FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY mil Wt> DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/doctenantOOprat THE DOCTRINE JAN 11 1937 Logical sfcjg AND COVENANTS, CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, CONTAINING THE REVELATIONS GIVEN TO JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., THE PKOPHET, FOB THE BUILDING UP OF THE KINGDOM OF COD IN THE LAST DAYS. DIVIDED INTO VERSES, WiTH REFERENCES, By ORSON PRATT, Sex. 1 LAKE CITY, UTAH; Deskret News Company, Printers and Publishers. i8S~. DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS. LECTURES ON FAITH LECTURE FIKST. 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. G. Agreeable to this order we have first to show what faith is. 7. The author of the epistle to the Hebrews, in the eleventh chapter of that epistle and first verse, gives the following definition of the word faith : _ 8. " Now faith is the nee (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.1' H 2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. I. 9. From this we learn that faith is the assurance which men have of the existence of things which they have not seen, and the principle of action in all 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 cease, 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 stimulated yon 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 yon would have found t 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 j dependent on your faith I Or, may we not ask, what LEC. 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- lie ct-th and is baptized, shall be saved." Mark xvi. 1(>. 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 liea ven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith as it existed in Him. 16. Had it not been for the principle of faith the worlds would never have been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust. It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exer- cises power over all temporal as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute — for it is an attribute ■ — from the Deity, and he would cease to exist. 17. Who cannot see, that if God framed the worlds 4 LECTURES ON TAITII. [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 writers, 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 Amulet 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 lire, 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, wrought righteousness, obtained pro- mises, 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 light, turned to flight the armies of the aliens, and that women received their dead raised to life again, &i . 21. Also Joshua, in the sighl of all Israel, bade the sun and moon to stand still, and it was done. Joshua x. 12. 22. We here understand, that the sacred writers LEG. I.J LECTURES ONT TAITII. 5 say that all these things were done by faith. It was by faith that the worlds were framed. God spake, chaos heard, and wcrlds 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. G : " Without faith it is impossible 6 LECTURES -ON FAITH. flEC. I. to please God." 1 John iii. 7 : " Little children, let no man deceive you ; lie 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. G : " Without faith it is impossible to please God." Mark xvi. 1G : LEC. I.J LECTURES OX 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 ? i't 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 fseen were not made of things which do appear." Lec- ture i. 14, 15, 16. Secondly, it is the principle oi power in man also. Book of Mormon, page 278. Alma nnd Amnlek are delivered from prison. Ibid page 443. Nephi and Lehi, with the Lamanites, are immersed with the Spirit. Had. 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 mm 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 n< t 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 main 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. '62 and S LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. I. the following verses : " And what shall I say more ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and 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. 21. g\^Pv^/^5 LEG. 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 ; raid that he is the Father of lights ; in him the principle of faith dwells independently, and lie 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 tilings 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 : G. " 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 oyer 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, 1G, 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 of it ; nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee ; but remember that I forbid it. for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.' 11. "And out of the ground I, the Lord God, formed every beast of the held, 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 tilings 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, ' 1 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 1 did eat.' 15. "And I. the Lord God, said unto the woman, 'What is this tiling 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. ii. desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 1 7. "And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said, ' Because 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 cat 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 Ins-glory, while intelligence burst upon his understand- ing, and enabled him to give names to the vast assem- blage of his Maker's works. 1 9. Secondly, we have seen, that though man did transgress, his transgression did not deprive him of the previous knowledge with which lie 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 LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 13 "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," and that he did not cease to manifest himself to him, even after his fall, we shall next proceed to show, that though lie 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 out from his presence; and he gave unto them mandments that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obe- dient unto the commandments of the Lord. 23. " And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying, ' Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord ? ' And Adam said unto him, ' I know not ; save the Lord commanded me.' 24. " And then the angel spake, saying, 'This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth. And thou shaft 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 «, . shows this important fact, t1.. _' parents were driven out of the garden of Ed l, and were even sepa- 14 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. rated from the presence of God by a vail, they still retained a knowledge of his existence, and that suffi- ciently to move them to call upon him. And further, that no sooner was the plan of redemption revealed to man, and he began to call upon God, than the Holy Spirit was given, bearing record of the Father and Son. 26. Moses also gives us an account, in the fourth of Genesis, of the transgression of Cain, and the right- eousness of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them. He says, " In process of time, Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering ; but unto Cain and to his offering- he had not 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 desire th 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 V And he said, ' I know not. Am I my brother's keeper \ ' And the Lord said, ' What hast thon 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, ' 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 fmdeth 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. Tlue 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 hi; brother, and that Cain know 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. H. 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, was the testimony of their fathers in the first instance. 34. The reason why we have been thus particular on this part of our subject, is that this class may see by what means it was that God became an object of faith among men after the fall ; and what it was that stirred up the faith of multitudes to feel after him — to search after a knowledge of his character, perfections and attributes, until they became extensively acquaint- ed with him, and not only commune with him and behold his glory, but be 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 lather, 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 thai the whole faith of the world, from that time down to til-- present, te in a certain degree dependent LEC. II.] LECTURES OX 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. Ano^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 horn (verse 9) ; Cainan was 70 when Ma- halaleel was horn (verse 12) ; Mahalaleel was 65 when Jared was born (verse 15) ; Jared was 162 when Enoch was horn (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 bom (verse 28). 38. From this account it appears that Lamech, the 9th from Adam, and the father of Xoab, 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 lie died (verses 16, 17). And Jared lived after he begat Enoch, 800 years, making him 9(12 years old at his death (verses 19, 20). And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah 300 years, making him c 18 LECiUitES 01\ JAITli. [LEC. it, 365 years old when he 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 3^ears, 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 was 84 years old when Enos died, 176 when Cainan died, 234 when Mahalaleel died, 366 when Jared died, 595 when Lamech died, and 600 when Methuselah died. 43. We can see from this that Enos, Cainan, Maha- laleel, Jared, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah, all lived on the earth at the same time ; and that Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Methuselah, and Lamech, were all acquainted with both Adam and Noah. 44. From the foregoing it is easily to be seen, not only how the knowledge of God came into the world, but upon what principle it was preserved ; that from the time it was first communicated, it was retained in the minds of righteous men, who taught not only their own posterity but the world ; so that there was no need of a new revelation to man, after Adam's crea- tion to Noah, to give them the first idea or notion of the existence of a God ; and not only of a God, but the true and living God. 45. Having traced the chronology of the world from Adam to Noah, we will now trace it from Noah to Abraham. Noah was 502 years old when Shem was born ; 98 years afterwards the flood came, being the * According to the Old Testament. For Enoch's age, 6ce Covenants and Commandments, section 107. 19, lEC. II.] LECTURE ON FAITH. 19 GOOth 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, 2(j. 46. Shem was 100 years old when Arphaxad was born. Genesis xi. 10. Arphaxad was 35 when Salah was born (xi. 12) ; Salah was 30 when Eber was born (xi. 14) ; Eber was 34 when Peleg was born, in whose days the earth was divided (xi. 16) ; Peleg was 30 when Ren was born (xi. 18) ; Ren 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. [LEG. 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 Ken was born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Reu lived after he begat Serug 207 years (xi. 21) ; this added to 32 years, which was his age when Serug was born, makes him 239 years old when he died. Serug lived after he begat Nahor, 200 years (xi. 23) ; this added to 30 years, which was his age when Nahor was born, makes him 230 years old when he died. Nahor lived after he begat Terah, 1.19 years (xi. 25) ; this added to 29 years, which was his age when Terah was born, makes him 148 years old when he died. Terah was 130 years old when Abraham was born, and is supposed to have lived 75 years after his birth, making him 205 years old when he died. 49. Agreeable to this last account, Peleg died in the 1996th year of the world, Nahor in the 1997th, and Noah in the 2006th. So that Peleg, in whose days the earth was divided, and Nahor, the grandfather of Abraham, both died before Noah — the former being 239 years old, and the latter 148 ; and who cannot but see that they must have had a long and intimate ac- quaintance with Noah ? 50. Reu died in the 2026th year of the world, Serug in the 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, Ren, Serug, Terah, and Nahor, the brother of Abraham, and Abraham, lived at the same time. And that Nahor, brother of Abraham, Terah, Serug, lieu, Eber, Salah, Arphaxad, and Shem, were all acquainted with both Noah and Abraham. 53. We have now traced the chronology of the world agreeable to the account given in our present Bible, from Adam to Abraham, and have clearly deter- mined, beyond the power of controversy, that there was no difficulty in preserving the knowledge of God in the World from the creation of Adam, and the mani- festation made to his immediate descendants, as set forth in the former part of this lecture : so that the students in this class need not have any doubt resting on their minds on this subject, for they can easily see that it is impossible for it to be otherwise, but that the knowledge of the existence of a God must have con- tinued from father to son, as a matter of tradition at least ; for we cannot suppose that a knowledge of this important fact could have existed in the mind of any of the before-mentioned individuals, without their having made it known to their posterity. 54. We have now shown how it was that the first thought ever existed in the mind of any individual that there was such a Being as a God, who had created and did uphold all tilings: 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 luce to face, at the time of his creation. 55. Let us here observe, that after any portion ot 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 LEClURES ON FAITH. [LEG. 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 him face to face. 56. We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it was, that God became an object of faith for rational beings ; and also, upon what foundation the testimony was based which excited the inquiry and diligent search of the ancient saints to seek after and obtain a knowledge of the glory of God ; and we have seen that it was human testimony, and human testi- mony only, that excited this inquiry, in the first in- stance, in their minds. It was the credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers, this 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 TIIE 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 LEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 23 rational and accountable beings center, for life and sal- vation ? He is. Hew do yon 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. 84, 35, 36 : ," For who hath known the mind of the Lord ; or who hath been his counselor ? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again ? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glorv for ever. Amen." Isaiah xl., from the 9th to the 18th verses : " 0 Zion, that bringest good tidings ; (or, 0 thou that tellest good tidings to Zion) get thee up into the high mountain ; 0 Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings ; (or, 0 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 I 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. 21 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. II. 15, 1G : "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, G, 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, 1G, 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, 2H, 29. What is the object of the foregoing quotation? It is that it may be clearly seen how it was that the first thoughts were 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 lather, tl icy were dependent upon the exercise of their own faith, for a knowledge of Jus 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 Xoah to Abraham ; from which period the knowledge of the existence of God has been so general, that it is a matter of no dispute in what manner the idea of his existence has been retained in the world. How many noted righteous men lived from Adam to Noah \ Nine ; which includes Abel, who was slain by his brother. What are their names ? Abel, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, .Tared, 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. -1. 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 bom ? 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? Orie 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 I Six hundred and ninety-five years. LEG II.] LECTURES OS FAITH. 27 How old was Seth ? Eight hundred years. For this item of the account, see lecture ii. 38. How man}- of these noted men were cotempoiary 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-live 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-live years. Genesis v. 23.* How long did Methuselah live after Lamech was born ? fcfeven hundred and eighty-two years. Genesis v. 2G. * For Enoch's age, see Covenants and Commandments, Sec lion 107. 4(J. 28 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. II. What was Methuselah's age when lie died ? Nine hundred and sixty-nine years. Genesis v. 27. How long did Lamech live after Noah was bom? Five hundred and ninety-five years. Genesis v. 30. What was Lantech's age when he died ? Seven hundred and seventy-seven years. Genesis v. 31. For the account of the last item see lecture ii. 40. In what year of the world did Adam die ? In the nine hundred and thirtieth. In what year was Enoch translated ?* In the nine hundred and eighty-seventh. In what year did Seth die ? In the one thousand and forty-second. In what year did Enos die ? In the eleven hundred and fortieth. In what year did Cainan die ? In the twelve hun- dred and thirty-fifth. In what year did Mahalaleel die ? In the twelve hundred and ninetieth. In what year did Jared die ? In the fourteen hun- dred and twenty-second. In what year did Lamech die ? In the sixteen hundred and fifty-first. In what year did Methuselah die? In the sixteen hundred and fifty-sixth. For this account see lecture ii. 41. How old was Noah when Enos died ? Eighty-four years. How old when Cainan died? One hundred and seventy-nine years. _ How old when Mahalaleel died ? Two hundred and thirty-four years. How old when Jared died? Three hundred and sixty-six years. * For Enoch's age, sec Covenants and Commandments, Section 107. -Ii). EEC. II.] LECTURES OX 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 1 By tradition from father to son. Lecture ii. 44. How old was Noah when Shem was born? Five hundred and two years. Genesis v. 32. What was the term of years from the birth of Shem to the flood ? Ninety-eight. What was the term of years that Noah lived after the flood \ Three hundred and fifty. Genesis ix. 28. What was Noah's age when he died ? Nine hun- dred and fifty years. Genesis ix. 29. Lecture ii. 45. What was Shem's age when Arphaxad was born ? One hundred years. Genesis xi. 10. What was Arphaxad's age when Salah was born? Thirty-five years. Genesis xi. 12. What was Salah's age when Eber was born ? Thirty- years. Genesis xi. 1G. What was Eber's age when Peleg was born ? Thirty- four years. Genesis xi, 14, 30 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. II. What was Peleg's age when Ren was born ? Thirty years. Genesis xi. 18. What was Reu's ag;e 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 V age 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 was one hundred and thirty years old, it was three hundred and fifty-two years : but if he was born when Terah was seventy years old, it was two hundred and ninety-two years. Lecture ii. 47. How long did Shem live after Arphaxad was born ? Five hundred years. Genesis xi. 11. What was Shem's age when he died ? Six hundred years. Genesis xi. 11. What number of years did Arphaxad live after Salah was born I Four hundred and three years. Genesis xi. 13. What was Arphaxad's age when 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. LEG. II.] LECTURES OX FAITH. 31 What was Eber's age when he died ? Four hundred and sixty-four years. What number of years did Peleg live after lieu 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 Reus 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 Tcrah was born ? One hundred and nineteen years. Genesis xi. 25. What wa.s Nahor's age when he died ? One hun- dred and forty-eight years. What number of years did Terali 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 xSoah die ? Ill the two thousand and sixth. o2 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. II. Iii 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 was 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. IEC. II.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 33 What was his age when Tcrah 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, lieu/ 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 eartli divided ? In the days of Peleg. Where have we the account given that the earth was divided in the days of Peleg \ Genesis x. 25. 34' LECTURES ON FAITH. [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 firsi; and second lectures. S\5SS . / "/- /' LEC. III.] LECTURES OH 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 the3^ 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. 3G LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. III. 6. Having previously been made acquainted with the way the idea of his existence came into the world, as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to examine his character, perfections, and attributes, in order that this class may see, not only the just grounds which they have for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation, but the reasons that all the world, also, as for 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 L2C. III.] LECTURES OX 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 xe. 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 gilt and ever)T perfect gift is from above, and cometli 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 }~e sons of Jacob are not consumed." 10. Book of Commandments, Sec. 3, v. 2: "For God does not walk in crooked paths, neither does he turn to the right hand or the left, or vary from that which he has said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round." Book of Command- ments, Sec, 35, v. 1: "Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." 11. Numbers xxiii. 19 : " God is not a man that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should re- pent." 1 John iv. 8 : " He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love." Acts x. 34, 35: "Then Peter opened his mouth and said, 'Of a truth I per- ceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted with him.' " 12. From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God : SO LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEO. JH. 13. First, that lie 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 LEC. 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 shonld 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 lie is no respecter of persons, than they see that they have 40 LECTURES ON FAITH. [lEC. m. authority by faitli 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. LEC. IK.] LECTURES OX 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 hist instance, necessary in order for the exercise of faith in him I 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. G. 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. m. 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 1 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. WHiy 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 oil' 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 ; Vat 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 would not know how soon the mercy of God might change into cruelty, his long-suffering into rashness, his love into hatred, and in consequence of which doubt man would be incapable of exercising faith in him, but having the idea that he is unchangeable, man can have faith in him continually, believing that what he was 3Testerday 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 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. III. "What is the description which the sacred writers, give of the character of the Deity calculated to do ? It is calculated to lay a foundation for the exercise of faith in him, as far as the knowledge extends, among all people, tongues, languages, kindreds and nations, and that from age to age, and from generation to generation. Lecture iii. 25. Is the character which God has given of himself uniform ? It is, in all his revelations, whether to the Former-day Saints, or to the Latter-day Saints, so that they all have the authority to exercise faith in him, and to expect, by the exercise of their faith, to enjoy the same blessings. Lecture iii. 2G. ^gg^O LEC. IV.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 45 LECTURE FOURTH. 