Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Psalms to Ezekiel

Psalms

Psalms 14:1

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good" (Psalms 14:1).

Date: 1832

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History [1832] (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:6)

Joseph Smith:

"I looked upon the sun, the glorious luminary of the earth, and also the moon, rolling in their majesty through the heavens, and also the stars shining in their courses, and the earth also upon which I stood, and the beast of the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters, and also man walking forth upon the face of the earth in majesty and in the strength of beauty, whose power and intelligence in governing the things which are so exceeding great and marvelous [are] even in the likeness of him who created them. And when I considered upon these things my heart exclaimed, ‘Well hath the wise man said, 'It is a fool that saith in his heart there is no God.’' My heart exclaimed, ‘All these bear testimony and bespeak an omnipotent and omnipresent power, a being who maketh laws and decreeth and bindeth all things in their bounds, who filleth eternity, who was and is and will be from all eternity to eternity.’"

Original:
"for I looked upon the Sun the glorious luminar of the earth and also the moon rolling in their magesty through the heavens and also the stars shining in their courses and the earth also upon which I stood and the beast of the field and the fowls of heaven and the fish of the waters and also man walking forth upon the face of the earth in magesty and in the strength of beauty whose power and intiligence in governing the things which are so exceeding great and marvilous even in the likeness of him who created ~~him~~ <them> and when I considered upon these thing my heart exclaimed well hath the wise man said ~~the~~ <it is a> fool <that> saith in this heart there is no God my heart exclaimed all all these bear testimony and bespeak an omnipotent and omnipreasant power a being who makith Laws and decreeeth and bindeth all things in their bounds who filleth Eternity who was and is and will be from all Eternity to Eternity."

Psalm 16:10

"For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption" (Psalm 16:10).

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 331) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"A murderer, for instance, one that sheds innocent blood, cannot have forgiveness. David sought repentance at the hand of God, carefully with tears, but he could only get it through Hell. He got a promise that his soul should not be left in Hell. Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fulness of the priesthood. And the priesthood that he received and the throne and kingdom of David is to be taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his lineage."

Original:
"A murderer; for instance one that sheds innocent Blood Cannot have forgiveness, David sought repentance at the hand of God Carefully with tears, but he could only get it through Hell, he got a promise that his soul should not be left in Hell, Although David was a King he never did obtain the spirit & power of Elijah & the fullness of the Priesthood, & the priesthood that he received & the throne & kingdom of David is to be taken from him & given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his linage."

Date: 16 May 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 74) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Peter had the keys of eternal judgment. And he saw David in Hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ."

Original:

"Peter had the keys of eternal judgment and he saw David in hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ."

Date: 16 May 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-30

Joseph Smith:

"Even David must wait for those times of refreshing [Acts 3:19-20] before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out. For Peter speaking of him says, ‘David hath not yet ascended into heaven, for his sepulchre is with us to this day.’ His remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the Saints arose at Christ's resurrection, probably all the Saints. But it seems that David did not. Why? Because he had been a murderer."

Original:

"Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulchre [sepulcher] is with us to this day"' his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer."

Date: 12 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 62) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Peter shows . . . that a murderer could not be redeemed until [God] would send Jesus Christ. . . . That is, that faith, repentance, and baptism would not save them until the[y were] scourged in Hell or paid the last farthing."

Original:

"Peter shews plainer it in the 3d of acts that a murderer could Not be Redmed intill he would send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you &.c—that is that faith Re[entance & Baptizm would not save them until the[y were] scourged in hell or paid the Last farthing."

Date: 16 May 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton’s Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 74) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in Christendom might pray for a murderer on the scaffold forever but could not avail so much as a gnat towards his forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come, and that in Hell."

Original:

"Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in Christendom mighty pray for a murder on the scaffold forever, but could not avail so much as a gnat towards their forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come and that in hell."

Date: 1 June 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-30

Joseph Smith:

"The time of redemption here has reference to the time when Christ should come. Then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. . . . If the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal judgment, they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life to the injured laws of his country by shedding innocent blood. For such characters cannot be forgiven until they have paid the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world could never close the gates of Hell against a murderer."

Original:

"The time of redemption here had reference to the time, when Christ should come; then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulchre [sepulcher] is with us to this day"' his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 331) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

He did not say to them, ‘Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.’ But he said, ‘Repent therefore and be converted. . . .’ This is the case with murderers. They could not be baptized for the remission of sins, for they had shed innocent blood."

Original:

He did not say to them repent & be baptized for the remission of your sins but he said repent therefore & be converted that yours ins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, Acts iii,19 this is the case with murders they could not be baptized for the remission of sins for they had shed innocent Blood."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 335) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"David could not obtain celestial glory, and the reason why he had any hope, or obtained a promise that of his seed one should be raised up to reign over Israel forever, was because he had not spoken against the Spirit. And because he had not done this, he obtained promise that God would not leave his soul in Hell."

Original:
"illustrated the case of David said he could not obtain celestial glory and the reason why he had any hope or obtained a Promise that of his seed one should be raise up to reign over Israel forever was because that he had not spoken against the spirit & because he had not done this ~~he was renewed unto repentance and~~ obtained promise that God would not leave his soul in Hell."

Psalm 37:1-2

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb" (Psalm 37:1-2).

Date: 28 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 118) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Don't envy sinners—have mercy on them; God will destroy them."

Original:
"Don’t envy sinners—have mercy on them, God will destroy them."

Date: 26 May 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 121) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God will see to it."

Psalm 37:11

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace" (Psalm 37:11).

Date: 2 December 1835 (Wednesday)

Location: Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Ohio Journal 1835-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:93)

Joseph Smith:

"We rejoice that the time is at hand when the wicked who will not repent will be swept from the earth with the besom of destruction, and the earth become an inheritance for the poor and the meek."

Original:

"we rejoice that the time is at hand when, the wicked who will not repent will be swept <from the earth> with the besom of destruction and the earth become an inheritance for the poor and the meek."

Date: 1 December 1835 (Tuesday)

Location: Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History 1834-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:150)

Joseph Smith:

"We rejoice in our hearts that the time is at hand when those who persist in wickedness will be swept from the earth with the besom of destruction, and the earth become an inheritance for the poor and the meek"

Original:

"And we rejoice in our hearts, that the time is at hand when those who persit in wickedness, will be swept from the earth with the besom of distruction, and the earth become an inheritance for the poor & the meek."

Date: 16 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 65) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"After the "little season" [Rev. 20:3] is expired and the earth undergoes its last change and is glorified, then will all the meek inherit the earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

Original:
"after the Little Season is Expired & the Earth undergoes its Last Change & is Gloryfyed then will all the meek inherit the Earth wherin Dwelleth Righteous."

Psalm 53:1

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good" (Psalm 53:1).

Date: 1832

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History [1832], Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:6)

Joseph Smith:

Psalm 102:13-21

"Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;

To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;" (Psalm 102:13-21).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 297)

Joseph Smith: "The city of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102nd psalm, will be built upon the land of America, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to it with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. And then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem."

Original:
"The City, of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102 Psalm will be built upon the Land of America and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to it with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, and then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the Land But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem."

