Section Five
1842–1843
Highest Order of Priesthood Revealed
Wednesday, 4.—I spent the day in the upper part of the store, that is in my private office * * * in
council with General James Adams, of Springfield, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, Bishops Newel K.
Whitney and George Miller, and President Brigham Young and Elders Heber C. Kimball and
Willard Richards, instructing them in the principles and order of the Priesthood, attending to
washings, anointings, endowments and the communication of keys pertaining to the Aaronic
Priesthood, and so on to the highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood, setting forth the order
pertaining to the Ancient of Days, and all those plans and principles by which any one is enabled
to secure the fullness of those blessing which have been prepared for the Church of the Firstborn,
and come up and abide in the presence of the Eloheim in the eternal worlds. In this council was
instituted the ancient order of things for the first time in these last days. And the communications
I made to this council were of things spiritual, and to be received only by the spiritual minded:
and there was nothing made known to these men but what will be made known to all the Saints
of the last days, so soon as they are prepared to receive, and a proper place is prepared to
communicate them, even to the weakest of the Saints; therefore let the Saints be diligent in
building the Temple, and all houses which they have been, or shall hereafter be, commanded of
God to build; and wait their time with patience in all meekness, faith, perseverance unto the end,
knowing assuredly that all these things referred to in this council are always governed by the
principle of revelation. (May 4, 1842.) DHC 5:1–2.
Address of the Prophet To the Relief Society Beware of Excessive Zeal
President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel—said the Lord had declared by the
Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that
state of corruption of the Jewish church—that righteous persons could only deliver their own
souls—applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints—said if
the people departed from the Lord, they must fall—that they were depending on the Prophet,
hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon
themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of
envy.
There is another error which opens for the adversary to enter. As females possess refined feelings
and sensitiveness, they are also subject to overmuch zeal, which must ever prove dangerous, and
cause them to be rigid in a religious capacity—[they] should be armed with mercy,
notwithstanding the iniquity among us.
The Spirit of Forgiveness
Said he had been instrumental in bringing iniquity to light—it was a melancholy thought and
awful that so many should place themselves under the condemnation of the devil, and going to
perdition. With deep feeling he said that they are fellow mortals, we loved them once, shall we
not encourage them to reformation? We have not yet forgiven them seventy times seven, as our
Savior directed; perhaps we have not forgiven them once. There is now a day of salvation to such
as repent and reform;—and they who repent not should be cast out from this society; yet we
should woo them to return to God, lest they escape not the damnation of hell! Where there is a
mountain top, there is also a valley—we should act in all things on a proper medium to every
immortal spirit. Notwithstanding the unworthy are among us, the virtuous should not, from
self–importance, grieve and oppress needlessly, those unfortunate ones—even these should be
encouraged to hereafter live to be honored by this society, who are the best portions of the
community. Said he had two things to recommend to the members of this society, to put a double
watch over the tongue; no organized body can exist without this at all. All organized bodies have
their peculiar evils, weaknesses and difficulties, the object is to make those not so good reform
and return to the path of virtue that they may be numbered with the good, and even hold the keys
of power, which will influence to virtue and goodness—should chasten and reprove, and keep it
all in silence, not even mention them again; then you will be established in power, virtue, and
holiness, and the wrath of God will be turned away.
Guard the Tongue
I have one request to make of the President and members of the society, that you search
yourselves—the tongue is an unruly member—hold your tongues about things of no moment—a
little tale will set the world on fire. At this time, the truth on the guilty should not be told openly,
strange as this may seem, yet this is the policy. We must use precaution in bringing sinners to
justice, lest in exposing these heinous sins we draw the indignation of a Gentile world upon us
(and, to their imagination, justly too). It is necessary to hold an influence in the world, and thus
spare ourselves an extermination; and also accomplish our end in spreading the Gospel, or
holiness, in the earth. If we were brought to desolation, the disobedience would find no help.
There are some who are obedient, yet men cannot steady the ark—my arm cannot do it—God
must steady it. To the iniquitous show yourselves merciful.
I am advised by some of the heads of the Church to tell the Relief Society to be virtuous, but to
save the Church from desolation and the sword; beware, be still, be prudent, repent, reform, but
do it in a way not to destroy all around you. I do not want to cloak iniquity—all things contrary to
the will of God, should be cast from us, but don't do more hurt than good, with your tongues—be
pure in heart. Jesus designs to save the people out of their sins. Said Jesus, "Ye shall do the work,
which ye see me do." These are the grand keywords for the society to act upon. If I were not in
your midst to aid and counsel you, the devil would overcome you. I want the innocent to go
free—rather spare ten iniquitous among you, than condemn one innocent one. "Fret not thyself
because of evildoers." God will see to it. (May 26, 1842.) DHC 5:19–21.
Minutes of Meeting of the Female Relief Society,
At the Grove, Nauvoo, June 9, 1842
(Reported by Miss E. R. Snow)
The Principle of Mercy
President Joseph Smith opened the meeting by prayer, and then addressed the congregation on
the design of the institution.
Said it is no matter how fast the society increases, if all the members are virtuous; that we must
be as particular with regard to the character of members now, as when the society was first
started; that sometimes persons wish to crowd themselves into a society of this kind when they
do not intend to pursue the ways of purity and righteousness, as if the society would be a shelter
to them in their iniquity.
He said that henceforth no person shall be admitted, but by presenting regular petitions, signed by
two or three members in good standing in the society, and whoever comes in must be of good
report.
* * *
Said he was going to preach mercy. Suppose that Jesus Christ and holy angels should object to us
on frivolous things, what would become of us? We must be merciful to one another, and
overlook small things.
* * *
Christ said he came to call sinners to repentance, to save them. Christ was condemned by the
self–righteous Jews because He took sinners into His society; He took them upon the principle
that they repented of their sins. It is the object of this society to reform persons, not to take those
that are corrupt and foster them in their wickedness; but if they repent, we are bound to take
them, and by kindness sanctify and cleanse them from all unrighteousness by our influence over
people as the fear of being disfellowshiped by so goodly a society as this. * * *
Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and
watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O
what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the
harsh feelings and depress the human mind.
Satan Retards the Human Mind
It is one evidence that men are unacquainted with the principles of godliness to behold the
contraction of affectionate feelings and lack of charity in the world. The power and glory of
godliness is spread out on a broad principle to throw out the mantle of charity. God does not look
on sin with allowance, but when men have sinned, there must be allowance made for them.
All the religious world is boasting of righteousness; it is the doctrine of the devil to retard the
human mind, and hinder our progress, by filling us with self–righteousness. The nearer we get to
our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we
feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs. My talk
is intended for all this society; if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one
another.
* * *
Men Cannot Be Compelled into Kingdom
He then made a promise in the name of the Lord, saying that that soul who has righteousness
enough to ask God in the secret place for life, every day of their lives, shall live to three score
years and ten. We must walk uprightly all the day long. How glorious are the principles of
righteousness! We are full of selfishness; the devil flatters us that we are very righteous, when we
are feeding on the faults of others. We can only live by worshiping our God; all must do it for
themselves; none can do it for another. How mild the Savior dealt with Peter, saying, "When
thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." At another time, He said to him, "Lovest thou me?"
and having received Peter's reply, He said, "Feed my sheep." If the sisters loved the Lord, let
them feed the sheep, and not destroy them. How oft have wise men and women sought to dictate
Brother Joseph by saying, "O, if I were Brother Joseph I would do this and that;" but if they were
in Brother Joseph's shoes they would find that men or women could not be compelled into the
kingdom of God, but must be dealt with in long–suffering, and at last we shall save them. The
way to keep all the Saints together, and keep the work rolling, is to wait with all long–suffering,
till God shall bring such characters to justice. There should be no license for sin, but mercy
should go hand in hand with reproof.
Sisters of the society, shall there be strife among you? I will not have it. You must repent, and get
the love of God. Away with self–righteousness! The best measure or principle to bring the poor to
repentance is to administer to their wants.
The Ladies' Relief Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls.
President Smith then said that he would give a lot of land to the society by deeding to the
treasurer, that the society may build houses for the poor. He also said he would give a house,
frame not finished, and that Brother Cahoon will move it on to the aforesaid lot, and the society
can pay him by giving orders on the store; that it was a good plan to set those to work who are
owing widows, and thus make an offset, &c.—DHC 5:23–25.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost An Editorial in the "Times and Seasons," by the Prophet
Various and conflicting are the opinions of men in regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some
people have been in the habit of calling every supernatural manifestation the effects of the Spirit
of God, whilst there are others that think there is no manifestation connected with it at all; and
that it is nothing but a mere impulse of the mind, or an inward feeling, and that there is no such a
thing as an outward manifestation.
