A BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS,
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE
CHURCH OF CHRIST,
ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO LAW, ON THE
6TH OF APRIL, 1830.
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ZION:
PUBLISHED BY W. W. PHELPS & CO.
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CHAPTER I
1. A Preface or instruction unto the Book of Commandments,
which were given of the Lord unto his church, through him whom
he appointed to this work, by the voice of his saints through
the prayer of faith: This church being organized according to
the will of him, who rules all things, on the sixth day of
April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
thirty:
Harken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who
dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I
say, hearken ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the
islands of the sea, listen together; for verily the voice of the
Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape, and there is
no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear,
neither heart that shall not be penetrated; and the rebellious
shall be pierced with much sorrow, for their iniquties shall be
spoken upon the house‑tops, and their secret acts shall be
revealed; and the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by
the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last
days, and they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I
the Lord have commanded them.
2. Behold, this is mine authority, and the authority
servants, and my Preface unto the Book of my Commandments
which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the
earth:‑‑Wherefore fear and tremble, O ye people for what I the
Lord have decreed, in them, shall be fulfilled.
And verily, I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing
these things unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power
given, to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and
rebellious; yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the
wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked, without
measure, unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompence
unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man
according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow
man.
3. Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the
earth, that all that will hear may hear: Prepare ye, prepare ye
for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; and the anger
of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and
it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth; and the arm of
the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh, that they who
will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his
servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophet, and
apostles, shall be cut off from among the people: For they have
strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting
covenant, they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness,
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:
4. Wherefore I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come
upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant
Joseph, and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him
commandments; 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: The
weak things of the world should come forth and break down the
mighty and strong ones; that man should not counsel his fellow
man, neither trust in the arm of the flesh, but that every man
might speak in name of God, the Lord, even the savior of the
world; the faith also might increase in the earth; that mine
everlasting covenant might be eatablished; that the fulness of
my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple, unto
the ends of the world; and before kings and rulers.
5. Behold I am the 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 may come to
understanding; and inasmuch as they erred, it might be made
known: and inasmuch as they sought wisdom, they might be
instructed; and inasmuch as they sinned, they might be
chastened, that they might repent; and inasmuch as they were
humble, they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and
receive knowledge from time to time: after they, having received
the record of the Nephites; yea, even my servant Joseph might
have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power
of God, the book of Mormon: 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, for I the
Lord can not look upon sin with the least degree fo allowance:
Nevertheless, he that repenteth and doeth the commandments of the Lord,
shall be forgiven, and he that repenteth not from him shall be taken even
the light which he hath received, for my Spirit shall not always
strive with man, saith the Lord of hosts.
6. And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the
earth, for I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto
all flesh, for I am no respecter to persons, and willeth 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, and
also, the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign
in their midst, and shall come down in judgement upon Idumea, or
the world.
7. Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful,
and the prophecies and promises which are in them, shall be
fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I
excuse not myself, and though the heavens and the earth pass
away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled,
whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is
the same: 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.
CHAPTER II
1. A Revelation given to Joseph, in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
July, 1828, after Martin had lost the Manuscript of the forepart
of the book of Mormon, translated from the book of Lehi, which
was abridged by the hand of Morman saying:
The works, and the designs, and the purpose of God, can not be
frustrated, neither can they come to nought, for God doth not
walk in crooked paths; neither doth he turn to the right hand
nor to the left; neither doth he vary from that which he hath
said: Therefore his paths are strait and his course is one
eternal round.
2. Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is
frustrated, but the work of men: for although a man may have
many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet he
boasts in his own strength, and sets at nought the counsels of
God, and follows after the dictates of his own will, and carnel
desires, he must fall and incur the vengenance of a just God
upon him.
3. Behold, you have been instructed 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; and
behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the
laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men: for
behold, you should not have feared man more than God, although
men set at nought the counsels of God, and despise his words,
yet you should have been faithful and he would have extended his
arm, and supported you against all the fiery darts of the
adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of
trouble.
