q I I £ ^^mm \ H THE ftOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, CONTAINING THE REVELATIONS GIVEN TO OSEPH SMITH, JUN., THE PKOPHET, FOR THE BUILDING UP OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE LAST DAYS. DIVIDED INTO VERSES, WITH REFERENCES, 1ff By ORSON PRATT, gfck iu ■ & MAY 4 1 882 ^ -j> , .y ,) ot SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: ." Deseret News Company, Printers and Publishers i 83c. :-■ .„, „ A £° BY TR^^ F&K ^0* I " DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. LECTURES ON FAITH. LECTURE FIRST. On the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, originally delivered before a Class of the Elders, in Kirtland, Ohio. 1. Faith being the first 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 understanding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 2. In presenting the subject of faith, we shall observe the following order — 3. First, faith itself — what it is. 4. Secondly, the object on which it rests. And, 5. Thirdly, the effects which flow from it. 6. 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 word faith : _ 8. " Now faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of tilings not seen," B 2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. 1 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 intelli- gent 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 ceaae, both physical and mental. 11. Were this class to go back and reflect upon the history of their lives, from the period of their first re- collection, and ask themselves what principle excited them to action, or what gave them energy and activity 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 stimulate 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 would reap ? Would you have ever planted, if you had not believed that you would gather ? Would you have ever asked, unless you had believed that you would receive ? Would you have ever sought, unless you had believed that you would have found ? Or, would you have ever knocked, unless you had be- lieved that it would have been opened unto you ? In a word,, is there anything that you would have done, either physical or mental, if you had not previously believed ? Are not all your exertions of every kind, dependent on your faith ? Or, may w^e not ask, what LEO. I.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 3 have you, or what do you possess, which you have not obtained by reason of your faith ? Your food, your raiment, your lodgings, are they not all by reason of your faith ? Reflect, and ask 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 Saviour has said, and that truly, that " He that be- lieveth and is baptized, 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 w^orks, 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 principle 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 winters, and the lesson which they have been endeavouring to teach to man. 18. The Saviour 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 compiling 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 upon 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 mountain 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, w r rought righteousness, obtained pro- mises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the J violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out I of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, | turned to flight the armies of the aliens, and that women received their dead raised to life again, &c, &c| 21. Also Joshua, in the sight of all Israel, bade thq sun and moon to stand still, and it was done. Joshu^j x. 12. 22. We here understand, that the sacred writerl LEC. 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 spake by faith in the name of God, and the sun stood still, the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell, lions' mouths were closed, the human heart lost its enmity, fire its violence, armies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion ; and all this by reason of the faith which was in 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. Without it there is no power, and without power there could be no creation nor exist- ence ! QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE FOREGOING PRINCIPLES. What 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 re- spect to our end. Buck's Theological Dictionary, page 582. What is the first principle in this revealed science ? Faith. Lecture i. 1. Why is faith the first principle in this revealed science ? Because it is the foundation of all righteous- ness. Hebrews xi. 6 : " Without faith it is impossible G LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. I. to please God." 1 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 presenting 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 principle 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, secondly, 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 was called to go into a place which he should afterwards receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and 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 with 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 endured as seeing him who is invisible." Lecture i. 10, 11. Is not faith the principle of action in spiritual things as well as in temporal ? It is. How do you prove it ? Hebrews xi. 6 : " Without faith it is impossible to please God," Mark xvi. 16 : LEC. I.J LECTURES ON FAITH. 7 " He that believeth 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. What is it ? It is the principle of power also, lecture i. 13. How do you prove it ? First, it is the principle of power 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, by 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 people 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 day." 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. [LEG. I. the following verses : " And what shall I say more ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and oi 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, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword ; out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured, not accepting 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 existence ! Lecture i. 24. g^gt gf^ ^^g LEC. n.] 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 i. 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 things. 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 : "And I, the Lord God, took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it. And I, 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 cf 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 they should come unto LEC. 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, c I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I beheld that I was 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, c What is this thing which thou hast done ? ' And the woman said, ' The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat/ 16. 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. IT. desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 1 7. "And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said, 'Becauso 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 field. 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. 18. Two important items are shown from the former quotations. First, after man was created, he was 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 than he sought to hide himself from his presence. 20. Having shown, then, in the first instance, that God began to converse with man immediately after he IEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 13 u 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 unto 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 field, 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, 1 1 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, who 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 sepa- 14 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IL 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 respect. 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 I my brother's keeper?' And the Lord said, 'What hast thou done ? the voice of thy brother's blood cries unto 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. When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 15 strength. A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.' 29. " And Cain said unto the Lord, c 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 than 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 findeth me will slay 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." f 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 the 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 him 16 LECTURES ON FAITH, [LEG. II. the knowledge of the existence of a God ; and, through this means, doubtless, his posterity 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, w T as 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 partakers of his power and stand in his presence. 35. Let this class mark particularly, that the testi- mony which these men had of the existence of a God, was the testimony of man ; for previous to the time that any of Adam's posterity had obtained a manifesta- tion of God to themselves, Adam, their common father, had testified unto them of the existence of God, and of his eternal power and Godhead. 36. For instance, Abel, before he received the as- surance from heaven that his offerings were acceptable unto God, had received the important information of his father that such a Being did exist, who had created and who did uphold all things. Neither can there be a doubt existing on the mind of any person, that Adam was the first who did communicate the know- ledge of the existence of a God to his posterity ; and that the whole faith of the world, from that time down to the present, is in a certain degree dependent LEG. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 17 on the knowledge first communicated to them by their common progenitor ; and it has been handed down to the day and generation in which we live, as we shall show from the face of the sacred records. 37. First, Adam was 130 years old 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, 470 ; 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 he 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 bis death (verses 19, 20). And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah 300 years, making him c 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 ; Enosin the 1140th ; Cainan in the 1235th ; Mahalaleel in the 1290th ; Jared in the 1422nd ; Lamech in the 1651st ; and Methuselah in the 1656th, it being the same year in which the flood came. 42. So that Noah w^as 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, j: but upon what principle it was preserved ; that from ^ the time it was first communicated, it was retained in ^ the minds of righteous men, who taught not only their .j. own posterity but the world ; so that there was no Y 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. u 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 a born ; 98 years afterwards the flood came, being the e: , . - _ . *? * According to the Old Testament. For Enoch's age, Cl gee Covenants and Commandments, section 107. 49, LEO. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 1$ 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 Reu was born (xi. 18) ; Reu was 32 when Serug was born (xi. 20) ; Serug was 30 when Nahor was born (xi. 22) ; Nahor was 29 when Terah was born (xi. 24) ; Terah was 70 when Haran and Abraham were born (xi. 26). 47. There is some difficulty in the account given by Moses of Abraham's birth. Some have supposed that Abraham was not born until Terah was 130 years old. This conclusion is drawn from a variety of scriptures, which are not to our purpose at present to quote. Neither is it a matter of any consequence to us whether Abraham was born when Terah was 70 years old, or 130. But in order that there may no doubt exist upon any mind in relation to the object lying immediately before us, in presenting the 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 him 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. lieu 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 Nahor 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 w r hen 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 2049th, Terah in the 2083rd, Arphaxad in the 2096th, Salahin 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 the same time ; and that Abraham was 18 years old when Reu died, 41 when Serug and his LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 21 brother Nahor died, 75 when Terah died, 88 when Arphaxad died, 118 when Salah 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 hava 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 by reason of the manifestation which he first made to our father Adam, when he stood in his presence, and conversed with him face to face, at the time of his creation. 55. Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the impor- tant fact that there is a God, who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respect- ing his character and glory will depend upon their dili- 22 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II. gence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold liim face to face. 5S. We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it w T as, 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 testimony 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 independently ? 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 : " Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." Colossians 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 6 LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 23 rational and accountable beings center, for life and sal- vation ? He is. Hew 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 : i" 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 recompensed 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 : " Zion, that bringest good tidings ; (or, thou that tellest good tidings to Zion) get thee up into the high mountain ; Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings ; (or, 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 your God ! Behold the Lord your God will come with strong hand (or, against the strong) ; and his arm shall rule for him ; behold, his reward is with him, and his work 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 li. 24 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IL 15, 16 : "He (the Lord) hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understand- ing. When he uttereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth : he maketh 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 man at his creation ; the circum- stances in which he was placed, and the knowledge which he had 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 T it w T as that the first thoughts were suggested to the minds of men of the existence of God, and how extensively this knowledge was spread among the immediate descendants of Adam. Lecture ii. 30, 31, 32, 33. What testimony had the immediate descendants of LEC. II.] LECTURES 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 father, they were dependent upon the exercise of their own faith, for a knowledge of his character, perfections, and attributes. Lecture ii. 23, 24, 25, 26. Had any other of the human 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 men 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 w r as slain by his brother. What are their names ? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, and Lamech. How old was Adam when Seth was born ? One hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 3. How many years did Adam live after Seth was born ? Eight hundred. Genesis v. 4. 26 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. II. How old was Adam when he died ? Nine hundred and thirty years. Genesis v. 5. How old was Seth when Enos was born ? One hundred and five years. Genesis v. 6. How old was Enos when Cainan was born ? Ninety 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. 37. How many years, according to this account, was it from Adam to Noah? One thousand and fifty-six years. How old was Lamech when 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 forty- three years. How old was Enoch? Three hundred and eight years. How old was Jared ? Four 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. LEO. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 27 How old was Setli ? Eight hundred years. For this item of the account, see lecture ii. 38. How many of these noted men were cotemporary with Adam ? Nine. What are their names ? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah 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 ? Nine 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 ? Nine 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 ? Nine 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 ? Nine 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. 28 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. "What was Methuselah's age when he died ? Nine hundred and sixty-nine years. Genesis v. 27. How long did Lamech live after Noah was born ? Five hundred and ninety-five years. Genesis v. 30. "What was Lamech's age w T hen 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. LEC. 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. What 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. What 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 w r as 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. [EEC. II. What was Peleg's age when Reu was born ? Thirty- years. Genesis xi. 18. What was Reus agje when Serug was born ? Thirty- two years. Genesis xi. 20. What was Serug's age when Nahor was born? Thirty years. Genesis xi. 22. What was Nahor's age when Terah was born? Twenty-nine years. Genesis xi. 24. What was Terah'sjage when Nahor (the father 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 w T as 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. What number of years did Arphaxad live after Salah was born ? Four hundred and three years. Genesis xi. 13. What was Arphaxad's age w T hen he died ? Four hundred and thirty-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, LEC. II. J 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 Nahor 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 Nahor 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, 82 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. 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 Salah 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 Reu ? 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 w r as born when Terah was one hundred and thirty years old. What was his age when Serug and Nahor (Abra- ham's brother) died ? Forty-one years. LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 33 What was his age when Terah died ? Seventy-five years. What was his age when Arphaxad died ? Eighty- eight. What was his age when Salah died ? One hundred and eighteen 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. What are 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. 49. 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. D 34 LECTURES ON FAITH. [EEC. 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." What 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. €\£ IEC. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 35 LECTURE THIRD. 1. In the second lecture it was shewn 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 know- ledge 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. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfec- tions, and attributes. 5. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three 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. in. 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 prepared 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 : " The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are 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 LEC. m.] 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 remainest ; 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 perfect 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 w^hich 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 respecting the character of God : 38 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IH. 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 goodness, 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 divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could not exist ; for doubt would take the place of faith, and IEC. III.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 39 those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of the character of God, that he is slow to anger and long- 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. [LEO. m. authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the richest boon of heaven, because God is no respecter of persons, and that every man in every nation has an equal privilege. 24. And lastly, but not less important to the exer- cise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love ; for with all the other excellencies in his character, without this one to influence them, they could not have such powerful dominion over the minds of men ; but when the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who 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 given 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 the world. Lecture iii. 1. LEG. in.] 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 actually 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 42 LECTURES ON FAITH [LEC. ITL things : 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 enabled 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 not long-suffering, and full of compassion, gracious and merciful, and of a forgiving disposition, man would be cut off from before him, in consequence of which he would be in continual doubt and could not exercise LEC. 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 unto life and salvation ? It is ; because without this, he w^ould 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 was love, and if he did not love God he could not have faith in him. Lecture iii. 24. 44 LBCTUBE8 ox 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. E^£i|g£^ LEG. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 45 LECTURE FOURTH. 1. Having shown, in the third lecture, that correct deas of the character y 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 ternal 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 ternal 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 n him unto eternal life. 3. Having said so much, we shall proceed to ex- imine 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 power 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 — Knowledge. Acts xv. 18 : " Known unto God are all his w r orks 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 lxxxix. 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 Saviour." Zephaniah iii. 5 : " The just Lord is in the midst thereof," Zechariah i.x. 9 : "Rejoice greatly, LEC. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 47 daughter of Zion ; shout, daughter of Jerusalem ; behold" thy King cometh unto thee : he is just and having salvation." 8. Fourthly — Judgment. Psalm lxxxix. 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 lxxxix. 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 lxxxix. 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, iis 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, 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. [LEO. IV. existing in the 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, believing that he has power to save all who come to him to the very uttermost. 13. It is also necessary, in order to the 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 attribute in the Deity, it would be impossible for men to exercise faith in him for life and LEC. 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 afflictions 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 vail 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, afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness' sake. But when the idea of the existence of this attribute is once established in the mind it gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints, believing that the mercy of God will be poured out 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 important to the ex* 50 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. IV. ercise of faith in God, i.s 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. 17. Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the before-mentioned attributes in the Deity, and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure 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 afflictions 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 will be LEC. IV.] LECTURES 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, to-day, 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 third 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 cha- racter, 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 oi the attributes ot 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. LECTURES ON FAITH. 53 xxow do you 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 ? They 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 a LECTURE FIFTH. 1. In our former lectures Ave 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 LEC. V.J 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, w r hich 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, and fullness — 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. [LEO. 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 Spirit, 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 personages 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 from 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, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." Lecture v. 2. What is the Father ? He is a personage of glory and of power. Lecture v. 2. LEO. V.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 57 How do you prove that the Father is a personage of glory and of power? Isaiah lx. 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, 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 lxxix. 9 : "Help us, 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, 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 : "Je saith unto him, ' Have I been so long time with yon, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip ? He that hath 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 dwelleth in me 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 personage 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 Avhom 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 : LEO. V.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 59 for by him wore all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities 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 possess the fullness of the Father? He does. Colossians i. 19, ii. 9 : " For it pleased 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 fills all in all." Why 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 : and lo, 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 60 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. V. of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." 1 Corinthians ii. 7 : " But we speak 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 I (Christ) came down from heaven, not to do my own will, .but the will of him that sent me." John x. 30 : " I (Christ) and my Father are one." 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 paragraphs to memory. LEO. VI. J 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 ancient saints to endure all their afflictions 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 IECTURES ON FAITII. [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 worship God according to his revelations, re- ceive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will ; and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him, neces- sary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear 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 e •sinvmaoo (isv oraiooa EC. VI.] LECTURES ON FAITH. G3 this only, that God has ordained that men should en- joy eternal life ; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are 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 circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. 8. It is in vain for persons to fancy to 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 shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me ; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice." 10. Those, 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 LECTURES 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. 11. All the saints of whom we have account, in all the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his sight 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. ' i This Lecture is so plain, and the facts set forth so self- evident that it is deemed unnecessary to form a catechism upon it : the student is, therefore, instructed to commit the whole to memory. LLC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. C5 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 F G6 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. VII. commanded, 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 Saviour 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 pow T er necessary to enable them to do the will of God. 5. It is only necessary for us to say that the whole visible creation, as it now exists, is the effect of faith. It was faith by which it was framed, and it is by the power of faith that it continues in its organized form, and by which the planets move round their orbits and sparkle forth their glory. So, then, faith is truly the first principle in the science of theology, 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 perforin their works, and by which they enjoy all their felicity, we might expect to find it set forth in a revelation from God as the principle upon which his creatures here below must act iu 'order to LEC. VIL ] 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 eternity without it, seeing that all the blessings of eternity are the effects of faith. 