1 . Having shown, in the third lecture, that correct ideas of the character of God are necessary in order to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation ; and that without correct ideas of his character the minds of men could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal life ; and that correct ideas of his character lay a foundation, as far as his character is concerned, for the exercise of faith, so as to enjoy the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of. Jesus Christ, even that of eternal glory ; we shall now proceed to show the con- nection there is between correct ideas of the attributes of God, and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life. 2. Let us here observe, that the real design which the God of heaven had in view in making the human family acquainted with his attributes, was, that they, through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be enabled to exercise faith in him, and, through the exercise of faith in him, might obtain eternal life ; for without the idea of the existence of the attributes which belong to 'God the minds of men could not have power to exercise faith in him so as to lay hold upon eternal life. The God of heaven, understanding most perfectly the constitution of human nature, and the weakness of men, knew what was necessary to be re- vealed, and what ideas must be planted in their minds in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in him unto eternal life. 3. Having said so much, we shall proceed to ex- amine the attributes of God, as set forth in his revela- tions to the human family, and to show how necessary 46 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEG. 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 works from the beginning of the world/' Isaiah xlvi. 9, 10 : " Remember the former things of old : for I am God, and there is none else ; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient time the things that are not yet done, saying 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'" 6. Secondly — Faith or power. Hebrews xi. 3 : " Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God." Genesis i. 1 : "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Isaiah xiv. 24, 27 : " The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, ' Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass : and as I have purposed so shall it stand. For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall dis- annul it ? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?": 7. Thirdly — Justice. Psalm 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 ix. l>_: "Rejoice greatly, LEC. IV. J LECTURES ON FAITH. 47 0 daughter of Zion ; shout, 0 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. 1G : " 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, 1 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 : " Merc)' and truth shall go before thy face." Exodus xxxiv. 6 : " Long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth." Deuteronomy xxxii. 4 : " He is the Bock, his work^is perfect ; for all his ways are judgment : a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." Psalm xxxi. 5 : " Into Thine hand I commit my spirit : thou hast redeemed me, 0 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 OBf FAITH. [lEC. 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. 1 3. 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 bo impossible for men to exercise faith in him for. life and LEG. IV.] LECTURES OH FAITIL 40 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 will come out in swift judg- ment against their enemies, and they shall be cut off from before him, and that in his own due time he will bear them off conquerors, and more than conquerors, in all things. 15. And again, it is equally important that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute mercy in the Deity, in order to exercise faith in him for life and salvation ; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, 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. 10. And lastly, but not less important to the ex- 50 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. IV. ercise of faith in God, is the idea of the existence of the attribute truth in him ; for without the idea of the existence of this attribute the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty ■ — all would be confusion and doubt. But with the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity in the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises, and blessings, become realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with certainty and confidence, be- lieving that these things, and all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time ; and that all the cursings, denunciations, and judgments, pronounced upon the heads of the unrighteous, will also be exe- cuted in the due time of the Lord : and, by reason of the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its deliverance and salvation as being certain. 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 fin- as has 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, G, 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. LEC. IV.] LECTURES OX FAITH. 53 How 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 I 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 LECTUIIES O:: FAITH. [LEG. V. LECTURE FIFTH. 1. In our former lectures we treated of the being, character, perfections, and attributes, of God. What we mean by perfections is, the perfections which belong to all the attributes of his nature. We shall, in this lecture, speak of the Godhead — we mean the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2. There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme, power over all things, by whom all things were created and made, that are created and made, whether visible or invisible, whether in heaven, on earth, or in the earth, under the earth, or throughout the immensity of space. They are the Father and the Son — the Father being a per- sonage of spirit, glory, and power, possessing all perfec- tion and fullness, the Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, a personage of tabernacle, made or fashioned like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man, or rather man was formed after his likeness and in his image ; he is also the express image and likeness of the personage of the Father, possessing all the full- ness of the Father, or the same fullness with the Father ; being begotten of him, and ordained from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his name, and is called the Son because of the flesh, and descended in suffering below that which man can suffer ; or, in other words, suffered greater sufferings, and was exposed to more powerful contradictions than any man can be. But, notwithstanding all this, he kept the law of God, and remained without sin, show- ing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the LEC. V. j LECTURES ON FAITH. 00 law and remain also without sin ; and also, that by him a righteous judgment might come upon all flesh, and that all who walk not in the law of God may justly be condemned by the law, and have no excuse for their sins. And he being the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fullness of the glory of the Father, possess- ing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one ; or, in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme, power over all things ; by whom all things were created and made that were created and made, and these three constitute the Godhead, and are one ; the Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, 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. [LEG. 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 hens 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, 0 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 ] tower. Lecture v. 2. fcEC. 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 -hall the moon give light unto thee ; hut the Lord shall he unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." 1 Chronicles xxix. 11 : "Thine, 0 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, 0 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, 0 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 bmdeth 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 Ids Spirit he hath garnished the heavens : Ids 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 \ " "\Miat 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. 0, 10, 11: "Jesus saith unto him, ' Have I been so long time with you, 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 lie 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 p^st to the fathers, by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds ; who being the bright- ness of bis 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 ;. LLC. V.j LECTURES OJJ FAITH. 59 for by him were 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 1 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. X : " And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the beast), whose names arc 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, LEC. VI.] LECTURES ON FAITH. Cl 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 lias been, and always will 62 LECTURES ON FAITH. [LEC. VI. be, the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God against the pure and unadul- terated religion of heaven (the only thing which insures eternal life), that they will persecute to the uttermost all that 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. G. 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 am! 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 LEO. VI.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 63 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 lias 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, [LEO. VI. that is laid up for tliem 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 promi.se 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. 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. LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON EAITII. 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 tho great lights which God had created stood still. Elijah F 66 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 yon have faith as a grain of mustard seed, say to this mountain, ' Remove,' and it will remove ; or say to that sycamine tree, ' Be ye plucked up, and planted in the midst of the sea,' and it shall obey you." Faith, then, works by words ; and with these its mightiest works have been, and will be, performed. 4. It surely will not be required of us to prove that this is the principle upon which all eternity has acted and will act ; for every reflecting mind must know that it is by reason of this power that all the hosts of heaven perform their works of wonder, majesty, and glory. Angels move from place to place by virtue of this power ; it is by reason of it that they are enabled to descend from heaven to earth ; and were it not for the power of faith they never could be ministering spirits to them who should be heirs of salvation, neither could they act as heavenly messengers, for they would be destitute of the power necessary to enable them to do the will of God. 5. It is only necessary for us to say that the whole visible creation, as it now exists, is the effect of faith. It was faith by which it was framed, and it is by the 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. G. As faith, then, is the principle by which the heavenly hosts perform their works, and by which they enjoy all their felicity, we might expect to find it set forth in a revelation from God as the principle upon which his creatures here below must act in order to IEC. VII..] LECTURES ON FAITH. G7 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 be persons who can work by faith C8 LECTURES ON EAITII. [LEO. 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, Ave may ascertain without much difficulty what all others must be in order to be saved. We think that it will not be a matter of dispute, that two beings who are unlike each other cannot both be saved; for whatever constitutes the salvation of one will constitute the salva- tion of every creature which will be saved ; and if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype ? or where is the saved being ? We conclude, as to the answer of this question, there will be no dispute among those who believe the bible, that it is Christ : all will agree in this, that he is the prototype or standard of salvation ; or, in other words, that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved ? the answer would be — because he is a just and holy being ; and if he were anything different from what he is he would not be saved ; for his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else ; for if it were possible for him to change, in the least degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his do- minion, power, authority and glory, which constitute salvation ; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses and in nothing else ; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him. Thus says John, in his first LEC. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITir. 69 epistle, third chapter, second and third verses : " Be- loved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be ; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Why purify themselves as he is pure ? Because if they do not 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 believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father." This taken in connection with some of the sayings in the 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 which thou 70 LECrUBBS ON FAITH. [LEO. VII. gavest me I have given them ; that they may be one, even as we are one : I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ; and that the 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 wTere to do were to be done in eternity, where he was going and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father that those who believed on him should be one in him, as he and the Father were one in each other. " Neither pray I for these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their words, that they all may be one ; " that is, they who believe on him through the apostles' words, as well as the apostles themselves, " that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me and 1 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. aii L?jved 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. Komans ix. 32. And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented him cast out : "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark ix. 23. These with a multitude of other scriptures which might be quoted plainly set forth the light in which the 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 L2C. VII.] LECTURES ON FAITH. 73 was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith : every man received according to his faith — according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges ; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, wax valiant in fight, and put to flight the armies of the aliens ; women could, by their faith, receive their dead children to life again ; in a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. All things were in subjection to the Former-day Saints, according as their faith was. By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven, of God the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become familiar with the third heavens, see and hear things which were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to utter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, second epistle, first chapter, second and third verses, says to the For- mer-day Saints : " Grace and peace be multiplied unto ycu, 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 undefilecl, 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 apostles views most clearh:. so as to admit of no mistake ou 74: LECTURES 03 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 which pertain to life and godliness, and this knowledge was the effect of faith ; so that all things which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith. 20. From this we may extend as for 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 reas n that Paul counted all tilings but filth and dross' — what he formerly called his gain lie called his loss ; yea, and he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord. Philippians hi. 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 LLC. VII.] LECTURES 05 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, gilts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth ; for these are the effects of faith, and always have attended, and always will, attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto — revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every necessary thing, in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected, and obtain salvation : for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent — whom to know is eternal life. Amen. sty^EEh^ 76 COVENANTS AND [SEC. I. COVENANTS AND COMMANDMENTS. SECTION I. The Covenants and Commandments of the Lord, to his servants of the Church of Jesus Chi'ist of Latter-day Saints. 1. Hearken, 0 ye people of amy church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men ; yea, verily I say, hearken ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together. ■ 2. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto &all men, and there is none to escape, and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. 3. And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow, for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed. a, 1 : 30. 5 : 14. 10 : 53-56. 11 : 16. 18 : 4, 5. 20 : 1—4. 21 : 1-4. 22 : 3 23 : 2—5, 7. 24 : 9, 10. 28 : 12, 13. 30 : 6, 7. 33 : 5. 37 : 3. 38: 34. 39: 13. 41: 3, 9. 42: 1, 8. 43: 1, 2. 44: 1. 45: 1, 0. 46: 1—5. 47 : 3. 48 : 6. 49 : 14. 50 : 1, 4. 51 : 4, 5. 52 : 39, 41. 53: 1, 4. 55 : 2, 4. 56 : 10. 57 : 1. 58 : 1. 60 : 1, 8, 9. 61 : 2. 62 : 1. 63 : 46, 63. 64 : 1, 26, 37. 67 : 1. 68 : 7, 14. 69 : 3, 7. 70 : 1, 5, 6, 10. 71 : 2. 72: 1, 2, 25. 73 : 1. 75 : 23, 24. 76 : 54. 77 : 5, 11. 78 : 1, 4. 81 : 1. 82 : 18, 21. 83 : 1—6. 84 : 2, 17. S5 : 1, 4, 11. 86 : :•;. 88 : 1-7. 89 : 1. 90 : 13, 15, 16. 93 : 22. 94 : 3. 97 : 5. 98 : 6, 19. 101 : 72, 75. 102 : 1, 2, 3. 103 : 23, 29. 104 : 1, 59. 105 : 2, 7, 8. 106 : 1, 8. 107 : 1, 4, 5. 109 : 72, 73, 79. 112 : 27. 115 : 3, 4. 117 : 13. 119 : 2. 120 : 1. 124 : 84. 128 : 4, 10, 21. 133 : 1, 8, 16. 136 : 2, 41. 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—26. 133 : 63, 64—74, 8, 9, 10, 37. SEC. 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, 0 inhabitants of the earth. 7. Wherefore, fear and tremble, 0 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 f?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 fie has measured to his fellow man. 11. Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the Ws of the earth, that all that will hear may hear :. 12. Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, "or the Lord is enigh ; 13. And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his jword is ^bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the nhabitants of the earth ; c, vers. 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 23—28. 124 : 123—145. d, 77 : 8, 12. o : 18—22. 84 : 74, 92—95. 88 : 84. 128 : 8—11. 6S : 12. 133 : 71—74. 4 : 15. 60 : 15. 103 : 24—26. 124 : 93. e, 1, 35, 36. 29 : 9—11. 3:3, 17, 18. 34 : 6-9, 12. 35 : 15, 16, 26, 27. 86 : 8. 38 : 8. 39 : 20, 21, 3, 24. 41 : 4. 43 : 17-19, 28—31. 45 : 36—50, 56-61. 49 : 6, 7, 23—25, 8. 51 : 20. 54 : 10. 61 : 38, 39. 63 : 32—35, 53, 54. 64 : 23, 24. 65 : 5, 6. 3 : 11, 35. 67 : 12. 78 : 20—22. 84 : 118, 119. 87 : 8. 88 : 86—110. 7:22—26. 99:5. 101:3,22-37,64-66. 104:59. 110:16. 112:24,34. 24 : 8, 124. 130 : 14-17. 133 : 2, 3, 10, 11, 17—25, 36-56. /, 1 : 14. : 5, 8, 19, 20. 29 : 14—21. 35 : 14. 43 : 17—27. 45 : 26, 30—33, 45, 47— 0, 63, 69. 63 : 6, 32, 33, 34. 87 : 1- 8. 88 : 85, 87—91. 97 : 22—24. 101 : 0, 11. 112 : 23, 24. 133 ! 2, 3, 49-51. Isaiah 34 : 1-8. 60 : 14-10. lev. 19: 11-21. 78 COVENANTS AND [SEC. I, 1 4. 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 7ibroken mine everlasting covenant ; 1G. 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, 'which 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, jim., 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 Aveak 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 ; q, 5 : 19, 20. 29 : 9—11. 35 : 11. 3S : G, 57, 7'f>. 49 : G, 10. 50 : 8. 5G : 1, 3, 4. ( 87 : G. 8S : 84, 85. t)7 : 7, 22, 25. 99 133 : 2, 49-52, 63, G4, 65—74 Acts 3 : 22. 23. 24 : 5, G. i, 29 : 21. 35 : 11. 80 : 3 133: 5, 7, 14. j, vers. 23,21. :;;, : 13. k, 22 : 1, 3. 39 : 11. 45 : 9. 49 : 9. GG : 2. 81 : 40, 41, 48, 57, 99. SS : 131, 138. 98 : 14, 15. ' 101 : 39. 104 I 4, 5. 107 : 19. 132: 4, G, 19, 2G, 27, 11, 42. , 8, 12. 45 : 30— 33, 44 , 49, 50, >, 32 — 37 SI : 92-98. 8G: 7, \ 101 10, 11. 102 : 2:; 20. !. A, 22 : 1-4. [saiah . SS: !>4, L05. 101 G5, GG. 324 : 1. i. Corinth. 1 : 2G-29. 70 : 1)9, 101. 78 : 11. 82: 15. £EC. I.] COMMANDMENTS. 79 23. That the fullness of my gospel might be 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 the}* might be chastened, that they might repent : 28. And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time : 29. And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, jun., might have power to -translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon ; 30. And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it '"forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which 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 lie taken even the light which he has received, for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts. I, 1 : 29. 3 : 12. ;'» : 4, 30, L.1. 13,*15, IS, 30, 31. 34. 41. -15. 17 : 6. 03: 68, Mff: •:->. 124 : 125. er25,sa 9 12. 10: 1-4. 7, 10, n, 20 : 8. 21 1. 37 1. 77:15. 90:13. mi, ■ c a. 80 COVENANTS AND [.SEC. II. 34. And again, verily I say unto you, 0 inhabitants of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto nall 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 world. 37. Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. 38. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself : and rthough 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, wMk in his father s house, in Manchester, Ontario County, New York, on the evening of the 2lst of September, 1823. 1. Behold I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of "Elijah the prophet, before the ^coining of the great and dreadful day of the Lord ; n, see b. o, S7 : 1, 2, G. 112 : 24. r, 33 : 11. q, sec f, and j r, 45 : 23. 57 : 11. 0,27:9. 35:4. 93:10,17. 110:13,11. 128 : 17.. 133 : 55. b, s«3 e, See. 1. SEC. III.] COMMANDMENTS. SI 2. And be shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children 'shall turn to their fathers : 3. If it were not so, the whole earth would he utterly wasted at its coining. 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 £>ossession of Martin Harris. 1 . The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot he frustrated, neither can they come to nought, •J. For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is °one eternal round. 3. Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men ; 4. For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him. ( 5. Behold, you have been intrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments ; and remember, also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them ; c, 27 : 9. 110 : 16, 123 ; 17. a, 35 ; 1. i. Ney. 10 : ID, 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 foil ; 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 6sight 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, 1"). 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 rtestimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Saviour come unto my people, t>, sco /, 1 ; 29, c, Rom. 11 ; 30, 31, SEC. IV.] COMMANDMENTS. 83 17. And to the (/Xephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testi- mony of their fathers — 18. And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the 'Lamanites, and the Lenmelites and the Ishmael- ites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to -f 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 ''their repentance they might be saved. Amen. SECTION 4. Revelation, throiujh Joseph, the Seer, to Joseph Smith, sen., given in Harmony, Susquehanna Count//, 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. < . Indians, among whom there is a mixture of the Nephites. /, Near the close of the fourth century of our era. . 80. 49 : 26, 50: 2, 31. 66: 9. lo : 27. 88 : 68 65, B8, 101 : 27. 108 : 81, 85. 132 : 40. SEC. V.] COMMANDMENTS. 85 God, and have given these things unto yon, my servant Joseph Smith, jun., and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things, 3. And I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that you should "not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you ; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you. 4. And you have a &gift to translate the plates and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you, and I have commanded that 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 cwo shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words ; G. 