4. Behold thou art Joseph, and thou was chosen to do the work
of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware
thou wilt fall, but remember God is merciful: Therefore, repent
of that which thou hast done, and he will only cause thee to be
afflicted for a season, and thou art still chosen, and wilt
again be called to the work: and except thou do this, thou shalt
be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.
5. And when thou deliveredst up that which God had given thee
sight and power to translate, thou deliveredst up that which was
sacred, into the hands of a wicked man, who has set nought the
counsel of God, and has broken the most sacred promises which
were made before God, and has depended upon his own judgement,
and boasted in his own wisdom, and this is the reason that thou
hast lost thy privileges for a season, for thou hast suffered
the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the
beginning.
6. Nevertheless, my work shall go forth and accomplish my
purposes, for as the knowledge of a Savior has come into the
world, even so shall the knowledge of my people, the Nephites,
and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, come
to the knowledge of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the
Ishmaelites, which dwindled in unbelief, because of the
iniquities of their fathers, who have been suffered to destroy
their bretheren, because of their iniquities, and their
abominations: and for this very purpose are these plates
preserved which contain these records, that the promises of the
Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people; and that
the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and
that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may
believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and
be glorified through faith in his name; and that through their
repentance they might be saved: Amen.
CHAPTER III
1. A Revelation given to Joseph, the father of Joseph, in
Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829. saying:
Now, behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the
children of men, therefore, O ye that embark in the service of
God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and
strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last
day: Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called
to the work, for behold, the field is white already to harvest,
and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same
layeth up in store that he perish not, but bringeth salvation to
his soul, and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single
to the glory of God, qualifies him for the work.
2. Remember temperance, patience, humility, diligence, &c., ask
and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened to you: Amen.
CHAPTER IV
1. A Revelation given to Joseph and Martin, in Harmony,
Pennsylvania, March, 1829, when Martin desired of the Lord to
know whether Joseph had in his possession, the record of the
Nephites.
Behold, I say unto you, that my servant Martin has desired a
witness from my hand, that my servant Joseph has got the things
of which he has testified, and borne record that he has received
of me.
2. And now, behold this shall you say unto him:‑‑I the Lord am
God, and I have given these things unto my servant Joseph, and I
have commanded him that he should stand as a witness of these
things, nevertheless I have caused him that he should enter into
a covenant with me, that he should not show them except I
command him and he has no power over them except I grant it unto
him; and he has a gift to translate the book and I have
commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will
grant him no other gift.
3. And verily I say unto you, that wo shall come unto the
inhabitants of the earth, if they will not hearken my words, for
behold, if they will not believe my words,they would not believe
my servant Joseph, if it were possible that he show them all
things. O ye unbelieving, ye stiffnecked generation, mine anger
is kindled against you!
4. Behold, verily I say, I have reserved the things of which I
have spoken, which I have intrusted to my servant, for a wise
purpose in me, and it shall be made known in future generations:
But this generation shall have my words, yea and the testimony
of three of my servants shall go forth with my words unto this
generation; yea,three shall know of a surety that these things
are true, for I will give them power, that they may behold and
view these things as they are, and to none else will I grant
this power, to receive this same testimony among this
generation. And the testimony of three witnesses will I send
forth and my word, and behold, whososever believeth in my word,
them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit, and they
shall be born of me, and their testimony shall also go forth.
5. And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their
hearts, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put
down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings,
and strifes, and idolatries,and sorceries, and all manner of
iniquities, and I will establish my church, like unto the church
which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.
6. And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my
word, behold I will deliver them up unto satan, for he reigneth
and hath power at this time, for he hath got great hold upon the
hearts of the people of this generation: and not far from the
iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah, do they come at this time: and
behold the sword of justice hangeth over their heads, and if
they persist in the hardness of their hearts, the time cometh
that it must fall upon them. Behold I tell you these things
even as I also told the people of the destruction of Jerusalem,
and my word shall be verified at this time as it hath hitherto
been verified.
7. And now I command my servant, Joseph to repent, and walk
more uprightly before me, and yield to the persuasions of men no
more; and that he be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith
I have commanded him; and if he doeth this, behold I grant unto him
eternal life, even if he should be slain.
