Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 13-28
Matthew 13:40
"As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world" (Matthew 13:40). Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 13)
Joseph Smith:
"What is the end of the world? The destruction of the wicked."
Original:
"What is the end of the world? the destruction of the wicked."
Matthew 13:44
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matthew 13:44). Date: December 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (December 1835): 229
Joseph Smith:
"For the work after this pattern, see the Church of the Latter-day Saints, selling all that they have and gathering themselves together unto a place that they may purchase for an inheritance, that they may be together and bear each other's afflictions in the day of calamity."
Original:
"
for the work after this pattern, see the church of the Latter Day Saints, selling all that they have and gathering themselves together unto a place that they may purchase for an inheritance, that they may be together and bear each other's affliction in the day of calamity.
"
Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 13)
Joseph Smith:
"This figure is a representation of the [kingdom] in the last days."
Original:
"The figure is a representation of the [kingdom] in the last days."
Matthew 13:45-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it" (Matthew 13:45-56). Date: December 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (December 1835): 229
Joseph Smith:
"For the work of this example, see men traveling to find places for Zion and her stakes or remnants, who, when they find the place for Zion, or the pearl of great price, straightway sell that they have and buy it."
Original:
"For the work of this example, see men travelling [traveling] to find places for Zion, and her stakes or remnants, who when they find the place for Zion, or the pearl of great prices; straightway sell all that they have and buy it."
Joseph Smith:
"The pearl of great price is the inheritance prepared for the Saints."
Original:
same as above.
Matthew 13:47-50
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:47-50). Date: December 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (December 1835): 229
Joseph Smith:
"For the work of this pattern, behold the seed of Joseph spreading forth the gospel net upon the face of the earth, gathering of every kind, that the good may be saved in vessels prepared for that purpose, and the angels will take care of the bad."
Original:
"
For the work of this example, see men travelling [traveling] to find places for Zion, and her stakes or remnants, who when they find the place for Zion, or the pearl of great prices; straightway sell all that they have and buy it.
"
Matthew 13:51
"Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord" (Matthew 13:51). Date: December 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (December 1835): 229
Joseph Smith:
"And we say, 'Yea, Lord.' And well might they say, 'Yea, Lord,' for these things are so plain and so glorious that every Saint in that last days must respond with a hearty 'Amen' to them."
Original:
"
and we say yea Lord, and well might they say yea Lord, for these things are so plain and so glorious, that every Saint in the last days must respond with a hearty amen to them.
"
Matthew 13:52
"Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old" (Matthew 13:52). Date: December 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (December 1835): 229
Joseph Smith:
"For the work of this example, see the Book of Mormon coming forth out of the treasure of the heart, also the covenants given to the Latter-day Saints, also the translation of the Bible, thus bringing forth out of the heart things new and old."
Original:
"
For the work of this example, see the book of Mormon, coming forth out of the treasure of the heart; also the covenants given to the Latter Day Saints: also the translation of the bible: thus bringing forth out of the heart, things new and old.
"
Matthew 16:18
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 158)
Joseph Smith:
"Jesus in his teaching says: 'Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' What rock? Revelation."
Original:
"Jesus in his teaching says upon this rock I will build my Church & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it what rock, Revelaiton."
Matthew 16:19
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). Date: 1 October 1842 (Saturday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 October 1842): 934-35; see D&C 128:8-9, 11, 14
Joseph Smith:
"Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven. . . . It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. . . .
"Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. . . . This, therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge."
Original:
"Or in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven; and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world; according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.
"It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of: a power which records or binds on earth, and binds in heaven: nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the Priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah.-This is a faithful saying! Who can hear it?
"And again for a precedent, Matthew, xvi: 18,19. "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the sum and bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given, there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. Herein is glory and honor, and immortality, and eternal life. The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other. To be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of the graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead. Consequently the Baptismal Font was instituted as a simile of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to shew [show] forth the living and the dead: and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another; that which is earthly, conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians, xv: 46, 47, and 48. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, and afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord, from heaven. As is the earthy such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This therefore is the sealing and binding power, and in one sense of the word the keys of the kingdom, which consists in the key of knowledge.
"
Matthew 16:25-26
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:25-26). Date: 4 June 1844 (Tuesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Abijah Tewksbury (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 600-1)
Joseph Smith:
"A good man will endure all things to honor Christ and dispose of the whole world and all in it to save his soul."
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, 422)Joseph Smith:
"'He that seeks to save his life shall lose it; but he that loseth his life for my sake and the gospel's shall find it,' saith Jesus Christ."
Original:
"he that seeks to save his life shall loose lose it but he that los<e>th his life for my sake and the gospels shall find it sayeth Jesus Chirst."
Matthew 17:1-8
"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only" (Matthew 17:1-8). Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 9)
Joseph Smith:
"The priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, and Elias gave the keys to Peter, James, and John on the mount, when they were transfigured before him."
Original:
"the Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, & Elias—gave the Keys to Peter, James & John on the Mount when they were transfigured before him."
Joseph Smith:
"Men will set up stakes and say, 'Thus far will we go, and no farther.' . . . Did the Savior? No, [we] view him . . . on the mount transfigured before Peter and John, there receiving the fulness of priesthood, or the law of God, setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things."
Original:
"Men will set up stakes and say thus far will we go and no farther, did Abraham when called upon to offer his son, did the Saviour, no, view him fulfilling all righteousness again on the banks of jordon, also on the Mount transfigured before Peter and John there receiving the fullness of priesthood or the law of God, setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things."
Matthew 17:10-13
"And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. "Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist" (Matthew 17:10-13).
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Thomas Bullock Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 336)
Joseph Smith:
"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner, same as John the Baptist."
Original:
"the Spirit of Elias is a forerunner same as John the Baptist"
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 333)
Joseph Smith:
"Jesus said of John: 'This is Elias, which was to come, if you will receive me. Otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias. For Elias is preparatory for something greater, to prepare my way before me. I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was to come. For he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent.'"