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. 0 ! this unbelieving and stiifnecked 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 tilings, and they a, see testimony of The Eijjht Witnesses, Book of Mormon. b, see t. 1 : -2;). c, see f and n, See.' 1. d, 20 : 2. 21 : 10. 11. 43 : 7. 113 : 5, J. 124 : 57, 58, 12.'.. 132 : 7, 11), 44—49. e. see /, See. 1. /, VCT. II. See. 17 : 2. 27 : 12. Ether J : 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 ^sarne 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. 1 5. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my word ; 16. And behold, whosoever believeth on my words them will I -?'visit with the manifestation of my Spirit, and they shall be *born of me, even of '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 "also go forth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their hearts against them ; 19. For a °desolating scourge shall go forth among the inhabitants of the earth, and shall continue to be poured out from time to time, if they repent not, until the earth is empty, and the inhabitants thereof are consumed away and utterly destroyed by the ^bright- ness of my coming. g, None others, in this generation, to receive a testimony of the same kind as the three : hut may receive a knowledge by other manifestations. /<, see a, Sec. 1. i, 105 : 31. 100 : 73. j, 8:1. 18 : 2, 18. 39 : G. 47:8 29. 07:11. 70:12,13. 75:27. 77 : 10-30, 110— US. 79:2. 84 : 40, 47, 85. 8S : 3, 13. 90 : 11. 121 : 20 -28. 124 : 5. 133 : 59. A-, Mos. 5 : 7. 27 : 24-27. Alma 5 : 14. 49. 22 : 15. 30 : 23, 20. 38 : 0. I, 19 : 31. 20 : 41. 20 : 73, 74. 33 : 11. 35 : 5, 0. 39 : 0, 10, 20, 2:;. 42 : 7. 62 : 10. 55 : 1. 84 : 04, 74. m, 19 : 31. 20 : 41, 43. 33 : 15. 35: 5, 6. 39 : 0, lo, 23. 52 : 10. 55 : 1. SI : 04, 74. n, testimony of all who are burn of the Spirit. p, see / and . 33 : 7. d, see c, Sec. 4. e, 11 : G. 12 : G. 14 : G. 39: 13. 64 : 2- 5. lol : 09—71, 11. 103: 11-24, 31, 33. 105: 27-20. 113 : 7, 8. 115 : '>. (:. 133 : 9. 90 COVENANTS AND [SEC. 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 cometh 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 ways. 12. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things. 13. If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the ^greatest of all the gifts of God ; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation. 14. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me, and behold as often as thou hast inquired, thou hast received 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- is true. 18. Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant /, 11 : 7. 14 : 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 \*>u assist in bringing to light, g, 10:57. 11:29. 39:3. 45:8. 133:06. ft,10:6& 11:11, 28. 12 : 9. 14 : 9. 34 : 2. 39 : 2. 45 : 7, 28, 36. 50 : 24, 25, 27. 84 : 45, 46. 86 : 11. 88 : 6 13, 49, 50, 56-58, 67. 93 : 9. 103 : 9. i, sec I. 1 : 29. j, vers. 27, 28. 92 COVENANTS AND [SEC. VI. with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been *hidden because of iniquity. 28. And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry ; and in the mouth of 'two or three witnesses shall every word be estab- lished. 29. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me ; 30. And if they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory ; 31. But if they ^reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed are they, and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors. 32. Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, "where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them, even so am I in the midst of you. 33. Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap ; therefore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward. 34. Therefore, fear not, little flock, do good ; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon °my Rock, they cannot prevail. 35. Behold, I do not condemn you, go your ways and sin no more, perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you ; 3G. Look unto me in every thought ; doubt not, fear not ; % /r, vers. 20, '27. /. 5 : 11, 15. 18 : 31, 30. 42 : 80, 81. 70 : 22. 128 : 3. ,/,. reject not the Book of Mormon. n, 29 : 0. 8-1 : 1. o, 10 : 09. 11 : 10, 24. 18 : 4, 17. 33 : 13. 50 : 44. SEC. YU.\ COMMANDMENT. 93 o7. 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 disriple, tarried on earth. Translated from parch- ment, written and hid up by himself. 1. And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what desirest thou ? For if ye shall ask, what you will, it shall be granted unto 3Tou. 2. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee. 3. And the Lord said unto me, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt "tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindred, tongues and people. 4. And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, ^If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? for he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom. 5. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done ; 6. Yea, he has undertaken a greater work, therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel : : I a, 77 : 1 1. w, Nep. 28 : 0. John 21 : 20-25. Rev. 10 : 11. b, John D . 25. - 94 , COVENANTS AND [SEC. VIII. he shall minister for those who cshall 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 unt# 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. Herniation 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 "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. #, Heb. 1 : 14. fl, 80c /, Sec. 1. SEC. IX.] COMMANDMENTS. 95 5. 0 ! 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 6gift 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 : 1 1 . Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that ryou may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred, and according to your faith shall it be done unto you. 12. Behold, it is I that have spoken it ; and I am the same that spake unto you from the beginning. Amen. SECTION 9. Revelation given to Oliver Cowdery, through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829. 1. Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate according to that which you de- sired of me, and did commence again to write for my b, vers. 7, 8, 9. c, see I, 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, r ,1 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 ; I- 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. f 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 o., Records kept by the Nephitea. SBC. X.J COMMANDMENTS. 07 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 youT head shall not be lost, and you shall be ''lifted up at the last day. Amen. SECTION lo. Revelation given to Joseph Smith, Jan., in Harmony \ Pennsylvania, May, 182CJ, informing him of the alteration of the Manuscript of the fore part of the Book of Mormon. 1. Now, behold, I say unto you, that because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate, by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have '•lost them ; 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, 110 \.«ages of Manuscripts stolon. 10: 1— Id, 20— 52. II 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 1ms given him power to translate, if so, he will also give him power again ; 17. And if God giveth him power again, or if he gEC, X.] COMMANDMENTS. !)9 translates again, or in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, and we have altered them : 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 ithe 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 rlattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie, that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him ; 26. And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell ; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare ; 27. And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. 28. Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive, because he supposeth that 100 COVENANTS AND [SEC. X„ another lieth to deceive, for snch 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 gono SEC. X.J COMMANDMENTS. 101 out of your hands, are engraven upon the plates of Nephi; o(J. 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 ^plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have re- tained ; 42. And behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi, and thus 1 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 <>i" 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. 4G. 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, cdesired 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 h. Small plates of Nephi. e, Enos 1 : 12 - -IS. Mor. 8 : 24—26. 9 : 36, :.<• 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 rfmy 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 jiot 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 emy own, and my own received me not. ,r>H. 1 am the light which ^shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 81 : 20 28. 124 : 39. 128 : 31. a, sec a, Sec. 4. SEC. XIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 109 2. Behold, I am Cod. and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing a -under 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 rask of me you shall re- ceive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you. 6. Seek to rfbring 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. S. 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. 0. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth ; a light which cannot be fthid in darkness : 10. Wherefore, I must '"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 b, Sec. 4. c. see c, Sec. 4. d, see e, Sec. 6. e, see f, Sec. 6. f. 20 : 2(5. 24 : 5, 'i. 25 : 7. 28 : 1. 33 : 8, 9. 34 : 10. 35 : 18—20. 36:2,3. 39:0. 42:13-16. 83:6. 88:137. 90:14. 100: 6 B. 124: !»7. a. David Whitmer heard the voice of God. and saw and heard the angel, and saw the golden IMates. h, the light shining among the Gentiles is hid in darkness, hut when it goes to Israel, it will be neen in its brilliancy. i, ]> : 26. lit : 27. 20 : 9. 21 : 12. 32 : 1, 2. 38: 3:5. 90: 9. 107: 31. 112: 4. 133: 8 110 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XV., XVI. shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen. SECTION 15. Revelation gicen to John Wkitmer, 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 10. Revelation given to Peter Wkitmer, 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 "de- clare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen. SECTION 17. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829, given previous to their viewing the folates contain- ing the 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 "view of the plates, and also of the ''breastplate, the "sword ofLaban, the dUrim andThum- mim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the ''miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea ; a, see h , Sec. 3. a, 5 : 15. Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon, n. Nep. 11. Ether 5 : 4. b, «• 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. c, i. Nep. 16: 10, 16, 26-30. 18: 12, 21. n. Nep. 5: 12. Alma 37: 3S-47. 112 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVIII. 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 ; 0. And he -Hias 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, aho, in- structions relative to Building up the Church of Christ, according to the fullness of the gospel. Given in Fayette, New York, June, 1829. 1. Now, behold, because of the thing which you, /, see I, Sec. 1. (j, ^cc I, Sec. 10. h, tee r', Sec. 5. SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 113 my servant Oliver Cowdery, have desired to know of me, I give unto you these words : 2. Behold, 1 have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in niciiiy instances, that the things which you have written are true ; wherefore you know that they are true ; 3. And if you know that they are true, hehold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written ; 4. For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of "my church, my ^gospel, and my rock ; 5. Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the "gates of hell shall not prevail against you. G. 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 «, see a, Sec. 1. b, 13 : 4. 5, 17, 26, 28, 32. 19 : 27. 20 : 9. 24 : 12. 25 : 1. 27 : 5, 13, 16. 2S : 8, 16. 29 : 4. 30 : 5, 9. ' 32 : ?. 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. SO : 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 : 85. 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. e, see i, Sec 10, d, as commanded of God, by the angel, John the Baptist. I 114 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVITI. repent, and I speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are called even with that same calling with which lie was called. 10. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God ; 11. For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh ; wherefore he suffered the ''pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. 12. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of ^re- pentance ; 13. And how great is his joy in the soul that re- penteth. 14. Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people ; lo. 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 jo)' will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me \ 17. Behold, you have my -"gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation. 18. *Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the 'Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expe- dient unto the children of men. 19. And if yon have not faith, hope; and charity, you can do nothing. 20. Contend against no church, save it be the 'church of the devil. e, 86:41. IS : 11. 19:13. II. Nep. 9 : 5, 7, 21. Bios. 8:7, 14. 15:10. Alma 7 : 11—13. 11 : 40. 22 : 14. 34 : 8 -15. Hela. 14: 15—17. III. Nop. I) : 22. 11 : 1 1, 14, 15. 27 : 14, 15. Mor. 9 : 13. 14. /, see h, Sec. 3. ij, see b, Sec. 18. h, sej c, Sec-. 4. /. see //', Sec. 5. j, I Nejfc 13; 6,6,26. 28.32,34. 14: 3. 9 17. SEC. XVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 1 1 5 21. Take upon you the *name 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 "go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature ; 29. And they are they who are ordained of me to 'baptize in my name, according to that which is written ; 30. And you have that which is written before you ; wherefore you must perform it according to the words which are written. 31. And now I speak unto you the Twelve— Be- hold, my grace is sufficient for you : you must walk uprightly before me and sin not. k, Mos. 5 : 9—14. 26 : IS, 24. Alma 5 : 38. 34 : 38. m. Nep. 27 : 5—9. Mor. 8 : 38. I, see h, See. 3. m. see I, Sec ">. n, see k, Sec. 18. o, 18 : 26. l!t : 27. 21 : 12. 107 : 38. l. Nop. 13 : 42. Ether 13:12. p,18: 31-36. 20:38—44. S4 : 63, 64. 95:4. 107:23-25. 112 : 1, 14, 21. US. 124 : 127—130. q, 107 : 23, 24, 33, 35, 38, 39, 53. 112:1,14,21. 118. 124:127 130. r, see J. Sec. Ji. 11 G COVENANTS AND [SEC. XVTTI. 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 ryears of accountability. 43. A' id now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things ; 44. And by your hands 1 will work a "marvelous ; s, 20 : 60. Moro. 3 : 1—4. t, see h, Sec. 3. J', see I, Sec. 5* t\ 2J» : 47. :s ; 23 27. to, 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 xabove all things. 46. And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father. 47. Behold, I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, and your Redeemer, by the power of my Spirit have spoken it, Amen. SECTION 19. A Commandment of' God, and not of Man, revealed through Joseph, the Seer, to 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 "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 rrepent or suffer, for I, God, am ^endless ; x, fullness of Celestial glory. a, -20 : 24. 49 : 6. 63 : 59. b, 29 : 27-30, 44. 45. I. John 3 : S e, see h, Sec. 3. d, vers. 10, 12. Pearl of Great Price, p. 1. 113 COVENANTS AND [SKC. XIX. 5. Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which 1 shall pass, but woe* shall go forth, eweeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand ; 6. Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written ^endless tor- ment. 7. Again, it is written ^eternal damnation ; where- fore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name's glory ; 8. Wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is mete unto you to know even as mine apostles. 9. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest ; 10. For, behold, the mystery of Godliness, how great is it ? for, behold, I am endless, and the punish- ment which is given from my hand, is ''endless punish- ment, for endless is my name : wherefore — 11. 'Eternal punishment is God's punishment. 12. ^Endless punishment is God's punishment. I'd. 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 ; 1 5. 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 ! 10. For behold, I, God, *have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent, C, 101: 91. 112: 24. 124:8. 134:37. /, vers. 7, 10— 12. 63:77. 76 : 33, 44, 45, 43. 7S : 12. 82: 21. 104 : 9, 18. , 103 112. 103: 20. 110: 11-13. 128: 20. 130 5. 133 : 17 8ft i, *ee b, 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: 11. 6EC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 123 17. By these things we 'know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from TOeverlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them ; 18. And that he ereated man, male and female, after his "own image and in his own likeness, created he them, 1 9. 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, 2."). That as many as would ^believe and be 'baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved : 2C). 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. J, 5: 11-14, 25, 26. 76:22,23. 88:49. 03:11—17. 110:2,3. 121:28. 128: 23. 133 : .;. m, see ". Sec. 39. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 17, 19. 1U Pearl of Great Price, pp. 5, 0. 13. 34. Ether 3: 1C. o, 18 : 11. 21: 9. 34: 3. 35: 2. 4.".: 4,-52. 76: 41. p, 18: 12. 4.". : 52. 133: 55. '/, 19 : 23, 24. 31. 20 ; 29. 34 : 34. 35 : 2. 38 : 4. 42 : 1. 45 : 5, 8. 49 : 5. 12. 70 : 51. Hi : 50- 52, 74, 89. 112 : 19. r, see I, Sec. 5. », :;.' : 3. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 10. 20. t, 21 : 2. 6 : 10—12. 8 : 2—4. 11:10-21. lb: oZ 35. 20:10,11,20. 21:2. 24:5. 111:8. 124:4,5. 12 1 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 27. As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the "gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which rbeareth record of the Father, and of the Son ; 28. Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are ,cone God, ^infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. 29. And we ^know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. 30. And we ?kno w that j ustification through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is just and true ; 31. And we 2nknow 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^fall from grace and depart from the living God ; 33. Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation ; 34. Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also. 35. And we 2c'know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither 2dadding 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 iraif of 2e commandment to the ?i,5:31. 6:10—13,27,28. 8:4—8. 10:2,18. 11:10. 14:7. 18:32. 20 : 27, 00. 130 : 37. v, 1 : 39. 42 : 17. 76 : 23, 26. ;r. Alma 11:44. in. Nep. 11 : 27, 28, 36. 28:10. Mor. 7 : 7. x, 20 : 12, 17. 2!): 1,33. 38:1. 39:1. 45:7. 76:4. 121:32. y, see/. z, see I. 2a, see I. 2 b, S3: 2, 11. 130 : 23. 2 c, see I. 2d, 68:34. 915 : 24, 25. 124:120. 2c, 15:6. 16:6. 18:27. 20 : 37, 72. 33 : 11. 49 : 12, 13. 76 : 51, 52. 81 : 76. SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 125 church concerning the manner of baptism. — All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized and come forth with broken hearts and con- trite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly 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 ^baptize. 39. And to - ''ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, 40. And to administer 2 'bread and wine — the em- blems of the flesh and blood of Christ — 41. And to ^confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laving 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 2*led by the Holy Ghost, according to the com- mandments and revelations of God. 46. The priest's 2/dutv 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, 33. 21 : 1,11, 12. lOf. : 27. " 2g, 18 : 29. 2 h, 18 : 32. 2 i, vers. 08, 69, 75—79. 27 : 2 5. 2 j, ver. 43. 33:11. 31:15. 35:6. 39:6,23. 52:10. 53:3. 55:1-3. 68:25. 2*, 46 : 2. i. Nep. 13 : 37. Mora 6:9. 21, vers. 46-52. 84 : ill. 1"7 : 20, 61, 12G COVENANTS AND [SEC. XX. 48. And lie 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 2 "assist the elder if occasion requires. 53. The teacher's duty is to 2owatch 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. GO. Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be 2 ^ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him ; and he is to be ordained by the 2 'power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him. 61. The several elders, composing this church of Christ are to meet in -"conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint ; 2 m, he cannot ordain to an office higher than that of a Priest. 2 ?J, 107 : 6,14. 2o,84:lll. 2 p, 84 : 111. 2 7,18:32. Moro. 3 ; 1-4. 2 r, 18 : 82. Moro. 3:1-4. 2 s, v«r. 62. SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 127 G2. 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 other elders, by 2ltvote of the church to which they 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 2 '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 2 "'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 2*vote may be called. 67. Every President of the High Priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, High Counselor, and High Priest, is to be ordained by the ^'direction of a High Council or general conference. 68. The duty of the member* after they are 'received by baptism. — The elders or priests are to have a suffi- cient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, - -"previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order. 69. And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a Godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the Holy Scriptures— walking in holiness before the Lord. 2 1, ver. 04. 2u, vers. 65, 60. 20 : 2. 104 : 04, 71, 72, 70. T«fl o?r" *$« 2w> see 2 "' Sec- 20- 2 *> see 2tt, Sec. 20. 2 >/, CS : 15-21. 1(2:1-3. 107:22,91,92. 118:1. 2e,ver.69. 40:4-0. 69:12. * Verses 65, 60, ami 07 were added sometime after the others. 128 COVENANTS AND [.SEC. XX. 70. Every member of the church of Christ 3ohaving 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 :;6years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. 72. 3cBaptism 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. 75. It is expedient that the church 3(7meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus ; 76. And the elder or priest shall administer it ; and after this [)e manner shall he administer it — he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying — 77. 0 God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, 0 God, the eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 3rt, Mat. 19: 18—15. Mark 10: 13-10. m. Nep. 17: 12-24. 26: 14. 16. 3 k, see »/. Sec. 63. 3 c, .r> : 16. 20 : 7:<. 74. 76 : 51. 128 : 12, 13. S d, in. Nep. 48 : ■"— 14- 28—30. in. Nep. 20 : 8. Mor. 9 : 29. More 0 : 6. 2 <', Moro. 4:1- & SEC. XX.] COMMANDMENTS. 129 78. The •'•'"manner of administering the wine. He shall take the cup also, and say — 79. 0 God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son. Jesus Christ. t<> bless and sanctity this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them ; that they may witness unto thee, 0 God, the eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to l»e witli them. Amen. - 80. Any member of the church of Christ ^trans- gressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as tin1 scriptures direct. SI. It shall be the duty of the several churches composing the church of Christ, to send 3/)one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church, 82. With a 3*list of the names of the several members uniting themselves with the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some priest, so that a regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book by one of the elders, whoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time ; 83. And also if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names may be "'■'blotted out of the general church record of names. 84. All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may s*take a letter, certifying that they are regular members and in good .standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest, if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church. 3/, Moro. 5 : 1. 2. Sff, 42 : SO, SI. Moa 20 : 20- 32. 