8. And now I speak again concerning the man that desireth a
witness: behold I say unto him, he exalteth himself and doth not
humble himself sufficiently before me, but if he will go out and
bow down before me, and humble himself in mighty prayer and
faith, in the sincerity of his heart, then I will grant unto him
a view of the things which he desireth to know: and then he
shall say unto the people of this generation, behold I have seen
the things and I know of a surety that they are true, for I have
seen, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God and
not of man. And I command him that he shall say no more unto
them, concerning these things, except he shall say, I have seen
them, and they have been shown unto me by the power of God.
9. And these are the words which he shall say.‑‑But if he deny
this, he will break the covenanted with me, and behold he is
condemned. And now except he humble himself and acknowledge
unto me the things that he has done, which are wrong, and
covenant with me that he will keep my commandments, he shall
have no such views, for I will grant unto him no views of the
things which I have spoken. and if this be the case, I command
him that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning
this matter.
10. And if this be the case, behold I say unto you, Joseph,
when thou hast translated a few more pages,
thou shalt stop for a season, even until I command thee again:
then thou mayest translate again. And except thou do thou do
this, behold thou shalt have no more gift, and I will take away
the things which I have intrusted with thee.
11. And now, because I foresee the lying in wait to destroy
thee: Yea, I foresee that if my servant humbleth not himself,
and receive a witness from my hand, that he will fall into
transgression; and there are many that lie in wait to destroy
thee from off the face of the earth: And for this cause, that
thy days may be prolonged, I have given unto thee these
commandments; yea, for this cause I have said, stop and stand
still until I command thee, and I will provide means whereby
thou mayest accomplish the thing which I have commanded thee;
and if thou art faithful in keeping my commandments, thou shalt
be lifted up at the last day:‑‑Amen.
CHAPTER V
1. A Revelation to Oliver, given in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
April, 1829, when employed a scribe for Joseph, while
translating the book of Mormon.
A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the
children of men: behold I am God, and give heed unto my word,
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two‑edged sword, to
the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow:‑‑Therefore give
heed unto my words.
2. Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore
whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust his sickle with his might
and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his
soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, whosoever
will thrust his sickle and reap, the same is called of God;
therefore if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will
knock it shall be opened unto you.
3. Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my
commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of
Zion: seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the
mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you
be made rich. Behold he that hath eternal life is rich.
4. Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so
shall it be unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means
of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but
repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments and assist
to bring forth my work according to my commandments, and you
shall be blessed
5. Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy
gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above; and if thou
will 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
knowledge of the truth; yea, convince them of the error of their
ways. Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those which
are of thy faith.‑‑Trifle not with sacred things. If thou wilt
do good, yea and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be
saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the
gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of
salvation.
6. Verily, verily I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what
thou hast done, for thou hast inquired of me, and behold as
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.
7. Behold thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me, and I did
enlighten thy mind; and now I tell these things, that thou
mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of
truth; yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is
none else save God, that thou knowest thy thoughts and the
intents of thy heart: I tell these things as a witness unto
thee, that the words of the work which thou hast been writing is
true:
8. Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant Joseph faithfully
in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be, for the word's
sake. Admonish him in his faults and also receive admonition of
him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith,
hope and charity.
9. Behold thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because
of thy desires, therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart.
Be faithful, and diligent in keeping the commandments of God,
and I will incircle thee in the arms of my love.
10. Behold I am Jesus Christ, the son of God. I am the same
that came unto my own and my own received me not. I am the
light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth
it not.
11. Verily, verily I say unto you, if you 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; did I not speak to your mind concerning the matter?‑‑
What greater witness can you have than from God? And now behold,
you have received a witness, for if I have told you things which
no man knoweth, have you not reeceived a witness? And behold I
grant unto you a gift if you desire of me, to translate even as
my servant Joseph.
12. Verily, verily I say unto you, that there are records which
contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of
the wickedness of the people; and now I command you, that if you
have good desires, a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in
heaven, then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your
gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden
because of iniquity.
13. And now behold I give unto you, and also unto my servant
Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this
ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall
every word be established.