It is not to be wondered at that men should be ignorant, in a great measure, of the principles of
salvation, and more especially of the nature, office, power, influence, gifts, and blessings of the
gift of the Holy Ghost, when we consider that the human family have been enveloped in gross
darkness and ignorance for many centuries past, without revelation, or any just criterion [by
which] to arrive at a knowledge of the things of God, which can only be known by the Spirit of
God. Hence it not infrequently occurs, that when the Elders of this Church preach to the
inhabitants of the world, that if they obey the Gospel they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,
that the people expect to see some wonderful manifestation, some great display of power, or
some extraordinary miracle performed; and it is often the case that young members of this
Church for want of better information, carry along with them their old notions of things, and
sometimes fall into egregious errors. We have lately had some information concerning a few
members that are in this dilemma, and for their information make a few remarks upon the
subject.
Gifts of the Spirit
We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now, as much as it was in the Apostles'
days; we believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and to organize the
Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe
in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these
things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the Holy Ghost, and
that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its being a comforter and a
witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us
of things to come; we believe that "no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy
Ghost." We believe in it [this gift of the Holy Ghost] in all its fullness, and power, and greatness,
and glory; but whilst we do this, we believe in it rationally, consistently, and scripturally, and not
according to the wild vagaries, foolish notions and traditions of men.
* * *
Diversity of Gifts
We believe that the Holy Ghost is imparted by the laying on of hands of those in authority, and
that the gift of tongues, and also the gift of prophecy are gifts of the Spirit, and are obtained
through that medium; but then to say that men always prophesied and spoke in tongues when
they had the imposition of hands, would be to state that which is untrue, contrary to the practice
of the Apostles, and at variance with holy write; for Paul says, "To one is given the gift of
tongues, to another the gift of prophecy, and to another the gift of healing;" and again: "Do all
prophesy? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?" evidently showing that all did not possess
these several gifts; but that one received one gift, and another received another gift—all did not
prophesy, all did not speak in tongues, all did not work miracles; but all did receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost; sometimes they spake in tongues and prophesied in the Apostles' days, and
sometimes they did not. The same is the case with us also in our administrations, while more
frequently there is no manifestation at all, that is visible to the surrounding multitude; this will
appear plain when we consult the writings of the Apostles, and notice their proceedings in
relation to this matter. Paul, in 1st Cor. 12, says, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I
would not have you ignorant;" it is evident from this, that some of them were ignorant in relation
to these matters, or they would not need instruction.
The Gift of Prophecy
Again in chapter 14, he says, "Follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye
may prophesy." It is very evident from these Scriptures that many of them had not spiritual gifts,
for if they had spiritual gifts where was the necessity of Paul telling them to follow after them,
and it is evident that they did not all receive those gifts by the imposition of the hands; for they as
a Church had been baptized and confirmed by the laying on of hands—and yet to a Church of
this kind, under the immediate inspection and superintendency of the Apostles, it was necessary
for Paul to say, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy,"
evidently showing that those gifts were in the Church, but not enjoyed by all in their outward
manifestations.
But suppose the gifts of the Spirit were immediately, upon the imposition of hands, enjoyed by
all, in all their fulness and power, the skeptic would still be as far from receiving any testimony
except upon a mere casualty as before, for all the gifts of the Spirit are not visible to the natural
vision, or understanding of man; indeed very few of them are. We read that "Christ ascended into
heaven and gave gifts unto men; and He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some
Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers." (Eph. 4.)
The Church a Compact Body
The Church is a compact body composed of different members, and is strictly analogous to the
human system, and Paul, after speaking of the different gifts, says, "Now ye are the body of
Christ and members in particular; and God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles,
secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. Are all Teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all speak
with tongues? Do all interpret?" It is evident that they do not; yet are they all members of one
body. All members of the natural body are not the eye, the ear, the head or the hand—yet the eye
cannot say to the ear, I have no need of thee, nor the head to the foot, I have no need of thee; they
are all so many component parts in the perfect machines—the one body; and if one member
suffer, the whole of the members suffer with it; and if one member rejoice, all the rest are
honored with it.
These, then, are all gifts; they come from God; they are of God; they are all the gifts of the Holy
Ghost; they are what Christ ascended into heaven to impart; and yet how few of them could be
known by the generality of men. Peter and John were Apostles, yet the Jewish court scourged
them as impostors. Paul was both an Apostle and prophet, yet they stoned him and put him into
prison. The people knew nothing about it, although he had in his possession the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Our Savior was "anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows," yet so far from the
people knowing Him, they said He was Beelzebub and crucified Him as an impostor. Who could
point out a Pastor, a Teacher, or an Evangelist by their appearance, yet had they the gift of the
Holy Ghost?
The World Cannot Know the Gifts of the Spirit
But to come to the other members of the Church, and examine the gifts as spoken of by Paul, and
we shall find that the world can in general know nothing about them, and that there is but one or
two that could be immediately known, if they were all poured out immediately upon the
imposition of hands. In 1 Cor. 12, Paul says, "There are diversities of gifts yet the same spirit,
and there are differences of administrations but the same Lord; and there are diversities of
operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestations of the Spirit is
given unto every man to profit withal. For to one is given, by the Spirit, the word of wisdom, to
another, the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another
the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another
divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one
and the selfsame spirit, dividing to each man severally as he will.
The Things of God Known Only by the Spirit of God
There are several gifts mentioned here, yet which of them all could be known by an observer at
the imposition of hands? The word of wisdom, and the word of knowledge, are as much gifts as
any other, yet if a person possessed both of these gifts, or received them by the imposition of
hands, who would know it? Another might receive the gift of faith, and they would be as ignorant
of it. Or suppose a man had the gift of healing or power to work miracles, that would not then be
known; it would require time and circumstances to call these gifts into operation. Suppose a man
had the discerning of spirits, who would be the wiser of it? Or if he had the interpretation of
tongues, unless someone spoke in an unknown tongue, according to Paul's testimony, he would
be a barbarian to those present. They would say that it was gibberish; and if he prophesied they
would call it nonsense. The gift of tongues is the smallest gift perhaps of the whole, and yet it is
one that is the most sought after.
So that according to the testimony of Scripture and the manifestations of the Spirit in ancient
days, very little could be known about it by the surrounding multitude, except on some
extraordinary occasion, as on the day of Pentecost.
The greatest, the best, and the most useful gifts would be known nothing about by an observer. It
is the true that man might prophesy, which is a great gift, and one that Paul told the people—the
Church—to seek after and to covet, rather than to speak in tongues; but what does the world
know about prophesying? Paul says that it "serveth only to those that believe." But does not the
Scriptures say that they spake in tongues and prophesied? Yes; but who is it that writes these
Scriptures? Not the men of the world or mere casual observers, but the Apostles—men who
knew one gift from another, and of course were capable of writing about it; if we had the
testimony of the Scribes and Pharisees concerning the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of
Pentecost, they would have told us that it was no gift, but that the people were "drunken with
new wine," and we shall finally have to come to the same conclusion that Paul did—"No man
knows the things of God but by the Spirit of God;" for with the great revelations of Paul when he
was caught up into the third heaven and saw things that were not lawful to utter, no man was
apprised of it until he mentioned it himself fourteen years after; and when John had the curtains
of heaven withdrawn, and by vision looked through the dark vista of future ages, and
contemplated events that should transpire throughout every subsequent period of time, until the
final winding up scene—while he gazed upon the glories of the eternal world, saw an
innumerable company of angels and heard the voice of God—it was in the Spirit, on the Lord's
day, unnoticed and unobserved by the world.
* * *
The Necessity of Prayer
The Lord cannot always be known by the thunder of his voice, by the display of His glory or by
the manifestation of His power, and those that are the most anxious to see these things, are the
least prepared to meet them, and were the Lord to manifest His powers as He did to the children
of Israel, such characters would be the first to say, "Let not the Lord speak any more, lest we His
people die."
We would say to the brethren, seek to know God in your closets, call upon him in the fields.
Follow the directions of the Book of Mormon, and pray over, and for your families, your cattle,
your flocks, your herds, your corn, and all things that you possess; ask the blessing of God upon
all your labors, and everything that you engage in. Be virtuous and pure; be men of integrity and
truth; keep the commandments of God; and then you will be able more perfectly to understand
the difference between right and wrong—between the things of God and the things of men; and
your path will be like that of the just, which shineth brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
The True Use of Tongues
Be not so curious about tongues, do not speak in tongues except there be an interpreter present;
the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners, and if persons are very anxious to display
their intelligence, let them speak to such in their own tongues. The gifts of God are all useful in
their place, but when they are applied to that which God does not intend, they prove an injury, a
snare and a curse instead of a blessing. We may some future time enter more fully into this
subject, but shall let this suffice for the present. (June 15, 1842.) DHC 5:26–32.