3 h, vcr-3. 61, 62. 3 i, 65 ; 3-5. 3j, 85 ; 3- 5, 11, 12. 3 k, 72 ; 17, J3, 19, 25, 26. 130 C TENANTS AND [SEC. XXI. SECTION 21. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., given at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. 1. Behold there shall be a "record kept among you, and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an. apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, 2. Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith, 3. Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord "eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April. 4. Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me ; 5. For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith ; fi. For by doing these things the Agates of hell shall not prevail against you ; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens 'to shake for your good, and his name's glory. 7. For thussaith tin1 Lord God, him have I inspired to move the cause of ^Zion, in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers 1 have heard. 8. Yea his weeping for "Zion 1 have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer, for his days rr, 47 : 1, 3, 4. 09 : 3—8. 83. h, ve*. 7. '20 : 20. c, A.D. 1S30. 'Jit: I. cf, see I, Sec. 10. e, 21 : 6. 2;> : 23, 24. 43 : is. 45 : 22, 4b. 4? ; 23. 133 : 4-J, 0;). f. see >:, Sec. 0. y, see Sec. fl SEC. XXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 131 of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works. 9. For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was cruci- fied by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart. 10. Wherefore it behoveth me that he should be ^ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery, mine apostle ; 11. This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name, 12. And the 'first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the world, yea, before the ^Gentiles ; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo ! to the /l"Jews also. Amen. SECTION 22. liecelation to the Church of Christ, which was estab- lished in these hist days, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, given through Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester, New York, April, 1830, in consequence of some desiring to unite with the Church without re-baptism, who had preciously been baptized. 1. Behold, I say unto you, that all "old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a *new and an everlasting covenant, oven that which was from the beginning. h, see d, Sec. 5. i, vers. 10, 11. 2S : 8. j, ver. 11. k, 28 : 8. a, Isa. 2i : b, C. in. Nop. 12 ; 16, i7. in. Nop. 0: 17. b, sec /.-, Sec. 1, 132 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIII. 2. "Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing, for you cam not enter in at the straight gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works ; 3. For it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this 'last covenant and this dchurch to be built up unto me, even as in days of old. 4. Wherefore, enter ye in at the 'gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen, SECTION 23. Revelation to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel II Smith, Joseph Smith, sen., and Joseph Knight, sen., given through Joseph, the Seer, in Manchester \ New York, April, 1830. 1. Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art blessed, and art under no condemna- tion. But beware of pride, lest thou shouldst enter into temptation. 2. Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world, and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and forever. Amen. 3. Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words : for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy heart- is opened, and thy "tongue loosed ; and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church continu- ally. Wherefore thy duty is unto the church for ever, and this because of thy family. Amen. 4. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel, c, see /.-. Sue. 1. <1, sec a. Sec. 1. c. it. Nep. 0 : 41. 31 : 9, IT, 1^. S3: 9. Alma 37 : 44, 45. Hela. 3 : 20, 30. III. Nep. 14 : IS, 14 a, in. Nep, SK3 ; H. 1% SEC. XXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 133 for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call- ing is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church, and thou art not as yet called to preach before the world. Amen. 5. Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph, for thou also art under no condemnation, and thy call- ing also is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church, and this is thy duty from henceforth and forever. Amen. 6. Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you must take up your cross, in the which you must 6pray vocally before the world as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your friends, and in all places. 7. And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the reward of the laborer. Amen. SECTION 24. Bevelation given to Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cow- dery, in Harmony, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, July, 1830. 1. Behold, thou wast called and chosen to write the Book of Mormon, and to my ministry ; and I have lifted thee up out of thy afflictions, and have counseled thee, that thou hast been delivered from all thine enemies, and thou hast been delivered from the powers of Satan and from darkness ! 2. Nevertheless thou art not excusable in thy trans- gressions ; nevertheless, go thy way and sin no more. 3. Magnify thine office ; and after thou hast sowed b, Alma 33: 3—11. 134 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIV. thy fields and secured them, go speedily unto the church which is in Colesville, Fayette and Manchester, and they shall support thee ; and I will bless them both spiritually and temporally j 4. But if they receive thee not, I will send upon them a "cursing instead of a blessing. 5. And thou shalt continue in calling upon God in my name, and ^writing the things which shall be given thee by the Comforter, and expounding all scriptures unto the church ; 6. And it shall be given thee in the very moment what thou shalt speak and write, and they shall hear it, or I will send unto them a "cursing instead of a blessing. 7. For thou shalt devote all thy service in rfZion ; and in this thou shalt have strength. 8. Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have 'many ; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days. 9. And in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling. Attend to thy calling and thou shalt have wherewith to magnify thine office, and to expound all scriptures, and continue in -laying on of the hands and confirming the churches. 10. And thy brother Oliver shall continue in bear- ing my name before the world, and also to the church. And he shall not suppose that he can say enough in my cause ; and lo, I am with him to the end. 11. In me he shall have glory, and not of himself, whether in weakness or in strength, whether in bonds or free, 12. And at all times, and in all places, he shall open his mouth and declare my ^gospel as with the voice of a trump, both day and night. And I will give unto him strength such as is not known among men. a, vers. 6, 15, IS, 19. 84 : 92 -95. 7:. : tions given at sundry times-. c, see a. filled from that time, until his martyrdom. (j, see b, See. 18. 22. b. i many Revela- d, see e , Sec. 6. ey ful- /, see 2j, See. 20. £EC. XXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 135 18. ''Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons : 14. And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scrip- tures might be fulfilled ; for ye shall do according to that which is written. 15. And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not in my name, ye shall leave a curs- ing instead of a blessing, by ^'casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your feet by the wayside. 16. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall lay their hands upon you by violence, ye shall command to be smitten in my name : and, behold, I will smite them according to your words, in mine own due time. 17. And whosoever shall go to law with thee shall be cursed by the law. 18. And thou shalt take no ?'purse nor scrip, neither staves, neither two coats, for the church shall give unto thee in the very hour what thou needest for food and for raiment, and for shoes and for money, and for scrip; 19. For thou art called to '''prune my vineyard with a mighty pruning, yea, even for the last time. Yea, and also all those whom thou hast ^ordained, and they shall do even according to this pattern. Amen. SECTION 25. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Harmony, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, Juhj, 1830. 1. Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, h, Great miracles to be wrought only bv command. i, see a. }, 60 : 15. 75 : 18-22. 81 : 78- 80. k, 31 : 45. 33 : 3, 4. 39 : 17. 43 : 28. G : 3, 4. 11 : 3. 21 : 9. Jacob 5 : 61—74. /, See. 24, as a pattern. 13G COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXV, while I speak unto 3rou, Emma Smith, my daughter, for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are "sons and daughters in my kingdom. 2. A revelation I give unto you concerning my will, and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt re- ceive an inheritance in ^Zion. 3. Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. 4. Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come. 5. And the office of thy calling shall be for a com- fort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, jun., thy husband, in his afflictions with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness. 6. And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will. 7. And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit : 8. For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time, shall be given to writing, and to learning much. 9. And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church ; for unto them is his call- ing, that all things might be revealed unto them, what- soever I will, according to their faith. 10. And verily I say unto thee, that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the tilings of a better. 1 1 . And it shall be given thee, also, to make a /selec- a, 11 : 30. 34 : 3. 35 : 2. 39 : 4. 42 : 52. 45 : 8. 50 : 70 : 24, 68. 121 : 7. b, 38 : 19. 45 : 65. .r>2 : 2, 5, 42. 5, 7, 8, 15. 58 : 17, 28, 36, 38, 40, 44, 51, 58. 03 : 29, 31, 48, 49. 16. 72 : 17. 85 : 1—3, 7, 9, 11. 99 : 7. 101 : 1, 0, 18. C, i. Cor. 14 : 26. Eph. 5 : 19. Colos. 3 : 10. 41. 58: 17. 56 : 5. 57 : 04: 30. 7(>: 103 : 11 ,14. SEC. XXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 137 tion of sacred hymns, a* it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church ; 12. For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart, yea, the ''song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. 13. Wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made. 14. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. 15. Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. 1G. And verily, verily I say unto you, that this is mv voice unto all. Amen. SECTION 2G. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., Oliver Cowdery, and John Wkitmer, given in Harmony, Pennsylvania, July, 1830. 1. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures, and to preaching, and to confirming the church at Coles- ville, and to performing your labors on the land, such as is required, until after you shall go to the west to hold the next conference ; and then it shall be made known what you shall do. 2. And all things shall be done by "common con- sent in the church, by much prayer and faith, for all things you shall receive by faith. Amen. (/, see c c Bee 2«. Sec. 20. : • si;: : - X 3L Jfc." SEC. XXVII. ] COMMANDMENTS. 139 7. And also ''John the son of Zaeharias, which Zacha- rias he (Elias) visited and gave promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias ; 8. Which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, jun., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto this 'first priesthood which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron : 9. And also -'Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse : 10. And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain ; 11. And also with ''Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days. 12. And also with Peter, and James, and John, ?whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things which I revealed unto them : 13. Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the "'last times ; and for the "fullness of times, in the which I will gather together in °one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth : 14. And also witli all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world : 15. Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all ye may be able to stand. 16. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about h, Sec. 13. 27 : 8. i, see Sec. 2. j, see Sec. 2. /.-, 29 : 26.30,40,42. 78:16. 84:16. 88:112—115. 107:54—56. 116:1. 128: 18,20,21. I, see d, Sec. 5. n», 64:30, 87. 77:15. ?i,70: 106. 77 : 12. 110 : 14. 112 : 30. 124 : 41. o. 29 : 11. 84 : 100. 140 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXVIII. with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have ^sent mine angels to commit unto you, 17. Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ; 18. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touch- ing all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also. Amen. SECTION 28. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver Cowderi/, in Fayette, New York, September, 1830. 1. Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee, that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and comma nd- ments which I have given. 2. But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, •no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church, excepting my servant Joseph Smith, jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses; 3. And thou shall be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faith- fully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church. 4. And if thou art led at any time by the Com- n, vers. 5-11. 128 : 19—21. Testimony of Three Witnesses, Book of Mormon, a, v.rs. 12, 13. 43 : 8—6 SEC. XXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 141 forter, to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, .thou mayest do it. 5. But thou shalt not write by way of command- ment, but by wisdom : G. And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church, 7. **For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall ap- point unto them another in his stead. 8. And now, behold, I say unto you, that you shall go unto the Lamanites and preach my gospel unto them ; and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings, thou shalt cause cmy church to be established among them, and thou slrq.lt have revelations, but write them not by way of commandment. 9. And now, behold, I say unto you, that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where rfthe city shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold, I say unto you. that it shall be on the borders by the La- manites. 10. Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference, and my servant Joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by the voice of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell. 11. And again, thou shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath 'written from that stone, are not of me, and that Satan deceiveth him ; 12. For, behold, these things have not been ap- pointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church cove- nants. 13. For all things must be done in order, and bv 'common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith. b, 85:18. 42:05. 43:4. 64:5. 70:114. 90 : 2—8. 107:18,10. 112 : 15. c, see a, Sec. 1. d, see 7, Sec. 42. f, Satan's deception detected. f, see 2m, Sec. 20. 142 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXIX. 14. And thou shalt assist to settle all these things according to the covenants of the church before thou shalt take thy journey among the Lamanites. 15. And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return, what thou shalt do. 16. And thou must open thy mouth at all times declaring my gospel with the sound of rejoicing. Amen. SECTION 29. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in the pre- sence of six Elders, in Fayette, New York, Septem- ber, 1830. 1. Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Re- deemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins ; 2. Who will "gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. 3. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things ; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you. 4. Verily, I say unto you, that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the 6voice of a trump : 5. Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father ; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom ; a, see ;', Sec. 10. b, 33 : 2. 34 : e. 36 : 1. 42 ; 6. GEO. XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 143 G. And as it is written, cWhatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive ; 7. And ye are called to bring to pass the ^gathering of mine elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden Yiot their hearts ; 8. Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father, that they shall be gathered in unto eone place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when ^tribula- tion and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked ; 9. For the #hour is nigh, and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe : and all the proud, and they that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, and I will *burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth ; 10. For the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken by mine apostles must be fulfilled ; for as they spoke so shall it come to pass ; 11. For I will reveal 'myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a -thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand. 12. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of lire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with *erowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the Whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else ; 13. For a 'trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, c, see c, Sec. 4. d, see j, Sec. 10. e, see d. f, see / and and [seg. xxec and they shall come forth : yea. "'even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am. t > be with me. that we may be one. 14. But, behold. I say unto yon, that before this great day shall come, the "sun shall be darkened and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater sign- in heaven above, and in the earth beneath : 15. And there shall be "weeping and wailing among the hosts of men ; 16. And there shall be a -?'great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth ; 17. And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take '^vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent : for the cup of mine indignation i< full ; for behold my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. 18. \Vherefore. I the Lord .God will send forth 'flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them : 19. And their tongue^ shall be staid that they shall not utter against me : and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets : 20. And it shall come to pass that the "beasts of the forest, and the fowls of the air shall devour them up ; 21. And that great and 'abominable church, which i- the whore of all the earth, .-hall be cast down by de- vouring lire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, who >poke of these things, which have not come to pass, but surely must, as I live, for abominations shall Dot reign. 22. And again, verily, verily. I say unto you. that M, 4.-.: 4."». 40. 70: 59—64. 79: ZL SB: 96,97. 1:33 : 5fi. ~*,34: - 37 133:49. o, see c Sec. 19. p,4S: 25. - - W. . Ezek. 38 : 22. 7. sec / and a, Sec. 1. r, Zech. 14 : 12. Isaiah 15 : 6. 5, Isaiah IS : 6. Ee-/l9 : 17, 1? Ezek. 33 ; 17 - JO, - ■ ■ .. SEC. XXIX.] COMMANDMENTS. 145 when the "thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God. then will I snare the earth but fur a little season ; 23. And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be "consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new ^heaven and a new earth, 24. For all *old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new. even the heaven and the earth, and all the fullness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea ; 2.3. And nor one hair, neither mote, shall be List. for it is the workmanship of mine hand. 26. But. behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pas- away. ''Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth ; yea, even all. 27. And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life ; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father ; 28. "Wherefore I will say unto them — -'Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting lire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 29. And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time, have I declared from mine own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for the}- have no power ; 30. But remember that all my judgment- are not given unto men : and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth, even so shall they be fulfilled, that the 2afirst shall be last, and that the Last shall be first in all thing- whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which i< the power of my Spirit ; 101, 110- -115. Rev . 20 : 3-9. '•. Rev . 20 : 11. Ether 13 : 0. . 7. Jude 1 : (i. 2/7, ver. 28. 7(i : S3, 86, 41 • 48, 84, 10.'), 100. 77 : 8. 88: 113, 114. Pearl of Great Price, p. 14. i. Kepi If) : 29, 85. ii. Nep. 1:3. 2 : 29. 9: 8-19, 20, 34, 30. '.'8 : 15, 21, 23. Jacob G : 10. Alma 12 : 10 IS. in. Nep. 27 : 11, 12. Moro. 8 : 13, 14, 21, SEC. XXIX.] C0MMAHDMEN1!S. 147 unto themselves, for if they never should have bitter, they could not know the sweet.) 40. "Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became ^subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation. 41. Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, -'from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became ^spiritually dead, which is the 27ffirst death, even that same death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say — 2ZDepart, ye cursed. 42. But, behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord God gave unto Adam and unto his seed that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I the Lord God should send forth 2inangels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on tke name of mine Only Begotten Sen. 43. And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation ; that by his natural death he might be '-"raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe ; 44. And they that believe not unto 2oeternal dam- nation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not ; 45. For they will love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey. 46. But, behold, I say unto you, that ^'little chil- dren are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten : 47. Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not 2/v, ver. 33. 2i, Pearl of Great Price, p. 0. 2/', Pearl of Great Price, p. 1.".. 2k, n. Nep. 9 : 7—12. Mos. 3 : 2G, 27. 16 : 4—11. Alma 11 : 45. 12 : 18, 26, 36. 42 : 6, 9, 14. Hela. 1 i : 16, 17. Mor. 9 : 13. il, ver. 28. 76 : :-.7. 2in, vers. 43, 46. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 9, to, 16, 17. 2n,seero. 2 o, sec v, Sec. 76. 2p, Bee t, Sec. 93, 148 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXX. given unto Satan to 2?tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me ; 48. For it is given unto them even as I will, accord- ing to mine own pleasure, that great things may be re- quired at the hand of their fathers. 49. And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded to repent ? 50. And he that hath no understanding, it remain- eth in me to do according as it is written. And now I declare no more unto von at this time. Amen. SECTION 30. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Da eld Whitmer, Peter Wkitmer, jun., and John Whitmer, at Fayette, September, 1830. 1. Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought : 2. But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called ; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded : 3. Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself, at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received. 4. And your home shall be at your father's house, until I give unto you further commandments. And you shall attend to the ministry in the church, and before the world, and in the regions round about. Amen. 5. Behold, 1 say unto you, Peter, that you shall take Zg, 93 : ;'.7 49. CEC. XXXI. J COMMANDMENTS. 