Psalm 133:1

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

Date: 15 December 1840 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Twelve, Church Archives (Personal Writing of Joseph Smith, 516-517)

Joseph Smith:

"It is very satisfactory to my mind that there has been such a good understanding existing between you, and that the Saints have so cheerfully hearkened to counsel and vied with each other in their labors of love and in the promotion of truth and righteousness. This is as it should be in the Church of Jesus Christ. Unity is strength. ‘How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.’ Let the Saints of the Most High ever cultivate this principle and the most glorious blessings must result, not only to them individually but to the whole Church. The order of the kingdom will be maintained, its officers respected, and its requirements readily and cheerfully obeyed. Love is one of the leading characteristics of Deity and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone but ranges through the world, anxious to bless the whole of the human family."

Original:
"It is likewise very satisfactory to <my> mind, that there has been such a good understanding existing between you, and that the saints have <so> cheerfully, hearkened to council and vied with each other in their labors of love; and in the promotion of truth and righteousness; this is as it should be in the Church of Jesus Christ. Unity is strength. ‘How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in Unity &c Let the saints of the most high, ever cultivate this principle and the most glorious blessings must result, not only to them individually but to the whole church � The order of the kingdom will be maintained, - Its officers respected, and its requirements readily and cheerfully obeyed. Love is one of the leading characteristics of Deity, and ou[gh]t to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone but ranges through the world, anxious to bless the whole of the human family."

Psalm 137:1-4

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.

For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?" (Psalm 137:1-4).

Date: 31 August 1835 (Monday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Hezekiah Peck and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 365)

Joseph Smith:

"When the children of Zion are strangers in a strange land, their harps must be hung upon the willows. And they cannot sing the songs of Zion but should mourn and not dance. Therefore, brethren, it remains for all such to be exercised with prayer and continual supplication, until Zion is redeemed."

Original:
"When the children of Zion are stranger[s] in s strange land their harps must be hung upon the willows: and they cannot sing the songs of Zion: but should mourn and not dance. Therefore brethren, it remains for all such to be exercised with prayers, and continual supplication, until Zion is redeemed."
Proverbs

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

Date: 20 March 1839 (Wednesday)

Location: Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA

Source: Letter to the Church at Quincy, Illinois (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 436)

Joseph Smith:

"Beware of pride also, for well and truly hath the wise man said that ‘pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.’ And again, outward appearance is not always a criterion for us to judge our fellow man, but the lips betray the haughty and overbearing imaginations of the heart. By his words and his deeds let him be scanned."

Original:
"be awar of pride also for well and truly hath the wise man s[a]it that pride goeth before distruction and a haughty spirit before a fall / and Again outward appearance is no always a Criterean for us to Judge our fellow man but the lips betray the haughty and over baring imm[a]ginations of the heart, by his words by <and> his deeds let him be scan[e]d."

Date: May 1840

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (May 1840): 102

Joseph Smith:

"We would likewise say, beware of pride, for truly hath the wise man said, ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.’ Outward appearance is not always a criterion for us to judge our fellow man by, but the lips frequently betray the haughty and overbearing mind."

Original:

"we would likewise say be aware of pride, for truly hath the wise man said "pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall;" outward appearance is not always a criterion for us to judge our fellowman by, but the lips frequently betray the haughty and overbearing mind."

Isaiah

Isaiah 2:2-3

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:2-3).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 297)

Joseph Smith:

"The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western tribes of Indians. . . . By it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are descendants from that Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them. And unto it all the tribes of Israel will come, with as many of the Gentiles as shall comply with the requisitions of the new covenant. But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem."

Original:
" The Book of Mormon is a record of the forefathers of our western Tribes of Indians, having been found through the ministration of an holy Angle translated into our own Language by the gift and power of God, after having been hid up in the earth for the last fourteen hundred years containing the word of God, which was delivered unto them, But it we learn that our western tribes of Indians are desendants from the Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and that the land of America is a promised land unto them ,and unto it al the tribes of Israel will come. with as many of the gentiles as shall comply with the requesitions of the new co[v]enant. But the tribe of Judah will return to old Jerusalem."

Date: about 19 July 1840 (Sunday) (see Words of Joseph Smith pp. 418-19 n. 1 for a discussion of the date)

Location:

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 415)

Joseph Smith:

"The land of Zion consists of all North and South America. But any place where the Saints gather is Zion, which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children."

Original:
"the Land of Zion ~~that~~ It consists of all N. & S America but that any place where the Saints gather is Zion which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children."

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 67) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The Lord will begin by revealing the house of Israel among the Gentiles. And those who have gone from the ordinances of God shall return unto the keeping of all the law and observing his judgments and statutes to do them. Then shall the law of the Lord go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord to the priests, and through them from Jerusalem."

Original:

"The Lord will begin by revealing the House ~~House~~ of Israel among the gentiles and those who have gone from the ordinances of God shall return unto the keeping of all the law and observing his judgments and statutes to do them Then shall the law of the Lord go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord to the priests and through them from Jerusalem."

Date: 8 April 1844 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 364) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"I have another revelation, a great, grand, and glorious revelation. This is what I am going to declare. You know there has been great discussion where Zion is. . . . The whole America is [Zion] itself, North and South, and is described by the prophets that it should be in the center of the land. The declaration is that as soon as the temple and baptismal font are prepared, so we can wash and anoint the elders of Israel, . . . the elders of Israel shall build churches unto the Lord. And [wherever] they build churches unto the Lord, there shall be a stake of Zion. It is a glorious proclamation, and I reserved it to the last and design it to be understood, that it shall be after the washing and anointing here."

Original:
"I have anr. rev. a great grand & glorious revn. & this is what I am going to declare—you kno there has been great disusn. wher Zion is & when the gathg. of the D is & which I am to—the whole America is th Land itself U. & S itself & is descd. by the Prophets that it shod. be in the centre of the land. the Declan. is that as soon as the temple & B font is pepd. & so as we can wash & anoint the El of Israel there must be a place prepd for that purpose �there are provins made until the work is compd. to be as K & P of the mos H. God but as all to do with the hs of God—but there must be an express place built for that purpose & for men to be B for the dd fore very man who wishes to save the F & M. B. S & F. must go thro the same—B—Z. W. & all the protectn. of the powers of the Preisthood same as for themselves0the Elders of Israel shall build Churches unto the Ld. & there shall they build Churches unto the Ld: there shall be a Stake of Zion—it is a glorious pro--& I reserved it to the last & desn. it to be understd. that it shall be after the washg. & anointg. here."

Date: 8 April 1844 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 362-63) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"[There] has been great discourse in relation to Zion. . . . [I] make a proclamation that will cover a broad ground. The whole America is Zion itself, from North to South. That is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord should be. [As] soon as [the] temple [is] finished—washing, anointing, etc.—when those last and most important ordinances can be done, . . . from henceforth I have received instruction from [the] Lord that [the] elders shall build churches wherever they raise branches through the States. Then build stakes. In the great cities—Boston, etc.—there shall be stakes. [I] reserved the proclamation to the last. All this [is] to be understood, that this work shall commence after the washing, anointing, and endowment here."

Original:
"has been great discourse in rel to Zion--prophets--make a proc that will cover a broad gd. the whole America is the Zion itself-- from North to South-- that is the Zion where the Mountain of the Ld shd be--when Ers take up br will see it—dec. this morning. are calculating soon as Temple finished washing & anointing &c when those last & most impt ordinance can be done--must be in a house--prov made during time of laying foundation: where men may rec endowment to make K & Pts unto the Most H G. having nothin to do with temporal things but K of G. G has provided for a house to be built where we can get a House this the central place & where we can be baptized for dead-- it is nec. when we want to save our dead we go through all the ordinances same as for ourself from bap to ordination & endt. From henceforth I have rec--inst from Ld that Ers shall build churches where ever they raise branches through the States then build stakes--in the gt cities, Boston &c there shall be stakes-- reserved the pro. to the last. all this to be understood that this work shall commence after the washing anointing & endowment here."