14. Verily, verily I say unto you, if they 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; and if
they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are
ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory: but if they reject not
my words, which will be established by the testimony which shall
be given, blessed are they; and then shall ye have joy in the
fruit of your labors.
15. Verily, verily I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples,
where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching
one thing, behold there will I be in the midst of them: even so
am I in the midst of you. Fear not to do good my sons, for
whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap: therefore, if ye sow
good, ye shall also reap good for your reward:
16. Therefore fear not little flock, do good, let earth and
hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my Rock, they
cannot prevail. Behold I do not condemn you, go your ways and
sin no more: perform with soberness the work which I have
commanded you: look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear
not: behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the
prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful; keep my
commandments, and yr shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: Amen.
CHAPTER VI
1. A Revelation given to Oliver, in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
April, 1829, when they desired to know whether John, the beloved
disciple, tarried on earth. Translated from parchment, written
and hid up by himself.
AND the Lord said unto me, John my beloved, what desireth thou?
and I said Lord, give unto me power that I may bring souls unto
thee.‑‑And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily I say unto
thee, because thou desiredst this, thou shalt tarry till I come
in my glory:
2. And for this cause. the Lord said unto Peter:‑‑If I will
that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? for he
desiredst of me that he might bring souls unto me: but thou
desiredst that thou might speedily come unto me in my kingdom: I
say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has
undertaken a greater work.
3. Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your
desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.
CHAPTER VII
1. A Revelation given to Oliver, in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
April, 1829.
OLIVER, verily, verily I say unto you, that assuredly as the
Lord liveth, which is your God and your Redeemer, even so sure
shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask
in faith, with and honest heart, believing that you shall
receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records,
which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of
which have been spoken, by the manifestation of my Spirit; yea,
behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the
Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in
your heart.
2. Now, behold this is the Spirit of revelation:‑‑behold this
is the Spirit by which Moses brought the children of Isarel
through the Red sea on dry ground: therefore, this is thy gift;
apply unto it and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out
of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they
would slay you and bring your soul to destruction.
3. O remember, these words and keep my commandments. Remember
this is your gift. Now this is not all, for you have another
gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold it has
told you things: behold there is no other power save God, that
can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands, for it is
the work of God; and therefore whatsoever you shall ask me to
tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, that you
shall know.
4. Remember that without faith you can do nothing.
Trifle not with these things. Do not ask for that which you
ought not. Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that
you may translate all those ancient records, which have been hid
up, which are sacred, and according to your faith shall it be
done unto you.
5. Behold it is I that have spoken it, I am the same which
spake unto you from the beginning:‑‑Amen.
CHAPTER VIII
1. A Revelation given to Oliver, in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
April, 1829.
BEHOLD I say unto you my son, that, because you did not
translate according to that which you desired of me, and did
commence again to write for my servant Joseph, even so I would
that you should continue until you have finished this record
which I have intrusted unto you: and then behold, other records
have I that I will give unto you power that you may assist to
translate.
2. Be patient my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not
expedient that you should translate at this present time.
Behold the work which you are called to do, is to write for my
servant Joseph; and behold it is because that you did not
continue as you commenced, when you begun to translate, that I
have taken away this privilege from you. Do not murmur my son,
for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you in this
manner.
3. Behold you have not understood, you have supposed that I
would give it unto you, when you took
no thought, save it was to ask me; but behold I say unto you,
that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if
it be right, and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom
shall burn within you: therefore, you shall feel that it is
right; but if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings,
but you shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to
forget the thing which is wrong: therefore, you cannot write
that which is sacred, save it be given you from me.
4. Now if you had known this, you could have translated:
nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.
Behold it was expedient when you commenced, but you feared and
the time is past, that is not expedient now: for, do you not
behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph sufficient
strength, whereby it is made up? and neither of you have I
condemned.
5. Do this thing which I have commanded you and you shall
prosper. Be faithful, and yield to no temptation. Stand fast
in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head
shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day:
CHAPTER IX
1. A Revelation given to Joseph, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May,
1829, informing him of the manuscript of the fore part of the
book of Morman.