149 your "journey with your "In-other Oliver, for the time has come that it is expedient in me that you shall open your mouth to declare my gospel ; therefore, fear not, but give heed unto the words and advice of your brother, which he shall give you. G. And be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer, and faith, for his and your deliverance : for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites : 7. And none have I appointed to be his counselor over him in the church, concerning church matters, except it is his brother, Joseph Smith, jun. 8. Wherefore, give heed unto these things and be diligent in keeping my commandments, and you shall be blessed unto eternal lite. Amen. 9. Behold, I say unto you, my servant John, that thou shalt commence from this time forth to proclaim my gospel, as with the voice of a trump. 10. And your labor shall be at your brother Philip Burrough's, and in that region round about ; yea, wherever you can be heard, until I command you to go from hence. 11. And your whole labor shall be in ^Zion, with all your soul, from henceforth ; yea, you shall ever open your mouth in my cause, not fearing what man can do, for I am with you. Amen. SECTION 31. Revelation to Thomas B. Marsh, given through Joseph, the Seer, September, 1830. 1. Thomas, my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work. _ 2. Behold, you have had many afflictions because of a, westward to the Lamanites. b, among1 the saints. 150 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXI. your family : nevertheless, I will bless you and your family; yea, your little ones, and the day eometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in /my church. 3. Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come : and your tongue shall be loosed ; and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy urito this generation. 4. You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth ; yea, to reap in the field which is &white already to be burned : 5. Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live. 6. Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will pre- pare a place for them ; 7. Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand ; 8. And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered. 9. Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast. 10. Behold, I say unto you, that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you. 11. Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be cgiven you by the Comforter what you shall do, and whither you shall go. 12. dPray always, lest you enter into temptation, and lose your reward. a, see a, Sec. 1. b, see bf Sec. 4. c, 34 : 10. 85 : 19. 36 : 2. 39:0. 42:13,14,10,17. 45 : 57. 46:11,27—31. 50:13,14.17—22. CI: 27, 28. 72 : 24. 75 : 10. 70 : 12, SO, 110. SS : 137. 105 : 30. 121 : 20. d. sec c, Sec. 4. SEC. XXXII., XXXIII.] COMMANDMENTS 151 13. Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen. SECTION 32. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, October, 1830. 1. And now concerning my servant Parley P. Pratt, behold, I say unto him, that as I live I will that he shall declare my gospel and learn of me, and be meek and lowly of heart ; 2. And that which I have appointed unto him is, that he shall "go with my servants Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer, jun., into the wilderness among the Lamanites ; 3. And ^Ziba Peterson, also, shall go with them, and I myself will go with them and be in their midst ; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail. 4. And they shall give heed to that which is written and pretend to no other revelation, and they shall "pray always that I may unfold them to their understanding ; 5. And they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless them. Amen. SECTION 33. Revelation given through Joseph, the&eer, to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, October, 1830. 1. Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and a, West of Missouri. b, West of Missouri. c, sec c, Sec. 4. 152 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XXXIII. Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is rtquick and power- ful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit ; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 2. For verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye are called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump, to declare my ^gospel unto a crooked and per- verse generation : 3. For behold, the field is c white already to harvest : and it is the ^eleventh hour, and for the *last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard. 4. And my vineyard has become corrupted •'every whit ; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few ; and they err in many instances, because of Spriest- crafts, all having corrupt minds. 5. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this church have I established and called forth ''out of the wilderness : G. And even so will I 'gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me, and hearken unto my voice : 7. Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is Avhite already to harvest ; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength. 8. Open your mouths and. they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness : 9. Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you : 10. Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying™ Repent, repent, and ^prepare ye the way of the a, sec «, Sec. 27. b, sec b, Sec. 18. r, sec b. Sec. 4. r/. see k, Sec. 24. e, Bee k, Sec. 24. /, 35 : 7, 12. 38: 11. 101 : 44 62. !/, H. Nep. 26 : 29 31. m. Nep. 21 : 10— 21. 29: 4—9. Ch. 30. h,scea, Sec. L. /, see ;, Sec. 10. j, sec b, Sec. i. k, sec e, Sec. 1. SEC. XXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 153 Lord, and make his paths straight ; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ; 11. Yea, 'repent and be baptized, every one of yon, for a remission of your sins ; yea, be baptized even by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. 12. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto yon, this is my gospel, and remember that they shall have faith in me, or they can in no wise be saved ; 1 3. And upon this "'rock I will build my church ; yea, upon this rock )-e are built, and if ye continue, the "gates of hell shall not prevail against you; 14. And ye shall remember the church articles and covenants to keep them ; 15. And whoso having faith you shall confirm in my cl lurch, by the °laying on of the hands, and I will be- stow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them. 1 6. And the Book of Mormon and the Holy Scrip- tures, are given of me for your instruction ; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things : 17. "Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your J'lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bride- groom : 18. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I ?coine quickly. Even so. Amen. SECTION 34. He relation to Orson Pratt, given through Joseph, the Seer, in Fayette, New York, November 4th, 183.0. 1. My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold l, sec h, Sec. 3. //», see o, Sec. (5. n, see I, Sec. 10. o,sce 2j, Sec. 20. p, 45 : 44— 4t>. 88 : 92. g, see c, Sec. 1. 154 COVENANTS AND [SEC XXXIV. what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer ; 2. The "light and the life of the world ; a light which 6shineth in darkness and the darkness compre- hended! it not ; 3. Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might cbecome the sons of God : wherefore you are my son, 4. And blessed are you because you have believed ; 5. And more blessed are you because you are ^called of me to preach my gospel, 6. To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both ''long and loud, and cry -^repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, ^preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming ; 7. For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand, that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory, 8. And it shall be a *great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble. 9. But before that great day shall come, the 'sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and ^'great destructions await the wicked : 10. Wherefore lift up your voice and A"spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken ; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost ; 11. And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you '"until I come : 12. And verily, verily, 1 say unto you, I "come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer, Even so. Amen. a, see h, Sec. C. b, see h, Sec. G. c, see Jc, Sec. 11. d, see k, Sec. 21. (', SCC /). Sec. I'M. /, see h, See. 3. : 94. '.'. 100. e, 88 : 99. r, see c c/, sec e, Sec. 1. h, see x, Sec. 35. i, 88 : 95. Tearl of I ! rout Trice, p 20. /', sec <\ SEC. XXXVIII. ] COMMANDMENTS. lGl is pained, and the *angels are waiting the great com- mand to reap down the earth, to gather the 'tares that they may be burned : and, 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 '"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, 86: 3-7. J, 86: 7. S3: 94. 101:66. 133:63,64. ?H,seea-j Sec. 35. », Acts K) : 34. t. Pet. 1 : 17. o, 52 : 2. 57 : 1, 2, 5, 7. p, 56 ; 20. 57 : 5. 63 : 20, 48, 49. M 1C2 COVENANTS AND fSEO. XXXVIIL 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 wherewith 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 I am : I say unto you, be one ; and if ye are rnot 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 ; 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 V, ver. 2:». 59 : 6. 83: 12:5. p, 19 : 9. 01 : S. 8, 5 : 32, 33. 10: 0,25. 38: 13. 42: 01. 89: 4. 117: 11. f. 45 ; 26,03, S7 : 1 5. 130: 12. it, see /', Sec. 10. SIC. XXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 1^3 commandment that ye should "go to the Ohio ; and there I will give unto you my "law ; and there you shall be 'endowed with power from on high ; 33. And from thence, whomsoever I will, shall ^go forth among all nations, and it shall he 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 "riches of eternity ; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give ; but beware of pride, lest ye --'become as the Xephites 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. v, see b, Sec. 37. ?r, see Sec. 42. x, 39 : 15. 43 : 16. 95 : 8. 108 : 4. y, see q, Sec. 18. z, ver. 32. 3'J : 15. 95 : 8, 9. lo:. : IB, 33. 110: 9, 10. 124: 36-44. 2a, 11 : 7. 68: 31. 78: 18. 2b, 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. Revelation to James Covill, given through Joseph, the Seer, in Fayette, New York, January 5th, 1831. 1. Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is "from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus Christ, 2. ^The light and the life of the world ; a light which cshineth 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 tire 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. Gl : 1. 7G : 4. 88 : : 28. 83 : 2. 132 : 62. /, 03 : 16. SBC. XL1I.] COMMANDMENTS. 17 1 after her, shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit, and if he repents not he shall he cast out. 24. Thou shalt '"not commit adultery ; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out ; 25. But lie 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 he for- given, but shall be cast out. 27. Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm. 2H. 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 a} (pointed 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. 101 : 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-S6. * The words, "or High Priests," were added by the Trophet some years after ; and also the words, "Uitrh Council," in the 34th verse. 172 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLII. 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, that ever}' man who has need may be amply supplied, and receive according to his wants. 34. Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my store- house, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the ^Higli Council of the church, and the bishop and his council, 35. And for the purpose of purchasing lands for the public benefit of the church, and building houses of worship, and building up of the ^New Jerusalem which is hereafter to be revealed, 36. That my Covenant people may be gathered in one in that day when I shall scome to my temple. And this I do for the salvation of my people. 37. And it shall come to pass, that he that sinneth and repenteth not, shall be cast out of the church, and shall not receive again that which he has consecrated unto the poor and the needy of my church ; or in other wordsj unto me ; 38. For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me ; 3D. For it shall come to pass, that which I spake by the mouths of my prophets, shall be fulfilled ; for I will consecrate of the riches of those who embrace my gospel among the Gentiles, unto the poor of my people who are of the house of Israel. 40. And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart ; let all thy 'garments be plain, and their beauty the beauty of the work of thine own hands ; ^,102:1—34. 120:1. q, vera. 9,62, 67. 28:9. 45:66—71. 52:43. 57: 2,14. 58:7,13. r, the remnant of Joseph. g, sec d, See. 3tt f.95; 13 SEC. XLII.J COMMANDMENTS. 173 41. And let all things be done in cleanliness before me. 42. Thou shalt 1t. 2 a, 51 : 10-12. 2 b, vers. 33, 34. 51 : 13. 70 : 7. 72 : 10. 82 : 18. 101 : 96. 119: 1. 2c, the inspired translation of the Bible. 2d, 45 : 00, 61. 94 : 10. 124 : 89. 2 e, vers. 05, 07. 59 ; 4. 76 : 7. 88 : 77-79. 121 : 20- 33. 2 f. see q. SEC. XLII.] COMMANDMENTS. 175 teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of ^secret combinations. (I;"). Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward ; for unto you it is given to -''know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them. GG. Ye shall observe the laws which ye have re- ceived and be faithful. G7. And ye shall hereafter receive 2 'church cove- nants, such as shall be sufficient to establish yon, 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. TO. 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, leaving put away their companions for the -''cause of fornication, or in other words, if they shall testify before you in all lowliness of heart that tins is the case, ye shall not cast them out from among you; 2icc out of heaven ; the heavens shall ''shake and the earth shall tremble, and the 'trump of God shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations, Ye saints arise and live ; ye sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again ; 19. Wherefore gird up your loins lest ye be found among the wicked. 20. Lift up your voices and spare not. Call upon the ^nations to repent, both old and young, both bond e, 46 : 7—33. 50 : 10-36. 52 : 9. /, see x, Sec. 38. a, vers. 23-27. 1 ; 11. 45 : 4«t. 63 : 5. . />. see e, See. 21. '<, see I, See. 29. — - j, see 6, Sec. 1. 180 COVENANTS AM. [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 mutter his voice out of heaven, saying, Hearken, 0 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 '. 2*5. 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 (rod ; 28. Wherefore labor ye, ^labor ye in my vineyard k, vcr. 2'j . I ver. 2.".. %#£ /', 133 : S- 15. V, vers. 21* j>, see /.*, Sec. 24. SEC. XLIV.J COMMANDMENTS. 181 for the last time — for the last time call upon the in- habitants of the earth, 29. For in my own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment, and my people shall be redeemed and shall ^reign with me on earth, 30. For the great ''Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come ; 31. For •"Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again, he shall only reign for a 'little season, and then cometh the "end of the earth ;. 32. And he that liveth in righteousness shall be ^changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the '-'earth shall pass away so as by fire ; 33. And the wicked shall go away into ^unquench- able tire, 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 Itigdon, given in Kirthind, 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 a, 1 : 3C. GG : G3. 84 : 119. 88 : 17, 26. r, 29 : 11, 22. *, 88 : 110. 101 : 28. (. 29 : 22. ti, see t, Sec. 88. < . 38; 20, 28. w, seef, See. 88. .<\ 29 : 28. See * and t, See. 10. 182 COVENANTS AND [$EC. XLV. from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some other way. 2. And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together. 3. And it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round about, and preach repent- ance unto the people ; 4. And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves, "according to the laws of man ; 5. That your enemies may not have power over you, that you may be preserved in all things ; that ycu may be enabled to keep my laws, that every 6band 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 claw which ye have received. Amen. SECTION 45. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 1th, 1831. 1. Hearken, 0 ye people of my church to whom the "kingdom has been given — hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all a, with civil officers, elected by themselves. b, that the civil officers may be good men, and not persecutors. c, see Sec. 42. a. see x, Sec. 33. SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 183 things were made which live, and move, and have a being. 2. And again, I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you ; in an hour when ye think not the ^summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved. 3. Listen to him who is the ^advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him, 4. Saying, Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased ; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed — the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified ; 5. Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life. 6. Hearken, 0 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 f/light and the life of the world — a light that *shmeth 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 Aeverlasting cove- nant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to bo 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 b, 56 : 16. Jer. 8 : 20. c, vers. 4, 5. 29 : 5. 62 : 1. 110 : 4. d, see /<, Sec. 6. e, see h, Sec. 6. f, see g, Sec. 6. g, seeg, Sec. 6. h, see A-, Sec. 1. i, ver. 28. 1 : 29. 3 : 16—20. 5 : 15, 16. 10 : 45—53. 20 : 8 -12. 61 : 42. 113 : 6. 115 : 5. j, see i. 184 . COVENANTS AND £sEC. XLV. tometh I will reason as with men m 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 youi enemies say that this house shall never fall. 19. But, verily, I say unto you, that desolation shall come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and this people shall be '"destroyed and scattered among all nations. 20. And this temple which ye now see shall be k, 84 : 99, 100. 133 : 51. I, vers. 43, 51—53. m, Luke 20 ; 10. '21 : 23, 24. SEC. XL V.] COMMANDMENTS. 185 thrown down that there shall not be left "one stone upon another. 21. And it shall come to pass, that this generation of Jews shall not pass away, until every desolation which 1 have told you concerning them shall come to pass. 2 2. 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 toll you shall not pass away until all shall be fulfilled, 24. And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem, and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations ; 25. But they shall be gathered again, but they shall remain until the °times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 26. And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the ^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 flight shall break forth among them that sit in dark- ness, and it shall be the 'fullness of my gospel ; 20. But they receive it not, for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men ; 30. And in that "generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled ; 31. And there shall be 'men standing in that genera- tion, that shall not pass, until they shall see an over- n. Matt. 24 : 2. Luke 19 : 44. o, vcr. 30. Luke 21 : 24. Rom. 11 : 25—27. p, vers. 33, G3, 31, 49, 50. Luke 21 : 10, 11, 25- 27. , sec e, Sec. 1. 2 c, 88: 8S--110. Seee, Sec. 1. SEC. XLV.] COMMANDMENTS. 187 42. And before the day of the Lord shall come, the 2rfsun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and stars fall from heaven ; 43. And the remnant shall be 2cgathered 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/'meet me in the cloud ; 46. Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace, blessed are you, for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected, and the - 'saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth. 47. Then shall the 24rm of the Lord fall upon the nations, 48. And then shall the Lord set his 2tfoot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall 2 'tremble, and reel to and fro, and the -'"'heavens also shall shake, 49. And the Lord shall 2 "utter his voice, and all the ends of the earth shall hear it, and the 2onations 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 2 d, see n, Sec. 29. 2e, vers. 17, 25, 44, 51—53. 133: 13. 2/, 34 : 7. 76 : 03, 102. 78 : 21. 84 : 100. 88 : 94—98. 2g, see I, Sec. 29. 2 h, see m, Sec. 29. 2i, sec;', Sec. 10. 2/, see /and g, Sec. 1. -k, 133 : 20. 2 I, see x. 2 m, see e, Sec. 21. 2«, see 4 : 4, 5, 31, 32. 97 : 15-20. 3c, see 36. 3d, 28: 9. 39 : 13. 42 : 35. 58 : 49, 50. 59 : 3. 61 : 1G, 24. G2 : 2. 4. G3 : 24. 25, 29, 3G. 39—41, 43. 48. 04 : IS. 22. 26, 34, 35, 38, 41. 6G : 6. 11. 68 : 25, 26, 29—32. CO : 1. 5, 6, 8. 70 : 1, 8. 72 : G, 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, 21, 29, 30, 34, 35. 104 : 47, 48. 105 : 5. 8, 9, IS, 14, 34. 107 : 59, 74. 109 : 51, 59. Ill : 2, 6. 115 : 3, 6. 117 : 9, 14. 118 : 2. 119 : 1, 2, 5, G, 7. 124 : 36. 133 : 4. 9, 12, IS, 20, 21, 24, 32, 66. 3e, vers. I ». 3s : 29. 03 : 33. Sec. 87. 3 f. see 3d. ig, sec j, 190 COVENANTS AND [SEC. XLYI. nation under heaven; and it shall be the 3Aonly people that shall not be at war one with another. 70. And it shall be said among the wicked, 3l'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 "among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with 3 ?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 oif and tremble ; 75. And 3 "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 Hth, 1831. 1. Hearken, 0 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 Sh, see o, Sec. 1. Isa. 13 : 4-13. 60 : 14—16. 3?", see 3&. flj, see :;-/• 8ft, see j, Sec. 10. ol, 101 : 18. Isa. 33 : 10, dm, see e, Sec. 1. 3??, see e, Sec. 1. SEC. XL VI.] COMMANDMENTS. 191 church from the beginning, and ever shall be to "con- duct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit ; 3. Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world ; 4. Ye are also commanded not to cast any one, who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meet- ings ; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, b\et 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. G. 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 arc deceived ; and that ye may not be deceived, Jacob shall 'flourish in the wilderness, and the Laman- ites shall "'blossom as the rose. 25. Zion shall "flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the °mountains, and shall be assembled together unto the place which I have appointed. 26. Behold, I say unto j^ou, 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, 0 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 yoti, 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 ::, Sec. 45. j, 13C: 22. Isa. 40 : 4. /r, sec I, Sec. 29- I, Ezek. 20: 33 S3. vi, in. Nep. 21 : '22 25. Isa. 35 : 1, 2. n, see v, Bee! 35. o, sec v, Sec. 35. p, see c, Sec. 4. 3. 54. g, 42 : 34, 35. 68 : 24. 63 : 42. 72 : 10. 78 : 3. 82 : 18. 83 : 5, (>. ft, 42 : 30—30. ?', See. 51, an Example for all branches of the church. 68: 35,3G. 72: 19—20. 119: 7. j, ice t>, Sec. 42. SEC. LII.J 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 3rou, 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 °known unto them the land of your inheri- tance. G. 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 Lamaiiites. h, the believing Gentiles. c, see b. Sec. 25. 206 COVENANTS AND [SEC. III. 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 prayer of faith. 10. Let them go two by two, and thus let them preach by the way in every congregation, baptizing by water, and the ^laying on of the hands by the water's side ; 11. For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days cometh that I will send forth judgment unto victory. 12. And let my servant Lyman Wight beware, for Satan desireth to sift him as chaff. 13. And behold, he that is faithful shall be made ruler over many things. 14. And again, I will give unto you a ^pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived, for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations ; 15. Wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is con- trite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordi- nances. 1 6. 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 trcmbloth 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, sec 2/', See. '20. e, vers. 15— Id. SEC. LII.] COMMANDMENTS. 