Date: 8 April 1844 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 365) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"I have another great and grand revelation, [a] great discussion where Zion is. The whole America is Zion. That is the Zion where the mountain of the Lord's house shall be, about the central part of North and South America. [As] soon as the temple is finished, . . . from henceforth the elders shall build churches wherever the people receive the gospel sufficiently. Then build stakes to this place."

Original:
"I have another great and grand Revelation-- great discussion where Zion is.--The whole America is Zion that is the Zion where the Mountain of the Lords house shall be. about the central part of North & South America.—

"soon as the Temple is finished.—Lord hath ordained where these last & most important ordinances must be in a house.—provided for the purpose.—when we can get a house build first there is the place.—Bap. washed. anointed, sealed &c for the dead the same as for themselves.—

"from henceforth the elders shall build churches where ever the people receive the gospel sufficient. then build stakes to this place."

Date: 8 April 1844 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 363-64) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"I have now a great proclamation for the elders to teach the Church hereafter, which is in relation to Zion. The whole of North and South America is Zion. The mountain of the Lord's house is in the center of North and South America. When the house is done, [the] baptismal font erected and finished, and the worthy are washed, anointed, endowed, and ordained kings and priests, . . . then the elders are to go through all America and build up churches, until all Zion is built up. But [they are] not to commence to do this until the temple is built up here and the elders endowed. Then go forth and accomplish the work and build up stakes in all North and South America."

Original:
"I have now a great proclamation for the Elders to teach the Church hereafter which is in relation to Zion, The whole of North and South America is Zion, the mountain of the Lord’s House is in the Centre of North & South America, when the House is done, Baptism font erectd and finished & the worthy are washed, anointed, endowed & ordained Kings & priests, which must be done in this life, when the place is prepared you must go through all the ordinances of the house of the Lord so that you who have any dead friends must go through all the ordinances for them the same as for yourselves; then the Elders are to go through all America & build up Churches untill all Zion is built up, so their will be gathering fast enough here. but not to commence to do this untill the Temple is built up here and the Elders endowed then go forth & accomplish the work & build up stakes in all North and South America."

Isaiah 2:4

"And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).

Date: 15 July 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 July 1842): 855-57

Joseph Smith:

"The government of the Almighty has always been very dissimilar to the government 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. 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, and Rome—each was raised to dignity amid 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 behind them a desolate wilderness’ [Joel 2:3]. Their kingdoms were founded in carnage and bloodshed and sustained by oppression, tyranny, and despotism.

"The designs of God 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 pruninghooks,’ 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. . . .

"Monarchial, aristocratic, and republican forms of government, 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 [the] 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. . . . All speak with a voice of thunder that man is not able to govern himself, to legislate for himself, to protect himself, [nor] to promote his own good nor the good of the world.

"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 head of the universe and take the reigns of government into 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.’ . . .

"Other attempts to promote universal peace and happiness in the human family have proven 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’ [I Cor. 15:25]."

"Original:

"The government of the Almighty, has always been very dissimilar to the government 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. 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 were raised to dignity amid 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 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 plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks"-make the nations of the earth dwell in peace; and to bring about the millenial [millennial] glory-when "the earth shall yield its increase, resume its paradisean glory, and become as the garden of the Lord."

"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 traits 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.

"Monarchical, aristocratic, and republican forms of government, 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.

"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 intrigue, and sectional interest; our counsellors [counselors] are panic struck, our legislators are astonished, and our senators are confounded; our merchants are paralized [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.-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, &c., 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 noon-day. Turkey, once the glory 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 [t]hem opening their jaws to devour her. Spain has been the theatre [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 foe; her batteries thrown down; many of her cities destroyed, and her villages deserted. We might mention the Eastern 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 theatre [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.

"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 head of the universe, and take the reigns of government into 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 shewn [shown].

"If there was any thing 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 ornament and beauty was given of God. Wisdom to govern the house of Israel was given to Solomon, and to the judges of Israel; and if he had always been their king, and they subject to his mandate, and obedient of his laws, they would still have been a great and mighty people; the rulers of the universe-and the wonder of the world. 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 prophesies, 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 vo [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, 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 told where to go, and when to stop; was conversed with by angels, and by the Lord; 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.’

"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 fulness [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 proven 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.’"

Isaiah 11:4

"But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked" (Isaiah 11:4).

Date: 1 June 1844 (Saturday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1844): 547-48

Joseph Smith:

"I mourn for the depravity of the world. . . . I long for a day of righteousness when he whose right it is to reign shall "judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth." And I pray God, who hath given our fathers a promise of a perfect government in the last days, to purify the hearts of the people and hasten the welcome day."

Original:

"I mourn for the depravity of the world; I despise the hypocrisy of christendom; I hate the imbecility of American statesmen; I detest the shrinkage of candidates for office, from pledges and responsibility; I long for a day of righteousness, when he, "whose right it is to reign, shall judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth," and I pray God, who hath given our fathers a promise of a perfect government in the last days, to purify the hearts of the people and hasten the welcome day."

Isaiah 11:11

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea" (Isaiah 11:11).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 295)

Joseph Smith:

"The time has at last arrived when the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of his people which have been left from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from the islands of the sea, and with them to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles and establish that covenant with them which was promised when their sins should be taken away."

Original:
"The time has at last ~~come~~ arived when the God of Abraham of Isaac and of Jacob has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of his people which have been left from Assyria, and from Egypt and form Pathros &.c. and from the Islands of the sea and with them to bring in the fullness of the Gentiles and establish that covenant with them which was promised when their sins should be taken away."

Isaiah 24:5

"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant" (Isaiah 24:5).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 296-97)

Joseph Smith:

"Who can look at [the world] and not exclaim in the language of Isaiah, ‘The earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant’?

"The plain fact is this: the power of God begins to fall upon the nations, and the light of the latter-day glory begins to break forth through the dark atmosphere of sectarian wickedness, and their iniquity rolls up into view. And the nations of the Gentiles are like the waves of the sea, casting up mire and dirt, or all in commotion. And they hastily are preparing to act the part allotted them when the Lord rebukes the nations, when he shall rule them with a rod of iron and break them in pieces like a potters vessel. The Lord has declared to his servants some eighteen months since that he was then withdrawing his Spirit from the earth, and we can see that such is the fact. For not only the churches are dwindling away, but there are no conversions, or but very few. And this is not all. The governments of the earth are thrown into confusion and division, and destruction to the eye of the spiritual beholder seems to be written by the finger of an invisible hand in large capitals upon almost everything we behold.

"And now what remains to be done under circumstances like these? I will proceed to tell you what the Lord requires of all people—high and low, rich and poor, male and female, ministers and people, professors of religion and nonprofessors—in order that they may enjoy the Holy Spirit of God to a fulness and escape the judgments of God which are almost ready to burst upon the nations of the earth: Repent of all your sins and be baptized in water for the remission of them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And receive the ordinance of the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power, that ye may receive the Holy Spirit of God."