7. Therefore it is said, and appropriately too, that " Without faith it is impossible to please God/' If it should be asked — Why is it 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 bo persons who can work by 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 must 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 eternal life, and the other's has not. But to be a little more particular, let us ask — Where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be 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 w T here 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 LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. G9 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 they 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 Saviour 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 found from what is before quoted from John's epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him ; and if they are not holy, as he is holy, and perfect, as he is perfect, they cannot be like him ; for no being can enjoy his glory without possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than they could reign in his kingdom without his power. 11. This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Saviour's saying, recorded in John's testimony, xiv. 12 : " Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that belie veth 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 Saviour's prayer, recorded in the seven- teenth chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions. He says in the 20, 21, 22, 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 w T hich thou 70 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. VIL 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 world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me : for thou 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 the}' 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 Saviour 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 Saviour 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 they have never could be enjoyed by them, for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it ; and if the Saviour 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 Saviour'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 Saviour 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. VII. all i tried 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 endeavouring 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. Wherefore ? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law ; for they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans ix. 32. And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented him cast out : "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that belie veth." Mark ix. 23. These with a multitude of other scriptures which might be quoted plainly set forth the light in which the Saviour, 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 Saviour 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 might believe he LIT. 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 familiarwith 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. VII. the mind of any individual. He says that all things that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them through the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the 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 know- ledge ; and, having power by faith to obtain the know- ledge 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 w T hich 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 LEC. 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 train 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 w r ell 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 w r isdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent — whom to know is eternal life. Amen. 7G 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, ye people of a 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 6 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. SO : 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, 26. 73 : 1. 75 : 23, 24. 76 : 54. 77 : 5, 11. 78 : 1, 4. 81 : 1. 82 : 18, 21. 83 : 1—6. 84 : 2, 17. 86 : 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, 50. 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. b, 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. BJSC, I.] COMMANDMENTS. 77 ' 4. And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths 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, inhabitants of the earth. 7. Wherefore, fear and tremble, 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 ; 12. Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is e 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. /, 1 : 14. 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. m ! 14—16. Rev. 19 : 11-21. 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 prophets and apostles, shall be ^cut off from among the people ; 15. For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have A 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, Hvhich 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, iun., 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 prophets ; 19. The %eak 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 Saviour 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. 83 : 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. Isakh 24 : 5, 6. ?\ 29 : 21. 35 : 11. 86 : 3—7. 8S : 94, 105. 101 : 65, &o. 133: 5, 7, 14. }, vers. 23,24. 35 : 13. 124 : 1. I. Corinth. 1 : 26-29. k y 22 : 1, 3. 39 : 11. 45 : 9. 49 : 9. 6(5: 2. 76 : 69, 101. 78 : 11. 82 : 15. 81 : 40, 41. 48, 57, 99. S3 : 131, 133. 98 : 14, 15. 101 : 39. 104 ; 4, 6. 107 ; 19. 132: 4, 0, 10, 20, 27, 41, 42. CEC. I.] COMMANDMENTS. 79 23. That the fullness of my gospel might bo pro- claimed by the weak and the simple 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 w r ere 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 were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it w 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. 1,1'. 20. 3 : 12. 6 : 4, 30, °,1. 6 : 25, 28. : 12. 10 : 1—4. 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 13, 30, 31, 34, 41, 45. 17 ; 0. 20 : 8. 21 : 1. 37 ! 1. 77 j 16. 00 : 13. $3 ; 53, 107 : 92. 124 : 126, m, sco a, 80 COVENANTS AND [SEC. II. 34. And again, verily I say unto you, inhabitants of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto n 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 ?Idumea, or the w T orld. 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 an angel, to Joseph Smith, while 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 5 coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord ; n, see b. o, 87 : 1, 2, 6. 112 : 24. p, 38 : 11. o, sec f, and j r, 45 : 23. 57 : 11. a, 27 : 0, 35 ; 4, 93 ; 16, 17. 110 ; 13, 14, 123 ; 17, 133 ; 55, b, see e, 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 r 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 Smith, jun., given in Harmony, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, July, 1828, concerning certain Manuscripts on the First Part of the Book of Mormon, which had been taken from the possession of Martin Harris. 1 . The works, and the designs, and the 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 a 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 : 10. 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 wilt 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. Except 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 5 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. Nevertheless my work shall go forth, for inas- much as the knowledge of a Saviour has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Saviour come unto my people, b, see 7, 1 : 29. c, Rom. 11 ; 30, 31* SEC. IV.] COMMANDMENTS. 83 17. And to the ^Nephites, 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 e 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 Nephites, 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 7i their repentance they might be saved. Amen, SECTION 4. Revelation, through Joseph, the Seer, to Joseph Smith, 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. g, 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, 0: 1. 18 : 44. 33 ; 12. 76 : 114. 121 : 12. 84 COVENANTS AND [.SEC. V. 2. Therefore, 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 6 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, humility, diligence. 7. c Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. SECTION 5. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Har- mony, Susquelianna 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 6, 11 : 3. 12 : 3. 14 : 3. 33 : 3, 7. 101 : 64. C, 4 : 7. 6 : 5, 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, 31. G0 1 9. 75 : 27. 88 : 63—65, 83. 101 : 27. 103 : 31, 35. 132 : 40. SEC. V.] COMMANDMENTS. 85 God, and have 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 a 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 you should pretend to no other gift, until my purpose is fulfilled in this ; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished. 5. Verily, I say unto you, that c 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. ! this unbelieving and stiffhecked 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 ^through 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 I. 1 : 29. fc, see/ and r/, Sec. 1. d, 20 : 2. 21 : 10, 11. 43 : 7. 113 : 5, G. 124 : 57, 58, 125. 132 : 7, 19, 44—49. e, see I, Sec. 1. /, vcr. lo. Sec. 17 : 2. 27 : 12. Ether 5 : 3, 4. Book of Mor. p. v. 86 COVENANTS AND [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 Jvisit with the manifestation of my Spirit, and they shall be *born of me, even of z water and of the ^Spirit. 17. And you must wait yet a little while, for ye are not yet ordained ; 18. And their testimony shall n also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them ; 19. For a Mesolating 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 -^bright- ness of my coming. g, None others, in this generation, to receive a testimony of the same kind as the three : but may receive a knowledge by other manifestations. h, see a, Sec. 1. i, 105 : 31. 109 : 73. j, 8:1. 18 : 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. S4 : 64, 74. wi, 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, sec e, Sec. 1. SEC. V.] COMMANDMENTS. 87 20. Behold, I tell you these things, even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem, and my word shall be Verified at this time as it hath hitherto been verified. 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, r 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 sufficiently 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 f view of the things which he desires to see. 25. And then he shall say unto the people of this generation, behold, I have seen the things which the Lord has shown unto Joseph Smith, 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. 28. 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, 17 : 1. See testimon}- of the Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon. 88 COVENANTS AND [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 tilings of which I have spoken. 29. And if this bo the case, I command you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter. 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 ; 35. And if thou art faithful in keeping my com- mandments, thou shalt be ^lifted up at the last day. Amen. u, 9 : 14. 17 : 8. 27 : 18. 52 : 44. 75 : 10, 22. I. Nep. 13 : 37. 16 : 2. Alma 26 : 7. 36 : 28. 38 : 5. hi. 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 c 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 repentance unto this genera- a, see a, Sec. 4. 6, 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 : C. 12 : 6. 14 : 6. 39 : 13. S4 : 2—5. 101 : C9— 71, 75. 103 : 11—24, 34, 35. 105 : 27—20. 113 : 7, 8. 115 : 5, 6. 133 : 9. 90 COVENANTS AND [SBC. VI. tion : 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, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and conieth from above : 11. And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries 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 w T ays. 12. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not w T ith 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 instruction 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 /, 11 : 7. U : 7. i. Nep. 15 : 36. 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. Verily, 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 t6 light, g, 10 : 57. 11 : 29. 39 : 3. 45 : 8. 133 : 66. h, 10 : 58. 11 : 11, 28. 12 : 9. 14 : 9. 34 : 2. 39 : 2. 45 : 7, 28, 36. 50 : 24, 25, 27. 84 : 45, 46. 80 : 11. 88 : 6-13, 49, 50, 56-58, 67. 93 ; 9. 103 : 9. t, see I. 1 : 29. ?', vers. 27, 28. 92 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VL 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 w r ords, 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. Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, n 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 rew r ard. 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, perforin with soberness the work which I have commanded you ; 36. Look unto me in every thought ; doubt not, fear not ; 7c, vers. 20, 27. I 5 : 11, 15. 18 : 34, 66. 42 : SO, 81. 76 : 22. 12S : 3. m, reject not the Book of Mormon. n, 29 : 6. 84 : 1. o, 10 : 09. 11 : 10, 24. 18 : 4, 17. 33 : 13. 50 : 44. v*-* 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 Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parch- ment, icritten 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 a 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. m. Nep. 28 : 6. John 21 : 20—25. Rev. 10 : 11. b> John 21 : 20-25. 94 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VIII. he shall minister for those who c 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. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829. 1. Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so 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 a 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, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction. c, Heb. 1 : 14. a, see I, Sec. 1. SEC. IX.] COMMANDMENTS. 95 5. ! 