The Government of God An Editorial by the Prophet on the Failure of Man–made Governments and the Right of God to Rule
The government of the Almighty has always been very dissimilar to the governments of men,
whether we refer to His religious government, or to the government of nations. The government
of God has always tended to promote peace, unity, harmony, strength, and happiness; while that
of man has been productive of confusion, disorder, weakness, and misery.
Man's Government Brings Misery and Destruction
The greatest acts of the mighty men have been to depopulate nations and to overthrow kingdoms;
and whilst they have exalted themselves and become glorious, it has been at the expense of the
lives of the innocent, the blood of the oppressed, the moans of the widow, and the tears of the
orphan.
Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Persia, Carthage, Rome—each was raised to dignity amidst the clash of
arms and the din of war; and whilst their triumphant leaders led forth their victorious armies to
glory and victory, their ears were saluted with the groans of the dying and the misery and distress
of the human family; before them the earth was a paradise, and the behind them a desolate
wilderness; their kingdoms were founded in carnage and bloodshed, and sustained by oppression,
tyranny, and despotism. The designs of God, on the other hand, have been to promote the
universal good of the universal world; to establish peace and good will among men; to promote
the principles of eternal truth; to bring about a state of things that shall unite man to his fellow
man; cause the world to "beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks,"
make the nations of the earth dwell in peace, and to bring about the millennial glory, when "the
earth shall yield its increase, resume its paradisean glory, and become as the garden of the Lord."
Failure of the Governments of Men
The great and wise of ancient days have failed in all their attempts to promote eternal power,
peace and happiness. Their nations have crumbled to pieces; their thrones have been cast down in
their turn, and their cities, and their mightiest works of art have been annihilated; or their
dilapidated towers, or time–worn monuments have left us but feeble traces of their former
magnificence and ancient grandeur. They proclaim as with a voice of thunder, those imperishable
truths—that man's strength is weakness, his wisdom is folly, his glory is his shame.
Monarchial, aristocratical, and republican governments of their various kinds and grades, have,
in their turn, been raised to dignity, and prostrated in the dust. The plans of the greatest
politicians, the wisest senators, and most profound statesmen have been exploded; and the
proceedings of the greatest chieftains, the bravest generals, and the wisest kings have fallen to the
ground. Nation has succeeded nation, and we have inherited nothing but their folly. History
records their puerile plans, their short–lived glory, their feeble intellect and their ignoble deeds.
Has Man Increased in Intelligence?
Have we increased in knowledge or intelligence? Where is there a man that can step forth and
alter the destiny of nations and promote the happiness of the world? Or where is there a kingdom
or nation that can promote the universal happiness of its own subjects, or even their general
well–being? Our nation, which possesses greater resources than any other, is rent, from center to
circumference, with party strife, political intrigues, and sectional interest; our counselors are
panic–stricken, our legislators are astonished, and our senators are confounded, our merchants are
paralyzed, our tradesmen are disheartened, our mechanics out of employ, our farmers distressed,
and our poor crying for bread, our banks are broken, our credit ruined, and our states
overwhelmed in debt, yet we are, and have been in peace.
Man Not Able to Govern Himself
What is the matter? Are we alone in this thing? Verily no. With all our evils we are better
situated than any other nation. Let Egypt, Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Germany,
England, China, or any other nation, speak, and tell the tale of their trouble, their perplexity, and
distress, and we should find that their cup was full, and that they were preparing to drink the
dregs of sorrow. England, that boasts of her literature, her science, commerce, etc., has her hands
reeking with the blood of the innocent abroad, and she is saluted with the cries of the oppressed
at home. Chartism, O'Connelism, and radicalism are gnawing her vitals at home; and Ireland,
Scotland, Canada, and the east are threatening her destruction abroad. France is rent to the core,
intrigue, treachery, and treason lurk in the dark, and murder, and assassination stalk forth at
noonday. Turkey, once the dread of European nations, has been shorn of her strength, has
dwindled into her dotage, and has been obliged to ask her allies to propose to her tributary terms
of peace; and Russia and Egypt are each of them opening their jaws to devour her. Spain has
been the theater of bloodshed, of misery and woe for years past. Syria is now convulsed with war
and bloodshed. The great and powerful empire of China, which has for centuries resisted the
attacks of barbarians, has become tributary to a foreign fee, her batteries thrown down, many of
her cities destroyed, and her villages deserted. We might mention the Easter Rajahs, the miseries
and oppressions of the Irish; the convulsed state of Central America; the situation of Texas and
Mexico; the state of Greece, Switzerland and Poland; nay, the world itself presents one great
theater of misery, woe, and "distress of nations with perplexity." All, all, speak with a voice of
thunder, that man is not able to govern himself, to legislate for himself, to protect himself, to
promote his own good, nor the good of the world.
The Design of Jehovah
It has been the design of Jehovah, from the commencement of the world, and is His purpose now,
to regulate the affairs of the world in His own time, to stand as a head of the universe, and take
the reins of government in His own hand. When that is done, judgment will be administered in
righteousness; anarchy and confusion will be destroyed, and "nations will learn war no more." It
is for want of this great governing principle, that all this confusion has existed; "for it is not in
man that walketh, to direct his steps;" this we have fully shown.
If there was anything great or good in the world, it came from God. The construction of the first
vessel was given to Noah, by revelation. The design of the ark was given by God, "a pattern of
heavenly things." The learning of the Egyptians, and their knowledge of astronomy was no doubt
taught them by Abraham and Joseph, as their records testify, who received it from the Lord. The
art of working in brass, silver, gold, and precious stones, was taught by revelation, in the
wilderness. The architectural designs of the Temple at Jerusalem, together with its ornaments and
beauty, were given of God. Wisdom to govern the house of Israel was given to Solomon, and the
Judges of Israel; and if he had always been their king, and they subject to his mandate, and
obedient to his laws, they would still have been a great and mighty people—the rulers of the
universe, and the wonder of the world.
Government Established by God
If Nebuchadnezzar, or Darius, or Cyrus, or any other king possessed knowledge or power, it was
from the same source, as the Scriptures abundantly testify. If, then, God puts up one, and sets
down another at His pleasure, and made instruments of kings, unknown to themselves, to fulfill
His prophecies, how much more was he able, if man would have been subject to His mandate to
regulate the affairs of this world, and promote peace and happiness among the human family!
The Lord has at various times commenced this kind of government, and tendered His services to
the human family. He selected Enoch, whom He directed, and gave His law unto, and to the
people who were with him; and when the world in general would not obey the commands of
God, after walking with God, he translated Enoch and his church, and the Priesthood or
government of heaven was taken away.
Abraham was guided in all his family affairs by the Lord; was conversed with by angels, and by
the Lord; was told where to go, and when to stop; and prospered exceedingly in all that he put his
hand unto; it was because he and his family obeyed the counsel of the Lord.
When Egypt was under the superintendence of Joseph it prospered, because he was taught of
God; when they oppressed the Israelites, destruction came upon them. When the children of
Israel were chosen with Moses at their head, they were to be a peculiar people, among whom
God should place His name; their motto was: "The Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our Judge;
the Lord is our King; and He shall reign over us." While in this state they might truly say, "Happy
is that people, whose God is the Lord." Their government was a theocracy; they had God to make
their laws, and men chosen by Him to administer them; He was their God, and they were His
people. Moses received the word of the Lord from God Himself; he was the mouth of God to
Aaron, and Aaron taught the people, in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs; they were both one,
there was no distinction; so will it be when the purposes of God shall be accomplished: when
"the Lord shall be King over the whole earth" and "Jerusalem His throne." "The law shall go
forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Universal Peace to Come from God
This is the only thing that can bring about the "restitution of all things spoken of by all the holy
Prophets since the world was"—"the dispensation of the fullness of times, when God shall gather
together all things in one." Other attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the
human family have proved abortive; every effort has failed; every plan and design has fallen to
the ground; it needs the wisdom of God, the intelligence of God, and the power of God to
accomplish this. The world has had a fair trial for six thousand years; the Lord will try the
seventh thousand Himself; "He whose right it is, will possess the kingdom, and reign until He
has put all things under His feet;" iniquity will hide its hoary head, Satan will be bound, and the
works of darkness destroyed; righteousness will be put to the line, and judgment to the plummet,
and "he that fears the Lord will alone be exalted in that day." To bring about this state of things,
there must of necessity be great confusion among the nations of the earth; "distress of nations
with perplexity." Am I asked what is the cause of the present distress? I would answer, "Shall
there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it?"
Earth Now Groaning Under Corruption
The earth is groaning under corruption, oppression, tyranny and bloodshed; and God is coming
out of His hiding place, as He said He would do, to vex the nations of the earth. Daniel, in his
vision, saw convulsion upon convulsion; he "beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the
Ancient of Days did sit;" and one was brought before him like unto the Son of Man; and all
nations, kindred, tongues, and peoples, did serve and obey Him. It is for us to be righteous, that
we may be wise and understand; for none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall
understand, and they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever.