Original:
"who can look at this, ~~and~~ and not exclaim in the language of I<s>aiah, ["]the earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the Laws, changed the ordinances and broken the everlasting covenant’

"The plain fact is this, the power of God begins to fall upon the Nations, and the light of the latter day glory begins to break forth through the dark atmosphere of sectarian wickedness and their iniquity rools [rolls] up into view and the Nations of the Gentiles are like the waves of the sea casting up mire and dirt or all in commotion and they hastily are preparing to act the part allotted them when the lord rebukes the nations, when he shall rule them with a rod of iron & break them in peaces like a potters vessel, The Lord has declared to his servants some Eighteen months since that he was then withdrawing his spirit from the earth, and we can see that such is the fact for not only the churches are dwindling away, but there are no conversions, or but very few, and this is not all, the governments of the earth are thrown into confusion & division, and distruction to the eye of the spiritual beholder seemes to be written by the finger of an invisible hand in Large capitals upon almost evry thing we behold -

"And now what remains to be done under circumstances like these, I will proced to tell you what the Lord requires of all people professors of religions, and nonproffessors in order that they may enjoy the holy spirit of God to a fullness, and escape the Judgments of God, which are almost ready to burst upon the nations of the earth, - Repent of all your sins and be baptized in water for the remission of them, in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, and receive the ordinance of the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power, that ye may receive the holy spirit of God."

Isaiah 24:21-22

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

"And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited" (Isaiah 24:21-22).

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 760

Joseph Smith:

"Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family equally, and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation [1 Pet. 3:19-20], so will those characters referred to by Isaiah have their time of visitation and deliverance, after having been many days in prison. . . . [They] will be visited by this priesthood and come out of their prison, upon the same principle as those who were disobedient in the days of Noah were visited by our Savior."

"Original:

"Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family equally; and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation; so will those characters referred to by Isaiah, have their time of visitation, and deliverance, after having been many days in prison.

"The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it rolled into existence, or over the ‘morning stars sung together for joy,’ the past, the present and the future, were, and are with him one eternal now; he knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities of the antedeluvians [antediluvians], of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family; their weakness and strength, their power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, and their righteousness, and iniquity; he comprehended the fall of man, and their redemption; he knew the plan of salvation, and pointed it out; he was acquainted with the situation of all nations; and with their destiny; he ordered all things according to the council of his own will, he knows the situation of both the living, and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come. The idea that some men form of the justice, judgment, and mercy of God, is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of; for instance it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to suppose, that if a man is not what they call converted, if he dies in that state, he must remain eternally in hell without any hope:-

"‘Infinite years in torment must he spend’

"‘And never, never, never, have an end.’

"And yet this eternal misery is made frequently to rest upon the merest casuality [casualty];-The breaking of a shoe string; the tearing of a coat, of those officiating; or the peculiar location in which a person lives, may be the means indirectly of his damnation: or the cause of his not being saved. I will suppose a case which is not extraordinary:-Two men who have been equally wicked, who have neglected religion, are both of them taken sick at the same time; one of them has the good fortune to be visited by a praying man, and he gets converted a few minutes before he dies; the other sends for three different praying men, a tailor, a shoemaker, and a tinman. The tinman has a handle to solder on to a can; the tailor has a button-hole to work on some coat that is needed in a hurry; and the shoemaker has a patch to put onto somebody's boot; they none of them can go in time, the man dies and goes to hell: one of these is exalted to Abraham's bosom; he sits down in the presence of God, and enjoys eternal, uninterrupted happiness; while the other who was equally as good as him sinks to eternal damnation; irretrievable misery, and hopeless despair; because a man had a boot to mend, the button hole of a coat to work, or a handle to solder on to a saucepan. The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust; the statements of holy writ so visionary; nor the plan of salvation for the human family so incompatable [incompatible] with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown with indignance [indignation], angels would hide their heads in shame; and every virtuous, intelligent man would recoil. If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all delinquents, according to their several crimes; surely the Lord will not be more cruel than man, for he is a wise legislator, and his laws are more equitable, his enactments more just, and his decisions more perfect than those of man: and as man judges his fellow man by law, and punishes him according to the penalty of that law; so does the God of heaven judge ‘according to the deeds done in the body.’ to say that the heathen would be damned because they did not believe the gospel would be preposterous; and to say that the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus, would be equally absurd; for, ‘how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard; and how can they hear without a preacher; and how can he preach except he be sent’ consequently neither Jew, nor heathen, can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God, for as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer cannot believe without he hear a sent preacher; and cannot be condemned for what he has not heard; and being without a law will have to be judged without law.

Isaiah 29:11-12; Isaiah 29:20-22, (2 Nephi 27:15-20)

"And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:

And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned" (Isaiah 29:11-12).

"For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:

That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.

Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale" (Isaiah 29:20-22).

"But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say unto him to whom he shall deliver the book: Take these words which are not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say: Bring hither the book, and I will read them.

And now, because of the glory of the world and to get gain will they say this, and not for the glory of God.

And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed.

Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it.

Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned.

Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee" (2 Nephi 27:15-20).

Date: 1832

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History [1832], Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:9)

Joseph Smith:

"The Lord had shown [Martin Harris] that he must go to New York City with some of the characters, so we proceeded to copy some of them. And he took his journey to the eastern cities and to the learned, saying, ‘Read this, I pray thee.’ And the learned said, ‘I cannot,’ but if he would bring the plates they would read it. But the Lord had forbidden it. And he returned to me and gave them to me to translate, and I said, ‘[I] cannot, for I am not learned.’ But the Lord had prepared spectacles for to read the book, therefore I commenced translating the characters, and thus the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled."

Original:
"the Lords had shown him that he must go to new York City with some of the c[h]aracters so we proceeded to coppy some of them and he took his Journy to the Eastern Cittys and to the Learned <saying> read this I pray thee and the learned said I cannot but if he would bring the plates they would read it but the Lord had fo<r>bid it and he returned to me and gave them to <me to> translate and ~~I said~~ I said [I] cannot for I am not learned but the Lords had prepared ~~specteieke~~ spectacles for to read the Book therefore I commenced translating the characters and thus the Prop[h]icy of Is<ia>ah was fulfilled which is written in the 29 chapter concerning the book."

Isaiah 29:21

"That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought" (Isaiah 29:21).

Date: 16 December 1838 (Sunday)

Location: Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Church in Caldwell County (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 416-17)

Joseph Smith:

"We believe the old prophet verily told the truth."

Original:
same as above.

Isaiah 33:14

"The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" (Isaiah 33:14).

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 368-69) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God Almighty himself dwells in eternal fire. Flesh and blood cannot go there, for all corruption is devoured by the fire. Our God is a consuming fire. When our flesh is quickened by the Spirit, there will be no blood in the tabernacles. Some dwell in higher glory than others. Those who have done wrong always have that wrong gnawing them. Immortality dwells in everlasting burnings. . . . All men who are immortal dwell in everlasting burnings."

Original:
"God Almighty himself dwells in Eternal fire, flesh and blood cannot go there for all corruption is devoured by the fire--our God is a consuming fire--when our flesh is quickened by the Spirit, there will be no blood in the tabernacles,--some dwell in higher glory than others--those who have done wrong, always have that wrong knawing them--Immortality dwells in everlasting burnings--I will from time to time reveal to you the subjects that are revealed by the Holy Ghost to me-- all the lies that are now hatched up against me are of the devil & all the influence of the devil & his servants will be used against the kingdom of God--the Servants of God teach nothing but the principles of eternal life--by their works ye shall know them--a good man will speak good things, & holy principles and an evil man, evil things;--I feel in the name of the Lord, to rebuke all such bad principles, liars &c and I warn all of you to look out who you are going after--I exhort you to give heed to all the virtue and the teachings which I have given you; all men who are immortal, dwell in everlasting burnings."