NOW, behold I say unto you, that because you have delivered up
so many writings, which you had power to translate, into the
hands of a wicked man, you have lost them, and you also lost
your gift at the same time, nevertheless it has been restored
unto you again: see that you are faithful and go on unto the
finishing of the remainder of the work as you have begun. Do
not run faster then you have strength and means to translate,
but be diligent unto the end, that you may come off conquerer;
yea, that you may conquer satan, and those that do uphold his
work.
2. Behold they have sought to destroy you; yea, even the man in
whom you have trusted, and for this cause I said, that he is a
wicked man, for he has sought to take away the things wherewith
you have been intrusted; and he has also sought to destroy your
gift, and because you have delivered the writings into his
hands, behold they have taken them from you: therefore, you have
delivered them up; yea,that which was sacred unto wickedness.
And behold, satan has put it into their hearts to alter the
words which you have caused to be written, or which you have
translated, which have gone out of your hands; and behold I say
unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read
contrary from that which you translated and caused to be
written; and on this wise the devil has sought to lay a cunning
plan, that he may destroy this work; for he has put it 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.
3. Verily I say unto you, that I will not suffer that satan
shall accomplish his evil design in this thing, for behold he
has put it into their hearts to tempt the Lord their God; for
behold they say in their hearts, We will see if God has given
him power again; and if God giveth him power again, or if he
translate again, or in other words, if he bringeth forth the
same words, behold we have the same with us, and we have altered
them: THerefore, they will not agree, and we will say that he
has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has
no power: therefore, we will destroy him, and also the work, and
we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that
we may get glory of the world.
4. Verily, verily I say unto you, that satan has great hold
upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to do iniquity against
that which is good, that he may lead their souls to destruction,
and thus he has laid a cunning plan to destroy the work of God;
yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work;
yea, he saith unto them, Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that
ye may destroy: behold this is no harm, and thus he flattereth
them and telleth them that it is no sin to lie, that they may
catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him, and thus he
flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their
souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves
in their own snare; and thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in
the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.
5. Verily, verily I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to
deceive, because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for
such are not exempt from the justice of God.
6. Now, behold they have altered those words, because satan
saith unto them, He hath deceived you, and thus he flattereth
them away to do iniquity, to tempt the Lord their God.
7. Behold I say unto you, that you shall not translate again
those words which have gone forth out of your hands; for behold,
they shall not lie any more against those words; for behold, if
you should bring forth the same words, they would say that you
have lied; that you have pretended to translate, but that you
have contradicted your words; and behold they would publish
this, and satan would harden the hearts of the people, to stir
them up to anger against you, that they might not believe my
words: thus satan would overpower this generation, that the work
might not come forth in this generation: but behold here is
wisdom, and because I show unto you commandments concerning
these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world
until you have accomplished the work.
8. Marvel not that I said unto you, here is wisdom, show it not
unto the world, for I said, show it not unto the world, that you
may be preserved. Behold I do not say that you shall not show
it unto the righteous: but as you cannot always judge the
righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the
righteous: therefore, I say unto you, hold your peace until I
see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the
matter.
9. And now, verily I say unto you, that an account of those
things that you have written, which have gone out of your hands,
are engraven upon the plates of Nephi; yea, you remember, it was
said in those writings, that a more particular account was given to
these things upon the plates of Nephi.
10. And now, because the account which is engraven upon the
plates of Nephi,is more particular concerning the things, which
in my wisdom I would bring to the knowledge of the people in
this account: therefore, you shall translate the engravings
which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the
reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have
translated, which you have retained; and behold, you shall
publish it as a record of Nephi, and thus I will confound those
who have altetred my words. I will not suffer that they shall
not destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom
is greater than the cunning of the devil.
11. Behold they have only got a part, or an abridgement of the
account of Nephi. Behold there are many things engraven on the
plates of Nephi, which do throw greater views upon my gospel:
therefore, it is wisdom in me, that you should translate this
first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this
work. And behold, all the remainder of this work, does contain
all those parts of my gospel which my disciples in their
prayers, should come forth unto this people. And I said unto
them, that it should be granted unto them according to their
faith in their prayers: yea, and this was their faith, that my
gospel which I gave unto them, that they might preach in their
days, might come unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and also,
all that had become Lamanites, because of their dissensions.