It Behooves Us to Be Wise
As a Church and a people it behooves us to be wise, and to seek to know the will of God, and
then be willing to do it; for "blessed is he that heareth the word of the Lord, and keepeth it," say
the Scriptures. "Watch and pray always," says our Savior, "that ye may be accounted worthy to
escape the things that are to come on the earth, and to stand before the Son of Man." If Enoch,
Abraham, Moses, and the children of Israel, and all God's people were saved by keeping the
commandments of God, we, if saved at all, shall be saved upon the same principle. As God
governed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as families, and the children of Israel as a nation; so we, as a
Church, must be under His guidance if we are prospered, preserved and sustained. Our only
confidence can be in God; our only wisdom obtained from Him; and He alone must be our
protector and safeguard, spiritually and temporally, or we fall.
We have been chastened by the hand of God heretofore for not obeying His commands, although
we never violated any human law, or transgressed any human precept; yet we have treated lightly
His commands, and departed from His ordinances, and the Lord has chastened us sore, and we
have felt His arm and kissed the rod; let us be wise in time to come and ever remember that "to
obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." The Lord has told us to build
the Temple and the Nauvoo House; and that command is as binding upon us as any other; and
that man who engages not in these things is as much a transgressor as though he broke any other
commandment; he is not a doer of God's will, not a fulfiller of His laws.
The Saints Subject to Divine Counsel
In regard to the building up of Zion, it has to be done by the counsel of Jehovah, by the
revelations of heaven; and we should feel to say, "If the Lord go not with us, carry us not up
hence." We would say to the Saints that come here, we have laid the foundation for the gathering
of God's people to this place, and they expect that when the Saints do come, they will be under
the counsel that God has appointed. The Twelve are set apart to counsel the Saints pertaining to
this matter; and we expect that those who come here will send before them their wise men
according to revelation; or if not practicable, be subject to the counsel that God has given, or they
cannot receive an inheritance among the Saints, or be considered as God's people, and they will
be dealt with as transgressors of the laws of God. We are trying here to gird up our loins, and
purge from our midst the workers of iniquity; and we hope that when our brethren arrive from
abroad, they will assist us to roll forth this good work, and to accomplish this great design that
"Zion may be built up in righteousness; and all nations flock to her standard;" that as God's
people, under His direction, and obedient to His law, we may grow up in righteousness and truth;
that when His purposes shall be accomplished, we may receive an inheritance among those that
are sanctified. (July 15, 1842.) DHC 5:61–66.
Letter of the Prophet to Governor Carlin—Satisfied with the Governor's Attitude
Esteemed Sir:—Your favor of the 27th instant per Brevet Major–General Wilson Law is before
me. I cannot let this opportunity pass without tendering to you my warmest thanks for the
friendly treatment my lady as well as those with her received at your hands during the late visit,
and also for the friendly feelings breathed forth in your letter. Your Excellency may be assured
that they are duly appreciated by me, and shall be reciprocated.
I am perfectly satisfied with regard to the subject under consideration, and with your remarks. I
shall consider myself and our citizens secure from harm under the broad canopy of the law under
your administration. We look to you for protection in the event of any violence being used
towards us, knowing that our innocence with regard to all the accusations in circulation will be
duly evidenced before an enlightened public.
Any service we can do the state at any time will be cheerfully done, for our ambition is to be
serviceable to our country.
With sentiments of respect and esteem, I remain your humble servant.
JOSEPH SMITH.
DHC 5:83.
Prophecy That the Saints Would Be Driven to Rocky Mountains
Saturday, Aug. 6, 1842.—Passed over the river to Montrose, Iowa, in company with General
Adams, Colonel Brewer, and others, and witnessed the installation of the officers of the Rising
Sun Lodge Ancient York Masons, at Montrose by General James Adams, Deputy Grand–Master
of Illinois. While the Deputy Grand–Master was engaged in giving the requisite instructions to
the Master–elect, I had a conversation with a number of brethren in the shade of the building on
the subject of our persecutions in Missouri and the constant annoyance which has followed us
since we were driven from that state. I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much
affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, many would apostatize, others would be
put to death by our persecutors or lose their lives in consequence of exposure to disease, and
some of you will live to go and assist in making settlements and build cities and see the Saints
become a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains. (Aug. 6, 1842.) DHC 5:85.
Happiness the Design of Existence
Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the
path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the
commandments of God. But we cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them,
and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep
those we have already received. That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often
is, right under another.
God said, "Thou shalt not kill;" at another time He said, "Thou shalt utterly destroy." This is the
principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the
circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed. Whatever God requires is right,
no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events
transpire. If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So with Solomon:
first he asked wisdom, and God gave it him, and with it every desire of his heart, even things
which might be considered abominable to all who understand the order of heaven only in part,
but which in reality were right because God gave and sanctioned by special revelation.
A parent may whip a child, and justly, too, because he stole an apple; whereas if the child had
asked for the apple, and the parent had given it, the child would have eaten it with a better
appetite; there would have been no stripes; all the pleasure of the apple would have been secured,
all the misery of stealing lost.
Every Gift from God Is Just
This principle will justly apply to all of God's dealings with His children. Everything that God
gives us is lawful and right; and it is proper that we should enjoy His gifts and blessings
whenever and wherever He is disposed to bestow; but is we should seize upon those same
blessings and enjoyments without law, without revelation, without commandment, those
blessings and enjoyments would prove cursings and vexations in the end, and we should have to
lie down in sorrow and wailings of everlasting regret. But in obedience there is joy and peace
unspotted, unalloyed; and as God has designed our happiness—and the happiness of all His
creatures, he never has—He never will institute an ordinance or give a commandment to His
people that is not calculated in its nature to promote that happiness which He has designed, and
which will not end in the greatest amount of good and glory to those who become the recipients
of his law and ordinances. Blessings offered, but rejected, are no longer blessings, but become
like the talent hid in the earth by the wicked and slothful servant; the proffered good returns to
the giver; the blessing is bestowed on those who will receive and occupy; for unto him that hath
shall be given, and he shall have abundantly, but unto him that hath not or will not receive, shall
be taken away that which he hath, or might have had.
Be wise today; 'tis madness to defer;
Next day the fatal precedent may plead.
Thus on till wisdom is pushed out of time
Into eternity.
Men are Judged According to Their Deeds
Our heavenly Father is more liberal in His views, and boundless in His mercies and blessings,
than we are ready to believe or receive; and, at the same time, is more terrible to the workers of
iniquity, more awful in the executions of His punishments, and more ready to detect every false
way, than we are apt to suppose Him to be. He will be inquired of by His children. He says, "Ask
and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find;" but, if you will take that which is not your own, or
which I have not given you, you shall be rewarded according to your deeds; but no good thing
will I withhold from them who walk uprightly before me, and do my will in all things—who will
listen to my voice and to the voice of my servant whom I have sent; for I delight in those who
seek diligently to know my precepts, and abide by the law of my kingdom; for all things shall be
made known unto them in mine own due time, and in the end they shall have joy. (Aug. 27,
1842.) DHC 5:134–136.
Minutes of the Female Relief Society's Meeting—Remarks of the Prophet The Church to Prevail Against All Evil Powers
President Joseph Smith arose and said, "I am happy and thankful for the privilege of being
present on this occasion. Great exertions have been made on the part of our enemies to carry me
to Missouri and destroy my life; but the Lord has hedged up their way, and they have not, as yet,
accomplished their purpose. God has enabled me to keep out of their hands. I have warred a good
warfare, insomuch as I have out–generalled or whipped out all Bennett's corrupt host.
My feelings at the present time are that, inasmuch as the Lord Almighty has preserved me until
today, He will continue to preserve me, by the united faith and prayers of the Saints, until I have
fully accomplished my mission in this life, and so firmly established the dispensation of the
fullness of the priesthood in the last days, that all the powers of earth and hell can never prevail
against it.
This constant persecution reminds me of the words of the Savior, when He said to the Pharisees,
"Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the
third day I shall be perfected." I suspect that my Heavenly father has decreed that the Missourians
shall not get me into their power; if they do, it will be because I do not keep out of their way.
I shall triumph over my enemies: I have begun to triumph over them at home, and I shall do it
abroad. All those that rise up against me will surely feel the weight of their iniquity upon their
own heads. Those that speak evil of me and the Saints are ignorant or abominable characters, and
full of iniquity. All the fuss, and all the stir, and all the charges got up against me are like the
jack–a–lantern, which cannot be found.
No Man Without Fault
Although I do wrong, I do not the wrongs that I am charged with doing; the wrong that I do is
through the frailty of human nature, like other men. No man lives without fault. Do you think
that even Jesus, if He were here, would be without fault in your eyes? His enemies said all
manner of evil against Him—they all watched for iniquity in Him. How easy it was for Jesus to
call out all the iniquity of the hearts of those whom He was among!