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: George Laub Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 371) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"God dwells in flaming flames, and he is a consuming fire. He will consume all that is unclean and unholy, and we could not abide his presence unless pure spirit is in us."

Original:
"God dwels in flaming flames and he is a consuming fire he will consume all that is unclean and unholly and we could not abide his presentes unless pure Spirits in us

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Samuel W. Richards Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 372) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"All resurrected bodies dwell in flaming fire, for our God is a consuming fire."

Original:
"All resurrected bodies dwell in flaming fire for our God is a consuming fire."

Isaiah 42:7

"To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house" (Isaiah 42:7).

Date: July 1838

Location: Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, USA

Source: Elders’ Journal (July 1838): 43

Joseph Smith:

"Question: If the Mormon doctrine is true, what has become of all those who have died since the days of the apostles?

"Answer: All those who have not had an opportunity of hearing the gospel, and being administered to by an inspired man in the flesh, must have it hereafter, before they can be finally judged."

Date: 15 October 1841 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 October 1841): 577-78

Joseph Smith:

"[There is] a difference between an angel and a ministering spirit. The one [has] a resurrected or translated body with its spirit, ministering to embodied spirits. The other [is] a disembodied spirit, visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ became a ministering spirit, while his body lay in the sepulchre, to the spirits in prison, to fulfill an important part of his mission without which he could not have perfected his work or entered into his rest. . . .

"There is a way to release the spirit of the dead. That is, by the power and authority of the priesthood, by binding and loosing on earth. This doctrine appears glorious, inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human salvation. This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the understanding and to sustain the soul under troubles, difficulties, and distresses. [Suppose] the case of two men, brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous, and lovely, walking in uprightness and in all good conscience so far as they had been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition or from the blotted page of the book of nature. One dies and is buried, having never heard the gospel of reconciliation. To the other the message of salvation is sent. He hears and embraces it and is made the heir of eternal life. Shall the one become a partaker of glory and the other be consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? Sectarianism answers, "None! None! None!" Such an idea is worse than atheism. . . .

"This doctrine presents in a clear light the wisdom and mercy of God in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being baptized by proxy, their names recorded in heaven, and judged according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine is the burden of the scriptures. Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives do it at the peril of their own salvation."

"Original:

"He explained a difference between an angel and a ministering spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with its spirit, ministering to embodied spirits-the other a disembodied spirit, visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ became a minestering [ministering] spirit, while his body laying in the sepulchre [sepulcher], to the spirits in prison; to fulfil [fulfill] an important part of his mission, without which he could not have perfected his work or entered into his rest. After his resurrection, he appeared as an angel to his disciples &c. Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future missions. The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a translated or resurrected body.-Jesus Christ went in body, after his resurrection, to minister to translated and resurrected bodies. There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time. The only way to obtain truth and wisdom, is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer and obtain divine teaching. It is no more incredible that God should save the dead, than that he should raise the dead. There is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. There is a way to release the spirit of the dead; that is, by the power and authority of the Priesthood-by binding and loosing on earth

"This doctrine appears glorious, inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human salvation. This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the understanding, and to sustain the souls under troubles, difficulties, and distresses.

"For illustration the speaker presented, by supposition, the case of too [two] men, brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous and lovely, walking in uprightness and in all good conscience, so far as they had been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition, or from the blotted page of the book of nature. One dies, and is buried, having never heard the gospel of reconciliation, to the other the message of salvation is sent, he hears and embraces it and is made the heir of eternal life. Shall the one become a partaker of glory, and the other be consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? Sectarianism answers, ‘none! none!! none!!!’ Such an idea is worse than atheism. The truth shall break down and dash in pieces all such bigoted Pharisaism; the rest shall be sifted, the honest in heart brought out and their priests left in the midst of their corruption. The speaker then answered the objections urged against the Latter Day Saints for not admitting the validity of sectarian baptism, and for withholding fellowship from sectarian churches. It was like putting new wine into old bottles and putting old wine into new bottles. What, new revelations in the old churches! New revelations knock out the bottom of their bottomless pit. New wine into old bottles!-the bottles burst and the wine runs out. What, Sadducees in the new church! Old wine in new leathern bottles will leak through the pores and escape; such Saddacee [Sadducee] saints mock at authority, kick out of the traces, and run to the mountains of perdition, leaving the long echo of their braying behind them.

"The speaker then contrasted the charity of the sects, in denouncing all who disagree with them in opinion, and in joining in persecating [persecuting] the saints, with the faith of the saints, who believe that even such may be saved in this world and in the world to come, (murderers and apostates excepted.)

"This doctrine, he said, presented in a clear light, the wisdom and mercy of God, in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being baptised [baptized] by proxy, their names recorded in heaven, and they judged according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine was the burden of the scriptures. Those saints who neglect it, in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation."

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 760-61

Joseph Smith:

"Here then we have an account of our Savior preaching to the spirits in prison, to spirits that had been imprisoned from the days of Noah. And what did he preach to them? That they were to stay there? Certainly not. Let his own declaration testify: ‘He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised’ [Luke 4:18]. Isaiah has it, ‘to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness from the prison house’ [Isa. 42:7]. It is very evident from this that he not only went to preach to them but to deliver, or bring them out of the prison house. . . . Those who were disobedient in the days of Noah were visited by our Savior, who possessed the everlasting Melchizedek Priesthood, and had the gospel preached to them by him in prison. And in order that they might fulfill all the requisitions of God, their living friends were baptized for their dead friends and thus fulfilled the requirements of God."

Original:

"Here then we have an account of our Saviour [Savior] preaching to the spirits in prison to spirits that had been imprisoned from the days of Noah; and what did he preach to them? that they were to stay there? certainly not; let his own declaration testify; ‘he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised’-Luke iv, 18, Isaiah has it;-‘To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness from the prison, and them that sit in darkness from the prison house.’ Is. xlii, 7. It is very evident from this that he not only went to preach to them, but to deliver, or bring them out of the prison house. Isaiah in testifying concerning the calamities that will overtake the inhabitants of the earth says, ‘The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgressions thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day; that the Lord shall punish the hosts of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited.’ Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family equally; and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation; so will those characters referred to by Isaiah, have their time of visitation, and deliverance, after having been many days in prison.

"The great Jehovah contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth, pertaining to the plan of salvation, before it rolled into existence, or over the morning stars sung together for joy, the past, the present and the future, were, and are with him one eternal now; he knew of the fall of Adam, the iniquities of the antedeluvians [antediluvians], of the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family; their weakness and strength, their power and glory, apostasies, their crimes, and their righteousness, and iniquity; he comprehended the fall of man, and their redemption; he knew the plan of salvation, and pointed it out; he was acquainted with the situation of all nations; and with their destiny; he ordered all things according to the council of his own will, he knows the situation of both the living, and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come. The idea that some men form of the justice, judgment, and mercy of God, is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of; for instance it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to suppose, that if a man is not what they call converted, if he dies in that state, he must remain eternally in hell without any hope:-

"‘Infinite years in torment must he spend’

"‘And never, never, never, have an end.’

