.
26. And they who are in the ^"^north countries shall
come in remembrance before the Lord, and their pro-
phets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay
themselves, and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice
shall flow down at their presence. '
27. And an ^^highway shall be cast up in the midst
of the great deep.
28. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them,
29. And in the ^^barren deserts there shall come
forth pools of living water ; and the ^'^parched ground
shall no longer be a thirsty land.
80. And they shall briug forth their rich treasures
unto the children of Ephraim my servants.
3 1 . And the boundaries of the ^""everlasting hills
shall tremble at their presence.
32. And there shall they fall down aud be crowned
with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants
of the Lord, even the ^^children of Ephraim ;
33. And they shall be filled with ^'^songs of ever-
lasting joy.
34. 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.
35. 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, for ever
and ever.
36. And now, verily saith the Lord, That these
things might be known among you, O inhabitants of
the earth, I have '-^^sent forth mine angel, fiying through
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who
2m, see e, Sec;. 1. 2/?.. the ten tribes. 2o, Isaiah .')!: 9 — 1 1.
35: 8—10. 2)0. Isaiah 3.>: 6, 7. 2q, Isaiah 35: 6. 7. 2,; the
,Q;reat cliain of the Eockv mountains. 2s. i. Thron. 5: I. Gen. 4M:
16,19. 49:22—26. Deut. 33: 13— 17. 2^. Isaiali 35: 10. 51:11,
Jer. 31: 12. 2/'. see 2,9. 2(;. 45: 51— 53. Zeeh. 12: Id- H.
2io, Rev. 14: 6.
SEC. CXXXIII.] APPENDIX. 4 79
hath appeared unto '^"^some, and hath committed it
unto man, who shall appear unto ^^many that dwell
on the earth ;
37. And this gospel shall be preached ^^unto every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
38. 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 :
39. And worship him that made heaven, and earth,
and the sea, and the fountains of waters,
40. 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.
41. And it shall be answered upon their heads, for
the presence of the Lord shall be as the ^'^melting fire
that burneth, and as the fire which causeth the waters
to boil.
42. O Lord thou shalt come down to make thy
name known to thine adversaries, and all nations shall
"^^tremble at thy presence.
43. When thou doest ^''terrible things — things they
look not for ;
44. Yea, when thou comest down, and the ^*^moun-
tains flow down at thy presence, thou shalt meet him
who rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, who remem-
bereth thee in thy ways ;
45. 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.
46. And it shall be said, ^^Who is this that cometh
down from God in heaven with dyed garments ; yea,
from the regions which are not known, clothed in his
2.r, 20: 6. See testimoiiv of three widiefjses. Book of Mormon.
2y,17:S. 88:103,104. ' 2-, Rev. 14: f^. .-^a. Isaiah 64: 1.
.S6. Isainh 64: 2. 3c, Isaiah 64: 2. :]d, Isaiah 64: ::.
3c, Isaiali 64: 3. 3/', Isaiah 64: 4. ?,f/, Isaiah 63: 1.
480 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxiii.
glorious apparel, traveling in the greatness of his
strength?
47. And he shall say, I am he who spake in right-
eousness, mighty to save.
48. And the Lord shall be ^"^red in his apparel,
and his garments like him that treadeth in the wine
vat,
49. And so great shall be the ^^glory of his pres-
ence, 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 ;
50. And his voice shall be heard, ^^I have trodden
the wine -press alone, and have brought judgment upon
all people ; and none were with me ;
51. And I have trampled them in my fury, and I
did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood
have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my
raiment ; for this was the ^™day of vengeance which
was in my heart.
52. And now the ^^year of my redeemed is come,
and they shall mention the loving kindness of their
Lord, and all that he has bestowed upon them accord-
ing to his goodness, and according to his loving kind-
ness, for ever and ever.
53. 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 bear them, and
carried them all the days of old ;
54. Yea, and Enoch also, and they who were with
him ; and the prophets who were before him ; and Noah
also, and they who were before him, and Moses also,
and they who were before him ;
55. And from Moses to ^"Elijah ; and from ^i^Elijah
to John, who were with Christ in his resurrection, and
Zh, Isaiah 63: 2. U, Isaiah 24: 23. See n, Sec. 29. Zj. Isaiah
24: 23. Zk, Isaiah 13: 9—12. See n, See. 29. 3/. Isaiah
63: 3. 3w, Isaiah 63: 4. 3n, Isaiah 63: 4, 7—9. 3o, see a.