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 6 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. And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you, by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it : 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 c 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 &, vers. 7, 8, 9. c, see I, Sec. 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. Do 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 ; P*« 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 you 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 past, and it is not expedient now ; 12. For, do ye not behold that I have given unto a, Records 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 Smith, jun. y in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May, 1829, informing him of the alteration 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 c 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 ; b, see u, Sec. 5. a, 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 hQ SEC. X.] COMMANDMENTS. 99 translates again, or in other words, if lie bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, 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 wicked- ness 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 tha^ 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, I 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. 40. And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi is more particular concerning the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring to the knowledge of the people in this account ; 41. Therefore, you shall translate the engravings which are on the Opiates 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, c 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 6, Small plates of Nephi. c. Enos 1 : 12-18. Mor. 8 : 24—20. 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 d 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 unto 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 e my own, and my own received me not. 58. I am the light which ^shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. d, see a, Sec. 1. e, see g, Sec. 0. /, see h, Sec. <3. 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 ; 61. 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, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the A 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, 6(j. 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, whosoever is of my church, g, John 10 : 16. in. Nep. 15 : 16—24. h, i. Nep. 13 : 84—42. 14 : 1, 2. % t in. Nep. 11 : 28—41. j, 29 : 2, 7, 8, 27. 31 : 8. 33 : 6. 38 : 31. 39 : 22. 42 : 36, 64. 43 : 24. 45 : 25, 43. 67 : 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. XL and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the 'gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 70. And now, remember the words of him who is the 7?l 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 6 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 c 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 ^ring forth and establish the cause of Zion. 7. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and, behold, l, 18 : 5. 21 : 6. 33 : 13. 98 : 22. m, see h } Sec. 6. a, see a, Sec. 4. b, see b, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e, Sec. 0. V^ SEC. XI.] COMMANDMENTS. 105 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 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 e 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 me, 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. XL 18. Keep my commandments, hold your peace, appeal unto my Spirit ; 19. Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which have been spoken ; yea, the translation of my work ; be patient until you shall accomplish it. 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; 22. But now hold your peace, study my word which Hiath 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 be 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 A 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 *life 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, oeeg, Sec 1. L see ?kj Sec. 6. j, see g % Sec. Q. vw t 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, tlie 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 marrow ; therefore, give heed unto my word. 3. Behold, the field is 6 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 c 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, fc, 34 : 3. 39 : 4. 42 : 52. 45 : 8. 76 : 58. a, see a, Sec. 4. &, see b, Sec. 4. c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see e f 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) spoken to Joseph Smith, jr., and Oliver Cowdery, as he {the angel) laid his hands upon their heads and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood, in Harmony, Susque- hanna 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 6 keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of c 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 rf again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. SECTION 14. Revelation given to David Whitmer, through Joseph, the Seer y in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 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. &, 84 : 26. 107 : 20. c, 18 : 22, 29, 30, 41, 42. 19 : 31. 20 : 25, 37—42, 72—74. 22 : 2. 33 : 11. 35 : 5, 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. Vwjc 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 c ask of me you shall re- ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 6. Seek to d bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things ; 7. And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end, you 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 #hear 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 %id in darkness ; 10. Wherefore, I must l *bring forth the fullness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. 11. And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist ; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye b, see &, 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 : 5 — 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, but when it goes to Israel, it will be seen in its brilliancy. i, 18 : 26. 19 : 27. 20 : 9. 21 : 12. 32 : 1, 2. 38:33. 90:9. 107:34. 112:4. 133:8 110 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XV., XVL shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen. SECTION 15. Revelation given to John Whitmer, 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 Redeemer, 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, New 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 a 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. Bevelation 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 tlie Book 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 Mew of the plates, and also of the ^breastplate, the c sword of Laban, the d 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 e 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, n. Nep. 11. Ether 5:4. 6, 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, n. Nep. 5; 12. Alma 37: 38-47. 112 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIIL 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 you shall 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 ^has 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. 9. 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 known the calling of Twelve Apostles in these last days ; and, also, in- structions relative to Building up the Church of Christ, according to the fullness of the gospel. Given in Fayette, Neiv York, June, 1829. 1. Now, behold, because of the thing which you, /, see I, See. 1. g } see I, Sec. 10. h, see u, Sec. 5. SEC. X VIII. J COMMANDMENTS. Il3 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 wTitten 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 "rny 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 c gates 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. 5, 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, 15, 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. 60 : 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. Ill : 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 l t Sec. 10. tf, as commanded of God, by the angel, John the Baptist. I 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 e 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 you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father ? 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. A Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the A '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 t 86 : 41. 18 : 11. 19 ; 18. n. Nep. 9 : 5, 7, 21. Mos. 3 : 7, 14. 15 : 10. Alma 7 : 11—13. 11 : 40, 22 : 14. 34 ; 8—15. Hela. 14 : 15—17. m. Nep. 9 : 22. 11 : 11, 14, 15. 27 : 14, 15. Mor. 9 : 13, 14. /, see h, Sec. 3. g, see &, Sec. 18. h, see c, Sec. 4. i, see m, Sec. 5. h 1 Nep. 13 ; 5, 6, 26, 28, 32, 34. 14 ; 3, 9-17. ■ SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 115 21. Take upon you the *naine of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness ; 22. And as many as Repent, 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 Qgo into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature ; 29. And they are they who are ordained of me to r 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 sufficient for you : you must walk uprightly before me and sin not. k, Mos. 5 : 9—14. 26 : 18, 24. Alma 5 : 38. 34 : 38. in. Nep. 27 : 5—9. Mor. 8 : 38. I, see h, Sec. 3. m, see I, Sec. 5. n, see k y Sec. 18. o, 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. . q, 107 : 23, 24, 33, 35, 38, 39, 58. 112:1,14,21. 118. 124:127-130. r, see I, 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. 40. And you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name ; 41. And you must preach unto the world, saying, you must ^repent 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 r years of accountability. 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 T s, 20 : 60. Moro. 3 : 1—4. t, see A, Sec. 3. u, see l t Sec. 5. V, 29 ; 47. 78 ; 25—27. _ w, 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 Beer, to Martin Harris, given {Manchester, New York, March, 1830) by Him who is eternal. 1. I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord ; yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end, the 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 a 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 ; %, fullness of Celestial glory. a, 20 : 24. 49 : 6. 63 : 59. b, 29 : 27—30, 44, 45. i. John 3 : 8 c, eee h t Sec. 3. d t 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 A 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, %ave 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. g, vers. 10, 11. 29 : 44. 76 : 44. h, vers. 11, 12. 29 : 44. 76 : 44. t, ver. 10. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. j, ver. 10. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. Ic } see e, Sec. 18. Vwjc SEC. XIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 119 17. But if they would not repent, they must suffer 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 of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my spirit. 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 w 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 w 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 my °word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a ^rem- l, see e, Sec. 18. m, 41 : 6. n, 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 Saviour, 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 freety 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. w Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing ; yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof. q, see 5, Sec. 18. r, see h, Sec. 3. s, see h, Sec 3. f, 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 wisely before me ? yea, come unto me thy Saviour. Amen. SECTION 20. Revelation on Church Government, given through Joseph the Prophet, in April, 1830. 1. The a rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being 6 one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour 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 c 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 d apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church ; 3. And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an e 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 Saviour 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, Sec. 1. &, A.D. 1830. 21 : 3. c, 21 : 3. d, 1 : 14. 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 w r ere 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 yesterday, 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 %eard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to wiiom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. /, 20 : 6, 12, 35. 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. <7, see d, Sec. 17. h, see &, Sec. 18. i, see /, Sec. 5. j, ver. 17. 8 : 12. 35 : 1. 38 : 1—4. 39: 1. 68 : 6. 76 : 4. k, 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 and female, 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 r baptized 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, l, 5 : 11-14, 25, 26. 76: 22, 23. 88: 49. 93: 11—17. 110: 2, 3. 121: 28. 128 : 23. 133 : 3. m, see a, Sec. 39. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 17, 19. w, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 5, 6, 13, 34. Ether 3 : 16. o, 18 : 11. 21: 9. 34 : 3. 35 : 2. 45 : 4, 52. 76 : 41. p, 18 : 12. 45 : 52. 133 : 55. q, 19 : 23, 24, 31. 20 : 29. 34 : 34. 35 : 2. 38 : 4. 42 : 1. 45 : 5, 8. 49 : 5, 12. 76 : 51. 86 : 50—52, 74, 89. 112 : 19. r, see I, Sec. 5. 8, 39 : 3. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 16, 20. r, 21 : 2. 6 : 10—12. 8 : 2—4. 11 : 10—21. 18: 33—35. 20 : 10, 11, 26. 21 : 2. 24 : 5. Ill : 8. 124 : 4, 5. 124 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 27. As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the w 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 eternal, without end. Amen. 29. And we 2/know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. 30. And we z knowthat justification through thegrace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true ; 31. And we 2a know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength. 32. But there is a possibility that man may 2 6 f all 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 2c know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither 2d 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 2e 'commandment to the u, 5 : 31. 6 : 10—13, 27, 28. 8 : 4—8. 10 : 2, 18. 11 : 10. 14 : 7. 18 : 32. 20 : 27, 60. 136 : 37. y, 1 : 39. 42 : 17. 76 : 23, 26. w, ilma 11 : 44. in. Nep. 11 : 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, see I. z, see I. 2a, see I. 2 b, 85 : 2, 11. 130 : 23. 2 c, see I. 2d, 68 : 34. 93 : 24, 25. 