"And yet this eternal misery is made frequently to rest upon the merest casuality [casualty];-The breaking of a shoe string; the tearing of a coat, of those officiating; or the peculiar location in which a person lives, may be the means indirectly of his damnation: or the cause of his not being saved. I will suppose a case which is not extraordinary:-Two men who have been equally wicked, who have neglected religion, are both of them taken sick at the same time; one of them has the good fortune to be visited by a praying man, and he gets converted a few minutes before he dies; the other sends for three different praying men, a tailor, a shoemaker, and a tinman. The tinman has a handle to solder on to a can; the tailor has a button-hole to work on some coat that is needed in a hurry; and the shoemaker has a patch to put onto somebody's boot; they none of them can go in time, the man dies and goes to hell: one of these is exalted to Abraham's bosom; he sits down in the presence of God, and enjoys eternal, uninterrupted happiness; while the other who was equally as good as him sinks to eternal damnation; irretrievable misery, and hopeless despair; because a man had a boot to mend, the button hole of a coat to work, or a handle to solder on to a saucepan. The plans of Jehovah are not so unjust; the statements of holy writ so visionary; nor the plan of salvation for the human family so incompatable [incompatible] with common sense; at such proceedings God would frown with indignance [indignation], angels would hide their heads in shame; and every virtuous, intelligent man would recoil. If human laws award to each man his deserts, and punish all delinquents, according to their several crimes; surely the Lord will not be more cruel than man, for he is a wise legislator, and his laws are more equitable, his enactments more just, and his decisions more perfect than those of man: and as man judges his fellow man by law, and punishes him according to the penalty of that law; so does the God of heaven judge ‘according to the deeds done in the body.’ to say that the heathen would be damned because they did not believe the gospel would be preposterous; and to say that the Jews would all be damned that do not believe in Jesus, would be equally absurd; for, ‘how can they believe on him of whom they have not heard; and how can they hear without a preacher; and how can he preach except he be sent consequently neither Jew, nor heathen, can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God, for as the preacher cannot preach except he be sent, so the hearer cannot believe without he hear a sent preacher; and cannot be condemned for what he has not heard; and being without a law will have to be judged without law.

"When speaking about the blessings pertaining to the gospel, and the consequences connected with disobedience to its requirements, we are frequently asked the question, what has become of our Fathers? will they all be damned for not obeying the gospel, when they never heard it? certainly not. But they will possess the same privilege that we here enjoy, through the medium of the everlasting priesthood, which not only administers on earth but in heaven, and the wise dispensations of the great Jehovah; hence those characters referred to by Isaiah will be visited by this priesthood, and come out of their prison, upon the same principle as those who were disobedient in the days of Noah, were visited by our Saviour [Savior], [who possessed the everlasting, Melchizedec priesthood,] and had the gospel preached to them, by him in prison; and in order that they might fulfil [fulfill] all the requisitions of God, their living friends were baptized for their dear friends, and thus fulfilled the requirements of God which says, .Except a man be born again of water, and of the spirit he can in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.’"

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 760

Joseph Smith:

"He knows the situation of both the living and the dead and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world or in the world to come. . . .

"When speaking about the blessing pertaining to the gospel and the consequences connected with disobedience to its requirements, we are frequently asked the question, ‘What has become of our fathers?’ Will they all be damned for not obeying the gospel when they never heard it? Certainly not. But they will possess the same privilege that we here enjoy, through the medium of the everlasting priesthood—which not only administers on earth but in heaven—and the wise dispensations of the great Jehovah."

Original:
"he knows the situation of both the living, and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption, according to their several circumstances, and the laws of the kingdom of God, whether in this world, or in the world to come. The idea that some men form of the justice, judgment, and mercy of God, is too foolish for an intelligent man to think of; for instance it is common for many of our orthodox preachers to suppose, that if a man is not what they call converted, if he dies in that state, he must remain eternally in hell without any hope:-

"‘Infinite years in torment must he spend’

"‘And never, never, never, have an end.’

Date: 1 October 1842 (Saturday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 October 1842): 936; see D&C 128:22

Joseph Smith:

"Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free."

Original:
"Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prisons; for the prisoners shall go free."

Date: 11 June 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 211) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Peter says [Jesus] went and preached to the world of spirits so that they would receive it [and] could have it answered by proxy by those who live on the earth."

Original:
"Peter says he went & preached to the world of Spirits. so that they would receive it could have it answered by proxey by those who live on the earth &c."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 352) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"All the spirits must either obey the gospel or be damned."

Original:
"all the Spirits must either obey the gospel or be d—d."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 360) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"All spirits who have not obeyed the gospel in the flesh must obey the gospel or be damned."

Original:
"all spirits who have not obeyed the gospel in the flesh must obey the gospel or be damned."

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: George Laub Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 370) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"These who will not obey the gospel will go to the world of spirits, there to stay till they have paid the utmost farthing, or till some person pays their debts they owe. Now all those [who] die in the faith go to the prison of spirits to preach to the dead in body, but they are alive in the spirit. And those spirits preach to the spirits, that they may "live according to God in the spirit." And men do minister for them in the flesh. And angels bear the glad tidings to the spirits, and they are made happy by these means. Therefore, those who are baptized for their dead are the saviors on Mt. Zion, and they must receive their washings and their anointings for their dead the same as for themselves, until they are connected to the ones in the dispensation before us and trace their lineage to connect the priesthood again."

Original:
"These who will not obey the gospel will go to the world of spirits there to stay till the[y] have paid the utmost farthing or till some person pays their debts they owe. Now all those die in the faith goe to the prison of Spirits to preach to the dead in body, but they are alive in the Spirit & those Spirits preach to the Spirits that they may live according to god in the Spirit and men do minister for them in the flesh and angels bare the glad tidings to the Spirits & the[y] are made happy by these means. therefore those who are baptized for their dead are the Savior’s on mount Zion & the[y] must receave their washings and their anointings for their dead the same as for themselves till the[y] are connected to the ones in the dispensation before us and trace their leniage to connect the priesthood again."

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Samuel W. Richards Record (Words of Joseph Smith, 372) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The sectarians have no charity for me, but I have for them. I intend to send men to prison to preach to them, and this is all on the principle of entering in by water and spirit [John 3:5]. Then you must not only be baptized for them, but they must receive the Holy Ghost by proxy and be sealed by it unto the day of their redemption, as all the other ordinances by proxy. All persons who have been baptized and who have received the Holy Ghost may be baptized for their ancestors or near relatives. God has administrators in the eternal world to release those spirits from prison. The ordinances being administered by proxy upon them, the law is fulfilled."

Original:
"The sectarians have no Charity for me but I have for them. I intend to send men to prison to preach to them, and this is all on the Principle of entering in by Water and Spirit. Then you must not only be baptized for them but they must receive the Holy Ghost by Proxy and be sealed by it unto the day of their redemption as all the other ordinances by proxy.

"All persons who have been Baptized and who have received the Holy Ghost may be baptized for their ancestors or near relatives. God has administrators in the eternal world to release those spirits from Prison the ordinances being administered by proxy upon them the law is fulfilled."

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 760

Joseph Smith:

Original:
"Thus we find that God will deal with all the human family equally; and that as the antediluvians had their day of visitation; so will those characters referred to by Isaiah, have their time of visitation, and deliverance, after having been many days in prison.

"‘Infinite years in torment must he spend’

"‘And never, never, never, have an end.’