Original:
"Jesus said of John this is Elias which was for to come if you will receive me otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias, for Elias is preparatory for something greater to prepare my way before me I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was for to come for he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)
Joseph Smith:
"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God. [This] is the priesthood of Elias, or the priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, [he] holds the keys of the power of Elias. It was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."
Original:
"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God which is the priesthood of Elias or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work holds the keys of the power of Elias it was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."
Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 65)
Joseph Smith:
"Now it was written that the priests' lips should keep knowledge, and to them should the people seek for understanding [Mal. 2:7]. And above all, the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites. Therefore, John being lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood, the people were bound to receive his testimony."
Original:
"Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above al the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites therefore Jhon being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony."
Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 66)
Joseph Smith:
"John was not a restorer but a forerunner"
Original;
"Jhon was not a restorer but a forerunner."
Date: 17 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal, (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)
Joseph Smith:
"The kingdom of God was set upon the earth in all ages, from the days of Adam to the present time, whenever there was a man on earth who had authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel, or a priest of God. And unto such a man, God did reveal his will."
Original:
"the Kingdom of God was set upon the earth in all ages from the days of Adam to the present time whenever there was a man on earth who had authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel or a priest of God & unto such a man God did reveal his will concerning the Baptism of John."
Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)
Joseph Smith:
"Where the oracles of God are revealed, there is the kingdom of God. Wherever the oracles of God are and subjects to obey those oracles, there is the kingdom of God. What constitutes the kingdom of God? An administrator who has the power of calling down the oracles of God, and subjects to receive those oracles, no matter if there are but three, four, or six. There is the kingdom of God."
Original:
"Where the oracles of God are revealed there is the kingdom of God. Wherever the oracles of God are & subjects to obey those oracles there is the kingdom of God. What constitutes the kingdom of God? an administrator who has the power of calling down the oracles of God, and subjects to receive those oracles no matter if there are but 3,4, or 6 there is the kingdom of God &c."
Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)
Joseph Smith:
"Some say the kingdom of God was not set up on earth until the day of Pentecost and that John did not preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. But I say in the name of the Lord that the kingdom of God was set up on earth from the days of Adam to the present time whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed his word and gave power and authority to administer in his name. And where there is a priest of God, a minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the gospel and officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the kingdom of God. . . .
"Where did the kingdom of God begin? Where there is no kingdom of God there is no salvation. What constitutes the kingdom of God? Where there is a prophet, a priest, or a righteous man unto whom God gives his oracles, there is the kingdom of God. And where the oracles of God are not, there the kingdom of God is not. In these remarks I have no allusion to the kingdoms of the earth. . . . We speak of the kingdom of God on the earth, not the kingdom of men. . . .
"John was a priest after his father and held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood and was called of God to preach the gospel and the kingdom of God. The Jews as a nation having departed from the law of God and the gospel, the Lord prepared the way for transferring it to the Gentiles. 'But,' says one, 'the kingdom of God could not be set up in the days of John, for John said the kingdom was at hand.' But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John. The people needed not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God, for John had it with him. He came forth from the wilderness crying out, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,' as much as to bawl out: 'Here, I have got the kingdom of God and I am coming after you. I've got the kingdom of God, and you can get it. I am coming after you, and if you don't receive it, you will be damned.' The scriptures represent that all Jerusalem went out unto John's baptism. Here was a legal administrator, and those that were baptized were subjects for a King. Also, the laws and oracles of God were there; therefore the kingdom of God was there, for no man could have better authority to administer than John, and our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being baptized by John. Therefore, the kingdom of God was set up upon the earth, even in the days of John. . . .
"It is evident the kingdom of God was on the earth, and John prepared subject[s] for [the] kingdom by preaching the gospel to them and baptizing them. He prepared the way before the Savior, or came as a forerunner and prepared subject[s] for the preaching of Christ. . . . Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God. But where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men unless they are ordained and authorized of God, for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator. For none others will be acknowledged, either by God or angels."
Original:
"some say the kingdom of God was not set up on earth untill the day of pentecost & that John did not preach the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins But I say in the name of the Lord that the kingdom of God was set up on earth from the days of Adam to the present time. Whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto wholm God revealed his word & gave power & authority to administer in his name. And whare their is a Priest of God, A minister who has power & Authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel & officiate in the Priesthood of God, theire is the kingdom of God & in Consequence of rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ & the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God hath rested upon people Cities & nations in various ages of the world, which was the Case with the Cities of Sodom & gomoroah who were destroyed for rejecting the Prophets. Now I will give my testimony I care not for man I speak boldly & faithfully & with authority. How is it with the kingdom of God, whare did the Kingdom of God begin, whare their is no kingdom of God their is no salvation. What Constitutes the Kingdom of God Whare there is a Prophet a priest or a righteous man unto whom God gives his oracles there is the Kingdom of God, & whare the oracles of God are not there the Kingdom of God is not, In these remarks I have no allusion to the Kingdoms of the earth we will keep the Laws of the Land, we do not speak against them we never have & we can hardly make mention of the State of Missouri of our persecutions there &c but what the cry goes forth that we are guilty of larceny Burlary, arson treason & murder &C &C which is fals we speak of the Kingdom of God on the earth not the Kingdom of mem, The plea of many in this day is that we have no right to receive revelations, But if we do not get revelations we do not have the oracles of God & if they have not the oracles of God they are not the people of God But say you what will become of the world or the various professors of religion who do not believe in revelation & the oracles of God as Continued to the Church in all ages of the world when he has a people on earth I Tell you in the name of Jesus Christ they will be damned & when you get into the eternal world you will find it to be so they cannot escape the damnation of hell