Most Injury Comes from Little Evils
The servants of the Lord are required to guard against those things that are calculated to do the
most evil. The little foxes spoil the vines—little evils do the most injury to the Church. If you
have evil feelings, and speak of them to one another, it has a tendency to do mischief. These
things result in those evils which are calculated to cut the throats of the heads of the Church.
When I do the best I can—when I am accomplishing the greatest good, then the most evils and
wicked surmisings are got up against me. I would to God that you would be wise. I now counsel
you, that if you know anything calculated to disturb the peace or injure the feelings of your
brother or sister, hold your tongues and the least harm will be done.
The Female Relief Society have taken a most active part in my welfare against my enemies, in
petitioning to the governor in my behalf. These measures were all necessary. Do you not see that
I foresaw what was coming, beforehand, by the spirit of prophecy? All these movements had an
influence in my redemption from the hand of my enemies. If these measures had not been taken,
more serious consequences would have resulted. I have come here to bless you. The Society have
done well: their principles are to practice holiness. God loves you, and your prayers in my behalf
shall avail much: let them not cease to ascend to god continually in my behalf.
Persistence of Wicked Men
The enemies of this people will never get weary of their persecution against the Church, until
they are overcome. I expect they will array everything against me that is in their power to control,
and that we shall have a long and tremendous warfare. He that will war the true Christian warfare
against the corruptions of these last days will have wicked men and angels of devils, and all the
infernal powers of darkness continually arrayed against him. When wicked and corrupt men
oppose, it is a criterion to judge if a man is warring the Christian warfare. When all men speak
evil of you falsely, blessed are ye. Shall a man be considered bad, when men speak evil of him?
No. If a man stands and opposes the world of sin, he may expect to have all wicked and corrupt
spirits arrayed against him. But it will be but a little season, and all these afflictions will be
turned away from us, inasmuch as we are faithful, and are not overcome by these evils. By seeing
the blessings of the endowment rolling on, and the kingdom increasing and spreading from sea to
sea, we shall rejoice that we were not overcome by these foolish things.
Baptism for the Dead
A few very important things have been manifested to me in my absence respecting the doctrine
of baptism for the dead, which I shall communicate to the Saints next Sabbath, if nothing should
occur to prevent me.
* * *
President Smith said, "I have one remark to make respecting the baptism for the dead to suffice
for the time being, until I have opportunity to discuss the subject at greater length—all persons
baptized for the dead must have a recorder present, that he may be an eyewitness to record and
testify of the truth and validity of his record. It will be necessary, in the General Council, that
these things be testified to by competent witnesses. Therefore let the recording and witnessing of
baptisms for the dead be carefully attended to from this time forth. If there is any lack, it may be
at the expense of our friends; they may not come forth."1 (Aug. 31, 1842.) DHC 5:139–141.
Persecution the Heritage of the Righteous From an Editorial in the "Times and Seasons," by the Prophet
* * *
Abel was slain for his righteousness, and how many more up to the flood is not of much
consequence to us now. But if we believe in present revelation, as published in the "Times and
Seasons" last spring, Abraham, the prophet of the Lord, was laid upon the iron bedstead for
slaughter; and the book of Jasher, which has not been disproved as a bad author, says he was cast
into the fire of the Chaldees. Moses, the man of God, who killed an Egyptian persecutor of the
children of Israel, was driven from his country and kindred. Elijah had to flee his country, for
they sought his life,—and he was fed by ravens. Daniel was cast into a den of lions: Micah was
fed on the bread of affliction; and Jeremiah was cast into the filthy hole under the Temple; and
did these afflictions come upon these prophets of the Lord on account of transgression? No! It
was the iron hand of persecution—like the chains of Missouri! And mark—when these old
prophets suffered, the vengeance of God, in due time, followed and left the wicked opposers of
the Lord's anointed like Sodom and Gomorrah; like the Egyptians; like Jezebel, who was eaten
by dongs; and like all Israel, which were led away captive, till the Lord had spent his fury upon
them—even to this day.
Let us come into New Testament times—so many are ever praising the Lord and His apostles.
We will commence with John the Baptist. When Herod's edict went forth to destroy the young
children, John was about six months older than Jesus, and came under this hellish edict, and
Zacharias caused his mother to take him into the mountains, where he was raised on locusts and
wild honey. When his father refused to disclose his hiding place, and being the officiating high
priest at the Temple that year, was slain by Herod's order, between the porch and the altar, as
Jesus said. John's head was taken to Herod, the son of this infant murderer, in a
charger—notwithstanding there was never a greater prophet born of a woman than him!
Jesus, the Son of God was crucified with his hands and feet nailed to the wood!
* * *
Saints Come Through Tribulation
It is a shame to the Saints to talk of chastisements, and transgressions, when all the Saints before
them, prophets and apostles, have had to come up through great tribulation; whether a Herod, a
Nero, or a Boggs, causes the affliction, or the blood to be shed, is all the same—these murderers
will have their reward! and the saints theirs. How many have had to wander in sheep skins and
goat skins, and live in caves and dens of the mountains, because the world was unworthy of their
society! And was transgression or chastisement connected with their seclusion from the
enjoyment of society? No! But remember, brethren, he that offends one of the least of the Saints,
would be better off with a millstone tied to his neck and he and the stone plunged into the depth
of the sea! Remember that he that gives a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, to one of
the saints in prison, or secluded from friends by reason of vexatious law suits, intended for
persecution, shall in no wise lose his reward.
Never, while the spirit of liberty, or the virtue of a saint, hold communion in the flesh, let us hear
of those who profess to be governed by the law of God, and make their garments clean in the
blood of the Lamb, shrinking from the assistance of those who bear the ark of the Lord—in the
hour of danger!
* * *
Baptism
Upon looking over the sacred pages of the Bible, searching into the prophets and sayings of the
apostles, we find no subject so nearly connected with salvation, as that of baptism. In the first
place, however, let us understand that the word baptize is derived from the Greek verb "baptiso,"
and means to immerse or overwhelm, and that sprinkle is from the Greek verb "rantiso," and
means to scatter on by particles; then we can treat the subject as one inseparably connected with
our eternal welfare; and always bear in mind that it is one of the only methods by which we can
obtain a remission of sins in this world, and be prepared to enter into the joys of our Lord in the
world to come.
As it is well known that various opinions govern a large portion of the sectarian world as to this
important ordinance of the gospel, it may not be amiss to introduce the commissions and
commands of Jesus Himself on the subject.—He said to the Twelve, or rather eleven at the time:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
Thus it is recorded by Matthew. In Mark we have these important words: Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved,
and he that believeth not shall be damned. And to show how the believers are to be known from
the unbelievers, he continues and says: And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my
name shall they cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents:
and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick and they
shall recover. And in Luke we find the finishing clause like this,—that it was necessary that
Christ should die and rise the third day—that remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
Witnesses
We will now examine the witnesses. As it will be recollected, they were to wait at Jerusalem till
they were endowed with power from on high and then go and teach all nations whatsoever the
Lord had commanded them. As Peter held the keys of the kingdom, we will examine him first.
Now on the day of Pentecost, when there was a marvelous display of the gifts, according to the
promise in Mark, many were pricked in the heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the
Apostles. Men and brethren what shall we do? Peter said unto them: Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost, etc.—Here one of the witnesses says in so many words, repent and be
baptized. And we are of the opinion that Peter having been taught by the Lord, and
commissioned by the Lord, and endowed by the Lord, would be about as correct a counselor, or
ambassador as we or they could enquire of to know the right way to enter into the kingdom.
Again, Luke in his record of the Acts of the Apostles, says: And it came to pass, that while
Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus; and
finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?
And they said unto him. We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he
said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said: unto John's baptism. Then said
Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they
should believe on him which should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard
this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.—And when Paul had laid his hands upon
them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
From the above witnesses we are informed that baptism was the essential point on which they
could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It seems from the reasoning above that some sectarian
Jew had been baptizing like John, but had forgotten to inform them that there was one to follow
by the name of Jesus Christ, to baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost:—which showed these
converts that their first baptism was illegal, and when they heard this they were gladly baptized,
and after hands were laid on them, they received the gifts, according to promise, and spake with
tongues and prophesied. * * * The Apostle says the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation
unto them that believe; and also informs us that life and immortality were brought to light
through the gospel; that the scripture, as Paul said to the Galatians, foreseeing that God would
justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham: saying, In thee shall
all nations be blessed.