124 : 120. 2 e, 15 : 6. 16 : 6. 18 : 27. 20 : 37, 72. 33 : 11. 49 : 12, 13. 76 : 51, 52. 84 : 76. 6EC. 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 mani- fest 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, deacons, and members of the church of Christ. — An 2 ^apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to 2 ^baptize. 39. And to 2A ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, 40. And to administer 2 ^read 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 27 4ed by the Holy Ghost, according to the com- mandments and revelations of God. 46. The priest's 2 *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, 16, 38. 21 : 1, 11, 12. 105 : 27. 2g, 18 : 29. 2 h, 18 : 32. 2 i, vers. 68, 69, 75—79. 27 : 2—5. 2 j, ver. 43. 33 : 11. 34 : 15. 35 : 6. 39 : 6, 23. 52 : 10. 53 : 3. 55 : 1—3. 68 : 25. 2 k, 46 : 2. i. Nep. 13 : 37. Moro. 6:9. 2,1. vers. 46—52. 84 : 111. 107; 20,01. ." 126 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 48. And he may also 2 ™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 2n assist the elder if occasion requires. 53. The teacher's duty is to 2o 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 ba 2 2ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him ; and he is to be ordained by the 2r 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 25 conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint ; 2 m, he cannot ordain to an office higher than that of a Priest. 2 w, 107 : 5, 14. ' 2 o, 84 : 111. 2p, 84 : 111. 2 q, 18 : 32. Moro. 3 : 1—4. 2r, 18 : 32. Moro. 3 ; 1-4. 2 s, ver. 62. |gEC. XX.] 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 2 licenses from I other elders, by 2w vote of the church to which they I belong, 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 2l; 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 2w 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 2a 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 2 ^direction of a High Council or general conference. 68. The duty of the members after they are received by baptism. — The elders or priests are to have a suffi- cient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, 22 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 Scriptures — walking in holiness before the Lord. 2 1, ver. 64. 2 u, vers. 65, 66. 26 : 2. 104 : 64, 71, 72, 76. 2 0, yer. 63. 2w, see 2 u, Sec. 20. 2 x, see 2w, Sec. 20. 2?/, 68 : 15-21. 102:1-3. 107:22,91,92. 118:1. 2*, ver. 69. 46:4—6. 59:12. * Verses 65, 06, and 67 were added sometime after the others. 128 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 70. Every member of the church of Christ 3a 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 3& years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. 72. 3c Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent : — 73. The person who is called of God, and has autho- rity from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name — Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 74. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. p^ 75. It is expedient that the church 3, first direct command to gather. a.ver.2. 67; 2. 121; 2,24. 160 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVIII. 2. The same which ^knoweth all things, for all things are c 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 d 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 I 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, 36. ; 121 : 24. c, see a. d, 84 : 99, 100. e t 88 : 99. f, see e. g, see e t Sec. 1. h t see x, Sec. 35. i t 88 : 95. Pearl of Great Price, p 20. ?, see f. SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 161 is pained, and the Mangels are waiting the great com- mand to reap down the earth, to gather the *tares that they may be burned : and, behold, 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 m 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 ^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 k, SG: 3-7 1,86. 7. 83 : 94. 101: 66. 133: C3 64. m , see x, s< c. 35. n, Acts 10 : 34. T. Pet. 1: 17. °i 52 2. 57 1, 2, 5, 7, p, 56: 20. 57: 5. 63 : 20, 48, 40. M 162 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXVTTL you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your Law-giver, and what can stay my hand ? 23. But, verily, I say unto you, teach one another according to the office w T herewith I have appointed you, 24. And let every man esteem ?his 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 upon his sons and saith I am just. ! 27. Behold, this I have given unto you a parable, and it is even as lam: I say unto you, be one ; and if ye are r 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 ^hearts 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 j 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. 83 : 123. r, 19 : 9. 01 : 8. s, 5 : 32, 33. 10 : 6, 25. 38 : 13. 42 : 64. 89 : 4. 117 : 11, t, 45 : 26, 63. 87 : 1—5. 130 : 12. u x see j, Sec. 10. SEC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 163 commandment that ye should v go to the Ohio ; and there I will give unto you my ^law ; and there you Bhall be ^endowed with power from on high ; 33. And from thence, whomsoever I will, shall ^go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do ; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whither- soever I will, and no power shall stay my hand. 34. And now I give unto the church in these parts, a commandment that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the church ; 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 2 niches of eternity ; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give ; but beware of pride, lest ye 26 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 b, Sec. 37. w, see Sec. 42. x, 39 : 15. 43 : 16. 95 : 8. 108 : 4. y, see q, Sec. 18. z, ver. 32. 39 : 15. 95 : 8, 9. 105 : 18, 33. 110 : 9, 10. 124 : 36—44. 2 a, 11 : 7. 68: 31. 78: 18, 2&, the Nephites were destroyed through wickedness. 1G4 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. Bevelation 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 a from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus Christ, 2. 6 The light and the life of the world ; a light which c 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, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee : a, 29 : 33. 61 : 1. 76 : 4. 88 : 6—13. 93 : 8—10. &, see h, Sec. 6. c, see h, Sec. 6. d, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 16, 20. e, see k, Sec. 11. /, see b, Sec. 18. 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 -7'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 m 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 my 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. j, see a, Sec. 1. k, see e, Sec. 6. L 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 bo 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 houj 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, I 'come quickly. Even so. Amen. SECTION 40. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, given in Fayette, New York, January, 1831, ex- plaining why James Covill obeyed not the revelation which was given unto him. 1. Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covill was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word. n, see 1c, Sec. 24. o, see &, Sec. 18. p, see e t Sec. 1. q, see e, Sec. 1. r t see j, Sec. 10. . s, see 2;, Sec. 20. t t see e, Sec. 1. SEC. XLI.] COMMANDMENTS. 167 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 Seer, in Kirtland, Ohio, February Uh, 1831. 1. Hearken and hear, ye my people, saith the Lord and your God, ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest blessings, ye that hear me ; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the a heaviest of all cursings. 2. Hearken, 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 6 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 c come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is kept. 5. He that receiveth my ^aw 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 <\Sec. 1. d, ver. 6. 1G8 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 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., should have a house built, in which to live and translate. 8. And again, it is meet that my servant Sidney Rigdon should live as seemeth him good, inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments. 9. 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. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 9th, 1831. 1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, who have assembled yourselves together in my name, even Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, the Saviour of the world : inasmuch as they believe on my name and keep my commandments, e, first Bishop in the Church. EEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 169 2. Again, I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the fl 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 c 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 d 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 office wherewith I have appointed him. And it shall come to pass, that if he transgress, another shall be appointed in his stead. Even so. Amen. 11. Again, I say unto you, that it shall not be giveu a, Sec. 42. 6, see h } Sec. 3. c, see a, Sec. 1. d, see d, Sec. 28. 170 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 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 they 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 ^receive 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 ^know r eth all things, and l b>eareth 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 -^'not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come. 19. And again, I say, thou shalt not kill ; but he that killeth shall die. 20. Thou shalt not steal ; and he that stealeth and will not repent, shall be cast out. 21. Thou shalt not He ; he that Ueth 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. And he that looketh upon a woman *to lusi e, see b, Sec. 18. /, 50 : 17, 18. g, vers. 56—58. h, 75 : 10. 88 : 41. 93 : 23—28. i, I. John, 5 : 6— S. in. Nep. 11 : 32, 35, 36. j, vers. 19, 79. k, 49 : 15—17. 75 : 28. 83 : 2. 132 : 62. l t 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 knowest 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," in the 34th verse. 172 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL received by consecration, inasmuch as is sufficient 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, thai 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- I house, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the ^High Council of the church, and | the bishop and his council, 35. And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the I public benefit of the church, and building houses of I worship, and building up of the ^New Jerusalem which f is hereafter to be revealed, 36. That my Covenant people may be gathered in I one in that day when I shall s 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, andl shall not receive again that which he has consecrated I 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 byl the mouths of my prophets, shall be fulfilled ; for II will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace myl 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 thyl heart ; let all thy 'garments be plain, and their beauty| the beauty of the work of thine ow n hands ; p,102:l— 34. 120:1. q, vers. 9, 62, 67. 28:9. 45:66—71. 52:43. 57:| 2, 14. 58 : 7, 13. r, the remnant of Joseph. s t see d, Sec. 36, t f 95 : 13 f SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 173 41. And let all things be done in cleanliness before me. 42. Thou shalt tt 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 r 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 w 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 z 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 shalt 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. i\ 42 : 44, 48—52. 59 : 16—22. 89 : 10, 11. w, 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. C8 : 10. T 174 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL I 54. Thou shalt not take thy brother's garment ; thou shalt 2a pay for that which thou shalt receive of thy brother ; 55. And if thou obtainest 2& 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 2c Scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety ; 57. And it is expedient that thou shouldst 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 2d 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, 2c thou shalt receive revela- tion upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou may est 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 2f where 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 goeth to the east, 2a, 51 : 10—12. 2b, vers. 33, 34. 51 : 13. 70 : 7. 72 : 10. 82 : 18. 101 : 96. 119: 1. 2c, the inspired translation of the Bible. 2d, 45 : 60, 61. 94 : 10. 124 : 89. 2 e, vers. 65, 67. 59 : 4. 76 ; 7. §8'. 77—79. X21 : 26—33, 2/, see a. SEC. XLLT.] COMMANDMENTS. 175 beach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, md this in consequence of that which is coming on ;he earth, and of ^secret combinations. 65. Behold, thou shalt observe all these _ things, md great shall be thy reward ; for unto you it is given bo 2A know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them. 66. Ye shall observe the laws which ye have re- ceived and be faithful. 67. 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. f Behold, verily I say unto you, that whatever persons among you, having put away their companions for the 2 ^cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that this is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you ; 2#, see s, Sec. 38. 2 h, see 2e. 2i, Revealed Laws. 2 j, see x, Sec. 35. 2 k, i. Cor. 5 : 9—13. 6 : 9, 13—20. * The words "or High Priests" were added by the Prophet some years after, t Verses 74 to 93 inclusive, were given some days after the first 73 verses. 176 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLIL 75. But if ye shall find that any persons have left their companions for the 2 *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 2 ™no forgiveness, and it shall be proven according to the laws of the land. 80. And if any man or woman shall 2n 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. 2?/i, vers. 18, 19, . 2?i, 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 2o 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 2 ^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 2 ?many, he or she shall be chastened before many. 91. 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 2r 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 oi her. 93. And thus shall ye conduct in all things. . SECTION 43. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, February, 1831. 1. hearken, ye elders of my church, and give an ear to the words which I shall speak unto you ; 2o, ver. 23. 