"As touching the gospel & Baptism that John preached I would say that John Came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins he had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the Kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to roll be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a descendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations, Let no man take this honour upon himself except he be Called of God as was Aaron, & Aaron received his Call by Revelation. An angel of God Also appeared unto Zecheriah while in the Temple that he should have a son whose name should be John & he should be filled with the Holy Ghost Zecheriah was a Priest of God & officiating in the Temple & John was a priest after his father & held the Keys of the aronic priesthood & was Called of God to preache the Gospel & the Kingdom of God & the Jews as a nation having departed from the Law of God & the gospel the Lord prepared the way for transfering it to the gentiles But Says one the Kingdom of God Could not be set up in the days of John for John said the Kingdom was at hand But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John, the people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the Kingdom of God for John had it with him, & he Came forth from the wilderness Crying out repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand as much as to baul out here I have got the Kingdom of God & I am Coming after you & if you dont receivee it you will be damned & the Scriptures represent that all Jerrusalem went out unto Johns Baptism Here was a legal administrator, & those that were baptized were subjects for a King & also the laws & oracles of God were there therefore the Kingdom of God was there for no man Could have better authority to Administer than John & our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being Baptized by John therefore the Kingdom of God was set up upon the earth Even in the days of John their is a difference between the Kingdom of God & the fruits & blessings that flow from that Kingdom becaus their was more miracles gifts graces visions healings, tongues &c in the days of Jesus Christ & the Apostles & on the day of pentecost than under Johns Administration, it does not prove by any means that John had not the Kingdom of God, any more than it would that a woman had not a milk pan because she had not a pan of milk, for while the pan might be compared to the Kingdom the milk might be compared to the blessings of the Kingdom John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness & Jesus in his teaching says upon this rock I will build my Church & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it what rock, Revelaiton Again he says except ye are born of the water & the spirit ye Cannot inter into the Kingdom of God, And though the heavens & earth should pass away my words shall not pass away If a man is born of the water & the spirit he can get into the Kingdom of God it is evident the Kingdom of God was on the earth & John prepared subject[s] for Kingdom by preaching the gospel to them & Baptising them & he prepared the way before the Savior or came as a forerunner & prepared subject for the preaching of Christ, &c. Christ preached through Jerrusalem on the same ground whare John had preached & when the Apostles were raised up they worked in Jerrusalem & Jesus Commanded them to tarry thare untill they were endowed with power from on high had they not work to do in Jerrusalem. they did work & prepared a people for the pentecost The Kingdom of God was with them before the day of pentecost as well as afterwards & it was also with John & he preached the same gospel & Baptism that Jesus & the Apostles preached after him The endowment was to prepare the desiples for their mission into the world. Whenever men can find out the will of God & find an Administrator legally authorized from God there is the Kingdom of God but whare these are not, the Kingdom of God is not All the ordinances Systems, & Administrations on the earth is of no use to the Children of men unless they are ordained & authorized of God for nothing will save a man but a legal Administrator for none others will be acknowledge either by God or Angels."
Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)
Location:
Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)
Joseph Smith:
"When the set time was come, John came forth. And when he took up his priesthood, he came bounding out of the wilderness, saying, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' He, having received the holy anointing, was the only lawful administrator, and the Jews all knew it. . . . All Jerusalem and all Judea came out to be baptized of John: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes."
Original:
"And when the set time was come John came forth and when he took up his priesthood, he came bounding out of the wilderness saying repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. he having received the holy anointing was the only lawful administrator and the jews all knew it for the law and the prophets was until John since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it! Why! Why because John was the only lawful administrator and they the Jews well knew it. consequently the only alternative was for them to yeild obedience to mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John or be damned. For all Jerusalem and all Judea came out to be baptised of John, sadusees, pharasees, Essenees."
Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)
Location:
Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 236)
Joseph Smith:
"All the power, authority, and anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist. . . . This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea and Jerusalem coming out to be baptized of him."
Original:
"all the Power & Authority & Anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist or "The Government shall be upon his shoulders" This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea & they of Jerusalem coming out to be baptised of him."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 327-28)
Joseph Smith:
"The spirit of Elias was a going-before, to prepare the way for the greater, which was the case with John the Baptist. He came bawling through the wilderness: 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight.' They were informed if they could receive it, it was the spirit of Elias."
Original:
"the spirit of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater, which was the Case with John the Baptist he Came balling through the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord & make his paths strait & they were informed if they Could receive it. it was the spirit of Elias."
Date: 17 January 1843 (Tuesday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)
Joseph Smith:
"It was the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost, and it was the gospel baptism."
Original:
"It was the Baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost & it was the gospel Baptism."
Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)
Joseph Smith:
"John preached the gospel and must have preached the first principles. If so he must have preached the doctrine of baptism for the remission of sins, for that is the first principle of the gospel and was ordained before the foundation of the world."
Original:
"John preached the gospel & must have preached the 1st principles, if to he must have preached the doctrine of Baptism for the remission of sins for that is the 1st principal of the Gospel and was ordained before the foundation of the world."
Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)
Joseph Smith:
"John came preaching the gospel for the remission of sins. He had his authority from God, and the oracles of God were with him. The kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to be with John alone. . . . He preached the same gospel and baptism that Jesus and the apostles preached after him."