Sec. 2. 3/5, see a, Sec. 2.
SEC. CXXXIII.] APPENDIX. 481
the holy apostles, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
shall be in the presence of the Lamb.
56. And the ^^graves of the saints shall be opened,
and they shall come forth and stand on the right hand
of the Lamb, when he shall ^''stand upon Mount Zion,
and upon the holy city, the New Jerusalem, and they
shall sing the song of the Lamb, day and night, for
ever and ever.
67. And for this cause, that men might be made
partakers of the glories which were to be revealed,
the Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel, his
^'^everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and sim-
plicity,
58. 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 nation, and ^^two
should put their tens of thousands to flight ;
59. And by the weak things of the earth the
Lord should thresh the nations by the power of his
Spirit.
60. And for this cause these commandments were
given; they were commanded to be kept from the world
in the day that they were given, but now are to ^^^go
forth unto all flesh.
61. And this according to the mind and will of the
Lord, who ruleth over all flesh.
62. And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth
himself before the Lord, shall be given eternal life ;
63. And upon them that hearken not to the voice
of the Lord, shall be fulfilled that which was written
by the Prophet Moses, that they should be ^-"^'cut off
from among the people.
64. And also that which was written by the ^^pro-
dg, see m, Sec. 29. 3r, see 2c?. 3.9. see k, Sec. 1. 3t, see j,
Sec. 1. 3u, Isaiah 60: 22. 3u, Deut. 32: 29. 30. 5tv. see b,
Seel. 3a?, I. Nep. 22: 20,21. iii. Nep. 20: 23. 21:11. Acts 3:
22, 23. 3j/, Mai. 4: 1 .
482 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxiii.
phet Malaclii ; for, behold, the day cometh that shall
burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that
do wickedly, shall be stubble ; and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it
shall leave them neither root nor branch.
65. Wherefore, this shall be the answer of the Lord
uuto them : —
66. In that day when I came unto my own, no man
among you received me, and you were driven out.
6 7. 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.
68. Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea. I make
the rivers a wilderness ; their fish stinketh, and dieth
for thirst.
69. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and make
sackcloth their covering.
70. And this shall ye have of my hand, — '*^ye shall
lay down in sorrow.
71. Behold and lo, there are none to deliver you,
for you obeyed not my voice when I called to you out
of the heavens ; ye believed not my servants, and
^"when they were sent unto you ye received them not ;
72. Wherefore ^^they sealed up the testimony and
bound up the law, and ye were delivered over unto
darkness ;
73. These shall go away into ^^outer darkness
where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of
teeth.
74. Behold the Lord your God hath spoken it.
Amen.
3,?, Isaiah 50: 2. 4a, Isaiah 60: 11. 46. ii. ISTep. 28: 32.
4c. see d, Sec. 1. Ad, see r, See. 1!).
SEC. CXXXIV.] APPENDIX. 483
SECTION 134.
OF GOVERNMENTS AND LAWS IN GENERAL.
That our belief with regard to earthly governments and
laws in general may not he misinterpreted nor
misunderstood, we have thought proper to preseyit
near the close of this volume our opinion concerning
the same.
1. We believe that governments were instituted 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 exist in
peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate
as will secure to each individual the free exercise of
conscience, the right and control of property, and the
protection of life.
3. We believe that all governments necessarily re-
quire civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of
the same, and that such as will administer the law in
equity and justice, should be sought for and upheld
by the voice of the people (if a republic,) or the will
of the sovereign.
4. We believe that religion is instituted of God,
and that men are amenable to him, and to him only,
for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions
prompt them to infringe upon 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 restrain crime, but never control conscience ;
should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of
the soul.
484 APPENDIX. [sec. CXXXlV.
5. We believe that all men are bound to sustain
and uphold the respective governments in which they
reside, while protected in their inherent and inalien-
able rights by the laws of such governments ; and that
sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen
thus protected, and should be punished accordingly ;
and that all governments have a right to enact such
laws as in their judgment 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 pun-
ishment of the guilty ; and that to the laws, all men
owe respect and deference, as without them peace and
harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror ;
human laws being instituted for the express purpose
of regulating our interests as individuals and nations,
between man and man, and divine laws given of
heaven, prescribing rules on spiritual concerns, for
faith and worship, both to be answered by man to his
Maker.