Gospel Always the Same
Now taking it for granted that the scriptures say what they mean, and mean what they say, we
have sufficient grounds to go on and prove from the Bible that the gospel has always been the
same, and the officers to officiate, the same; and the signs and fruits resulting from the promises,
the same: therefore, as Noah was a preacher of righteousness he must have been baptized and
ordained to the priesthood by the laying on of the hands, etc. For no man taketh this honor unto
himself except he be called of God as was Aaron, and Aaron was baptized in the cloud and in the
sea, together with all Israel, as is related by the Apostle in Corinthians. This position or fact, is
witnessed in this manner: the covenant of circumcision made with Abraham, and practiced
steadily up to the departing of Israel out of Egypt, was abandoned in the wilderness, forty
years—and renewed by Joshua after he passed over Jordan, and encamped at Gilgal, where he
made sharp knives and circumcised the whole male portion of the church.
* * *
Man Must Be Born Again
Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher
come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus
answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot
see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can
he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?—Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God. This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God
is the same yesterday, today, and forever: it is no wonder he is so positive in the great
declaration: He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be
damned! There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted,
whereby men could be saved: No wonder the Apostle said, being "buried with him in baptism,"
ye shall rise from the dead! No wonder Paul had to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins:
No wonder the angel told good old Cornelius that he must send for Peter to learn how to be
saved: Peter could baptize, and angels could not, so long as there were legal officers in the flesh
holding the keys of the kingdom, or the authority of the priesthood. There is one evidence still
further on this point, and that is that Jesus himself when he appeared to Paul on his way to
Damascus, did not inform him how he could be saved. He had set in the church first Apostles,
and secondly prophets, for the work of the ministry, perfecting of the saints, etc.; and as the grand
rule of heaven was that nothing should ever be done on earth without revealing the secret to his
servants the prophets, agreeably to Amos 3:7, so Paul could not learn so much from the Lord
relative to his duty in the common salvation of man, as he could from one of Christ's
ambassadors called with the same heavenly calling of the lord, and endowed with the same
power from on high—so that what they loosed on earth, should be loosed in heaven; and what
they bound on earth should be bound in heaven: He, the Lord being a priest forever, after the
order of Melchizedek, and the anointed Son of God, from before the foundation of the world, and
they be begotten sons of Jesus though the gospel, to teach all nations—and lo I am with you
always to the end of the world—that is—by the other comforter which the world cannot
receive—for ye are the witnesses—having the testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of prophecy.
Necessity of Repentance
From what has already been introduced as testimony to prove that no man can be saved without
baptism, it will be seen and acknowledged that if there was sin among men, repentance was as
necessary at one time or age of the world as another—and that other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If, then, Abel was a righteous man he had to become so by
keeping the commandments; if Enoch was righteous enough to come into the presence of God,
and walk with him, he must have become so by keeping his commandments, and so of every
righteous person, whether it was Noah, a preacher of righteousness; Abraham, the father of the
faithful; Jacob, the prevailer with God; Moses, the man who wrote of Christ, and brought forth
the law by commandment, as a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ, or whether it was Jesus
Christ himself, who had no need of repentance, having no sin, according to his solemn
declaration to John:—now let me be baptized: for no man can enter the kingdom without obeying
this ordinance: for thus it becometh us to fulfil ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Surely, then, if it
became John and Jesus Christ, the Savior, to fulfil all righteousness to be baptized—so surely,
then, it will become every other person that seeks the kingdom of heaven to go and do likewise;
for he is the door, and if any person climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber!
Baptism Required in All Ages
In the former ages of the world, before the Savior came in the flesh, "the saints" were baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could
be saved; and after he came in the flesh and was crucified, risen from the dead and ascended into
heaven, that they might be buried in baptism like him, and be raised in glory like him, that as
there was but one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and father of us all, even so there
was but one door to the mansions of bliss. Amen. (Sept. 1, 1842.) T&S 3:902–905.
"Facts Are Stubborn Things" Greatness of the Jaredites and Nephites
From an extract from "Stephen's Incidents of Travel in Central America," it will be seen that the
proof of the Nephites and Lamanites dwelling on this continent, according to the account in the
Book of Mormon, is developing itself in a more satisfactory way than the most sanguine believer
in that revelation could have anticipated. It certainly affords us a gratification that the world of
mankind does not enjoy, to give publicity to such important developments of the remains and
ruins of those mighty people.
When we read in the Book of Mormon that Jared and his brother came on to this continent from
the confusion and scattering at the Tower, and lived here more than a thousand years, and
covered the whole continent from sea to sea, with towns and cities; and that Lehi went down by
the Red Sea to the great Southern Ocean, and crossed over to this land, and landed a little south
of the Isthmus of Darien, and improved the country according to the word of the Lord, as a
branch of the house of Israel, and then read such a goodly traditionary account as the one below,
we can not but think the Lord has a hand in bringing to pass his strange act, and proving the
Book of Mormon true in the eyes of all the people. The extract below, comes as near the real fact,
as the four Evangelists do to the crucifixion of Jesus.—Surely "facts are stubborn things." It will
be as it ever has been, the world will prove Joseph Smith a true prophet by circumstantial
evidence, in experiments, as they did Moses and Elijah. Now read Stephen's story:
"According to Fuentes, the chronicler of the kingdom of Guatemala, the kings of Quiche and
Cachiquel were descended from the Toltecan Indians, who, when they came into this country,
found it already inhabited by people of different nations. According to the manuscripts of Don
Juan Torres, the grandson of the last king of the Quiches, which was in the possession of the
lieutenant general appointed by Pedro de Alvarado, and which Fuentes says he obtained by
means of Father Francis Vasques, the historian of the order of San Francis, the Toltecas
themselves descended from the house of Israel, who were released by Moses from the tyranny of
Pharaoh, and after crossing the Red Sea, fell into idolatry. To avoid the reproofs of Moses, or
from fear of his inflicting upon them some chastisement, they separated from him and his
brethren, and under the guidance of Tanub, their chief, passed from one continent to the other, to
a place which they called the seven caverns, a part of the kingdom of Mexico, where they
founded the celebrated city of Tula." (Sept. 15, 1842.) T&S 3:921–922.
Effects of Disobeying Counsel
About ten in the forenoon I rode up and viewed the Temple. I expressed my satisfaction at the
arrangements, and was pleased with the progress made in the sacred edifice. After conversing
with several of the brethren, and shaking hands with numbers who were very much rejoiced to
see their Prophet again, I returned home; but soon afterwards went over to the store, where a
number of brethren and sister were assembled, who had arrived this morning from the
neighborhood of New York, Long Island, etc. After Elders Taylor, Woodruff and Samuel Bennett
had addressed the brethren and sisters, I spoke to them at considerable length, showing them the
proper course to pursue, and how to act in regard to making purchases of land, etc.
I showed them that it was generally in consequence of the brethren disregarding or disobeying
counsel that they became dissatisfied and murmured; and many when they arrived here, were
dissatisfied with the conduct of some of the Saints, because everything was not done perfectly
right, and they get angry, and thus the devil gets advantage over them to destroy them. I told them
I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me,
I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the
brethren. I would likewise bear with their infirmities.
I told them it was likely I would have again to hide up in the woods, but they must not be
discouraged, but build up the city, the Temple, etc. When my enemies take away my rights, I will
bear it and keep out of the way; but if they take away your rights, I will fight for you. I blessed
them and departed. (Oct. 29, 1842.) DHC 5:181.
The Rule of Christ in the Millennium
While in conversation at Judge Adams' during the evening, I said, Christ and the resurrected
Saints will reign over the earth during the thousand years. They will not probably dwell upon the
earth, but will visit it when they please, or when it is necessary to govern it. There will be
wicked2 men on the earth during the thousand years. The heathen nations who will not come up
to worship will be visited with the judgments of God, and must eventually be destroyed from the
earth. (Dec. 30, 1842.) DHC 5:212.
What Constitutes a Prophet?
If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the
lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess
to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I
must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of
prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or a preacher of
righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this
key false teachers and impostors may be detected. (Dec. 30, 1842.) DHC 5:215–216.
Status of the Negro
At five went to Mr. Sollars' with Elders Hyde and Richards. Elder Hyde inquired the situation of
the negro. I replied, they came into the world slaves, mentally and physically. Change their
situation with the whites, and they would be like them. They have souls, and are subjects of
salvation. Go into Cincinnati or any city, and find an educated negro, who rides in his carriage,
and you will see a man who has risen by the powers of his own mind to his exalted state of
respectability. The slaves in Washington are more refined than many in high places, and the
black boys will take the shine off many of those they brush and wait on.
Elder Hyde remarked, "Put them on the level, and they will rise above me." I replied, if I raised
you to be my equal, and then attempted to oppress you, would you not be indignant and try to rise
above me, as did Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, and many others, who said I was a fallen
Prophet, and they were capable of leading the people, although I never attempted to oppress
them, but had always been lifting them up? Had I anything to do with the negro, I would confine
them by strict law to their own species, and put them on a national equalization.