Original:
"John Came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins he had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the Kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to roll be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a descendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations, Let no man take this honour upon himself except he be Called of God as was Aaron, & Aaron received his Call by Revelation. An angel of God Also appeared unto Zecheriah while in the Temple that he should have a son whose name should be John & he should be filled with the Holy Ghost Zecheriah was a Priest of God & officiating in the Temple & John was a priest after his father & held the Keys of the aronic priesthood & was Called of God to preache the Gospel & the Kingdom of God & the Jews as a nation having departed from the Law of God & the gospel the Lord prepared the way for transfering it to the gentiles But Says one the Kingdom of God Could not be set up in the days of John for John said the Kingdom was at hand But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John, the people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the Kingdom of God for John had it with him, & he Came forth from the wilderness Crying out repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand as much as to baul out here I have got the Kingdom of God & I am Coming after you & if you dont receivee it you will be damned & the Scriptures represent that all Jerrusalem went out unto Johns Baptism Here was a legal administrator, & those that were baptized were subjects for a King & also the laws & oracles of God were there therefore the Kingdom of God was there for no man Could have better authority to Administer than John & our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being Baptized by John therefore the Kingdom of God was set up upon the earth Even in the days of John their is a difference between the Kingdom of God & the fruits & blessings that flow from that Kingdom becaus their was more miracles gifts graces visions healings, tongues &c in the days of Jesus Christ & the Apostles & on the day of pentecost than under Johns Administration, it does not prove by any means that John had not the Kingdom of God, any more than it would that a woman had not a milk pan because she had not a pan of milk, for while the pan might be compared to the Kingdom the milk might be compared to the blessings of the Kingdom John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness & Jesus in his teaching says upon this rock I will build my Church & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it what rock, Revelaiton Again he says except ye are born of the water & the spirit ye Cannot inter into the Kingdom of God, And though the heavens & earth should pass away my words shall not pass away If a man is born of the water & the spirit he can get into the Kingdom of God it is evident the Kingdom of God was on the earth & John prepared subject[s] for Kingdom by preaching the gospel to them & Baptising them & he prepared the way before the Savior or came as a forerunner & prepared subject for the preaching of Christ, &c. Christ preached through Jerrusalem on the same ground whare John had preached & when the Apostles were raised up they worked in Jerrusalem & Jesus Commanded them to tarry thare untill they were endowed with power from on high had they not work to do in Jerrusalem. they did work & prepared a people for the pentecost The Kingdom of God was with them before the day of pentecost as well as afterwards & it was also with John & he preached the same gospel & Baptism that Jesus & the Apostles preached after him."
Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 157-58)
Joseph Smith:
"John was a priest after the order of Aaron and had the keys of that priesthood. [He] came forth preaching repentance and baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time cried out, 'There cometh one after me mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.' Christ came according to the word of John. He was greater than John, because he held the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the kingdom of God and had before revealed the priesthood to Moses. Yet Christ was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness."
Original:
"John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)
Joseph Smith:
"He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and baptize with water, but it was he that should come after him that should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost. If he had been an impostor, he might have gone to work beyond his bounds and undertaken to have performed ordinances that did not belong to that office and calling under the spirit of Elias. . . . John's mission was limited to preaching and baptizing, but what he did was legal. And when Jesus Christ came to any of John's disciples, he baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost. We find the apostles endowed with greater power than John; their office was more under the spirit and power of Elijah than Elias. . . .
"What I want to impress upon your minds is the difference of power in the different parts of the priesthood, so that when any man comes among you saying, "I have the spirit of Elias," you can know whether he be true or false. For any man that comes having the spirit and power of Elias will not transcend his bounds. John did not transcend his bound but faithfully performed that part belonging to his office. And every portion of the great building should be prepared rightly and assigned to its proper place. It is necessary to know who holds the keys of power and who does not, or we may be likely to be deceived. That person who holds the keys of Elias has a preparatory work."
Original:
"He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance & baptise with water, but it was he that should Come after him that should baptize with fire & the Holy Ghost if he had been an imposture he might have gone to work beyound, his bounds & undertook to have performed ordinances that did not belong to that office & calling under the spirit of Elias. The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God which is the priesthood of Elias or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work holds the keys of the power of Elias it was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world. John,s mission was limited to preaching & Baptizing but what he done was legal & when Jesus Christ Came to any of John's disciples He baptized them with fire & the Holy Ghost, we find the Apostles endowed with greater power than John their office was more under the spirit & power of Elijah than Elias. In the Case of Philip when he went down to Samaria was under the spirit of Elias he baptised both men & women, when Peter & John herd of it they went down & lade hands on them & they received the Holy Ghost this shows the distinction between the two powers. when paul came to Certain Deciples He asked if they had received the Holy Ghost they said no, who baptized you then we were Baptizd unto Johns Baptism No John did not baptized you for he did his work right, & so Paul went & baptized them for He knew what the true doctrin was & he knew that John Had not Baptised them, & these principles and [it] is strange to me that men who have red the scriptures of the New Testament are so far from it. What I want to impress upon your minds is, the difference of power in the different parts of the Priesthood, so that when any man comes among you saying I have the spirit of Elias you can know whether he be true or false, for any man that comes having the spirit & power of Elias he will not transcend his bounds, John did not transend his bound but faithfully performed that part belonging to his office, and evry portion of the great building should be prepared right & assigned to its proper place, & it is necessary to know who holds the keys of power & who dont, or we may be likely to be deceived, That person who holds the keys of Elias hath a preparitory work."
Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)
Joseph Smith:
"John says, "I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, who has the power, he shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.' . . . John said his baptism was nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ."
Original:
"John says, I baptise you with water but when Jesus Christ comes He shall administer the baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost. John said his baptism was good for nothing without the Baptism of Jesus Christ."
Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342-43)
Joseph Smith:
"'I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, having the keys, he shall baptize you with the baptisms of fire and Holy Ghost.'"
Original:
"I baptize you with water. but when Jesus comes having the keys--he shall baptize you with the baptism of fire & Holy Ghost."
Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 347-48)
Joseph Smith:
"John says, 'I baptize you with water, but when Jesus Christ comes he shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.' John said his baptism was good for nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ. Many talk of any baptism not being essential to salvation. But this would lay the foundation of their damnation."
Original:
"John said his baptism was good for nothing without the Baptism of Jesus Christ, Many talk of any baptism not being essential to salvation, but this would lay the foundation of their damnation."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Thomas Bullock Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 336)
Joseph Smith:
"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner, same as John the Baptist."
Original:
"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner same as John the Baptist."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 333)
Joseph Smith:
"Jesus said of John: 'This is Elias, which was to come, if you will receive me. Otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias. For Elias is preparatory for something greater, to prepare my way before me. I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was to come. For he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent.'"
Original:
"Jesus said of John this is Elias which was for to come if you will receive me otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias, for Elias is preparatory for something greater to prepare my way before me I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was for to come for he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent."
Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)
Joseph Smith:
"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God. [This] is the priesthood of Elias, or the priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, [he] holds the keys of the power of Elias. It was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."
Original:
"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God which is the priesthood of Elias or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work holds the keys of the power of Elias it was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."