7. We believe that rulers, states, and governments,
have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the pro-
tection of all citizens in the free exercise of their relig-
ious belief ; but we do not believe that they have a
right in justice, to deprive citizens of this privilege, or
proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard
and reverence are shown to the laws, and such relig-
ious opinions do not justify sedition or conspiracy.
8. We believe that the commission of crime should
be punished according to the nature of the offence;
that murder, treason, robbery, theft, and the breach of
the general peace, in all respects, should be punished
according to their 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
SEC. CXXXIV.] APPENDIX. 485
use their ability in bringing offenders against good
laws to punishment.
9. We do not believe it just to mingle religious
influence with civil government, whereby one religious
society is fostered, and another proscribed of its spirit-
ual privileges, and the individual rights of its members
as citizens, denied.
10. We believe that all religious societies have a
right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct
according to the rules and regulations of such societies,
provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good
standing ; but we do not believe that any religious
society has authority to try men on the right of pro-
perty or life, to take from them this world's goods, or
to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, neither
to inflict any physical punishment upon them, they
can only excommunicate them from their society, and
withdraw from them 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 infringed, where such laws exist as will pro-
tect the same ; but we believe that all men are justified in
defendingthemselves, their friends, and property, and the
government, from the unlawful assaults and encroach-
ments of all persons, in times of exigency, where imme-
diate 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 righteous 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 meddle
with or influence them in the least, to cause them to
be dissatisfled with their situations in this life, thereby
jeopardizing the lives of men ; such interference we
believe to be unlawful and unjust, and dangerous to
the i^eace of every government allowing human beings
to be held in servitude.
486 APPENDIX. " [sec. cxxxv.
SECTION 135.
Martyrdom of Joseph Smithy the Prophet^ and hia
brother Hyrum.
1. To seal the testimony of this book and the Book
of Mormon, we announce 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 five o'clockp.m., by an armed mob, painted
black — of from 150 to 200 persons. Hyrum was shot
first and fell calmly, exclaiming, '^I am a dead man !"
Joseph leaped from the window, and was shot dead in
the attempt, exclaiming, "O Lord my God!" They
were both shot after they were dead in a brutal man-
ner, and both received four balls.
2. John Taylor, and Willard Eichards, two of the
Twelve, were the only persons in the room at the time ;
the former was wounded in a savage manner with four
balls, but has since recovered ; the latter, through the
providence 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 salva-
tion 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 fullness of the everlasting gospel which it contained
to the four quarters of the earth ; has brought forth
the revelations and commandments which compose this
Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise
documents and instructions for the benefit of the chil-
dren 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 people,
SEC. CXXXV.J APPENDIX. 4 87
and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times,
has sealed his mission and his works with his own
blood — and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they
were not divided, and in death they were not
separated !
4. When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver him-
self up to the pretended requirements of the law, two
or three days previous to his assassination, he said, "I
am going 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 OP ME HE
WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD." The Same morning,
after Hyrum had made ready to go — shall it be said to
the slaughter? Yes, for so it was, — he read the follow-
ing paragraph, near the close of the fifth chapter of
Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the
leaf upon it : —
5. "And it came to pass that I 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 Gentiles ; 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, February, 1844,
and Joseph Smith was 38 in December, 1843 ; 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 Covenants of the church.
488 APPENDIX. [sec. cxxxvi.
cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring
them 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
glory ; 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 crime, as they had
often been proved before, and were only confined
in jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men ;
and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail,
is a broad seal affixed to " Mormonism " that cannot
be rejected by any court on 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 on 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.
SECTION 130.
The Word and. Will of the Lord, given through Presi-
dent Brigham Young, at the Winter Quarters of the
Camp of Israel, Omaha Nation, West Bank of Mis-
souri River, near Council Bluffs, January 14th, 1847 .
1. The word and will of the Lord concerning the
Caujp of Israel in their journeyings to the West.
SEC. CXXXVI.] APPENDIX. 4 89
2. Let all the people of the ^Church of Jesns Christ
of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them,
be organized into companies, with a covenant and pro-
mise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the
Lord our God.