12. Now this is not all, their faith in their prayers were,
that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible
that other nations should possess this land; and thus they did
leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever
should believe in this gospel, in this land, might have eternal
life, yea, that it might be free unto all whatsoever nation,
kindred, tongue, or people, they may be.
13. 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.
14. And for this cause have I said, if this generation harden
not their hearts, I will establish my church among them. Now I
do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up
my church, therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not
fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven: but it is
they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments, but
buildeth up churches unto themselves, to get gain; yea, and all
those that do wickedly, and buildeth up the kingdom of the
devil; yea, verily I say unto you, that it is they that I will
disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the centre.
15. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God: I came unto my
own, and my own received me not. I am the light which shineth
in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. I am he who
said other sheep have I which are not of this fold, unto my
disciples, and many there were that understood me not.
16. And I will show unto this people, that I had
other sheep, and they were a branch of the house of Jacob; and I
will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my
name; yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel, which was
ministered unto them, and behold they shall not deny that which
you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring
to light the true points of my doctrine: and this I do, that I
may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much
contention: Yea, satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to
contention, concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these
things they do err, for they do rest the scriptures, and do not
understand them: therefore, I will unfold unto them this great
mystery, for behold I will gather them as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts:
Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of
life freely.
17. Behold this is my doctrine: whosoever repenteth, and cometh
unto me, the same is my church: whosoever declareth more or less
than this, the same is not of me, but is against me: therefore,
he is not of my church.
18. And now, behold whosoever is of my church endureth of my
church to the end, him will I establish upon my Rock, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against them.
19. And now, remember the words of him who is the life and the
light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God: Amen.
CHAPTER X
1. A Revelation given to Hyrum, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, May,
1829.
A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the
children of men: behold I am God and give heed to my word, which
is quick and powerful, sharper than a two‑edged sword, to the
dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore give heed
unto my word.
2. Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore,
whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his
might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for
his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God; yea,
whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called
of God, therefore, if you will ask of me, you shall receive; if
you will knock, it shall be opened unto you.
3. Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my
commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of
Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the
mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then you shall
be made rich; behold he that hath eternal life is rich.
4. Verily, verily I say unto you, even as you desireth of me,
so shall it be done unto you: and, if you desire you shall be
the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing
but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and
assist to bring forth my work according to my commandments, and
you shall be blessed.
5. Behold thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift, if thou
wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, beleiving in the
power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which
speaketh unto thee: for behold it is I that speaketh: behold I am
the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these
words unto thee.
6. And now, verily, verily I say unto thee, put your trust in
that spirit which leadeth to do good: Yea, to do justly; to walk
humbly; to judge righteously; and this is my spirit.
7. Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my
spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your
soul with joy, and then shall you know, or by this shall you
know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which is
pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in
me that you shall receive.
8. Behold I command you, that you need not suppose that you are
called to preach until you are called: wait a little longer,
until you shall have my word, my Rock, my church, and my gospel,
that you may know of a surety my doctrine; and then behold,
according to your desires, yea, even according to your faith,
shall it be done unto you.
9. Keep my commandments; hold your peace; appeal unto my
Spirit: Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may
assist in bringing to light those things of which have been
spoken: Yea, the translation of my work: be patient until you
shall accomplish it.
10. Behold this is your work, to keep my commandments: Yea,
with all your might, mind, and strength: seek not to declare my
word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your
tongues be loosed; then, if you desire you shall have my Spirit,
and my word: Yea, the power of God unto the
convincing of men: but now hold your peace, study my word which
hath gone forth among the children of men; and also study my
word which shall come forth among the children of men; or that
which you are translating: Yea, until you have obtained all
which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation;
and then shall all things be added thereunto.
11. Behold thou art Hyrum, my son; seek the kingdom of God and
all things shall be added according to that which is just.