43 : 11. 2p, 20 : 80. 2q, that all may see that there is justice in the church. 2r, confession and repentance, intended to be as extensive as the offence. 178 ' COVENANTS AND [SEO. XLIH. 2. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a a law 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 5 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, w r hich I have given ; 9. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall d 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. &, see 2tf, Sec. 20, 28 ; 11, 12, 13, c t see &. d,83; 127-141. J. V * sec. xlulY commandments. 179 much as ye do it 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 prayer 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 e 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 sh&U 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. l;ll. 45:40. 63:5..— ft, see e, Sec. 21. * i t see l % Sec. 29.^-- j } see&, Sec. l.fZ}.. ^ ~"- " "— ' 180 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 w utter his voice out of heaven, saying, Hearken, ye nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you. 24. 0, ye nations of the earth, how often would I have ^gathered you together as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not ? . 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 an 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 r k, ver. 25%,. I, ver. 25. M%S£^ n, 133 : 8 — 15. p t vers. 21n & see Jc t Sec. 24, SEC. XLIV.] 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 r Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come ; 31. For s Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again, he shall only reign for a kittle season, and then cometh the u 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 fire ; 33. And the wicked shall go away into ^oinquench- 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 Saviour 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 commandments. Even so. Amen. SECTION 44. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, given in 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 q, 1 : 36. 66 : 63. 84 : 119. 88 : 17, 26. r, 29 : 11, 22. s, 88 : 110. 101 : 28. t, 29 : 22. u, see t, Sec. 88. v, 88 : 20, 28. w } see t, Sec. 88. x, 29 : 28. See e and /, Sec. 19. 182 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XIV. 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 6 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 c law which ye have received. Amen. SECTION 45. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 1th, 1831. 1. Hearken, ye people of my church to whom the a 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. 5, that the civil officers may be good men, and not persecutors. c, see Sec. 4& 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 c 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 w r hich 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, 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 d 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 &, 56 : 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. g> seeg, Sec. 6. h, see k, Sec. 1. i, ver. 28. 1 : 29. 3 : 16—20. 5 : 15, 16. 10 : 45—53. 20 : 8—12. 64 : 42. 113 : 6. 115 ; 5. ;, see i. 184 v COVENANTS AND . fsEC. XLV. eometh 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 j^our 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 y 84 : 99, 100. 133 : 54. I, vers. 43, 51—53. m, Luke 20 : 16. 21 : 23, 24. SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 185 thrown down that there shall not be left n 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 w r hen 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 ^whole 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 slight shall break forth among them that sit in dark- ness, and it shall be the dullness 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 f 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. Rom. 11 : 25—27. p, vers. 33, 63, 31, 49, 50. Luke 21 : 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 r 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 Hake 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 2a 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 2& signs of the coming of the Son of man : . 40. And they shall 2c 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 ; u, see t y, 63 : 24. 64 : 41—43. 87 : 8. 101 : 21, 22, 64. w, Rev. 16 : 21. x, 43 : 18. 45 : 33, 48. 84 : 118. 88 : 87, 90. 2/, see p. z, see i. 2 a, see e, Sec. 1. 26, see e t See. 1. 2 c, 88 : 88— 110. See e, Sec. 1. SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 187 42. And before the day of the Lord shall come, the 2(f sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and stars fall from heaven ; 43. And the remnant shall be 2c gathered unto this place, 44. And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come ; and 2 ^they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory, with all the holy angels ; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off. 45. But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an Mangel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to 2 %ieet 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 2z 'saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth. 47. Then shall the 2 4rm of the Lord fall upon the nations, 48. And then shall the Lord set his 2 *foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall 2 *tremble, and reel to and fro, and the 2wi heavens also shall shake, 49. And the Lord shall 2n utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it, and the 2o nations of the earth shall mourn, and they that have laughed shall see their folly, 50. And calamity shall cover the mocker, and the scorner 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 2d, see n, Sec. 29. 2e t vers. 17, 25, 44, 51—53. 133: 13. 2/, 34 : 7. 76 : 63, 102. 78: 21. 84 : 100. 88 : 94—98. 2g, see Z, Sec. 29. 2h, see ra, Sec. 29. 2i, see,;, Sec. 10. 2j> see /and #, Sec. 1. 2k y 133 : 20. 2 1, see x. 2 w, see e } Sec. 21. 2w, see g, Sec. 43. 2o, cee/ and g, Sec. 1. 188 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLV. sav, 2 -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 with which 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 2 ?they weep because of their iniquities ; then shall they lament because they per- cuted their King. 54. And then shall the 2r heathen nations be re- deemed, and they that knew no law shall have 25 part in the first resurrection ; and it shall be tolerable for them ; 55. And 2 *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 2 "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 2y multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto sal- vation, 59. For the Lord shall be 2 "in 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 any further concerning this chapter, until the New Testament be 2 ^translated, and in it all these things shall be made known ; 2p, Zech. 12 : 10. 13 : 6. 2 q, Zech. 12 : 10-14. 2 r, Ezek. 36 : 23, 36. 37 : 28. 38 : 16, 23. 39 : 7, 21, 23. 2s, 76 : 71—80. 2«, 88 : 110. 101 : 28. 2w, 63 : 54. 2 v, 63 : 51. 101 : 29—31. 132 : 30, 63. 2w, see e, Sec. 1. 2z, translated by inspiration. SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 189 61. Wherefore I 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 2 #many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands. 64. Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, 2 *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, 6Q. And it shall be called the 3a 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 3& glory of the Lord shall be there, and the 3c terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called 3d Zion. 68. And it shall come to pass, among the wicked, that every man that will 3e not take his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee unto 3 ^Zion for safety. 69. And there shall be gathered unto it out of 3 ^every 2y, see t, Sec. 33. 2z, see j, Sec. 10. 3 a, see q, Sec. 42. 3&, 64 : 41—43. 84 : 4, 5, 31, 32. 97 : 15- 20. 3 c, see 3&. 3 c?, 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. 6Q : 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. C3 : 33. Sec. 87. 3/, see 3d. Z. 3tf, see;, Sec. 10. , 190 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLVL nation under heaven; and it shall be the 3A only people that shall not be at war one with another. 70. And it shall be said among the wicked, 3 *Let us not go up to battle against 3 -?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 3 *among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with 3 z 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 3 terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble ; 75. And 3n 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, 1831. 1. Hearken, 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 Zh, see o, Sec. 1. Isa. 13 : 4—13. QQ l 14—16. Zi, see 3&. 8j, see 3d. 3fr, see j, Sec. 10. T 8 J, 101 : 18. Isa. 35 ; % 8 m, see e t Sec. 1^ 3n, see e, Sec. J^ • - — ^?. ' SEC. XLVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 191 church from the beginning, and ever shall be to a 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, 6 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, d 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 u pon his lusts. a, i, Nep. 13 : 37. Moro. 3:4. 6:9. &, 20 : 68, 69. in. Nep. 12; 23-26. 18 : 23-33. ^ „ c, gee a. ^i d> I. Corinth. 12 : 31. 14 : 1. 192 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLVL 10. And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds e 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. 15. 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 w T ithal. 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 f vers. 11—33. i. Corinth. 12 : 4—11. Moro. 10 : 7— 26. f^ /, ver. 16. I. Corinth. 12 ; 7. Moro. 10 ; 17. . g x see l % Sec 20. SEC. XL VII.] 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 ofjbhe children oi 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 be any among you professing and yet 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 the 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 continually. Even so. Amen. SECTION 47. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and John Whitmer, given in Kirtland, Ohio, March 8th, 1831. 1. Behold, it is expedient in me that my servant h t ver. 27. 194 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLVIIL 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, 1831. 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, Sec. 21. $ The saints who were coming from the state of N. York. SEC. XLIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 195 in righteousness, that in 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 c 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 Lemon Copley, given at Kirt- land, Ohio, March, 1831. 1. Hearken unto my word, my servants Sidney, and Parley, and Lemon, for behold, verily I say unto you, that 1 give unto you a commandment that you shall go and preach a 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 ; &, 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 y see b. e, 57 : 1-5. 84 : 2-4. a, see &, 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 c 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 d 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 ; ^ b, sec e } Sec. 1. c, Matt. 25 : 13. d, see k, Sec h 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. e 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 in 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 b, Sec. 18. /, vcr. 16. See k, Sec. 42. g, 51 ; 9. 78 ; 5, 6. h, see c t 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 ^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 m 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. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, May, 1831. 1. Hearken, 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. Tc, see I, Sec. 29. I, Ezek. 20; 33—33. m, in. Nep. 21 : 22—25. Isa. 35 : 1,2. n, see v, Sec. 35. o, see u, Sec. 35. p, see c t 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 a 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. b, 42 : 14 200 COVENANTS AND [sEC. L. 15. And then received 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 w r ord 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 c 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 d 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 e 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 may 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, 53—60. 93 : 27, 28. 121 : 26—29. 132 : 20. e, ver. 27. 93 : 27, 28. /, see c, Sec. 4. <7, vers. 29, 30. h, see x, Sec 35- 202 COVENANTS AND [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 fortli 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 hin- der them of doing that which I have appointed unto them : :l. 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 7l "in me and I in you ; 44. Wherefore I am in your midst, and I am the good ^Shepherd, and the w Stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this ?l 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 y see v., Lecture on Faith. Also 93 : 3. in. Nep. 11 : 27. 19 : 23, 29. Ether 3 : 14. John 10 : 30. k, 8fe : 67. 93 : 19—28. I, Mos. 3 : 14. Alma 5 : 38—60. Hela. 7 : 18. in. Nep. 15 : 16—24. Psalm 80 : 1—3. m, 6 : 34. 10 : 69. 33 : 13. 65 : 2. See o, Sec. 6. Gen. 49 : 24. ?i, see m. o, 35 : 21. 67 : 10—14. 76 : 113—119. S4 : 19—25. 88 : 47—50, 68, 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 Thompson, 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 a 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 trangresses 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 c 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. &, 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 things both in money and in meat, which is more than is needful for the want of this people, be kept in the hands of the bishop. 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 A 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, and a Avise e, see a. f. 42 : 42, 53, 54. a, 42 : 34, 35. 58 : 24. 63 : 42. 72 : 10. 7S : 3. 82 : 18. S3 : 5, 6. A, 42 : 30—39. i, Sec. 51, an Example for all branches of the church. 58 : 35, 36. 72 : 19-26. 119: 7. j, see o, Sec. 42. SEC. lil] 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 1th, 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 known unto them what they shall do ; 5. And it shall also, inasmuch as they are faithful, be made c 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 t Sec. 25. 206 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LIL 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 way of Detroit. 9. And let them journey from thence preaching the word by the way, saying none other things than that which the prophets and apostles have written, and that which, is taught them by the Comforter through the pra}^er 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 2;', Sec. 20. e, vers, lb— 19 ; BBC. lil] 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 the 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 Cahoon and Samuel H. Smith also take their journey. 