3. Let the ^companies be organized with captains of
hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with
a president and his two counselors at their head, under
the direction of the •^Twelve Apostles ;
4 . And this shall be our coA^enant, that we will walk
in all the ordinances of the Lord.
5. Let each company provide themselves with all
the teams, wagons, provisions, clothing, and other neces-
saries for the journey that they can.
6. When the companies are organized, let them go
to with their might, to prepare for those who are to
tarry.
7. Let each company with their captains and presi-
dents decide how many can go next spring ; then choose
out a sufficient number of able-bodied and expert men,
to take teams, seeds, and farming utensils, to go as
pioneers to prepare for putting in spring crops.
8. Let each company bear an <^equal proportion, ac-
cording to the dividend of their property, in taking the
poor, the widows, the fatherless, and the families of
those who have gone into the army, that the cries of
the widow and the fatherless come not up into the ears
of the Lord against this people.
9. Let each company prepare houses, and fields for
raising grain, for those who are to remain behind this
season, and this is the will of the Lord concerning his
people.
10. Let every man use all his influence and property
to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall
locate a *^Stake of Zion ;
a. see a. Sec. 1. /^, Exod. 18 : 21— 27. r, 107:24. </. :;8;
24—27. 42:30. e, see ^, Sec. 87.
490 APPENDIX. [sec. CXXXVl.
11. And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all
faithfulness, ye shall be blessed ; you shall be blessed in
your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and
in your houses, and in your families.
12. Let my servants Ezra T. Benson and Erastus
Snow organize a company ;
13. And let my servants Orson Pratt and Wilford
Woodruff organize a company.
14. Also, let my servants Amasa Lyman and George
A. Smith organize a company;
15. And appoint Presidents, and captains of hun-
dreds, and of fifties, and of tens,
16. And let my servants that have been appointed
go and teach this my will to the saints, that they may
be ready to go to a land of peace.
17. Go thy way and do as I have told you, and
fear not thine enemies ; for they shall not have power
to stop my work.
18. Zion shall be ^redeemed in mine own due time,
19. And if any man shall seek to build up himself,
and seeketh not my counsel, he shall have no power,
and his folly shall be made manifest.
20. Seek ye and keep all your pledges one with
another, and covet not that which is thy brother's.
21. Keep yourselves from evil to take the ^name of
the Lord in vain, for I am the Lord your God, even
the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and of
Isaac, and of Jacob.
22. I am he who led the children of Israel out of
the land of Egypt, and my arm is stretched out in the
last days to save my people Israel.
23. Cease to ^'contend one with another, cease to
'speak evil one of another.
24. Cease drunkenness, and let your words tend to
edifying one another.
/, see h, Sec. 10;j. y. (i::: i\\ -fi4. /t.iii. Ne}). 11: 2'J. 30.
i, 20: 54. &8: 124.
SEC. CXXXVt.j APPENDIX . 491
25. If thou borrowest of thy neighbor, thou shalt
return that which thou hast borrowed ; and if thou
canst not repay, then go straightway and tell thy
neighbor, lest he condemn thee.
26. If thou shalt find that which thy neighbor has
lost, thou shalt make diligent search till thou shalt
deliver it to him again.
27. Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou
hast, that thou mayest be a Hvise steward ; for it is
the free gift of the Lord thy God, and thou art his
steward.
28. If thou art merry, praise the Lord with sing-
ing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of
praise and thanksgiving.
29. If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy
God with supplication, that your souls may be joyful.
30. Fear not thine enemies, for they are in mine
hands, and I will do my pleasure with them.
31. My people must be tried' in all things, that
they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have
for them, even the glory of Zion, and he that will
not ^bear chastisement, is not worthy of my king-
dom.
32. Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by
humbling himself and calling upon the Lord his God,
that his eyes may be opened that he may see, and his
ears opened that he may hear,
33. For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to
enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condem-
nation of the ungodly.
34. Thy brethren have rejected you and your testi-
mony, even the nation that has driven you out ;
35. And now cometh the day of their calamity,
even the days of sorrow, like a woman that is taken
in travail ; and their sorrow shall be great, unless they
speedily repent ; yea, very speedily ;
j, see 0, Sec. 42. k, 90: 36. 97: 26.