Date: 20 March 1842 (Monday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107-9)
Joseph Smith:
"Baptism is a sign ordained of God for the believer in Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the kingdom of God. For 'except you are born of the water and the Spirit you cannot enter into the kingdom of God,' saith the Savior, as it is a sign of command which God hath set for man to enter into this kingdom. Those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain, for God will not receive them, neither will the angels acknowledge their works as accepted. For they have not taken upon themselves those ordinances and signs which God ordained for man to receive in order to receive a celestial glory. And God has decreed that all who will not obey his voice shall not escape the damnation of hell. What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed his commands.
"Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven, that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come. Any other course is in vain. God hath decreed and ordained that man should repent of all his sins and be baptized for the remission of his sins. Then he can come to God in the name of Jesus Christ, in faith. Then we have the promise of the Holy Ghost. . . . It mattereth not whether we live long or short after we come to a knowledge of these principles and obey them. I know that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which God has appointed."
Original:
"Baptism is a sign ordained of God for the believer in Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the Kingdom of God, 'for except you are born of the water & the spirit you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Saith the Savior as It is a sign of command which God hath set for man to enter into this kingdom of God those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain for God will not receive them neither will the angels acknowledge their works as accepted, for they have not taken upon themselves those ordinances & signs which God ordained for man to receive in order to receive a celestial glory, & God has decreed that all that who will not obey his voice shall not escape the damnation of hell, what it is the damnation of hell, to go with that society who have not obeyed his commands Baptism is a sign of God, to angels to heaven that we do the will of God & there is no other way beneath the heavens whareby God hath ordained for man to come to God & any other course is in vain. God hath decreed & ordained that man should repent of all his sins & Be Baptized for the remission of his sins then he can come to God in the name of Jesus Christ in faith then we have the promise of the Holy Ghost
"What is the sign of the healing of the sick? the laying on of hands, is the sign or way marked out by James & the custom of the ancient saints as ordered by the Lord & we should not obtain the blessing by pursuing any other course except the way which God has markd out. What if we should attempt to get the Holy Ghost through any other means except the sign or way which God hath appointed should we obtain it certainly not all other means would fail The Lord says do so & so & I will bless so & so their is certain key words & signs belonging to the priesthood which must be observed in order to obtain the blessings The sign of Peter was to repent & be baptized for the remission of sins, with the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost & in no other way is the first of the Holy Ghost obtained. Their is a difference between the Holy Ghost & the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was Baptized which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the gospel but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost untill after he was Baptized, & had he not taken this sign ordinances upon him the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God would have left him untill he obeyed those ordinances & receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands according to the order of God he could not have healed the sick or command an evil spirit to come out of a man & it obey him, for the spirit might say to him as he did to the sons of Scava Peter I know & Christ I know but who are ye
"It matereth not whether we live long or short after we come to a knowledge of these principles & obey them, I know that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which God has appointed."
Date: 1 September 1842 (Thursday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Times and Seasons (1 September 1842): 905
Joseph Smith:
"This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question. If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be damned' [Mark 16:16]. There was no other name given under heaven, nor any other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved. No wonder the apostle said, being 'buried with him in baptism,' ye shall rise from the dead [Rom. 6:4]."
Original:
"
This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God is the same yesterday, to day and forever; it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: He that believes and is baptised [baptized] shall be saved, and he that believes not shall damned! There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved: No wonder the Apostle said, being "buried with him in baptism," ye shall rise from the dead!
"
Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 230)
Joseph Smith:
"[One] might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but one-half a baptism and is good for nothing without the other, the Holy Ghost."
Original:
"might as well be baptize a bag of sand as a man if not done in view of the getting of the Holy Ghost.--baptism by water is but 1/2 a baptism--& is good for nothing with the other, the Holy Ghost."
Date: 15 October 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 256)
Joseph Smith:
"[It is] one thing to see the kingdom and another to be in it. [One] must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God and subscribe [to] the articles of adoption to enter therein."
Original:
"one thing to see the kingdom. & another to be in it. Must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God. & subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein."
Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)
Joseph Smith:
"The baptism of water with the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it are necessary. [We] must be born of water and spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God."
Original:
"The Bap of Water witht. the B of Fire & the H B. attg. it are necy he must be born of W. & Sp in order to get into the K of God."
Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342)
Joseph Smith:
"Baptism of water, fire, and Holy Ghost are inseparably connected."
Original:
"Baptism of water fire & Holy Ghost. are inseperably connected."
Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)
Location:
Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)
Joseph Smith:
"He, having received the holy anointing, was the only lawful administrator, and the Jews all knew it. For 'the law and the prophets were until John; since then the kingdom of heaven is preached, and all men press into it.' Why? Because John was the only lawful administrator, and they, the Jews, well knew it. Consequently, the only alternative was for them to yield obedience to [the] mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John, or be damned."
Original:
"he having received the holy anointing was the only lawful administrator and the jews all knew it for the law and the prophets was until John since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it! Why! Why because John was the only lawful administrator and they the Jews well knew it. consequently the only alternative was for them to yeild obedience to mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John or be damned."
Matthew 18:18
"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 18:18). Date: 1 October 1842 (Saturday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 October 1842): 934-35; see D&C 128:8-9, 11, 14
Joseph Smith:
"Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven. . . . It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. . . .
"Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. . . . This, therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge."
Original:
"Or in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven; and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world; according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.
"It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of: a power which records or binds on earth, and binds in heaven: nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the Priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah.-This is a faithful saying! Who can hear it?
"And again for a precedent, Matthew, xvi: 18,19. "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: and I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the sum and bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given, there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living. Herein is glory and honor, and immortality, and eternal life. The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other. To be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of the graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead. Consequently the Baptismal Font was instituted as a simile of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to shew [show] forth the living and the dead: and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another; that which is earthly, conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians, xv: 46, 47, and 48. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, and afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord, from heaven. As is the earthy such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly." And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This therefore is the sealing and binding power, and in one sense of the word the keys of the kingdom, which consists in the key of knowledge.