Necessity of Faith
Because faith is wanting, the fruits are. No man since the world was had faith without having
something along with it. The ancients quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, women received their dead, etc. By faith the worlds were made. A man who has none of
the gifts has no faith; and he deceives himself, if he supposes he has. Faith has been wanting, not
only among the heathen, but in professed Christendom also, so that tongues, healings, prophecy,
and prophets and apostles, and all the gifts and blessings have been wanting.
Some of the company thought I was not a very meek Prophet; so I told them: "I am meek and
lowly in heart," and will personify Jesus for a moment, to illustrate the principle, and cried out
with a loud voice, "Woe unto you, ye doctors; woe unto you, ye lawyers; woe unto you, ye
scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites!" But you cannot find the place where I ever went that I found
fault with their food, their drink, their house, their lodgings; no, never; and this is what is meant
by the meekness and lowliness of Jesus.
False Reports
Mr. Sollars stated that James Mullone, of Springfield, told him as follows:—"I have been to
Nauvoo, and seen Joe Smith, the Prophet: he had a gray horse, and I asked him where he got it;
and Joe said, "You see that white cloud." "Yes." "Well as it came along, I got the horse from that
cloud." This is a fair specimen of the ten thousand foolish lies circulated by this generation to
bring the truth and its advocates into disrepute.
What is it that inspires professors of Christianity generally with a hope of salvation? It is that
smooth, sophisticated influence of the devil, by which he deceives the whole world. But, said Mr.
Sollars, "May I not repent and be baptized, and not pay any attention to dreams, visions, and
other gifts of the Spirit?" I replied: "Suppose I am traveling and am hungry, and meet with a man
and tell him I am hungry, and he tells me to go yonder, there is a house of entertainment, go and
knock, and you must conform to all the rules of the house, or you cannot satisfy your hunger;
knock, call for food, sit down and eat;—and I go and knock, and ask for food, and sit down to the
table, but do not eat, shall I satisfy my hunger? No. I must eat. The gifts are the food; and the
graces of the Spirit are the gifts of the Spirit. When I first commenced this work and had got two
or three individuals to believe, I went about thirty miles with Oliver Cowdery, to see them. We
had only one horse between us. When we arrived, a mob of about one hundred men came upon
us before we had time to eat, and chased us all night; and we arrived back again a little after
daylight, having traveled about sixty miles in all, and without food. I have often traveled all night
to see the brethren; and, when traveling to preach the Gospel among strangers, have frequently
been turned away without food." (Jan. 2, 1843.) DHC 5:217–219.
The Kingdom of God
Some say the kingdom of God was not set up on the earth until the day of Pentecost, and that
John did not preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. But I say, in the name of
the Lord, that the kingdom of God was set up on the earth from the days of Adam to the present
time, whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed His word and
gave power and authority to administer in His name. And where there is a priest of God—a
minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the gospel and
officiate in the priesthood of God—there is the kingdom of God. And, in consequence of
rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God
have rested upon people, the case with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, that were destroyed
for rejecting the Prophets.
Where the Kingdom of God is Not, There is No Salvation
Now I will give my testimony. I care not for man. I speak boldly and faithfully and with
authority. How is it with the kingdom of God? Where did the kingdom of God begin? Where
there is no kingdom of God there is no salvation. What constitutes the kingdom of God? Where
there is a prophet, a priest, or a righteous man unto whom God gives His oracles; and where the
oracles are not, there the kingdom of God is not.
In these remarks, I have no allusion to the kingdoms of the earth. We will keep the laws of the
land; we do not speak against them; we never have, and we can hardly make mention of the state
of Missouri, of our persecutions there, but what the cry goes forth that we are guilty of larceny,
burglary, arson, treason, murder, &c., &c., which is false. We speak of the kingdom of God on
the earth, not the kingdoms of men.
Need of Revelation
The plea of many in this day is, that we have no right to receive revelations; but if we do not get
revelations, we do not have the oracles of God; and if they have not the oracles of God, they are
not the people of God. But say you, What will become of the world, or the various professors of
religion who do not believe in revelation and the oracles of God as continued to His Church in all
ages of the world, when He has a people on earth? I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ, they
will be damned; and when you get into the eternal world, you will find it will be so, they cannot
escape the damnation of hell.
John Held Keys of Aaronic Priesthood
As touching the Gospel and baptism that John preached, I would say that John came preaching
the Gospel for the remission of sins; he had his authority from God, and the oracles of God were
with him, and the kingdom of God for a season seemed to rest with John alone. The Lord
promised Zacharias that he should have a son who was a descendant of Aaron, the Lord having
promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron and his seed throughout their
generations. Let no man take this honor upon himself, except he be called of God, as was Aaron;
and Aaron received his call by revelations. An angel of God also appeared unto Zacharias while
in the Temple, and told him that he should have a son, whose name should be John, and he
should be filled with the Holy Ghost. Zacharias was a priest of God, and officiating in the
Temple, and John was a priest after his father, and held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and
was called of god to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God. The Jews, as a nation, having
departed from the law of God and the Gospel of the Lord, prepared the way for transferring it to
the Gentiles.
But, says one, the kingdom of God could not be set up in the days of John, for John said the
kingdom was at hand. But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of
John. The people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God, for John
had it with him, and he came forth from the wilderness crying out, "Repent ye, for the kingdom
of heaven is nigh at hand," as much as to say, "Out here I have got the kingdom of God, and you
can get it, and I am coming after you; and if you don't receive it, you will be damned;" and the
scriptures represent that all Jerusalem went out into John's baptism. There was a legal
administrator, and those that were baptized were subjects for a king; and also the laws and
oracles of God were there; therefore the kingdom of God was there; for no man could have better
authority to administer than John; and our Savior submitted to that authority Himself, by being
baptized by John; therefore the kingdom of God was set up on the earth, even in the days of John.
The Kingdom and Its Fruits
There is a difference between the kingdom of God and the fruits and blessings that flow from the
kingdom; because there were more miracles, gifts, visions, healings, tongues, &c., in the days of
Jesus Christ and His apostles, and on the day of Pentecost, than under John's administration, it
does not prove by any means that John had not the kingdom of God, any more than it would that
a woman had not a milkpan because she had not a pan of milk, for while the pan might be
compared to the kingdom, the milk might be compared to the blessings of the kingdom.
John was a priest after the order of Aaron, and had the keys of that priesthood, and came forth
preaching repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, but at the same time cries out, "There
cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down
and unloose," and Christ came according to the words of John, and He was greater than John,
because He held the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and kingdom of God, and had before
revealed the priesthood of Moses, yet Christ was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness; and
Jesus in His teachings says, "Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it." What rock? Revelation.
Again he says, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God;" and, "heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." If
a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he can get into the kingdom of God. It is evident the
kingdom of God was on the earth, and John prepared subjects for the kingdom, by preaching the
Gospel to them and baptizing them, and he prepared the way before the Savior, or came as a
forerunner, and prepared subjects for the preaching of Christ; and Christ preached through
Jerusalem on the same ground where John had preached; and when the apostles were raised up,
they worked in Jerusalem, and Jesus commanded them to tarry there until they were endowed
with power from on high. Had they not work to do in Jerusalem? They did work, and prepared a
people for the Pentecost. The kingdom of God was with them before the day of Pentecost, as well
as afterwards; and it was also with John, and he preached the same Gospel and baptism that Jesus
and the apostles preached after him. The endowment was to prepare the disciples for their
missions unto the world.
Divine Authority Necessary to Make Ordinances Valid
Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from
God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the
ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men, unless
they are ordained and authorized of God; for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator;
for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels.
I know what I say; I understand my mission and business. God Almighty is my shield; and what
can man do if God is my friend? I shall not be sacrificed until my time comes; then I shall be
offered freely. All flesh is as grass, and a governor is not better than other men; when he dies he
is but a bag of dust. I thank God for preserving me from my enemies; I have no enemies but for
the truth's sake. I have no desire but to do all men good. I feel to pray for all men. We don't ask
any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What
if all the world should embrace this Gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of
God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul. Amen. (Jan. 22,
1843.) DHC 5:256–259.
Politics
To the Editor of the Wasp:—
Dear Sir: I have, of late, had repeated solicitations to have something to do in relation to the
political farce about dividing the county; but as my feelings revolt at the idea of having anything
to do with politics, I have declined in every instance in having anything to do on the subject. I
think it would be well for politicians to regulate their own affairs. I wish to be let alone, that I
may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church.
Please insert the above and oblige.
JOSEPH SMITH.
Nauvoo, Jan. 23, 1843.—The Wasp, Jan. 28, 1843, page 3.
The Greatness and Mission of John the Baptist
The question arose from the saying of Jesus—"Among those that are born of women there is not
a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than
he." How is it that John was considered one of the greatest prophets? His miracles could not have
constituted his greatness.
First. He was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord.