492 AipPENDiX. [sec. cxxxVi.
36. For they killed the prophets, and them that
were sent unto them, and they have shed innocent
blood, which crieth from the ground against them :
37. Therefore marvel not at these things, for ye are
not pure ; ye can not yet bear my glory ; but ye shall
behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words that
I have given you from the days of Adam to Abraham ;
from Abraham to Moses ; from Moses to Jesus and his
apostles ; and from Jesus and his apostles to Joseph
Smith, whom I did call upon by mine angels, my
ministering servants ; and by mine own voice out of
the heavens to bring forth my work,
38. Which foundation he did lay, and was faithful
and I took him to myself.
39. Many have marveled because of his death, but
it was needful that he should ™seal his testimony with
his blood, that he might be honored, and the wicked
might be condemned.
40. Have I not delivered you from your enemies,
only in that I have left a witness of my name ?
41. Now, therefore, hearken, O ye people of my
church; and ye elders listen together; you have re-
ceived my kingdom.
42. Be diligent in keeping all my commandments,
lest judgment come upon you, and your faith fail you,
and your enemies triumph over you. — So no more at
present. Amen, and Amen.
I 58- 53. 63: 28—31. Eev. 18: 24. 19: 2. i. IsTep. 14: 13. 22:
14. II. Nep. 5: 16. Mor. S: 27; 40, 41. Ether S: 22—24. m, Sec.
135.
INDBX.
Aaronio Priesthood restored
Aaronic Priesthood, Power of the .
Aaronio Priesthood, everlasting
Abominable church to be destroyed by fire
Abstaining from meats not of God
Adam-Ondi-Ahman ....
Adulterer, The^ to be cast out . .
Adulterer, how tried ....
Adultery
Address to the saints in Nauvoo, by J. S.
All things to be done by common consent
All people to be warned .
All men must believe and repent
All liars, whoremongers, sorcerers,
A man like Moses promised
Ancient of Days
Angel Moroni
have part
Angel Moses
Angel Elijah
Angel Eli as
Angel John (the baptist)
Angels Peter, James and John
Angel Michael
Angels Gabriel and Raphael .
Angels or spirits, Good or bad, how known
Apostles to judge the house of Israel
Apostates, Heaviest of all cursings on .
Appointments in the Priesthood
Appendix ....
Apocrypha ....
Archangel's trump .
Authority of various Councils
Authority of the Priesthood
in the lake of
PAOK.
108
385
290
144
197
415
171
176
234
448
141
77
124
fire 234
365
415
138
406
405
405
108
139
389
457
459
143
187
444
475
327
145
385
248
Babylon, Destruction of
Babylon to be burned
Babylon, Depart out of
B.
241
315
475
494
INDEX.
PAGK.
Baptism, Mode of 128
Baptism for the dead 450
Baptism for the dead, The nature of 453
Baptism., Whom, to receive uuto ...... 125
Baptism for the dead to be administered in a Temple . . 433
Baptism necessary . . 295
Baptismal font 454
Best gifts to be sought for 191
Bishops appointed . 168
Bishops' duties 257
Bishops, how tiied 250
Blessed are the dead who die in the Loid . . . . 237
Blessed are the faithful 199
Ble^Hed are the poor who are pure in Jioart . . . . 214
Blessings on those who properly observe the sabbath . . 224
Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost unpardonable . . 468
Boarding House to be built 436
Book of Mormon the stick of Ephraim . . . . • 138
Book of Mormon, what it is 122
Book of Mormon, Faith in, necessary 294
Breastplate Ill
Brigham Young, president of the Twelve .... 446
C.
Cases of appeal
Calling and duties of the Twelve .
Call for the saints to build a temple
Celestial glory
Certificate necessary ....
Children to be blessed ....
Children to be taught ....
Children to become old, ajid then to be clianged
Children, till of age, have claim upon their paren
Christ, the light of the sun, moon, &c. .
Christ the Law-giver of Kis people
Church,-Eise of the ....
Church, when organized
City of Zion, The place of the
Clerk, Duty of the Lord's
Common consent, All things to be done by
Covenant of the Priesthood
Covenant, Apostacy-from the, unpardonable
Commandments to the church
Commandments to those who dwell in Zion
Commandments to build a Temple
Coming of the Son of Man, Time of the
Cowdery^ Oliver, Kevelations to
ts
362
1J6
432
271
258
128
261
337
288
306
162
121
ISO
215
300
137
292
292
170
223
336
461
95
140
INDEX.