"
Matthew 19:28
"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28). Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday) Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to W. W. Phelps and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 310)
Joseph Smith:
"In the day of judgment, [God] designs to make us the judges of the generation in which we live."
Original:
"in the day of Judgement he disigns to make us the Judges of the whole world generation in which we live."
Matthew 20:25-28
"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28). Date: 5 December 1834 (Monday) Location: Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History 1834-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:23)Joseph Smith:
"The true principle of honor in the Church of the Saints, that the more a man is exalted the more humble he will be—if actuated by the Spirit of the Lord—seem[s] to have been overlooked. And the fact that the greatest is least and servant of all, as said our Savior, [seems] never to have been thought of."
Original:
"the true principle of honor in the Church of the Saints, that the more a man is exalted, the more humble he will be, if actuated by the Spirit of the Lord, seemed to have been overlooked; and the fact, that the greatest is least and servant of all, as said our Savior, never to have been thought of, by numbers."
Matthew 22:1-14
"And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:1-14). Date: March 1834 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1834): 144
Joseph Smith:
"In the 22nd chapter of Luke's [Matthew's] account of the Messiah, we find the kingdom of heaven likened unto a king who made a marriage for his son. That this son was the Messiah will not be disputed, since it was the kingdom of heaven that was represented in the parable. And that the Saints, or those who are found faithful to the Lord, are the individuals who will be found worthy to inherit a seat at the marriage supper is evident from the sayings of John in Revelation: ' . . . The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints'
[Rev. 19:7-8]."
Original:
"
In the twenty second chapter of Luke's account of the Messiah, we find the kingdom of heaven likened unto a king who made a marriage for his son. That this son was the Messiah will not be disputed, since it was the kingdom of heaven that was represented in the parable; and that the saints, or those who are found faithful to the Lord, are the individuals who will be found worthy to inherit a seat at the marriage-supper, is evident from the sayings of John in the Revelations, where he represents the sound which he heard in heaven to be like a great multitude, or like the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. [Rev. XIX].
"
Matthew 22:14
"For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14) Date: 21 January 1844 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 319)
Joseph Smith:
"There has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. . . . Even the Saints are slow to understand. I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God, but we frequently see [that] some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions. They cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law and go through and receive their exaltation? I am unable to say, but many are called, and few are chosen."
Original:
"their has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation it has been like splitting hemlock knots with a Corn doger for a wedge & a pumpkin for a beetle, Even the Saints are slow to understand I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God, but we frequently see some of them after suffering all they have for the work of God will fly to pieces like glass as soon as any thing Comes that is Contrary to their traditions, they Cannot stand the fire at all, How many will be able to abide a Celestial law & go through & receive their exaltation I am unable to say but many are Called & few are Chosen."
Matthew 22:23-30
"The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven" (Matthew 22:23-30).Date: 16 July 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 233)
Joseph Smith:
"A man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world, or he will have no claim on her in the next."
Original:
"a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he dont he cant obtain it."
Joseph Smith:
"No man can obtain an eternal blessing unless the contract or covenant be made in view of eternity. All contracts in view of this life only terminate with this life. [Such is the] case of the woman and seven husbands. Those who keep no eternal law in this life or make no eternal contract are single and alone in the eternal world and are only made angels to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, never becoming sons of God, having never kept the law of God, that is, eternal law."
Original:
"No man can obtain an eternal Blessing unless the contract or covenant be made in view of Eternity All contracts in view of this life only terminate with this Life. Case of the woman & 7 husbands Luke 20-29 &c Those who keep no eternal Law in this life or make no eternal contract are single & alone in the eternal world (Luke 20-35) and are only made Angels to minister to those who shall be heirs of Salvation never becoming Sons of God having never kept the Law of God ie eternal Law."
Matthew 23:13-33
"But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" (Matthew 23:13-33). Date: 15 August 1842 (Tuesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (15 August 1842): 890
Joseph Smith:
"So soon as [the Israelites] began to be puffed up with self-sufficiency, they too, like the ancients, honored the old revelations in word, or profession, but they stoned the prophets which came with new ones—not because God had ever said that he had ceased to give line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, but because they chose darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
"The same principle was signally manifest among the Jews when the Savior came in the flesh. These then-religious bigots boasted of the old revelations, garnished the sepulchers of the dead, gave tithes of mint and anise, made long prayers for a pretense, and crossed sea and land to make proselytes. But yet when the new revelation came fresh from the mouth of the great I AM himself, they could not endure it. It was too much. It showed the corruptions of that generation, as others before."
Original:
"We might continue this subject with great effect among the children of Israel, for so soon as they began to be puffed up with self-sufficiency, they too, like the ancients, honored the old revelations in word, or profession, but they stoned the prophets which came with new ones; not because God had ever said that he had ceased to give line upon line; precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little; but because they chose darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
"The same principle we have been tracing from age to age, was signally manifest among the Jews when the Savior came in the flesh. These, then religious bigots boasted of the old revelations, guarnished [garnished?] the sepulchres [sepulchers] of the dead, gave tithes of mint and annis [anise?]-made long prayers for a pretense, and crosesd [crossed] sea and land to make proselytes, but yet when the new revelation came fresh from the mouth of the great I AM himself, they could not endure ir [it]-it was too much-it showed the corruptions of that generation, as others before.
"
Matthew 23:34-36
"Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation" (Matthew 23:34-36). Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons, 15 April 1842, 761
Joseph Smith:
"As they possessed greater privileges than any other generation, not only pertaining to themselves but to their dead, their sin was greater, as they not only neglected their own salvation but that of their progenitors. And hence their blood was required at their hands."
Original:
"
as they possessed greater privileges than any other generation, not only pertaining to themselves but to their dead, their sin was greater; as they not only neglected their own salvation but that of their progenitors, and hence their blood was required at their hands.
"
Matthew 23:37-38
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (Matthew 23:37-38). Date: 11 June 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 215)
Joseph Smith:
"The reason why the Jews were scattered and their house left unto them desolate was because they refused to be gathered, that the fulness of the priesthood might be revealed among them, which never can be done but by the gathering of the people."