207 not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me ; 19. Wherefore by this ^pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens. 20. And the days have come, according to men's faith it shall be done unto them. 21. Behold, this commandment is given unto all the elders whom I have chosen. 22. And again, verily I say unto you, let my ser- vant Thomas B. Marsh, and my servant Ezra Thayre, take their journey also, preaching the word by the way unto this same land. 23. And again, let my servant Isaac Morley, and my servant Ezra Booth take their journey, also preach- ing the word by the way unto 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 lligdon, 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 7tland of your inheritance, which is now the land of your enemies. f visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation — The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved ! 17. , 42 : 29. Dcut. G : 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 thyselt unspotted from the world, thou shalt cgo to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day ; 1 0. 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 ''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 climbcth 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, CS : 29. Alma 1 : 26, 27. d, C8 : 29. c, 88 : 60, 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 Avho 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 Jachon Count]), 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 Q 226 COVENANTS AND [SEC. IX have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. 3. And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that; which they have ; 4. For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above, and among the armies of the earth ; and in' the day when I shall make up my "jewels, all men shall know what il is that bespeaketh the power of God, 5. But verily, I will speak unto you concerning your journey unto the land from whence you came. Let there be a craft made, or bought, as seemeth you good, it 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 whence they came. 9. And all this for the good of the churches ; for this intent have I sent them. 10. And let my servant Edward Partridge impart of the money which I have given him, a portion unto mine elders who are commanded to return ; 11. And he that is able, let him return it by the way of the agent, and he that is not, of him it is not required. 12. And now I speak of the residue who are to come unto this land. 13. Behold, they have been sent to preach my a, ioi : 3. SEC. LXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 22? gospel among the congregations of the wicked ; where- fore, I give unto them a commandment thus : Thou shalt not 6idle away thy time, neither shalt thou cbury 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 dshake 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. 1 6. 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. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the beink of the Missouri river, Mclhcairs 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, 0 ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this b, see u, Sec. 42. c, vers. 2—4. d, 75 : 20. 84 : 92-95. S3 : 138— 14L 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 sa}r, 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 yon a commandment concerning these tilings ; and I, the Lord, will reason with you as with men in days of old. SEC. lxl] 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 cthese 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. "\\ nerefore, 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 b, vers. 15, 1G, IS, 19. c, the Missouri river. 230 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXT. 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 Kigdon, 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 II. Smith, with whom SEC. LXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 231 I am well pleased, be not separated until thoy 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 nober, 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, i';hat you may abide the day of his coming, whether in )ife or in death. Even so. Amen. SECTION 62. Bevelation given through Joseph, the Seer, on the bank of the Missouri river, August 13th, 1831. 1. Behold, and hearken 0 ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your "ad- vocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted ; 2. And verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion ; wherefore .your mission is not yet full ; 3. Nevertheless )-e 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. I. a, ±5 : 3 — 5. 232 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII. 4. And now continue your journey. Assemble your- selves upon the &land of Zion, and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High; 5. And then you may return to bear record, yea, even altogether, or two by two, as seemeth you good ; 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 ckingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so. Amen. SECTION G3. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, about the last of August, 1831. 1. Hearken, 0 ye people, and open your hearts and give car from afar ; and listen, you that call yourselves the people of the Lord, and hear the word of the Lord and his will concerning yen : b, sec q, Sec. 42. c, see .r, See. 35. SEC. LXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 233 2. Yea, verily, I say, hear the word of him whose anger is kindled against the wicked and rebellious ; 3. Who willeth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will pre- serve ; 4. Who buildeth up at his own will and pleasure ; and 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, "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 with those among you who have sought after signs and won- ders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory ; 13. Nevertheless, I give commandments, and many have turned away from my commandments and have not kept them. a, see / and g, Sec. 1. 234 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIII. 14. There were among you ^adulterers and adul- teresses ; some of whom have turned away from you, and others remain with you, that hereafter shall be revealed. 15. Let such beware and repent speedily, lest judg- ment shall come upon them as a snare, and their folly shall be made manifest, and their works shall follow them in the eyes of the people. 16. And, verily, I say unto you, as I have said before, che 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 rfsaid 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 burnetii with fire and brimstone which is the second death. '18. Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the efirst resurrection. 19. And now, behold, I, the Lord, say unto you, that ye are not justified because these things are among you ; 20. Nevertheless he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall re- ceive an ^inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come ; 21. When the earth shall be transfigured, even according to the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fullness ye have not yet received. 22. And now, verily, I say unto you, that as I said* that I would make known my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by the way of com- b, sec m. Sec. 42. c, see ml Sec. 42. d, vcr. IS. Rev. 21 : 8. e, ver. 17. Rev. 20 : G. /, sec b, Sec. 25. SEC. LXIII.J COMMANDMENTS. 235 manclment, 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 Aland 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 Caasar 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, ff, Bee 2.', Sec. 42. h, see a, Sec. 42. i, see q, Sec. 42. J, vers. SO, 31. 5S : 53. 101 : 70—75. , k, 84 : b6. 07 : 20. 112 : 24—20. I, see/, See. 1. 236 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIIL 34. And the saints also shall hardly escape ; never- theless, I, the Lord, am with them, and will mcome down in heaven from the presence of my Father, and consume the wicked 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. », ver. 54. 19: 6-16. 76: 44—49. 0, see/ vuidj, Sue. 1. i>, 52 : 6-9. SEC. LXm.] 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 CJowdeiy. Behold, this is my will, obtaining monies even as I have directed. 47. He that is faithful and endure tli shall overcome the world. 48. He that ?sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion, shall receive an inheritance in this world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come : 49. Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall ''rise from the dead and shall not *die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city. 50. And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and has kept the faith, blessed is he ; nevertheless it is appointed to him to die at the age of man ; 51. Wherefore children shall grow up until they be- come old, 'old men shall die ; but they shall not wsleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye ; ■ >-2. Wherefore for this cause preached the apostles unto the world the resurrection of the dead ; 53. These tilings 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. », Alma, 11 : 45. 12 : 18, 20. 83 : 11G. Rev. 21 : 4. t, 101 : 30. Isa. 65 : 20—22. u, SS : 110. 101 : 31. v, 101 : 31. jr, see c, Sec. 1. 238 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXHI. among the wise, and at that hour cometh an ^entire separation of the righteous and the wicked, and in that day will I send mine angels to ^pluck out the wicked and cast them into unquenchable fire. 55. And now, behold, verily I say unto you, I the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Bigdon, 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 deceive the Spirit through prayer ; where- fore, without this there remaineth condemnation. x, see (j, Sec. 1. y, ver. 34. z, ver. G5. 42 : 14. SEC. LXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 239 65. Let my servants Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, 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. Bevelatlon given through Joseph, the Seer, in Kirtland, September 11th, 1831. 1. Behold, thus saith the Lord your God unto you, 0 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 ; hut 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 agiven unto you the kingdom : 5. And the ^keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, jun., through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances. 6. There are those who have sought occasion against him without cause ; 7. Nevertheless he has sinned, but verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who cconfess o, see x, Sec. 35. b, see &, Sec. 28. c, 42 : 25. 58 ; 42, 43. 240 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIV. their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not sinned unto death. 8. My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for this evil they were afflicted, and sorely chastened : 9. Wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to for- give one another, for he that c?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 cforgive 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 ; 1G. They sought evil in their hearts, and I, the Lord, withheld my Spirit. They condemned for evil that thing in which there was no evil ; nevertheless I have forgiven my servant Isaac Morley. 17. And also my servant Edward Partridge, be- hold, ho hath sinned, and Satan sceketh to destroy his .:, 36, 64— 6S, 7d, 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 he 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 zeight 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 ^Sabbath day to keep it holy. 30. And the inhabitants of Zion, also, shall remem- ber their 2clabors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness ; for the 2didler 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 2 ''riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness. 32. These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them : wherefore let my ser- vant Oliver Cowdery carry these sayings unto the land of Zion. 33. And a commandment I give unto them, that he that observeth not his --'prayers before the Lord in the season thereof, let him be had in remembrance before the judge of my people. 34. These sayings are true and faithful ; wherefore transgress them not, neither take therefrom. x, sec b, Sec. 18. y, vers. 2G, 27. 20 : 71. z, vcr. 25. 2a, vcr. 31. 2b, ;"9 : 9, li), 12—14. 2c, 42 : 42. 2c/. 42: 42. 2c, see 2«, Soc. 33. 2/, 20 : 47, 51. Alma 34 : 21. m. Nop 18 : 21. 252 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXIX. 35. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I ^corne quickly. Amen. SECTION G9. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, November, 1831. 1. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, foi my servant Oliver Gowdery'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 "history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my ^church : 4. And also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery and others. 5. And also my servants who are abroad in the earth, should send forth the accounts of their 'steward- ships to the land of Zion ; G. 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, 2— 32. c, see o, Sec. 42. /, see o, see/, See. 57. A, sec 2&, Sec, 42. ' i, by revelation. SEC. LXXI.] COMMANDMENTS. 255 I, the Lord, shall place them, and whithersoever I, the Lord, shall send them ; 17. For they have been faithful over many tilings, and have done well inasmuch as they have not sinned. 18. Behold, I, the Lord, am merciful and will bless them, and they shall enter into the joy of these things. Even so. Amen. SECTION 71. Revelation given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, December 1st, 1831. 1. Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser- vants, Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Kigdon, that the time has verily come, that it is necessary and ex- pedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, ex- pounding the "mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will. 2. Verily, I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you. 3. Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you, •1. Wherefore, &labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and reve- lations which are to come. 5. Now, behold this is wisdom ; whoso readeth, lit him understand and receive also ; l, se<- /.-, Sec. -1. 256 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXII. 6. For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power ; 7. Wherefore, confound your enemies ; call upon them to cmeet 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. Herniation given at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, December Uh, 1831. 1. Hearken and listen to the voice of the Lord, 0 ye who have assembled yourselves together, who are the aHigh Priests of my church, to whom the ^kingdom and power have been given. 2. For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me for a "bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you, unto the church in this part of the Lord's vineyard ; .3. And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of devery steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity. c, Isa. 41 : 21. 43:9. /, Sec 63. b, see x, Sec. 35. c, sec k, Sec. OS. d, see o, Sec. 42. SEC. LXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 257 4. For he who is faithful and wise in time, is accounted worthy to inherit the 'mansions prepared for them of my Father. 5. Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church in this part of my vineyard, shall render an ^account of their stewardship unto the bishop which shall be appointed of me, in this part of my vineyard. 6. These things shall be had on record, to be handed ever unto the bishop in Zion ; 7. And the duty of the bishop shall be made known by the commandments which have been given, and the voice of the conference. 8. And now, verily I say unto you, my servant Newel K. Whitney is the man who shall be appointed and ordained unto this power. This is the will of "the Lord your God, your Redeemer. Even so. Amen. 9. The word of the Lord, in addition to the law which has been given, making known the duty of the bishop which has been ordained unto the church in this part of the vineyard, which is verily this : — 10. To keep the Lord's ^storehouse ; to receive the ''funds of the church in this part of the 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 r'J, see o. Sec. 42. g, see g, Sec. 51. h, see 2b, Sec. 42. i, see o, Sec. 42. j, see o, Sec. 42. 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 *law 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. ID. And now, verily I sa}- unto you, let every elder who shall give an account unto the bishop of the church, in this part of the vineyard, lie "recommended by the church or churches, in which he labors, that he may 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 'Avise stewards. 23. And now, behold, this shall be an 'ensample for all the extensive branches of my church, in what- k, see ,(, Sec 42. I vers. 18-20. 52 : 41. hi, see o, Sec 42. n, vers. 17—26. 'ri: 41. o, see Sec 70. p, The Book <.f Covenants. 7, see 0, Sec. 42. /', an Ensample for all Stewards, SEC. LXXIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 250 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, 2G. 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. Revelation to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Bigdon, given at Hi ram, Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. \0th, 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 "voice of the conference, their several missions. 3. Now, verily, I say unto you my servants, Joseph 9, see 1. t, tec o, Sec. 42. i'. Bee Bee. 75. 260 COVENANTS AND [.SEC. LXXTY. 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. G. Now I give no more unto you at this time. Gird up yonr loins and be sober. Even so. Amen. SECTION 74. An Explanation of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 7, verse 14, given by recelation, 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 "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 l, the Bible c, until the translation of the Bible is finished. a, 29 : 46-48. Moro. 8 : 8—24. 4EC. IXXV.] COMMANDMENTS. 261 brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers, and believed not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy ; 5. Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever, except the law of Moses should be done away among them. 6. That their children might remain without cir- cumcision : and that the tradition might be done away, which saith that little children are unholy ; for it was had among the Jews, 7. But kittle 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 yen, I who speak even by the voice of my Spirit ; even Alpha and Omega, your Lord and your Cod ; 2. Hearken, 0 ye win* 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 'j;o forth and not tarry, neither be "idle, but- labor with your mights, 4. Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the b, see a. a, sve ;/, Sec. 12 262 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXV. revelations and commandments which I have given von, 5. And thus if ye are faithful ye shall be ''laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life. G. 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 %ew commission and a new commandment, in the which I, the Lord, chasten him for the murmurings of his heart ; 8. And he sinned, nevertheless 1 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 II. Smith, take their journey into the eastern countries, and pro- claim the things which I have commanded them ; and inasmuch as they are faithful, lo, I will be with them even unto the end. 14. And again, verily 1 say unto my servant Ly- man Johnson, and unto my servant Orson Pratt, they shall also take their journey into the eastern countries ; and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto the end. L5. And again, I sav unto my servant Asa Podds, b 33:9. c, see &, Sec. 56. rf, soec . c, see A, Sec. 12. SEC. LXXV.j COMMANDMENTS. 263 and unto my .servant Calves Wilson, that they also shall take their journey unto the western countries, and proclaim my gospel, even as I have 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 X. 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 ''shake off the dust of your feet as a testi- mony against them ; 21. And you shall be filled with joy and gladness ; and know this, that in the day of judgment you shall be 'judges of that house, and condemn them ; 22. And it shall be more tolerable for the heathen in the day of judgment, than for that house ; therefore gird up your loins and be faithful, and ye shall over- come all things, and be 'lifted up at the last day. Even so. Amen. 23. And again, thus saith the Lord unto you, 0 ye elders of my church, who have given your names that you might know his will concerning yon : 24. Behold, I say unto you, that it is the 7,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 ; 2.3. Wherefore. I. the Lord, give unto you this /, see a, Sec :>. >,. Matt. 10 : 12. 13. />. Bee /. vers. Ill -119. in. Nep. 17: 15 25. 19: 30 36. 26: 14 — 1/3. i. Corinth 2 : '.». e, Bee (>, S«». . /. ver. (i7. k, testimony founded on knowledge. e o, Sec. 50. ,/». !>i< : 0, 10. n, see 2d, Sea 29. o, ven . 'sl- 4y- j: Isa. 1 ( : l-J. 7, 29 ; 36, ;'.;. /-, vers. 00, 44—49. 268 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVI. 31. Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers there- of, and suffered themselves, through the power of the devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power — 32. They are they who are the sons of ^perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born, 33. For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity ; 34. Concerning whom I have said there is mo for- giveness in this world nor in the world to come, 35. Having "denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father — having crucified him unto themselves, and put him to an open shame. 36. These are they who shall go away into the 'lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels, 37. And the "only ones on whom the second death shall have any power ; 38. Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be re- deemed in the due time of the Lord, after the suffer- ings of his wrath ; 39. For *all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father -'before the worlds were made. 40. And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us, 41. That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness ; s, 42 : 18, 79. 76 : 32—34, 38, 4->. 44. 6,4 : 41. i:!2 : 27. /. we ft. v, sec g. Alma 39: 6. m. Nep. 29:7. v, 68: L7. 86:44 i!>. i. Nep. 15 : 20. n. Nep. 1 : 18. 2 : 29. 9 : 8—19, 26, 34, 36. 2s ; 15, 21, 28, Jacob 6:10. Alma 12 : 16-18. in. Nep. 27 : 11,12. Moro. 8 : IS, 14, 21. ?<', see v. .f, vers. 41-43, 81-88, 98 -112. y, 03 : 7. SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 2C9 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 2aeverlastmg punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their 2&worm dietli not, and the lire is not quenched, which is their torment ; 45. And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows, 40. Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will he 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 2cordained 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 -^resurrection of the just ; 51. They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and -''believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being ^buried in the water in his name, and this according to the command- ment which he has given, 52. That by keeping the commandments they might z. see v. 2a, see v, 26, see v. Isa. 66: 24. 2c, sons of Perdition. 2d. see »j, See. 29. 2e, see o, See. 20. 2/, see I. See. 5. 270 COVENANTS AND [SEC, LXXVT. 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 2 ."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 2 ''church of the first born. 55. They are they into whose hands the Father -has given 2 'all things — i>C). 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 Melehisedek, 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 2*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 Cod'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 -"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 2ofirst resurrection. 65. These are they who shall come forth in the re- surrection of the just. 2/7, see d, Sec. 1. 2/<, see a, Sec. 1. '2 i. see (/, Sec. 50. 2j, ver. f>7. 78 : 15, is. 128: 23. 132 : 19, 20, 37. 21c, 132 : 17—20, o7. 2l, see d, See 50, 2m, vers. . These are they whose -'bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the -'sun of the firma- ment is written of as being typical. 71. And again, we saw the -'terrestrial world, and behold and lo, these are they who arc of the terres- trial, whose glory differs from that of the -^'church of the first born, who have received the fullness of the Father, even as that of the 2vmoon differs from the sun in the firmament. 