495
Cowdery. Oliver, and others, Rcvelatio]i to
i( .1 <4 a ti c(
Cursing instead oi a blessing
Curse of flies
PAUE
111
132
134
144
D.
Day of warning ....
Day of the Lord ....
Day of vengeance . . .
Day of sacrifice ....
Day of the Lord Tiraweth uigh
David W. Patten . . " .
Dangers upon the waters
Devil, The as an angel of light
Devil before Adam
Devil to have no more power over the saints
Death sweet to the righteous .
Death, The Lord proveth his saints unto
Destroyer gone forth
Dedication prayer of the Ivirtland Temple
Duties of the Twelve
Duties of the Priesthood
Duties of the Seventies
Duties of the Elders
Duties of parents ....
Duties of the saints in relation to persecutors
E.
Earth to be transfigured .
Earth to become a Urim and Thummim
Earth, the saints' inheritance for ever
Earthquakes
Elders to go two by two and preach the
Elders, The daty of
Elders to preach what is taught in the
mon
Elements eternal
Eleventh hour
Elias appeared
Elijah appeared
Emma Smith, P.,evolation to
Endowment promised
Enoch, Revelation to
Enoch, Revelation to, or Order ot Z
Ensign, Zion as an
Equality
Eternal God of all other Gods
gospel
Bible and Book
496
INDEX.
Eternal Punishment
Eternity of the marriage covenant . . .
Everlafcting inheiiiance promised.
Every man to Jaave accoiding to his works .
Every man to stand in his own office and calling
Explanation of 1 Corinthians 7 : 14
FAGK
118
463
161
287
299
26Q
F.
Fall of Satan ....
f'ail oi man
False Spirits, Revelation on .
False Spirits, how detected
False Spirits, how dealt with
False Revelations
J^'aist? spirits, Many
Far West City ....
Far West, Revelation concerning
Faith Cometh not by signs
Faith, Lecture I
Faith, Lecture II. . . . '
Faith, Lecture III.
Faith, Lecture IV.
Faith, Lecture V. . . •
Faith, Lecture VI.
Faith, Lecture VII.
Flesh of beasts and lowls for the use of
Foolish virgins ....
Forgive one another ,
Forgi . e all men
Forsalie evil
Fuliiiess of John's record promised
man
267
147
198
201
201
141
199
413
413
233
1
9
35
45
54
61
65
197
237
240
240
342
329
G.
Garments to be plain ....
Gathering
Gatherint;; not to be in haste
Gilbert, Sidney, Revelation to
Glory Celestial
Glory Terrestrial
Glory Telestial
( 1 lory ot the last dispensation
Glory of Zion
God requires the heart and a willing mind
God's army
G d s The saints to become
Gospel to go fi om the Gentiles to Israel
172
143
476
209
271
271
272
456
189
242
381
467
109
tNDfiX.
497
Gosnel to be preached to every creature
Government and laws iu general
Good or bad angels or spirits, how known
Great day of the Lord ....
PAGE
223
459
186
H.
Hail-?torm, A destructive ....
Harris, Martin, Commandment to
Heaven, Two kinds ol beings in . . .
Heaven, Silence in .
Heavens opened . ....
He that seeketh the Lord shall find Him
He only, that endures to the end, shall be sav d
Heathen to come forth in the first resurrection
Hell, Lift up his eyes in ...
High Priests to officiate as Bishops
High Council organized in Kirtland
History, Church
History to be kept by John Whitmer
Holy Ghost, a personage of Spirit
Holy Ghost, its gifts and ordinances
Holy ordinances to be administered in a Temple
House to be built unto the Lord
Hyrum Smith appointed Patriarch
Hyde, Orson, and others. Revelation to
nly
Idleness forbidden
Idler to have no place in the church
Idlers displeasing to the Lord
Immaterial matter does not exist
Immensity of space filled with light
Immersion in water
Intelligence not created or made
Interpretation of God of Sabaoth
Instructions to Elders on Missions
Instruction, Important items of
Israel, God's dealings with
J.
Jesus Christ from all eternity . . . .
John, the Apostle, to tarry
John, the Apostle, to gather the ten tribes
John, the Apostle, administers . . . .
John, the baptist, restores the Aaronic Priesthood
498
INDEX.
Joseph Smith, Senior, witli Abraham .