Date: 15 December 1840 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Twelve, Church Archives (Personal Writing of Joseph Smith, 521)

Joseph Smith:

"Aside from my knowledge independent of the Bible, I would say that [baptism for the dead] was certainly practiced by the ancient churches, and St. Paul endeavors to prove the doctrine of the resurrection from the same. . . . The Saints have the privilege of being baptized for those of their relatives who are dead, who they feel to believe would have embraced the gospel if they had been privileged with hearing it, and who have received the gospel in the spirit through the instrumentality of those who may have been commissioned to preach to them while in prison. . . . You will undoubtedly see its consistency and reasonableness. [It] presents the gospel of Christ in probably a more enlarged scale than some have viewed it."

Original:
"aside from my knowledge independent of the Bible, I would say, that this was certainly practiced by the antient churches and St Paul endeavours to prove the doctrine of the resurrection from the same, and says ‘else what shall they do who are baptised for the dead["] &c &c. I first mentioned the doctrine in public while preaching the funeral sermon of Bro Brunson, and have since then given general instructions to the Church on the subject. The saints have the priviledge of being baptised for those of their relatives who are dead, who they feel to believe would have embraced the gospel is they had been priviledged with hearing it, and who have received the gospel in the spirit through the instrumentality of those who may have been commissioned to preach to them while in prison. Without enlarging on t subject you will undoubtedly see its consistency, and reasonableness, and [it] presents the gospel of Christ in probably a more enlarged scale than some have viewed it."

Date: 27 March 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 109-10) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The Bible supports the doctrine [of baptism for the dead]. If there is one word of the Lord that supports the doctrine, it is enough to make it a true doctrine. Again, if we can baptize a man in the name of the Father, [and] of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost for the remission of sins, it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent and be baptized for the remission of sins for and in behalf of our dead kindred who have not heard the gospel or fulness of it."

Original:

"the Bible supported the doctrine ‘why are ye Baptized for the dead if they dead rise not &c. if there is one word of the Lords that supports the doctrin it is enough to make it a true doctrin Again if we can baptize a man in the name of the Father of the Son & of the Holy Ghost for the remission of sins it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent & be baptized for the remission of sins for & in behalf of our dead kindred who have not herd the gospel or fulness of it."

Isaiah 51:3

"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody" (Isaiah 51:3).

Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to William Phelps (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 309-10)

Joseph Smith:

"We must wait patiently until the Lord comes and restores unto us all things and builds the waste places again. For he will do it in his time."

Original:

"we must wait patiently until the Lord come[s] and resto[res] unto us all things and build the waist places again for he will do it in his time."

Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to William Phelps (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 311)

Joseph Smith:

"O God, I ask thee in the name of Jesus of Nazareth to save all things concerning Zion and build up her waste places and restore all things. O God, send forth judgment unto victory. Oh come down and cause the mountains to flow down at thy presence!"

Original:
"O God I aks thee in the name of Jesus of nazereth to save all things concerning Zion and build up her wai[s]t places and restore all things O god send forth Judgement unto victory O come down and cause the mou[n]tans to flow down at thy presance."

Date: 4 September 1833 (Wednesday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Vienna Jacques (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 318)

Joseph Smith:

"I feel to cry mightily unto the Lord, . . . yea I feel to say, "O Lord, let Zion be comforted, let her waste places be built up and established an hundred fold. Let thy Saints come unto Zion out of every nation, let her be exalted to the third heaven, and let thy judgments be sent forth unto victory. And after this great tribulation, let thy blessings fall upon thy people."

Original:
"I feel to cry mightily unto the Lord that all things might work together for good which has happened yea I feel to say O Lord let Zion be comforted let her waste places be built up and established an hundred fold let they saints come unto Zion out of every nation let hir be exalted to the third heaven and let thy Judgments be sent forth unto victory and after this great tribulation let they blessings fall upon thy people."

Isaiah 51:11

"Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away" (Isaiah 51:11).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 297)

Joseph Smith:

"The city of Zion, spoken of by David in the 102nd psalm, will be built upon the land of America, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to it with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. And then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the land. But Judah shall obtain deliverance at Jerusalem."

Original:

"The City, of Zion, spoken of y David in the 102 Psalm will be build upon the Land of America and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and cine to it with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, and then they will be delivered from the overflowing scourge that shall pass through the Land But Judah shall obtain deliverence at Jerusalem."

Isaiah 52:1-2

"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion" (Isaiah 52:1-2).

Date: 4 September 1833 (Wednesday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Vienna Jacques (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 318)

Joseph Smith:

"Notwithstanding her present affliction, [Zion] shall yet arise and put on her beautiful garments, and be the joy and glory of the whole earth."

Original:
"notwithstanding her present affliction she shall yet arise and put on her beautiful garments and be the Joy and ~~praise~~ <glory> of the whole earth."

Date: 10 December 1833 (Tuesday)

Location: Kirtland Mills, Lake County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 329)

Joseph Smith:

"I know that Zion, in the own due time of the Lord, will be redeemed. But how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation, and affliction, the Lord has kept hid from my eyes. And when I inquire concerning this subject, the voice of the Lord is, ‘Be still, and know that I am God! All those who suffer for my name shall reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.’ Now there are two things of which I am ignorant and the Lord will not show me, perhaps for a wise purpose in himself. . . : Why God hath suffered so great [a] calamity to come upon Zion, or what the great moving cause of this great affliction is; and again, by what means he will return her back to her inheritance with songs of everlasting joy upon her head. These two things, brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly shown unto me."

Original:
"I know that Zion, in the own due time of teh Lord will be redeemed, but how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation and affliction, I the Lord has kept hid from my eyes; and when I enquir3e concerning this subject the voice of teh Lord is, Be still, and know that I am God? all those who suffer for my name shall reign with me, and he that layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. Now there are two things of which I am ignorant and the Lord will not show me � perhaps for a wise purpose in himself. I mean in some respects, and they are these, Why God hath suffered so great calamity to come upon Zion; or what the great moving cause of this great affliction is. ~~These two things~~ and songs of everlasting Joy upon her head. These two things brethren, are in part kept back that they are not plainly <shewn unto me>."

Isaiah 52:8

"Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion" (Isaiah 52:8).

Date: September 1835

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Messenger and Advocate (September 1835): 179

Joseph Smith:

"I arrived in Jackson County, Missouri, and after viewing the country, seeking diligently at the hand of God, he manifested himself unto me and designated to me and others the very spot upon which he designed to commence the work of the gathering and the upbuilding of a holy city which should be called Zion—Zion, because it is to be a place of righteousness, and all who build thereon are to worship the true and living God and all believe in one doctrine, even the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Original:
"I arrived in Jackson county Missouri; and, after viewing the country, seeking diligently at the hand of God, he manifested himself unto me, and designated to me and others, the very spot upon which he designed to commence the work of the gathering, and the upbuilding of an holy city, which should be called Zion:-Zion because it is to be a place of righteousness, and all who build thereon, are to worship the true and living God-and all believe in one doctrine even the doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 159) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"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."

Original:
"if all the world should embrace this gospel they wold then see eye to eye & the blessings of God would Be poured out upon the people."

Isaiah 60:2

"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:2).

Date: February 1834

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (February 1834): 135

Joseph Smith:

"Consider for a moment, brethren, the fulfillment of the words of the prophet. For we behold that darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the minds of the inhabitants thereof, that crimes of every description are increasing among men, vices of every enormity are practiced, the rising generation growing up in the fulness of pride and arrogance, the aged losing every sense of conviction and seemingly banishing every thought of a day of retribution; intemperance, immorality, extravagance, pride, blindness of heart, idolatry, the loss of natural affection, the love of this world and indifference toward the things of eternity increasing among those who profess a belief in the religion of heaven, and infidelity spreading itself in consequence of the same, men giving themselves up to commit acts of the foulest kind and deeds of the blackest dye, lying, blaspheming, stealing, robbing, murdering, defaming, defrauding, blasting the reputation of neighbors, advocating error and opposing the truth, forsaking the covenant of heaven, and denying the faith of Jesus."