72. Behold, these are they who -"died without law, 73. And also they who are the spirits of men 2s?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. 7">. These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. 76. These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fullness. 2p, Heb. 12 : 22-24. 2q, sec k, Sec. 1. 2/-. 79: 7. 14. SS : 2, 4. 2ii. 22, 25, 28. 105 : 4, 6. 131 : 1. 2*, Matt. 13 : io. I. Coiinih. 15:40—42. 2t, see 88: 99, 100, 12S:22. i. Cor. 15: 40. 2«,soea, Sec 1. 2'-. i. Cor. 15: 41. 2tt>, 4.".: 54, 88: 99. 2x,88: W, ll'O. 12S : 22. 272 COVENANTS ANb [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 2#not valiant in the testimony of Jesus ; wherefore they obtain 2mot 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 £lory of the telestial, which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the 3rtstars 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 3Hhrust down to hell. 85. These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil, until the 3clast 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 :1 ^ad- ministering of angels who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them, for they 3eshall be heirs of salvation. 89. And thus we saw in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understand- in^' 2y, receive a reward according to their works. 2z, they cannot boconie kinirs. 3a, vets. 88—90, 98-106. 109-112. 88: SI, :'.-J. I. Cor. 15 : 41. 36, see v. 3 c, 43 : 18. 8S : 100, 101. 3d, Heb. 1: 14. Se, Heb. 1: 14. SEC. LXXVI.] COMMANDMENTS. 273 90. And no man knows it except him to whom God has revealed it. 91. And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial, which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion. 92. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things — where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne tor ever and ever ; 93. Before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence and give him glory for ever and ever. 94. They who dwell in :1/his presence are the church of the first bom. and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fullness and of his grace ; 95. And he makes them 3 ''equal in power, and in might, and in dominion. 96. And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the 3/lsun is one. 97. And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the 3*moon is one. 98. And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one, for as one 3-?star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world; 99. For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas. 100. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another — some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch ; 101. But received not the gospel, neither the testi- mony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the ^ever- lasting covenant. 102. Last of all, these all are they who will not be 3/, ver. 62. See a, See. 1. 3f man, arc by the power of their wills, and, like all intelligence, they arc independent in their respective spheres. For the last ten letters of reference, see Sec. 29: 22-2;'>. Also 1st and 2jid chapters Of Gen... Inured Translation. Mil of Gftfeal l'rie<\ pp. i 0. pp. 31 - -SU. 4 SEC. lxxvil] commandments. 277 John saw, were elders who had been faithful in the work of the ministry and were dead : who 'belonged to the seven churches,— and were then in the "'Paradise of God. (>. Q. — What are we to understand by the hook which John saw, which was sealed on the back with "seven seals ? A. — We are to understand that it contains the re- vealed will, mysteries, and works of God : the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth during the "seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence. 7. Q. — What are we to understand by the '-seven seals with which it was sealed \ A.— We are to understand that the ^first seal con- tains the things of the first thousand years, and the 'second also of the second thousand years, and so on until the seventh. 8. Q. — What are we to understand by the sfour angels, spoken of in the 7th chap, and 1st verse of Kevelations ? A. — We are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from (rod, to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to destroy ; these are they who have the 'everlasting gospel to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people ; having power to shut up the heavens, to "seal up unto life, or to cast down to the 'regions of darkness. 9. Q. — What are we to understand by the angel I, Rev. 1 : 20. Chapters 2 and 3. m, ver. 2. Luke 2.i : 4.5. II. Cor. 12 : 4. Rev. 2 : 7. II. Nop. !) : 13. Alma 40 : 12, 14. IV. Nep. 1 : 14. Moro. 10 : 34. n, Rev. 5 : 1. o, one of the secret Records kept in heaven : no man in heaven or on earth, or even angel, found worthy to open it. or look thereon. p, the hidden mysteries of God's economy, concerning this earth, during its temporal existence of seven thousand years. g, the secrets of the first thousand years. r, the secrets of the second thousand years, &c. 8, four heavenly messengers who commit the gospel preparatory to the Second Coming of Christ t, see b, Sec. 18. m, see (I, Sec. 1. v, see rf, Sec. 1. 278 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXVII. ascending from the east, Revelations 7th chap, and 2nd verse ( A. — We are to understand that the angel ascending from the east, is he to whom is given the "seal of the living God, over the twelve tribes of Israel ; wherefore he crieth unto the four angels having the ^everlasting gospel, saying, hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have ^sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads ; and if you will receive it, this is zEHas which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all tilings. 10. Q. — What time are the things spoken of in 2athis chapter to be accomplished \ A. — They are to be accomplished in the sixth thou- sandth year, or the opening of the -'''sixth seal. 11. Q. — What are we to understand by -'sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel ; twelve thousand out of every tribe i A. — We are to understand that those who are sealed are 2dHigh Priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the '-'everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by 2-^the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the J -"church of the first born. 12. Q. — What are we to understand by the '-^'sound- ing of the trumpets, mentioned in the 8th chapter of Revelations '. A. — We are to understand that as God made the world in six days, and on the -'seventh day he finished his work, and sanctified it, and also formed man out of w, see '/. Sec. 1. x, see b, Sec. 18. y, see <1, Sec l z, see#, Sec. 27. 2a, Rev. 8. 2b, I f W hidden purposes, relating 1 i the sixth thousandth years, before they close. 2c, ver.9. 2d, these 144.000 High Priests are messengers sent forth to prepare the waj for the coining of the Lord. 2< . see b, Sec. 18. 2/, ordained by angels who are in possession of the High Priesthood. 2g, see a, See. i 2//, ys ; . n. Nep. 2 : 15. 29 : 7. Jacob 4:9. Mos. 2:25. 4:21. 7:27. 28:17. Alma le : 28, 34, 36. 22:10—13. 42: 2. Mor. 6: 15. 9: 11.12.17. Ether 3: 15,16. Moro. 10 : 3. 2ft, in the morning of the seventh great day of rest, the bodies of the saints will be resurrected. Sec m, Sec. 29. * 21, see 4, 65. o, see .<•. Sec. 85. pt Bee 2a, See. 3J. q, 1:52 : 55. >•, in the pure language, signifies God. ft, see a, See. 1. t, 70: 102, SS: 90. u, 51: 10. 84: ;;s. loi : 01. 124: 14. SEC. LXXX.] COMMANDMENTS. 283 my servant Jared Carter should go again into the eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to city, in the power of the ordination wherewith he has been ordained proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the "everlasting gospel : 2. And I will send upon him the ^Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go ; 3. And inasmuch as he is faithful. I will crown him again with 'sheaves ; 4. Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant Jared Carter, and fear not, saith your Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION 80. Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of March, 1832. 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you my servant Stephen Burnett, go ye, go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature that cometh under the sound of your voice ; 2. And inasmuch as yon desire a companion, I will give unto you my servant "Eden Smith ; 3. Wherefore go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mnttereth not, for ye cannot go amiss ; 4. Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard and verily believe, and bknow to be true. ((, Bee b, Sec. IS. b, see h, Sec. 42. c, see /., Sec. 24. ". 75 ; 86. b, see /. Sec. 20 284 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXT. 5. Behold, tlil.s is the will of him who hath called you, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ Amen. SECTION 81. Revelation through Joseph, the Seer, given at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, between the 1st and 20th of March, 1832. 1. Verily, verily I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams, listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a "High Priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant Joseph Smith, jun., 2. Unto whom I have given the &keys of the king- dom, which belongeth always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood : 3. Therefore, verily, I acknowledge him and will bless him, and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto you, in prayer always vocally and in thy heart, in pub- lic and in private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren : 4. And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and will promote the glory of him who is your Lord ; .5. Wherefore, be faithful, stand in the office which I have appointed unto you, succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knee- : 6. And if thou art faithful unto the end, thou shalt a, see >', Sec. 08. b, see X, Sec. 35. c, Me;, Sec. 6& BEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 285 nave a crown of immortality and eternal life in the ''mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father. 7. Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen. SECTION 82. ]'• Delation given in Jackson County, Missouri, April 26th, 1882, showing the order given to Enoch, and tin' Church in his day. 1. Verily, verily I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your tres- is, even so I, the Lord, forgive you ; 2. Nevertheless there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly : yea, even all of you have sinned, but verily I say unto you, beware from hence- | forth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgment.- fall upon your heads : 3. For unto whom "much is given much is required : and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation. 4. Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you : and inasmuch a> ye keep not my say- in--, which 1 give unto you, ye become transgressors, and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law ; 5. Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all, [Watch, for the adversary *spreadeth his dominions and darkness reigneth ; d, see n. Sec. 59. a, Luke 12: 48. b, 33 : 11, 12. 286 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXII. G. And the anger 'of God kindleth against the in- habitants of the earth ; and none doeth good, for all have gone out of the way. 7. And now, verily I say unto yon, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge ; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the "for- mer sins return, saith the Lord your God. 8. And again, I say unto you, I give unto yon a new commandment, that you may understand my will con- cerning you, 0. Or, in other words, T give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. 10. I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say, hut when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. 11. Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is ex- pedient for my servant Alain, and Ahashdah, (Newel K. Whitney,) Mahalaleel, and Pelagoram, (Sidney Rigdon,) and my servant Gazelam, (Joseph Smith,) and llorah, and Olihah, (Oliver Cowdery,) and Shalemanas- seh, and Mahemson, (Martin Harris.) to be bound to- gether by a rfbond and covenant that cannot be broken by transgression, (except judgment shall immediately follow.) in your several stewardships, 12. To manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the .bishopric both in the land of Zionand in the land of Shinehah, (Kirtland,) 13. For I have consecrated the land of Shinehah, (Kirtland,) in mine own due time for the benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a. 'Stake to Zion ; 14. For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holi- ness ; her borders must be enlarged ; her Stakes must be strengthened ; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her •'beautiful garments : r, Ezek. 3 : 20. d, 78 : 11—13. e, ver. 14. 94 : 1. 90 : 1. 101 : 21. 104 : 48. 107: 30, 37, 74. 115 : G, 18. Ill) : 7. 124 ; 2, 30, 134. 125 : 4. /, Isa. 52 : 1. hi. ^'ep. 20 ; 36. SEC. LXXXII.] COMMANDMENTS. 287 15. Therefore I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall be done according- to the laws of the Lord. 16. Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good. 17. And you are to be ''equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inas- much as his wants are just : is. And all this for the benefit of the ''church of the living God, that every man may 'improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's store- house, to become the 'common property of the whole church, ID. Every man seeking the ^interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God. 20. This order I have appointed to be an *everlast- ing order unto yon. and unto your successors, inasmuch as you sin not ; 21. And the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be de- livered over to the "'bufferings of Satan until the day of redemption. 22. And now, verily I say unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the "mam- mon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you. 23. Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and 1 will repay. Peace be with you ; my blessings continue with you, 24. For even yet the ^kingdom is yours, and shall be for ever, if you fell not from your steadfastness. Even so. Amen. „ 0, see a, Sec. 51. h, see a, Sec. 1. i, Matt. 25 : 14- 30. ;, see n, Sec. -12. k, see a, Sec. 51. I, 78 : 11-13. 82 : 11, 17—22. J», see h, Sec. 78. - n, Luke 10 ; 9. . o, sec x, Sec. 35. . IS8 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIII., LXXXIV. SECTION 83. Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Indepen- dence, Jackson County, Missouri, April »()th, 1832. 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord, in addition to the laws of the church concerning women and children, those who helong to the church, who have lost their husbands or fathers. 2. Women have Maim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken, and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellow- ship in the church ; 3. And if they are not faithful, they shall not have fellowship in the church ; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land. 4. All children have 6claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age. 5. And after that they have cclaim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord's storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them in- heritances. 6. And the storehouse shall be kept by the ''con- secrations of the church, and widows and orphans shall be provided for. as also the poor. Amen. SECTION 84. A Revelation, given through Joseph, the Prophet, at Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, the 22nd and 2Zrd of September, 1832. 1. A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant o, i. Tim. b. i. Tct. 3. b, 29 ; 47, 48. 08 ; 26—31, c, sec a, Sec, 51. ^ d, see ;i, See. 42. SEC. LXXXIY.] COMMANDMENTS, 289 Joseph Smith, jim., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. 2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the "gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of 6Xew Jerusalem, 3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the state of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased 4. Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall* be built by the gather- ing of the saints beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be ^reared in this generation ; 5. For verily, this generation shall not ^all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a ^cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud .shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house. 6. And the %>ns of Moses, according to the Holy Priesthood which he received under the hand of his father-in-law, 'Jethro ; 7. And Jethro received it under the hand of. Caleb ; 8. And Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu ; 9. And Elihu under the hand of Jeremy ; 10. And Jeremy under the hand of Gad ; 11. And Gad under the hand of Esaias ; 12. And Esaias received it under the hand of God» 1 3. Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and was blessed of him — 14. Which Abraham received the •'Priesthood from a, see;', Sec. 10. b, see d, Sec. 28. c, 57 : 1—3. c, 124 : 49—54. /, a generation docs not all pass away in one hundred years. q. vers. 31, 32. h, vers. 31, 34. i, Exo> dus 18. ._. i- Gen. 14 : 18-20. U 290 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV. Melchisedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah ; 15. And from Noah till Enoch, through the ''"lineage of their fathers ; -16. And from Enoch *to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother, who received the '"Priest- hood by the commandments of God, by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man — 17. Which "Priesthood eontinueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years. 18. And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon ° Aaron and his seed, throughout all their gener- ations— which priesthood also eontinueth and ^abideth forever with the Priesthood, which is Rafter the holiest order of God. 19. And this '"greater Priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God ; 20. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the 'power of godliness is manifest ; 21. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the Priesthood, the power of godliness is 'not manifest unto men in the flesh ; 22. For without this no man can "see the face of God, even the Father, and live. 23. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might 'behold the face of God ; 24. But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence, therefore the Lord in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that they k, through Lantech and Methuselah. /, through six successh • generations, to Ahel, or Seth. v>, 107 : 40—57. nj L07 : 1- Sec '. Sic os. o, vers. 26 -28,30. p, Exodus 40 : 15. Num. 25: 13, ', T&e Aaronie. z, 107 : 13—15, 20. Exod. 33: 1 — 4. -la, Ezek. 20: 25. 26, Matt. 3: 3. 2c, 03 : 17. 2d, 107 : 7. 11, 22—26, 30, 37. 2 c, see i, Sec. 08. 2/, 107 : 60— bS. 2'/, vers. 0, 32. 2 A, see /. 2/, ver. 3. 57: 1—3. 292 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXX1V. 32. And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be ^filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye ; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church ; 33. For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two Priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the mag- nifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the 2/rrenewing of their bodies ; 34. They become the sons of Moses and of* Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and ^king- dom, and the 2welect of God ; 35. And also all they who receive this 2 "Priesthood receiveth me, saith the Lord ; 36. For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me ; 37. And he that receiveth me 2oreceiveth my Father ; 38. And he that receiveth my Father, 2-Preceiveth my Father's kingdom ; therefore 2?all that my Father hath shall be given unto him ; 39. And this is according to the oath and covenant Which, belongeth to the Priesthood. 40. Therefore, all those who receive the Priesthood, receive this 2roath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved ; 41. But whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall 2tS'not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come. 42. And all those who come not unto this 2 'Priest- hood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens, and even I have given the 2 "heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you. 2 j, vet. 5. 2k, Gal 3 : 27—29. 21, sec x, Sec. 35. 2m, vcr. 99. 29 : 7. 2n, vers. 83-90. 112 : 20. 2o, John 13 : 20. 2 p, see x, Sec. 35. 2 q, see d, Sec. 50. 2 r, vers. 40, 48. 2s, 41 : 1. 70 : 29—37. 2t, see i, Sec. 08. 2v, ver. 88, SEC. LXXXIV.j COMMANDMENTS. 293 43. And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life : 44. For you shall live by every word that pro- :eedeth forth from the mouth of God. 45. For the word of the Lord is truth, and 2 •what- soever is truth is light, and - "whatsover is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ ; 46. And the Spirit giveth light to 2*everyman that cometh into the world ; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man 2 ^through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit ; 47. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit, cometh unto God, even the Father ; 48. And the Father teacheth him of the ^cove- nant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world ; 49. And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin ; 50. And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me. 51. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin ; 52. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not ac- quainted with my voice, and is not of me ; 53. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now. 54. And your minds in times past have been dark- ened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, 55. Which vanity and unbelief hath brought the 3rtwhole church under condemnation. 2 v, 88 : C— 13, 41, 40, 50, 66, 67. 2u>, see 2b. 2x, 'J3 : i 2 1/, 93 : 28. 2«, sue k, Sec. 1. Za, see a, Sec. 1. 294 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXIV. fi6. And this condemnation resteth upon the chil- dren of Zion, even all : 57. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the 3&new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former command- ments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written, 58. That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom, otherwise there remaineth a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the ^children of Zion : 59. For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land \ Verily, I say unto you, Nay. 60. Verily, verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things ; 61. For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment, that you remain steadfast in your minds in :1(/soleninity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing tes- timony to all the world of those things which are com- municated unto you. 02. Therefore 3ego ye into all the world, and what- soever place ye cannot go into ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature. 63. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are 3^mine apostles, even God's High Priests ; ye are they whom my Father hath given me — ye are my friends ; 64. Therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again, that 3'7every soul who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water for the remission of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost ; <;.">. And these 3Asiffns shall follow them that believe. 3&, see k, Sec. 1. 3c, upon those gathered in Missouri. Sc/, 43 : 34. 88 : 121. 3 c, see b, Sec. 1. 3 f, 20 : 2, :*. 27 : 12. U5 : 4. 3.7, Mark 10 : 15 -18. Acts 2 : 37 o'J. 3/i, Mark 10 : 17, la. SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 295 66. In my name they shall do many wonderful works ; 67. In my name they shall cast out devils ; 68. In my name they shall heal the sick ; 69. In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf ; 70. And the tongue of the dumb shall speak ; 7 1 . And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them ; 72. And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. 73. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall 3l'not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world, for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation. 74. Verily, verily, I say unto you 3->they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water, in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and shall not come into my Father's kingdom, where my Father and I am. 75. And this revelation unto you, and command - virent, is in force 3*from this very hour upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have not re- ceived it. 7o\ But, verily, I say unto all those to whom the s 'kingdom has been given, from you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent of their former evil works, for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief ; and your brethren in Zion for their 3 "'rebellion against you at the time I sent you. . 