Joseph to hold the sealing power
Joseph, the prophet, the only revelator to the chui-cli
Joseph inspired .....
Joseph Knight, Revelation to ....
PAGt?
431
464
140
107
K.
Key to John's revelation
Keys to the leaser Priesthood
Keys, by whom borne
Kings, Proclamation to
Kings, To become
Kingdoms likened un'o a field
Kingdoms, Promise of
Kirtland Temple visions
Kirtland Temple, dedicatory prayer
Knowledge, A fullness of
Knowledge to be poured down from heaven
27.')
2yl
138
429
270
310
466
404
395
330
423
L.
Lamanites to blossom as the rose .
Lamanites to be preached to .
Lamb's Bouk of Lile ...
Land where Adam dwelt
Lands to be purchased
Land to be be blessed in the latter days
Land of Zion to be purchased
Laws concerning enemies
Laws of the land, Let no man break the
Laws of the land to be observed H
Laughter, Much, is sin .
Light, the power of Grod
Light fills immensity . . .
Light of truth not created
Lightnings to speak
Lives, Eternal ....
Little children are redeemed and cannot sin
Lord to utter his voice from heaven
Lord forgives those who confess their sins, and a-
Lyman Sherman, Revelation concerning
198
141
4H6
416
215
229
235
343
219
342
224
306
306
330
ISO
467
147
180
less 239
394
M.
Man in the beginning with God
Manuscripts taken, Revelation on the
Marriage ordained for man
330
81
197
INDEX.
499
Marriage for eternity
Marriage Plural ......
Many called, but few chosen
Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
Martin Harris, Commandment to .
Marks, William, and others, Revelation concernin
Marsh, Thomas B., Eevelation to
Members, Duties of, after baptism
Meetings to be directed by the Holy Spirit
Meetings, how conducted ....
Melchisedek Priesthood ....
Melchisedek Priesthood, Power of the
Melchisedek Priesthood, Authority of tlie
Millennium
Millennium, IsTo graves to be made in the
Miracles not to be required ....
Miracles wrought by faith ....
Ministering angels of the last days
Miraculous directors .....
Missouri the land of promise — Zion's location
Murderer, A, hath no forgiveness
PAGE
466
473
423
486
117
415
149
127
191
125
383
384
385
181
237
135
156
138
111
215
170
N.
Name of the Church ....
Nations shall tremble because of Zion
New translation of the scriptures
New Jerusalem .....
New Covenant ...
New name . . ...
New, All things to be made
New song ......
Newel Kight, Revelation to
Newel K. Whitney and others, Revelation to
413
243
440
189
131
461
145
298
210
415
Oath and Covenant of God
Officers, how to be ordained
Office of a Bishop .
Offences, how dealt with
Old covenants done away
Oneness necessary
One hundred to go to Zion
Order of Priesthood from Adam
Order of Enoch
Order in assemblies
Order of the school of the prophets
292
127
257
176
131
162
367
289
280
191
319
500
INDEX.
Ordination necessary .....
Orson Pratt, Eevelation to . .
Orson Pratt and others^ Eevelation concerning
PAGE
170
153
262
Parable of the twelve sons
Parable of the wheat and tares explained
Patten, David W., with Christ
Pattern to detect the spirits
Parents to teach their children
Partridge, Edward, Revelation to .
Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, Revelation lo
Particulars of ordination ....
Persecution, The cause of . .
Plates of ISTephi
Plural Marriage .....
Poor to be administered unto . . ,
Power of the Aaronic Priesthood .
Power to seal given . . .
Power of God in the ordinances of the Priesthood
Prayer, Revelation on
Prayers of the fathers answered ...
Pray always
Prayers to be observed ....
Prayer and prophecy ....
Preface to the Lord's commandments .
Presidents .....
Presidents, how ordained
Presidents of Deacons, Duty of
Presidents of Teachers, Duty of
Presidents of Priests, Duty of
Presidents of Elders, Duty of
Presidents of the High Priesthood, Duty of
Presidents of Seventies, Duty of
Priesthoods, Melchisedek and Aaronic
Priesthood, Revelation on
Priesthood of Moses
Priesthood promised
Pratt, Orson, Revelation to
Proclamation to Kings
Pride, Beware of ... .
Promised land ....