Original:
"The reason why the Jews were scattered and their House left unto them Desolate was because they refused to be gathered that the fullness of the Priesthood might be revealed among them which never can be done but by the gathering of the People."
Joseph Smith:
"Whence are [they] in the curse of Almighty God that was to be poured out upon the heads of the Jews? [Because] they would not be gathered, because they would not let Christ gather them. It was the design in the councils of heaven before the world was that the principle and law of [the] priesthood was predicated upon the gathering of the people in every age of the world. Jesus did everything possible to gather the people. They would not be gathered, and he poured out curses upon them."
Original:
"whence are in the curse of Allmighty God that was to be poured out upon the heads of the Jews? That they would not be gathered. because they would not let Christ gather them. It was the design in the councils of heaven before the world was that the principle & law of that priesthood was predicated upon the gathering of the people in every age of the world. Jesus did every thing possible to gather the people & they would not be gathered and he poured out curses upon them."
Joseph Smith:
"What was the object of gathering the Jews together, or the people of God in any age of the world? The main object was to build unto the Lord a house, whereby he could reveal unto his people the ordinances of his house and glories of his kingdom, and teach the people the ways of salvation. For there are certain ordinances and principles that when they are taught and practiced must be done in a place or house built for that purpose. This was purposed in the mind of God before the world was, and it was for this purpose that God designed to gather together the Jews oft. But they would not. It is for the same purpose that God gathers together the people in the last days, to build unto the Lord a house to prepare them for the ordinances, endowment, washings, and anointings. . . . It was one reason why Jesus said, "How oft would I have gathered you (the Jews) together," that they might attend to the ordinance of the baptism for the dead, as well as the other ordinances, the priesthood, revelations, and so forth. This was the case on the day of Pentecost. These blessings were poured out upon the disciples on that occasion. . . .
"Why gather the people together in this place? For the same purpose that Jesus wanted to gather the Jews: to receive the ordinances, the blessings, and the glories that God has in store for his Saints."
Original:
"He then asked what was the object of Gathering the Jews together or the people of God in any age of the world, the main object was to build unto the Lord an house whereby he could reveal unto his people the ordinances of his house and glories of his kingdom & teach the peopl the ways of salvation for their are certain ordinances & principles that when they are taught and practized, must be done in a place or house built for that purpose this was purposed in the mind of God before the world was & it was for this purpose that God designed to gather togethe the Jews oft but they would not it is for the same purpose that God gathers together the people in the last days to build unto the Lord an house to prepare them for the ordinances & endowment washings & anointings &c. one of the ordinances of the house of the Lord is Baptism for the dead, God decreed before the foundation of the world that that ordinance should be administered in a house prepared for that purpose. If a man gets the fullness of God he has to get [it] is the same way that Jesus Christ obtain it & that was by keeping al the ordinances of the house of the Lord. Men will say I will never forsake you but will stand by you at all times but the moment you teach them some of the mysteries of God that are retained in the heavens and are to be revealed to the children of men when they are prepared, They will be the first to stone you & put you to death. It was the same principle that Crusified the Lord Jesus Christ. I will say something about the Spirits in prision, theire has been much said about the sayings of Jesus on the Cross to the thief saying this day thou shalt be with me in paradise. The commentators make or translators make it out to say Paradise but what is Paradise it is a modern word it does not answer at all to the original that Jesus made use of, there is nothing in the original in any language that signifies Paradise, But it was this day I will be with thee in the world of spirits & will teach thee or answer thy inquiries. The thief on the Cross was to be with Jesus Christ in the World o fSpririts he did no tsay Paradise or heaven. The doctin of Baptism for the dead is clearly shown in the new testament but if it is the word of God then let the doctrin be acknowledged & it was one reason why Jesus said how of would I have gatherd you (the Jews) together that they might attend to the ordinance of the baptism for the dead as well as the other ordinances the Priesthood Revelations &c. This was the case on the day of Pentecost these Blessings were poured out upon the deciples, on that occasion. Their has been also much said about the word Hell & the sectarian world have preached much about it but what is hell, it is another modern term it is taken from hades the greek, or shaole, the (Hebrew) & the true signification is a world of spirits,
"Hades shaole paradise, spirits in prision is all one it is a world of spirits, the righteous & the wicked all go to the same world of spirits but says one I believe in one hell & one heaven all are equally miserable or equally happy, but St Paul informs us of three glories & three heavens he knew a man caught up to the third heavens, & Jesus said their were many mansions in my Fathers Kingdom Any man may believe Jesus Christ is good & be happy in it & yet not obey his commands & at last be cut down by his righteous commandments A man of God should be endowed with all wisdom knowledge & understanding in order to teach & lead people, The blind may lead the blind & both fall into the deatch together; Their is much said concerning God the Godhead &c the scripture says their is Gods many & Lords many, the teachers of the day say that the father is God the Son is God & the Holy Ghost is God & that they are all in one body & one God Jesus says or prays that those that the father had given him out of the world might be made one in us as we are one, but if they were to be stuffed into one person that would make a great God, If I were to testify that the world was wrong on this point it would be true Peter says that Jesus Christ sat on the right hand of God any person that has seen the heavens opened knows that their is three personages in the heavens holding the Keys of Power. As the father hath power in himself so the Son hath power in himself, then the father has some day laid down his body & taken it again so he has a body of his own--so has his son a body of his own so each one will be in their own body. Many of the sects cry out O I have the testimony of Jesus, I have the spirit of God But away with Jo Smith he says he is a Prophet But their is to be no Prophets nor revelations in the last days; But stop sir the Revelator says that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy So by your own mouth you are condemned.
"But to the text why gather the people together in this place For the same purpose that Jesus wanted to gather the Jews, to receive the ordinances the blessings & the glories that God has in store for his Saints."
Matthew 24:3 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:4)
"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3). And Jesus left them, and went upon the Mount of Olives. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, which is the end of the world?" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:4).Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 13)
Joseph Smith:
"What is the end of the world? The destruction of the wicked."