Whoever had such a trust committed to him before or since? No man.
Secondly. He was entrusted with the important mission, and it was required at his hands, to
baptize the Son of Man. Whoever had the honor of doing that? Whoever had so great a privilege
and glory? Whoever led the Son of God into the waters of baptism, and had the privilege of
beholding the Holy Ghost descend in the form of a dove, or rather in the sign of the dove, in
witness of that administration? The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the
world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy
Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of
the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign
of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of
truth and innocence.
Thirdly. John, at that time, was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom there
was then on the earth, and holding the keys of power. The Jews had to obey his instructions or be
damned, by their own law; and Christ Himself fulfilled all righteousness in becoming obedient to
the law which he had given to Moses on the mount, and thereby magnified it and made it
honorable, instead of destroying it. The son of Zacharias wrested the keys, the kingdom, the
power, the glory from the Jews, by the holy anointing and decree of heaven, and these three
reasons constitute him the greatest prophet born of a woman.
Christ Considered Least in the Kingdom by Jews
Second question:—How was the least in the kingdom of heaven great than he?
In reply I asked—Whom did Jesus have reference to as being the least? Jesus was looked upon as
having the least claim in God's kingdom, and [seemingly] was least entitled to their credulity as a
prophet; as though He had said—"He that is considered the least among you is greater then
John—that is I myself."
The Parables of Jesus and the Interpretation of the Scriptures
In reference to the prodigal son, I said it was a subject I had never dwelt upon; that it was
understood by many to be one of the intricate subjects of the scriptures; and even the Elders of
this Church have preached largely upon it, without having any rule of interpretation. What is the
rule of interpretation? Just no interpretation at all. Understand it precisely as it reads. I have a key
by which I understand the scriptures. I enquire, what was the question which drew out the
answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable? It is not national; it does not refer to Abraham, Israel
or the Gentiles, in a national capacity, as some suppose. To ascertain its meaning, we must dig up
the root and ascertain what it was that drew the saying out of Jesus.
While Jesus was teaching the people, all the publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him; "and
the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."
This is the keyword which unlocks the parable of the prodigal son. It was given to answer the
murmurings and questions of the Sadducees and Pharisees, who were querying, finding fault, and
saying, "How is it that this man as great as He pretends to be, eats with publicans and sinners?"
Jesus was not put to it so, but He could have found something to illustrate His subject, if He had
designed if for nation or nations; but He did not. It was for men in an individual capacity; and all
straining on this point is a bubble. "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them."
And he spake this parable unto them—"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose
one of them doth not leave the ninety–and–nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost,
until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he
cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me;
for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety–and–nine just persons which need no
repentance." The hundred sheep represent one hundred Sadducees and Pharisees are in the
sheepfold, I have no mission for you; I am sent to look up sheep that are lost; and when I have
found them, I will back them up and make joy in heaven." This represents hunting after a few
individuals, or one poor publican, which the Pharisees and Sadducees despised.
He also gave them the parable of the woman and her ten pieces of silver, and how she lost one,
and searching diligently, found it again, which gave more joy among the friends and neighbors
than the nine which were not lost; like I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety–and–nine just persons that are so
righteous; they will be damned anyhow; you cannot save them. (Jan. 29, 1843.) DHC 5:260–262.
Scriptural Correction
"The Spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." It would be
better thus: "The Spirit maketh intercession for us with striving which cannot be expressed."
(Feb. 2, 1843.) DHC 5:264.
The Calling of a Prophet
Wednesday, Feb. 8.—This morning I read German and visited with a brother and sister from
Michigan, who thought that "a prophet is always a prophet;" but I told them that a prophet was a
prophet only when he was acting as such.—DHC 5:265.
The Sign Seeker
When I was preaching in Philadelphia, a Quaker called out for a sign. I told him to be still. After
the sermon, he again asked for a sign. I told the congregation the man was an adulterer; that a
wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and that the Lord had said to me in a
revelation, that any man who wanted a sign was an adulterous person. "It is true," cried one, "for
I caught him in the very act," which the man afterwards confessed when he was baptized. (Feb. 9,
1843.) DHC 5:268.
Views of the Prophet on Constitutional Powers
Situated as we are, with a flood of immigration constantly pouring in upon us, I consider that it is
not only prudential, but absolutely necessary to protect the inhabitants of this city from being
imposed upon by a spurious currency. Many of our eastern and old country fiends are altogether
unacquainted with the situation of the banks in this region of country; and as they generally bring
specie with them, they are perpetually in danger of being gulled by speculators. Besides there is
so much uncertainty in the solvency of the best of banks, that I think it much safer to go upon the
hard money system altogether. I have examined the Constitution upon this subject and find my
doubts removed. The Constitution is not a law, but it empowers the people to make laws. For
instance, the Constitution governs the land of Iowa, but it is not a law for the people. The
Constitution tells us what shall not be a lawful tender. Article I, Section 10 declares that nothing
else except gold and silver shall be lawful tender, this not saying that gold and silver shall be
lawful tender. It only provides that the state may make a law to make gold and silver lawful
tender. I know of no state in the Union that has passed such a law; and I am sure that Illinois has
not. The legislature has ceded up to us the privilege of enacting such laws as are not inconsistent
with the Constitution of the United States and the state of Illinois; and we stand in the same
relation to the state as the state does to the Union. The clause referred to in the Constitution is for
the legislature—it is not a law for the people. The different states, and even Congress itself, have
passed many laws diametrically contrary to the Constitution of the United States.
The state of Illinois has passed a stay law making property a lawful tender for the payment of
debts; and if we have no law on the subject we must be governed by it. Shall we be such fools as
to be governed by its laws, which are unconstitutional? No! We will make a law for gold and
silver; and then the state law ceases and we can collect our debts. Powers not delegated to the
states or reserved from the states are constitutional. The Constitution acknowledges that the
people have all power not reserved to itself. I am a lawyer; I am a big lawyer and comprehend
heaven, earth and hell, to bring forth knowledge that shall cover up all lawyers, doctors and other
big bodies. This is the doctrine of the Constitution, so help me God. The Constitution is not law
to us, but it makes provision for us whereby we can make laws. Where it provides that no one
shall be hindered from worshiping God according to his own conscience, is a law. No legislature
can enact a law to prohibit it. The Constitution provides to regulate bodies of men and not
individuals. (Feb. 25, 1843.) DHC 5:289–290.
The "Sign" of the Son of Man
Sir:—Among the many signs of the times and other strange things which are continually
agitating the minds of men, I notice a small speculation in the Chicago Express, upon the
certificate of one Hyrum Redding, of Ogle county, Illinois, stating that he has seen the sign of the
Son of Man as foretold in the 24th chapter of Matthew.
The slanderous allusion of a "seraglio" like the Grand Turk, which the editor applies to me, he
may take to himself, for, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Every honest
man who has visited the city of Nauvoo since it existed, can bear record of better things, and
place me in the front ranks of those who are known to do good for the sake of goodness, and
show all liars, hypocrites and abominable creatures that, while vice sinks them down to darkness
and woe, virtue exalts me and the Saints to light and immortality.
The editor, as well as some others, "thinks that Joe Smith has his match at last," because Mr.
Redding thinks that he has seen the sign of the Son of Man. But I shall use my right, and declare
that, notwithstanding Mr. Redding may have seen a wonderful appearance in the clouds one
morning about sunrise (which is nothing very uncommon in the winter season) he has not seen
the sign of the Son of Man, as foretold by Jesus; neither has any man, nor will any man, until
after the sun shall have been darkened and the moon bathed in blood; for the Lord hath not
shown me any such sign; and as the prophet saith, so it must be—"Surely the Lord God will do
nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets." (See Amos 3:7.) Therefore,
hear this, O earth: The Lord will not come to reign over the righteous, in this world, in 1843, nor
until everything for the Bridegroom is ready.
Yours respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH.
(Feb. 28, 1843.) DHC 5:290–298.
Battle of Gog and Magog
The battle of Gog and Magog will be after the millennium. The remnant of all the nations that
fight against Jerusalem were commanded to go up to Jerusalem to worship in the millennium.
(March 4, 1843.) DHC 5:298.
Giving Blessings a Tax on Strength
Elder Jedediah M. Grant enquired of me the cause of my turning pale and losing strength last
night while blessing children. I told him that I saw that Lucifer would exert his influence to
destroy the children that I was blessing, and I strove with all the faith and spirit that I had to seal
upon them a blessing that would secure their lives upon the earth; and so much virtue went out of
me into the children, that I became weak, from which I have not yet recovered; and I referred to
the case of the woman touching the hem of the garment of Jesus. (Luke, 8:43–48.) The virtue here
referred to is the spirit of life; and a man who exercises great faith in administering to the sick,
blessing little children, or confirming, is liable to become weakened. (March 14, 1843.) DHC
5:303.