Preaching to be done in meekness
162
302
431
206
250
158
161
127
427
101
473
171
291
77
290
243
298
231
251
420
77
385
389
390
390
389
389
445
393
383
383
289
80
153
429
163
161
348
Q.
Questions answered on the revelations of St. John
Questions answered on prophecy ....
275
411
INDEX.
501
Rebellious to be cast out ....
Records kept back ....
Records to be kept
R corders of baptism for the dead
Reign of a thousand years
Revelations, through whom given
Revelation concerning the Twelve
Riches for the saints
Rigdon, Sidney, and others, Revelation to
Robbers and thieves, how dealt with. .
PAGE
242
91
130
451
'143
178
417
163
195
176
S.
Salvation God's greatest gift to man
Sacrament of the Lord's supper, how administered
Satan to be bound
Saints to organize, in civil capacity, according to law
Saints to sue for peace .....
Saints to travel, in America by land
Saints shall hardly escape
Sacred things to be spolien with care
Sabbath day to be kept holy
School of prophets in Zion ...
Seeing God . ...
Shaking off the dust of the feet
Sick, not appointed unto death, held by faith
Signs and wonders before the great day of the Lord
Signs to follow the believer ....
Signs come by faith ......
Silence in heaven .
Song of the righteou.'^, a prayer to God
Sons of Perdition, ISTo forgiveness for the
Sons of Moses and Aaron
Spirit and body, the soul of man .
Spirits innocent in the beginning
Standard
Standing High Councils in Zion
Stewardships, The law of
Stewardships Account of
Surplus means to be kept in the hands of the Bishop
Sword of Laban . .
90
128
188
182
381
230
23(i
238
224
338
328
263
173
186
294
233
315
137
268
291
307
331
183
387
268
253
204
111
T
Taking the name of Christ
Take no thought what ye shall say
Take neither purse nor script
115
296
296
502
INDEX.
Take no thought for the morrow ....
Temple, Commandment to build a ...
Temple to be reared in this generation
Temporal laws not given from God
Ten tribes. Return of the . ■ . . .
Testimony of earthquakes, &c. ....
Testimony of John (the baptist)
Testimony recorded in heaven, for angels to behold
Teach one another
Teachings of the Spirit, How to know
Terrestrial glory
Telestial glory
Thummim, Urim and
Tithing, Day of
Tithing, Revelation on .
Tithing, Disposition of
Titles of Josej^h Smith, Jr.
Truth, what it is
Transgressor not to partake of the sacrament
Transgression bringeth persecution
Translation, how to be done .
Trespassers to be forgiven
Trifle not with sacred things
Trumpets of the seven angels
PAGE
296
434
289
146
478
314
328
231
313
96
272
272
111
241
418
419
130
330
191
3«5
96
345
90
315
U
United order
Urim and Thummim
373
ni
V.
Vengeance cometh upon the wicke
Vision of three glories
Visions in tlie Kirtland Temple
View of the plates promised
Voice of warning to all people
340
265
404
111
77
W.
Wasli your feet against those who reject you
Waters cursed in tlie latter days
"War, Revelation and prophecy on
War among all people, except Zion
Wheat and tares. Revelation ex})hiining
White stone, — n LIriiii and Thummim .
AVicked slay the wicked
Wicked sealed up by the servants of God
,
227
229
304
190
302
461
, ,
235
.
77
INDEX.
503
Widows and orphans provided for
Wisdom to be sought
Word of the Lord shall not pass away
Word of the Lord to Joseph, while in Liberty jail
Word and will of the Lord to Brigham Young
Word of wisdom . ....
Wo to him that slayeth unnecessarily .
Wo unto deceivers and hypocrites
Wo unto him by M^hom offences come
Wo to them who reject you ....
PAGE
288
318
80
421
488
321
197
199
210
297
Y.
Year with God ....
Year of the redeemed
Years of accountability for children
Young, Revelation to President B.
310
480
128
488
Z.
Zion an ensign to the people .
Zion of Enoch taken by the Lord .
Zion to flourish before the Lord comes
Zion to be caught up ... .
Zion, The presence and glory of God in
Zion to be chastened . .
Zion, the pure in heart . . . .
Zion to be built up by the celestial law
Zion's Camp ......
>
184
.
198
298
340
32r>
340
378
367
^tfA
Smith, Joseph, 1805-1844.
The doctrine and covenants ^^
of the Church of Jesus ^]
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