77. And again I say unto you, my friends, (for from henceforth I shall call you friends,) it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become 3i, Luke 8 : 54-56. 9 : 36. 3.;', Mark 16 : 1G. 3/>, vcr. 74. 3 J, sec x, Sec. 35. 3//J, in April, 1632. 2% COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXTV. even as my friends in days when I was with them traveling to preach the gospel in my power, 78. For I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats ; 79. Behold I send you out to 3 ?iprove the world, and the laborer is worthy of his hire. 80. And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things shall 3onot be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb, nor joint : and an hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst. 81. Therefore, 3-Ptake no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or where- withal ye shall be clothed ; 82. For consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin ; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these ; 83. For your Father who art in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. 84. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. 85. Neither take ye thought beforehand 3?what ye shall say, but 3 'treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man. 86. Therefore let no man among you, (for this com- mandment is unto all the faithful avIio are called of God in the church unto the ministry,) from this hour 3stake purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom. 87. Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their 3 'unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgment which is to come. 8n, vers. 80—07. 3o, 89 : 18—21. 3p, ill. Nop. 13 : 25—34. 37, Matt. 10 : 19, 20. 3r, 11 ; 22. , 3s, see j, Sec. 24. 'it, vcr. 117. SEC. LXXXIV.] COMMANDMENTS. 297 88. And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face : I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round ' about you, to bear you up. 89. Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same 3"will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money. 90. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in no wise lose his reward : 91. And he that doeth not these things is not my disciple ; by this you may know my disciples. 92. He that receiveth you not, go away from him alone by yourselves, and 3 vcleanse j^our feet even with water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven, and return not again unto that man. 93. And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do likewise. 94. Nevertheless, search diligently and spare not ; and 3u'wo unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony con- cerning me. 95. Wo, I say again, unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testi- mony of me ; 96. For I the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to 3 ^scourge them for their wicked-, ness : 97. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work which shall be cut short in righteousness, 98. Until all shall 3^'know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall 3zsee eye to eye, 3 u , Matt. 10 : 40— 42. 3 v, see d, Sec. 60. 3 w, see / and g, Sec. 1. 3x, see / and j, Sec. 1. Zy, Jcr. 31 ; 33, 3i. 3z, Isa. 52 : S. 298 COVENANTS AND [S0P. LXXXIV. and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying — 99. The Lord hath brought 4 "again Zion The Lord hath 4 ^redeemed his people, Israel, According to the election of grace, Which was brought to pass by the faith And 4 "covenant of their fathers. 100. The Lord hath redeemed his people, And 4(7Satan is bound and time is no longer : The Lord hath gathered 4<,all things in one : The Lord hath brought down 4^Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up 4^Zion from beneath. 101. The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength : And truth is established in her bowels : And the heavens have smiled upon her : And she is clothed 4/'with the glory of her God : For he stands in the midst of his people : 102. Glory, and honor, and power, and might, Be ascribed to our God ; for he is full of mercy, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, For ever and ever, Amen. 103. And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, it is expedient that every man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as they have families, and receive monies by gift, that they should send it unto them or make use of it for their benefit, as the Lord shall direct them, for thus it seemeth me good. 104. And let all those who have not families, who receive monies, send it up unto the Bishop in Zion, or unto the Bishop in Ohio, that it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations and the print- ing thereof, and for establishing Zion. 105. And if any man shall give unto any of }tou a 4a. Isa. 62 : 8. 4b, Rom. 11 : 25—23. 4c, Rom. 11 : 27, 28. 4, sec c, Sec. 21. 4'/, sec e, Sec. 21. ■1 r, see c, See. 21. 4 s, 6CO c, Sec. 1. SEC. LXXXV.] COMMANDMENT?. 301 appointed, to keep a "history, and a General Church Record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheri- tances legally from the bishop ; 2. And also their manner of life, their faith, and works ; and also of all the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances. 3. It is contrary to the will and commandment of God, that those who receive not their inheritance by ^consecration, agreeably to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of cvengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God ; 4. Neither is their ^genealogy to be kept, or to be had where it may be found on any of the records or history of the church ; 5. Their names shall not be found, neither the names of the fathers, nor the names of the children written in the 'book of the law of God, saith the Lord of Hosts. 6. Yea, thus saith the Estill small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying : 7. And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will ''send one mighty and strong, holding the sceptre of power in his hand, clothed with ''light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words ; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by 'lot the inheri- tances of the saints, whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the %>ok of the law of God : 8. While that man, who was called of God and ap- a, see a, Sec. 21. b, see n, Sec. 42. c, see / and g, Sec. 1. d, Ezra 2 : 62, 63. e, vers. 1, 9. /, r. Kings Hh 11—13. g, A future messenger promised. h, brilliant and glorious in appear- ance, i, Joshua, chap. 14—19. _ j, vers. 1, 5, 9, 11. 302 COVENANTS AND fsEC. LXXXVI. pointed, that putteth forth his hand to ^steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning ; 9. And all they who are not found written in the *book of remembrance, shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are "'wailing and gnashing of teeth. 1 0. These things I say not of myself ; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfill. 11. And they who are of the "High Priesthood, whose names are not found written in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off from the church ; as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day, shall °not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High ; 12. Therefore it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of Ezra. SECTION 86. Herniation given through Joseph, the Prophet, at Kirt- land, Geauga Co., Ohio, Dec. tith, 1832, explaining the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. 1. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my ser- vants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the tares. 2. Behold, verily 1 say, that the field was the world, and the apostles were the sowers of the seed ; k, i. Chron. 13 : 0—12. /, see,/. m, see e, Sec. 19. W, see «'. Sec. C. o, zee e, Sec. ID. SEC. LXXXVI.] commandments. 303 3. And after they Lave fallen asleep, the "great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even ^Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign, behold he soweth the tares, wherefore the tares choke the wheat and "drive the church into the wilderness. 4. But behold, in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender. 5. Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are ^crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the iields ; 6. But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender, (for verily your faith is weak,) lest you destroy the wheat also. 7. Therefore let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe, then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo ! the ! tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned. 8. Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the Priesthood hath continued through the ^lin- eage of your fathers, 9. For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from the world -'with Christ in God ; 10. Therefore your life and the Priesthood hath remained and must needs remain through you and your lineage, ^until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began. 11. Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my «, Rev. 17 chap. b, Rev. 14, 17, 18 chap. c, Rev. 12 : 14. <1, Matt. 13 : 39—42. e, being of the seed of Abraham. /, spirits hif all wqvWs <\s transmitted through vuu < , /, the fjreftt principle oj h< Ol? faW l,1,J pWW Kv \0»leh all tW SEC. LXXXVIII.j COMMANDMENTS. 301 14. Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the 'resurrection from the dead. 15. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man. 16. And the resurrection from the dead is the re- demption of the soul ; 17. And the redemption of the soul is through him who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is de- creed that the poor and the meek of the earth "'shall inherit it. IS. Therefore it must needs be sanctified from all 'unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory ; 19. For after it hath filled the measure of its crea- tion, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the "pre- sence of God the Father ; 20. That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may °possess it for ever and ever ; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified. 21. And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit ^another kingdom, even that of a terres- trial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. 22. For he who is not able to abide the law of a ^celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial glory ; 23. And he who cannot abide the law of a ''terres- trial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory : 24. He who cannot abide the law of a "telestial kingdom, cannot abide a telestial glory ; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory. I, vers. 15—17, 20, 27- -29. See m, Sec. 29. Also n. Nep. 2:8. 9:4, 6—19,22. Mos. 13: 35. 15: 8,9, 20—27. 10: 7—11. Alma 5: 15. 7: 12. 11:41-45. 12:12—18,24,25. 22:14. 33:22. 40 chap. 41:2-:.. 42; 23. Hela. 14 ; 15-17, 25. in. Jfep, 23 : 9—13. 20 : 5. Mor, G ; 21. 7:0, 0 : 13. More. 7 ; 41. 10 : 34. in, see u, Sec, 33, ?i, 101 ; 05, J30 ; 7. 0: o, «* p, Bco.m. v, 42 ; 18. IS. 70 | iu-'. >ii, /, 76 : 81-90, 98-112. r, perf'-ctod, according- to the law obeyed. cr:c. lxxxviii.] commandments. 309 35. That which breaketli a law, and abidetb not by law, but seeketb to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abidetb in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore they must -"remain filthy still. 36. All ^kingdoms have a law given : 37. And there are many kingdoms; for there is 2cno space in the which there is no kingdom ; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. 38. And unto 2devery kingdom is given a law ; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and con- ditions. 39. All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified ; 40. For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom ; truth embraceth truth ; virtue loveth virtue ; light cleaveth unto light ; mercy hath compassion on mercy, and claimeth her own ; justice continueth its course, and claimeth its own ; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne, and governeth and executeth all things ; 41. He 2ecomprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all tilings are round about him : and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things ; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, for ever and ever. 42. And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a 2^law unto all things by which they move in their times and their seasons ; 43. And their courses are fixed ; even the courses 2a, I. Xep. IS : 33-35. n. Nop. 9 : 16. Alma 7 : 21. Mor. 9 : 14. 2b, laws of the universe. 2c, infinity of kingdoms. 2d, laws adapted to every kingdom. 2e, 93 : 30, 35, 36. 2/, laws of planetary motion. 310 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII, of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the earth and all the planets ; 44. And they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their .years : all these are 2^one year with God, but not with man. 45. The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light b}r night, and the stars also giveth their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God. 46. Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand ? 47. Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these, hath seen God moving in his majesty and power. 48. I say unto you, he hath seen him ; never- theless, he who came unto his own was not compre- hended. 49. The light 2;'shineth in darkness, and the dark- ness comprehendeth it not ; nevertheless, the day shall come when -'you shall comprehend even God ; being quickened in him and by him. 50. Then shall ye know that ye 2^liave seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me, otherwise ye could not abound. 51. Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field, and he 2/,'sent forth his servants into the field to dig in the field ; 52. And he said unto the first, go ye and labor in the field, and in the first hour I will come unto you, and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance ; 53. And he said unto the second, go ye also into the 2g, Celestial time. 2/i, see h, See. G. 2 i, vers. GO— G3. 93 : 28. 101 : 32—34. 2 j, every spirit of man. in his pre-existent state, saw God. 2k, each planetary kingdom is visited by its Creator in its time and season. SEC. LXXXVIII.] COMMANDMENTS. 311 field, and in the second hour I will visit you with the joy of my countenance; 54. And also unto the third saying, I will visit you ; 55. And unto the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth. 56. And the lord of the field went unto the first in the first hour, and tarried with him all that hour, and he was made glad with the light of the countenance of his lord ; 57. And then he withdrew from the first that he might visit the second also, and the third, and the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth ; 58. And thus they all received the light of the countenance of their lord ; every man in his hour, and in his time, and in his season ; 59. Beginning at the first, and so on unto the last, and from the last unto the first, and from the first unto the last : 60. Every man in his own order, until his hour was finished, even according as his lord had" commanded him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in him, that they all might be glorified. 61. Therefore, unto this parable will I liken 2'all these kingdoms, and the inhabitants thereof; every kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and in its season ; even according to the decree which God hath made. 62. And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you, to ponder in your hearts with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near ; 63. Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you : seek me diligently and ye shall find me ; -'"ask and ye shall receive ; knock and it shall be opened unto youj 2 1, the inhabitants of each planet blessed with the presence and visits of their Creator. 2 »i, sec c, Sec. 4. 312 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXTIII. 64. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall he given unto you, that is expedient for you ; 65. And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation. 66. Behold, that which you hear is as the 2 "voice of one crying in the wilderness — in the wilderness, be- cause you cannot see him — my voice, because my voice is Spirit ; my Spirit is truth ; truth abideth and hath no end ; and if it be in you it shall abound. 67. And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no 2odarkness in you, and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. 68. Therefore sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall ^see him ; for he will unvail his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. 69. Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you ; cast away your idle thoughts and your 2tf excels of laughter far from you ; 70. Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call a 2rsolemn assembly, even of those who are the first laborers in this last kingdom ; 71. And let those whom they have warned in their traveling, call on the Lord, and ponder the warning in their hearts which they have received for a little season. 72. Behold, and lo ! I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up elders and send unto them. 73. Behold, I will hasten my work in its time ; 71. And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and pre- 2)i, 5: 14. He who beholds God is no longer in the wilderness. 2o, ver. 49. 2p. see o, See. 50. 2q, ver. 121. 59 : 15. 2r, vers. 74-82, 117. 95 : 7. 103 : 4. 109 : G, 10. SEC. lxxxviil] commandments. 313 pare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves ; yea, purify your hearts, and -'cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean ; 75. That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation : that I may fulfill this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will. 76. Also, I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall continue in sprayer and fasting from this time forth. 77. And I give unto you a commandment, that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the king- dom ; 78. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in -"all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand ; 79. Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth ; things which have been, things which are, tilings which must shortly come to pass ; tilings which are at home, things which are abroad ; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land, and a knowledge also of coun- tries and of kingdoms, 80. That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you. 81. Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned, to warn his neighbor. 82. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. 2s, vers. 133-141. 2t, see c, See. 4. Mos. 27 : 22. 23. 6:6. 8 : 26. 10 : 7. 17 : 3, 9. 28 : 6. 30 : 2. Hela. 3 : 35. in. Nep. 13 : 10-18. 27 ; 1. iv. Nep. 1 : 12. Moro. 6:5. 2 «, 11 : 22. 90 : 15. 314 COVENANTS AND [SEC. LXXXVIII. 83. He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken. 84. Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to 2l'bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment which is to come ; 85. That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the 2 "'desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked, both in this world and in the world to come. Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord shall call them, for their time is not yet come ; their garments are not clean from the blood of this eration. 86. Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free ; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord come ; 87. For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and 2*reel to and fro as a drunken man, and the sun shall 2^hide his face, and shall refuse to give light, and the moon shall be bathed in blood, and the stars shall become exceeding angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig- tree. 88. And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the people ; 89. For after your testimony cometh the 22testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground, and shall not be able to stand. !>!>. And also cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea, heaving themselves beyond their bounds. 2 >\ see d, Sec. 1. 2 w, 84 : 114, 117. 2 x, see x, Sec. 4o. '2.11, see n, See. 29. 2z, sec r. Sec. 45. SEC. LXXXYIII.] COMMANDMENT?. 315 91. And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them ; for fear shall come upon all people ; 92. And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a 3nkmd voice, sounding the trump of God, saying, Prepare ye, prepare ye, 0 inhabitants of the earth ; for the judgment of our God is come : behold, and lo ! the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. 93. And immediately there shall appear a 3 ''great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together. 94. And another angel shall sound his trump, say- ing, That 3cgreat church, the mother of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, that pcrsecuteth the saints of God, that shed their blood ; her who sitteth upon many waters, and upon the islands of the sea ; behold, she is the tares of the earth, she is bound in bundles, her bands are made strong, no man can loose them ; there- fore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall hear it. 95. And there shall be 3ven the hosts of hell, and shall come up to battle igainst Michael and his armies : 8 I, vet. 94, see i, Sec. 1. 3 m, 133 : 4G— 51. Joel 3 : 9—17. Rev. i : 14- 20. 3 n, see b, See. 26. 3 ", bee 3 7, See. 7(3. up, seo t, Sec. 45. 3']. see !■, Sec. 27. 318 COVENANTS AND [SEO. LXXXVI1I. 114. And then cometh the battle of the great God ; and the devil and his armies shall be cast away into their own place, that they shall not have power over the saints any more at all ; 115. For Michael shall fight their battles, and shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sit- teth upon the throne, even the Lamb. 116. This is the glory of God, and the sanctified ; and they shall not any more see death. 117. Therefore, verily I say unto yon, my friends, call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you ; 118. And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom ; yea, seek ye out of the 3rbest books words of wisdom : seek learn- ing even by study, and also by faith. 119. Organize yourselves, prepare every needful thing, and 3sestablish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learn- ing, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God ; 120. That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord ; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord ; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High. 121. Therefore, cease from all your light speeches ; from all 3 'laughter ; from all your lustful desires ; from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. 122. Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all Ite spokesmen at once ; but let one speak at a time, and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken, that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege. 123. See that ye love one another ; cease to be covetous, learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires ; 1 1; in ,-, ftw ft, s ft »a ; 3-17. P7 ; VM7, fft *°ft 3 ft 1% fv. ft | [I SKC. LX XX VI II.] COMMANDMENTS. 319 124. Cease to be idle ; cease to be unclean ; cease to find fault one with another ; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary ; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated ; 125. And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bonds of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace ; 126. Pray always, that ye may not faint until I come : behold, and lo, I will 3 "come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen. 127. And again, the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school of the prophets, established for their instruction in all things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the High Priests, even down to the deacons: 128. And this shall be the order of the house of the presidency of the school : He that is appointed to be president, or teacher, shall be found standing in his place, in the house which shall be prepared for him. 129. Therefore he shall be first in the house of God, in a place that the congregation in the house may hear his words carefully and distinctly, not with loud speech. 1 .'JO. And when he cometh into the house of God, (for he should be first in the house ; behold, this is beautiful, that he may be an example). 131. Let him offer himself in prayer upon his knees before God, in token or remembrance of the ^everlast- ing covenant, 132. And when any shall come in after him, let the teacher arise, and, with uplifted hands to heaven ; yea, even directly, salute his brother or brethren with these words ! - — ' — — B \>) lea