31. 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 Rigdon, 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 %nd of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies. g, 38 : 31—33. 42 : 37—39, 43. 56 : 16. h, see b, Sec. 25, SEC. im.] 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 Sidney 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 w r as crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world. p ,..j 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, Beej t Sec. 10. j, see w, Sec. 5. a, see a t Sec. 1. t> % see &, 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 office where- with I have appointed you ; 3. And if your brethren desire to escape their ene- mies, let them repent of all tiieir sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite ; 4. And as the covenant which they made unto me ^has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect ; 5. And & wo to liim 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 c 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. b, a wealth}- 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 I prepare a place for you. 10. And again, be patient in tribulation until I come ; and, behold, I d come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me e early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen. SECTION 55. Bevelation 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 6 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. . CVSeo l t Sec. 5. , &, see 2j, Sec. 20* 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 c 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 Rigdon, 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, 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 a 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 6 and revoke, c s 83 : 118. 90 : 15. 97 : 3-6. a, see/ and g, Sec. 1. b, Id : 5. 56 : 4-6 58 j 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 w r hich 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 sins 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. c 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. d Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, who will not labor w T ith 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 57. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in Jackson County, Missouri, July, 1831. 1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, saith the c, 104 : 18. 105 : 3. d, Mos. 4 : 24—27. e, vers. 19, 20. in. Nep. 12 : 3. Isa. 29 : 19. /, vers. 18, 19. 38 : 16-20. 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 a ap- pointed 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 c spot for the temple is lying westward, upon a lot which is not far from the court house ; 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 •'agent unto the church, to buy land in all the regions round about, inasmuch as can be in right- eousness, 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 com- manded ; 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 A to buy lands for the good of the a, see j, 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. h> 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 'who 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, for 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 inheri- tance. 16. And unto the residue of both elders and mem- bers, further directions shall be given hereafter. Even so. Amen. i the Lamanites. j, the Lainanitea k, see b, Sec 25. SEC. LVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 217 SECTION 58. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Zion, in Jackson County, Missouri ) August 1st, 1831. 1. Hearken, ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I 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 a 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 q Sec 42. 218 COVENANTS AND [SEG. LVIIL 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 c day of my power : then shall the poor, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and 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 d 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 w T hich are given by the prophets of God ; 19. 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. d, see q, Sec. 42. e, ver. 18. 64 : 40. 107 : 72—74. SEC. LVIII.] commandments. 219 21. Let no man HDreak 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 nowise 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 ? /, the Constitutional laws of the U.S.A. 98 : 4—15. 101 : 76—80. g> vers. 28, 29. 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 ^laying his monies before the bishop of the church. 36. And also, this is a ? law 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 office which I have appointed him, and receive his inheritance in the land ; 41. 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 h, 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. 47. Let them preach 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 in Zion. 50. And I give unto my servant, Sidney Rigdon, a commandment that he shall write a description of the land of Zion, 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 n 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 t see q, Sec. 42. 71, 63 ; 27-31. - 222 COVENANTS AND [SEC, LVIII. 55. Let all these things be done in order ; and let the privileges of the lands be made known from time to time, by the bishop or the agent of the church ; 56. And let the work of the fathering 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 ?Ziba Peterson be taken from him ; and let him stand as a member in the church, and labor w T ith 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 » ■'■ - ■ ■ . ■ — T OjSeej, Sec. 10. , p t 84; 3, i* ■ q, 32 : 3.j SEC. LIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 223 place into all the world, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth — r the gospel must be preached unto every creature, with signs following them that believe. 65. And behold the s Son of man cometh. Amen. SECTION 59. Revelation given through Joseph the Seer, in Zion, in Jackson County, Missouri, August 1th, 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 neighbour as thyself. Thou r, see b, Sec. 18. s, see e, Sec. 1. _ a, 76 : 111. 81 : 6. 98 : 18. 106 : 8. Enos. 1 : 27. Ether 12 : 32—34. l> 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 c 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. Nevertheless 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 e 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 goods 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, 68 : 29. Alma 1 : 26, 27. 1" rf, 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 : 21. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those -%ho 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 a 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 w T hence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it matter eth 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 w r hence 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 w r ay 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, 6EC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 227 gospel among the congregations of the wicked ; where* fore, I give unto them a commandment thus : Thou shalt not ft idle away thy time, neither shalt thou c 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 Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery. The residue hereafter. Even so. Amen. SECTION 61. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the bank of the Missouri river, Mcllwairs 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, ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this &, see u, Sec. 42. C, 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 l 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 ^hese waters, that they come not in journeying upon them, lest their faith fail and they are caught in her snares ; 19. I, the Lord, have decreed, and the destroyer rideth upon the face thereof, and I 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 1 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 Rigdon, 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 a way for &, vers. 15, 16, 18, 19. c, the Missouri river. 230 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXX. 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 tents by the way. 26. And, behold, this commandment you shall give unto all your brethren ; 27. Nevertheless 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 Rigdon, 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 are 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. LXII.] 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 cometh 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. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the hank of the Missouri river, August 13th, 1831. 1. Behold, and hearken ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your a 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, sec e, See. 1. a, 45 : 3—5. 232 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII. 4. And now continue your journey. Assemble your- selves upon the 6 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 ; it mattereth not 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 c kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so. Amen. SECTION 63. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, about the last of August, 1831. 1. Hearken, 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 : b, see q t Sec. 42. c, see x % Sec. 35. SEC. LXm.] COMMANDMENTS. 233 2. Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of liim 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 destroyeth 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, a 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 follow those that believe. 10. 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 w T ith 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. LXIIL 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, c he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear : 17. Wherefore I, the Lord, have d 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- 6, see m, Sec. 42. c, see m, Sec. 42. d, ver. 18. Rev. 21 : 8. «, 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 A 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 2 », Sec. 42. h, see q, Sec. 42. i, see q, Sec. 42. j, vera. SO, 31. 58 : 53. 101 : 70—75. k t 84 : 58. 97 : 26. 112 : 24— 20. 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 w come down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and consume the w T icked with Unquenchable fire. 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. 54. 19 : 6—16. 76 : 44—49. O, see / and g, Sec. 1. p, 52 : 6—9. SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 237 44. Behold, these things are in his own hands, let him do according to wisdom. 45. Verily I 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 r rise from the dead and shall not s 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 ; 51. Wherefore children shall grow up until they be- come old, *old men shall die ; but they shall not w 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 m, Sec. 29. s, Alma, 11 : 45. 12 : 18, 20. 88 : 116. Rev. 21 : 4. t, 101 : 30. Isa. 65 : 20—22. u, 88 : 116. 101 : 31. v, 101 : 31. w, see e, Sec. 1. 238 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIH. 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 2/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 a 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. 63. 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 <;, Sec. 1. y t ver. 34. z t 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 condemna- tion. Amen. SECTION 64. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, September 11th, 1831. 1. Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you, 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 a given unto you the kingdom : 5. And the 6 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 Hveth, 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. 85. &, see &, Sec. 2$. c, 42 : 25. 58 : 42, 43. 2-AO ■ 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 c 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 iny 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. m. Nep. 12 : 23, 24. 13 : 14, 15. e, 98 : 40. /, 42 : 80—83. SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 241 goul ; 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. I will not that my servant Frederick Gr. 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 sacri- fice, 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 remain in Babylon. 25. Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called to-day. <7, vers. 24, 25. 85 : 3—5, 9. 97 : 12. 119 : 1-7 Psalm 95 : 7. Heb 3 : 7, 15. 4:7. A, 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 t, see i, Sec. 1 R 242 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV. * 26. And it is not meet that my servants, Newel K. Whitney and Sidney Gilbert, shouid 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 : 4 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 provide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in the land of Zion : 31. And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it ; 32. But all things must come to pass in their time ; 33. Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the ^'foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 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 w my church in these last days like junto a judge sitting on a hill, or in a °high place, to judge the nations ; j, Isa. 60 : 22. k, Isa. 1 : 19. I, 41 : 5. 42 : 37. 50 : 8, 9. 66 : 1. 63 : 27—31. 97 : 6, 7. 104 : 4—9. w,.8©e I. n, see a, Sec. 1. o, gee v, Sec. 35. &m 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 ^glory 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 r tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen. SECTION 65. Herniation on Prayer, given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, in the fore part 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 men — "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. . p, 124 : 6, 9, 11. See 36, Sec. 45. q, 115 : 5, 6. See t, Sec. 45. r, 45 : 67, 70, 74. 97 : 18, 24. 105 : 31, 32. See e, Sec. 1. - • a, 44 ; 4, 5. 45 J 9, 43, 44, 56-58. 58 : 9. 88 : 92* 133 ; 7-17. See e, Sec. 1. 214 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVL 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 c 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 e 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, God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued ; for thine is the honour, power and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. SECTION &6. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, af 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- ft, see x, Sec. 35. c, see m, See. 50. d, see e, Sec 1. e, see a, Sec. 4. /, see e, Sec. 1. a, see m. Sec* 50. h t 84 : 94-102. 88 : 95 -98. See e, Sec. 1. SEC. LXVI.] commandments. 245 ceived my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Saviour 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 a 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 concern- ing 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 I, the Lord, will go with you. p% : - 4 9. c 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 k, Sec. 1. 5, see &, Sec. 18. c, see z } Sec. 42. ^246 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVII. eousness. Commit 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, ths Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831. 1. Behold and hearken, 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 endeavoured 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 testimony of the truth of these commandments which are lying before you ; • SEC. LXVII.] COMMANDMENTS. 247 i r 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 a 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, 1831, to Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and William E. M'Lellin. The mind and will of the Lwd, 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 a 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 were ordained unto this 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, 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 b, Sec. 18. 5, 18 : 32. 34 : 10. 42 : 16. SEC. LXVIIT.] 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. Mljellin, and unto all the faithful elders of my church. 8. c 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 e he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth •'not shall be damned ; 10. And he that 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 you shall be given power to ^seal them up unto eternal life. Amen. 13. And now concerning the items in 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 -Tirst 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 ¥xrstborn among the sons of Aaron ; c, see b, Sec. 1. d> see Z, 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. t, 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. /;, 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; 14L I, 84 : 18, 26, 27, 30. 107 : 13, 16, 70, 76. 250 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXVIH 17. For the firstborn holds the right of the presi- dency over this priesthood, and the w 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 ^anointing, if at any time they can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by revelation from the Lord w 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 k. n, see I. o, see i. p, see j. q, see k. r, see j. s, ver. 21. 124 : 39. t, ver. 20. 124 : 39. it, see;. ,*»■ v, how a bishop must be tried, see j. w, see d, Sec. 64. SEC. lxviil] 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 height 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 2a teach their children to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord. 29. And the inhabitants of Zion shall, also, observe the 26 Sabbath day to keep it holy. 30. And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remem- ber their 2c labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness ; for the 2c *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 2e 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 Sprayers 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. x, see 6, Sec. 18. y, vers. 26, 27. 20 : 71. z, ver. 25. 2a, ver. 31. 26, 59 : 9, 10, 12—14. 2c, 42 : 42. 2d, 42: 42. 2e, see 2 a, Sec. 38. 2/, 20 : 47, 51. Alma 31 : 21. in. Ncp. 18 : 21. 252 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIX. 35. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I 2 ^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 moneys 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 a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my 6 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 know- ledge ; 8. Preaching and expounding, writing, copying, 2g, see e, Sec. 1. a, see a, Sec. 21. 5, see a, Sec. 1. c t 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, d for ever and ever. Amen. SECTION 70. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, November, 1831. 1. Behold, and hearken, 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, seep, Sec. 38. a, see o, Sec. 42. __^_ 6, 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 c 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 d heirs 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 ^none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God ; 11. Yea, neither the bishop, neither the ^agent 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. Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be «?equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld. 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, Sec. 42. d, 68 : 25—32. e, see o, Sec.: 42. /, see Sec. 85. g y see/, Sec. 57. h, gee 26, Sec. 42. " i r by revelation. h see.a, Sec. 51. . lxxl] 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. is. 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 a 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 w r orld 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, 5 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 ; w T hoso readeth, let him understand and receive also ; a, see 2e. Sec. 42. &, see k, Sec. 24. 253 COVENANTS AND [SfeC. LXXII, 6. For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power ; 7. Wherefore, confound your enemies ; call upon them to c 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 tth, 1831. 1. Hearken and listen to the voice of the Lord, ye who have assembled yourselves together, who are . the a 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 c 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 d every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity. c, Isa. 41 : 21. 43 : 9. a, see i, Sec. 68. &, see x, Sec. 35. c, see k, Sec. 63. d, see o, Sec. 42. SEC. lxxil] 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 appointed 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 Kedeemer. 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 A funds of the church in this part of the vine- yard ; 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, Vf, see o, Sec. 42. g, see g, Sec. 51. h, see 2b, Sec. 42, __ i, see o, Sec. 42. j, see o, Sec. 42. S 258 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 inay render himself 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 r 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. n, vers. 17—26. 52 : 41. o, see Sec. 70. p, The Book of Covenants. q t see o, Sec, 42. r, an Ensample for all Stewards. SEC. LXXni.] COMMANDMENTS. 259 soever 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 an ensample. Amen. SECTION 73. Bevelation 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, established in the last days, making known the will of the Lord unto the Elders, what they shall do until Con- ference. 1. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is 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 ^oice of the conference, their several missions. 3. Now, verily, I say unto you my servants, Joseph s, see I. t y see o, Sec. 42. a, see Sec, 75, 260 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXTV. Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 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, 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 a 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 &, the Bible c, until the translation of the Bible is finished. a, 29 ; 46—48. Moro. 8 : 8—24. *EC. 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, JU 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, 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 a idle, but labor with your mights, 4. Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the fc, see a. a, see u, Sec. 42 262 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXV. revelations and commandments which I have given you, 5. And thus if ye are faithful ye shall be 6 laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life. 6. Therefore, verily I say unto my servant William 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 I 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, &, 33 : 9. c, see 6, Sec. 56. d t see c. — <, see h t Sec. 42. SEC. LXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 263 and unto my servant Calves Wilson, that tliey also shall take their journey unto the western countries, and proclaim my gospel, even as I have commanded 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, cleave 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 A 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 fudges 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, 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. a, Matt. 10 : 12, 13. h, see d , Sec. 60. i t Matt. 10 ; 15. ;, see u, Sec. 5. k, 70 : 12, 13. 72 : 14, 15. 264 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVL 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 n 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 Buggies Eames, and my servant Stephen Burnett ; 36. And also my servant Micah B. Welton ; and also my servant Eden Smith. Even so. Amen. l % see c, Sec. 4. m } see A, Sec. 42. w, see u, Sec. 42. SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 265 SECTION 76. A Vision, given to Joseph Smith , jun., and Sidney Eigdon, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, February 16th, 1832. 1. Hear ye heavens, and give ear earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Saviour : 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 saith the Lord, I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end ; 6. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory ; 7. And to them will I reveal 6 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 c 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. b, see 2e t Sec. 42. c, see &. 266 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will ; yea, even those things which d 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 w r hom 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. M5. 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 Resurrection 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 w r e 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 ; d, vers. 114—119. in. Nep. 17 : 15—25. 19 : 30—36. 26 : 14—16. I. Corinth. 2:9. e, see &, 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 z 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 wo saw also, and bear record, that an n 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 ! 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 o, Sec. 50. ;, ver. 67. k, testimony founded on knowledge. *, see o, Sec. 50. w, 93 : 9, 10. n, see 2d, Sec. 29. o, vers. 32, 43. p, Isa. 14 : 12. q f 29 : 36, 37. r t vers. 36, 44—49. 268 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVX 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 x 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 a. u, see 8. Alma 39 : 6. in. Nep. 29 : 7. t\ 63 : 17. 86 : 44—49. I. Nep. 15 : 29. II. Nep. 1 : 13. 2 : 29. 9 : 8—19, 26, 34, 36. 28 : 15, 21, 23. Jacob 6 : 10. Alma 12 : 16—18. m. Nep. 27 : 11, 12. Moro. 8 : IS, 14, 21. w, see v. % t 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 those 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 2 Everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their 2& 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 I, 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 2c 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 suffer- ings 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 2rf resurrection of the just ; 51. They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and 2e believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being 2 ^buried in the water in his name, and this according to the command- ment which he has given, 52. That by keeping the commandments they might 2, see v. 2a, see v, 2b, see v, Isa. 66 : 24. 2c, sons of Perdition. 2d % see m, Sec. 29. 2e } see q, Sec. 20. 2/, see I, Sec. 5. 270 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. 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 ^sealed 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 2A church of the first born. 55. They are they into whose hands the Father has given 2l '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, 2 *they are Gods, even the sons of God — 59. Wherefore 2Z 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 2 presence of God and his Christ for ever and ever. 63. These are they whom he shall 2n bring with 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 2o first resurrection. 65. These are they who shall come forth in the re- surrection of the just. 2<7, see d, Sec. 1. 2h, see a, Sec. 1. 2t, see d, Sec. 50. 2j, ver. 57. 78 : 15, 18. 128: 23. 132 : 19, 20, 37. 2k, 132 : 17—20, 37. 2 J, see d, Sec. 50. 2 m, vers. 94—96, 2n ? see e, Sec, 1, 2o, see m, Sec 29, SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 271 66. These are they who are come unto 2 ^Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.r 67. These are they who 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 2 ?new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shed- ding of his own blood. 70. These are they whose 2r bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the 25 sun of the firma- ment is written of as being typical. 71. And again, we saw the 2 *terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who are of the terres- trial, whose glory differs from that of the 2w church of the first born, who have received the fullness of the Father, even as that of the 2r moon differs from the sun in the firmament. 72. Behold, these are they who 2w, died without law, 73. And also they who are the spirits of men 2 *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 ot of his fullness. 2p, Heb. 12 : 22—24. 2q, see 7c, Sec. 1. 2r, 79 : 7, 14. 88: >, 4, 20, 22, 25, 28. 105 : 4, 5. 131 : 1. 2 s, Matt. 13 : 43. r. Coiinth. 15 : 40—42. It, see 88 : 99, 100. 128 : 22. i. Cor. 15 : 40. 2u,see a, Sec. 1. 2v, i. Cor. 15 ; 41. 2w, 45 ; 54. $8: 99. 2s, 88; "», 100. 128 : 22. _ — 272 COVENANTS ANS [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 22/ not valiant in the testimony of Jesus ; wherefore they obtain 22 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 3a 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 3& thrust down to hell. 85. These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil, until the 3c last 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 3