Build upon my Rock, which is my gospel; deny not the Spirit of
revelation, nor the Spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that
denieth these things: therefore, treasure up in your hearts
until the time which is in my wisdom, that you shall go forth:
Behold I speak unto all who have good desires, and have trust in
their sickles to reap.
12. Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God: I am the life and
the light of the world: I am the same which came unto my own,
and my own received me not: but verily, verily I say unto you,
that as many as receiveth me, them will I give power to become
the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name: Amen.
CHAPTER XI
1. A Revelation given to Joseph (K.,) in Harmony, Pennsylvania,
May, 1829, informing him how he must do, to be worthy to assist
in the work of the Lord.
A Great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the
children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word,
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two‑edged sword, to
the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore give
heed unto my word.
2. Behold the field is already white to harvest, therefore
whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust his sickle with his
might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for
his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea,
whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called
of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if
you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
3. Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my
commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of
Zion.
4. Behold I speak unto you, and also to all those who have
desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can
assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love,
having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things,
whatsoever shall be intrusted to his care.
5. Behold I am the light and life of the world, that speaketh
these words: therefore, give heed with your might, and then you
are called: Amen.
CHAPTER XII
1. A Revelation given to David, in Fayette, New York, June,
1829.
A Great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the
children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word,
which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two‑edged sword, to
the dividing of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed
unto my word.
2. Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore,
whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his
might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for
his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea,
whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called
of God: therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if
you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
3. Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion.‑‑Keep my
commandments in all things, 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.
4. And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father
in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy
Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness
of the things of which you shall both hear and see; and also
that you may declare repentance unto this generation.
5. Behold I am Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, which
created the heavens and the earth; a light that cannot be hid in
darkness: wherefore, I must bring forth of my gospel from the
Gentiles unto the house of Israel. And behold thou art David,
and thou art called to assist: Which thing if ye do, and are
faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally,
and great shall be your reward: Amen.
CHAPTER XIII
1. A Revelation given to John, in Fayette, New York, June,
1829.
HEARKEN my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus
Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you
with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the
earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and
thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that
which would be of the most worth unto you.
2. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my
words which I have given you, according to my commandments:
3. And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be
the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this
people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with
them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
CHAPTER XIV
1. A Revelation given to Peter, in Fayette, New York, June,
1829.
HEARKEN my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus
Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you
with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the
earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and
thee alone; for many times you have desired of me to know that
which would be of the most worth unto you.
2. Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my
words which I have given you, according to my commandments:
3. And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be
of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto
this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest
with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
CHAPTER XV
1. A Revelation to Joseph, Oliver and David, making known the
calling of twelve disciples in these last days, and also
instructions relative to building up the church of Christ,
according to the fulness of the gospel: Given in Fayette, New‑
York, June, 1829.
NOW behold, because of the thing which you have desired to know
of me, I give unto you these words:
2. Behold I have manifested unto you, by my
Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written
are true:
3. Wherefore you know that they are true; and if you know that
they are true, behold I give unto you a commandment, that you
rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all
things written, concerning my church, my gospel, and my rock.
4. Wherefore if you shall build up my church, and my gospel,
and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
5. 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.
6. Wherefore as thou hast been baptized by the hand of my
servant, according to that which I have commanded him:
7. Wherefore 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:
9. Wherefore if he shall be diligent in keeping my
commandments, he shall be blessed unto eternal life, and his
name is Joseph.
10. And now Oliver, I speak unto you, and also unto David, by
way of commandment:
11. For behold I command all men every where to repent and I
speak unto you, even as unto Paul mine apostle, for you are
called even with that same calling with which he was called.
12. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God:
13. For behold the Lord your God suffered death
in the flesh: wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that
ask men might repent and come unto him.
14. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring
all men unto him on conditions of repentance.
15. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth.
16. Wherefore you are called to cry repentance unto this
people.
17. And if it so be that you should labor in all your days, in
crying repentance unto this people, and bring save it be one
soul only unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the
kingdom of my Father.
18. And now if your joy will be great with one soul, that you
have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great
will be your joy, if you should bring many souls unto me?