Original:
"Consider for a moment, brethren, the fulfillment of the words of the prophet; for we behold that darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the inhabitants thereof-that crimes of every discription [description] are increasing among men-vices of every enormity are practiced-the rising generation growing up in the fulness [fullness] of pride and arrogance-the aged losing every sense of conviction, and seemingly banishing every thought of a day of retribution-intemperance, immorality, extravagance, pride, blindness of heart, idolatry, the loss of natural affection, the love of this world, and indifference toward the things of eternity increasing among those who profess a belief in the religion of heaven, and infidelity spreading itself in consequence of the same-men giving themselves up to commit acts of the foulest kind, and deeds of the blackest dye; dying, blaspheming, stealing, robbing, murdering, defaming, defrauding, blasting the reputation of neighbors, advocating error and opposing the truth, forsaking the covenant of heaven, and denying the faith of Jesus."

Isaiah 60:13-17

"The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness" (Isaiah 60:13-17).

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: History 1839, Joseph Smith Papers, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:360)

Joseph Smith:

"The prophets have said concerning Zion in the last days [that] the glory of Lebanon is to come upon her, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of [God's] sanctuary that he may make the place of his feet glorious, where for brass he will bring gold, and for iron he will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron, and where the feast of fat things will be given to the just. Yea, when the splendor of the Lord is brought to our consideration for the good of his people, the calculations of men and the vain glory of the world vanishes, and we exclaim, ‘God will shine the perfection of beauty out of Zion' [Ps. 50:2]."

Original:
"when it is recollected what the prophets have said concerning Zion in the last days: how the glory of Lebanon is to come upon her, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of his sanctuary, that he may make the place of his feet glorious: silver, and for wood brass, and for stones, iron:- and where the feast of fat things will be given to the just: yea when the splendor of the Lord, is brought to our consideration for the good of his people, the calculations of men and the vain glory of the world vanishes, and we exclaim: God will shine the perfection of beauty out of Zion."

Isaiah 64:1

"Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence," (Isaiah 64:1).

Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to William Phelps (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 309-10)

Joseph Smith:

"We must wait patiently until the Lord comes and restores unto us all things and builds the waste places again. For he will do it in his time."

Original:

"we must wait patiently until the Lord come[s] and resto[res] unto us all things and build the waist places again for he will do it in his time."

Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to William Phelps (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 311)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 4 September 1833 (Wednesday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Vienna Jacques (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 318)

Joseph Smith:

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31:31-33

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:31-33).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 295-96)

Joseph Smith:

"This covenant has never been established with the house of Israel, nor with the house of Judah. For it requires two parties to make a covenant, and those two parties must be agreed or no covenant can be made. Christ in the days of his flesh proposed to make a covenant with them, but they rejected him and his proposals. And in consequence thereof they were broken off, and no covenant was made with them at that time. But their unbelief has not rendered the promise of God of none effect. No, for there was another day limited in David which was the day of his power. And then his people, Israel, should be a willing people, and he would write his laws in their hearts and print them in their thoughts. Their sins and their iniquities he would remember no more."

Original:
"This covenant has never been established with the house of Isreal nor with the house of Judah for it requires two parties to make a covenant and those two parties must be agreed or no covenant can be made. Christ in the days of his flesh proposed to make a covenant with them but they rejected him and his proposals and in consequence thereof they were borken off and no covenant was made with them at that time but their unbelief has not rendered the promise of God of none effect; no, for there was another day limited in David which was the day of his power and then his people Isreal, should be a willing people and he would write his laws in their hearts and print them in their thoughts their sins and their eniquities he would remember no more."

Jeremiah 31:34

"And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more" (Jeremiah 31:34).

Date: 27 June 1839 (Thursday)

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 4) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, ‘Know ye the Lord.’ For all shall know him (who remain), from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power and the Other Comforter spoken of, which will be manifested by revelation."

Original:

"the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor know ye the Lord for all shall know him (who Remain) from the least to the greatest, How is this to be don? It is to be done by this sealing power & the other comforter spoken of which will be manifest by Revelation."

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 14:13-20

"Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.

If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:

Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.

Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.

Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness" (Ezekiel 14:13-20).

Date: 26 May 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 120) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"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. [This applies] to the present state of the Church of Latter-day Saints. If the people depart from the Lord they must fall. They are depending on the prophet [and] hence are darkened in their minds from neglect of themselves, envious toward the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy."

Original:
"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 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 from neglect of themselves—envious toward the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy."

Ezekiel 32:17-32

"It came to pass also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Asshur is there and all her company: his graves are about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword:

Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.

There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of them that be slain.

There is Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves are round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

And they shall not lie with the mighty that are fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.

There is Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by them that were slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit.

There be the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain with the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD" (Ezekiel 32:17-32).

Date: 5 June 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: The Wasp (11 June 1842), (Words of Joseph Smith, 122) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"The old Pharaoh was comforted and greatly rejoiced that he was honored as a kind of King Devil over those uncircumcised nations that go down to hell for rejecting the word of the Lord, withstanding his mighty miracles, and fighting the Saints. The whole [is] exhibited as a pattern to this generation and the nations now rolling in splendor over the globe—if they do not repent—that they shall go down to the pit also, and be rejoiced over and ruled over by old Pharaoh, King Devil of mobocrats, miracle rejecters, Saint killers, hypocritical priests, and all other fit subjects, to fester in their own infamy."

Original:
"the Old Pharoah was comforted, and greatly rejoiced, that he was honored as a kind of King Devil over those uncircumcised nations, that go down to hell for rejecting the word of the Lords, withstanding his mighty miracles, and fighting the saints:--The whole exhibited as a pattern to this generation, and the nations now rolling in splendor over the globe, if they do not repent, that they shall go down to the pit also, and be rejoiced over, and ruled over by Old Pharoah, king Devil of mobocrats, miracle rejecters, saint killers, hypocitical priests, and all other fit subject to fester in their own infamy."

Ezekiel 34:11-13

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country" (Ezekiel 34:11-13).

Date: 4 January 1833 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to N. C. Saxton, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 298)

Joseph Smith:

"These are testimonies that the Good Shepherd will put forth his own sheep and lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion and to Jerusalem."

Original:
"These are testamonies that the good Shepherd will put forth his own sheep and Lead them out from all nations where they have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day, to Zion and to Jerusalem."

Ezekiel 37:19

"Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand" (Ezekiel 37:19).

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1839, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:307)

Joseph Smith:

"The Book of Mormon [is] the Stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim."

Original:
"The Book of Mormon (‘The Stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim’)."

Ezekiel 47:1, 8

"Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed" (Ezekiel 47:1, 8).

Date: 6 April 1843 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 180) Go to Full Source

Joseph Smith:

"Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and Judah must return. And the temple, water [will] come out from under the temple. The waters of the Dead Sea [will] be healed. It will take some time to build the walls and the temple."

Original:

Jerusalem must be rebuilt.--& Judah return, must return & the temple water come out from under the temple—the waters of the dead sea be healed.—it will take some time to build the walls & the Temple."

JST

Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Psalms to Ezekiel

Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible - Psalms to Ezekiel