Original:
"What is the end of the world? the destruction of the wicked"
Matthew 24:6-7, 12-13 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:28-30)
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:6-7, 12-13). "And they shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars. Behold I speak for mine elect's sake; for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. And again, because iniquity shall abound, the love of men shall wax cold; but he that shall not be overcome, the same shall be saved" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:28-30). Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 11)
Joseph Smith:
"There will be here and there a stake for the gathering of the Saints. Some may have cried 'Peace!' but the Saints and the world will have little peace from henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the stakes, for God has told us to flee, not dallying, or we shall be scattered, one here, another there. There your children shall be blessed, and you [shall be] in the midst of friends where you may be blessed. The gospel net gathers of every kind. I prophesy that the man who tarries after he has an opportunity of going will be afflicted by the Devil. Wars are at hand; we must not delay. . . .
"We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. When wars come we shall have to flee to Zion. The cry is to make haste. The last revelation says, "Ye shall not have time to have gone over the earth until these things come" [cf. Matt. 10:23]. It will come as did the cholera—war, fires burning, earthquake, one pestilence after another."
Original:
"There will be here & there a stake &c. For the gathering of the Saints Some may have cried peace, but the Saints & the world will have little peace fro henceforth. Let this not hinder us from going to the Stakes, for God has told us to flee not dallying, or we shall be scattered, on here, another there. There your children shall be blessed 7 you in the midst of friends where you may be blessed. &c The Gospel net gathers of every kind. I prophecy that the man who tarries after he has an opportunity of going will be aflicted by the Devil. Wars are at hand we must not delay, but we are [are we?] not required to Sacrifice. We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object.—when wards come we shall have to flee to Zion, the cry is to make haste. The last revelation says ye shall not have time to have gone over the Earth until these things come. it will come as did the cholera, war, & fires burning earthquake, one pestilence after another &c until the Ancient of Days come then judgement will be given to the Saints."
Joseph Smith:
"It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments while the wicked suffer, for all flesh is subject to suffer, and the righteous shall hardly escape. Still, many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith. Yet many of the righteous shall fall prey to disease, to pestilence, and so forth, by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the kingdom of God."
Original:
"it is a false idea that the saints will escape all the judgements whilst the wicked suffer—and 'the righteous shall hardly escape' still may of the saints will escape--for the just shall live by faith—yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease to pestilence &c by reason of the weakness of the flesh and yet be saved in the kingdom of God."
Joseph Smith:
"I prophesy in the name of the Lord God that the commencement of bloodshed as preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man will commence in South Carolina. (It probably may come through the slave trade.) This the voice declared to me while I was praying earnestly on the subject [on] 25 December 1832."
Original:
"I prophecy in the Name of the Lord God that the commencement of bloodshed as preparatory to the coming of the son of man. will commence in South Carolina,—(it probably may come through the slave trade.)—this the voice declared to me. while I was praying earnestly on the subject 25 December 1832."
Joseph Smith:
"We see that perilous times have come, as was testified of. We may look then with most perfect assurance for the rolling in of all those things that have been written. And with more confidence than ever before, [we] lift up our eyes to the luminary of day and say in our hearts, 'Soon thou wilt veil thy blushing face.' He that said, 'Let there be light'—and there was light—hath spoken this word. And again, 'Thou moon, thou dimmer light, thou luminary of night, shalt turn to blood.' We see that everything is fulfilling, and the time shall soon come when the Son of Man shall descend in the clouds of heaven."
Original:
"we see that peralas times have come as was testified of we may look then with the most purfect asshurance for the roling in of all those things that have been written and with more confidence than ever before lift up our eyes to the luminary of day and say in our harts soon thou wilt vail thy blushing face he that said let there be light, and there was light hath spoken this word, and again thou moon thou dimmer light thou luminary of night shall trurn <turn> to blood we see that evry thing is fulfilling and the time shall soon come when the son of man shall [p. 4] desend in the clouds of <heaven.> "
Joseph Smith:
"I will prophesy that the signs of the coming of the Son of Man are already commenced. One pestilence will desolate after another. We shall soon have war and bloodshed. The moon will be turned to blood. I testify of these things and that the coming of the Son of Man is nigh, even at your doors. If our souls and our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, and after we are dead if we are not looking forth, we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon us."
Original:
"I prophecy that the signs of the coming of the Son of Man are already commenced, one pestilence will dessolate after another, we shall soon have war & bloodshed. The Moon will be turned to blood. I testify of these things, & that the coming of the Son of Man is night even at your doors.—If our Souls & our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the So of Man, & after we are dead if we are not looking forth, &c we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon us."
Joseph Smith:
"We realize that perilous times have come, as have been testified of in ancient days, and we may look with certainty and the most perfect assurance for the rolling in of all those things which have been spoken of by all the holy prophets. Lift up your eyes to the bright luminary of day, and you can say, 'Soon thou shalt veil thy blushing face, for at the behest of him who said 'Let there be light'—and there was light—thou shalt withdraw thy shining.' 'Thou moon, thou dimmer light and luminary of night, shalt turn to blood.' We see that the prophecies concerning the last days are fulfilling, and the time shall soon come when the Son of Man shall descend in the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory."
Original:
"
we realize that perilous times have come, as have been testified of in ancient days, and we may look with certainty and the most perfect assurance, for the rolling in of all those things which have been spoken of by all the holy prophets: lift up your eyes to the bright luminary of day, and you can say, soon thou shalt veil thy blushing face, for at the behest of HIM who said, 'let there be light, and their was light,' thou shalt withdraw thy shining. Thou moon, thou dimmer light, and luminary of night, shalt turn to Blood. We see that the prophecies concerning the last days are fulfilling, and the times shall soon come when the 'Son of man shall descend in the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory.'
"
Date: 1 March 1843 (Wednesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 March 1843). 113
Joseph Smith:
"[A certain man] has not seen the sign of the Son of Man as foretold by Jesus. Neither has any man, nor will any man, till after the sun shall have been darkened and the moon bathed in blood. For the Lord hath not shown me any such sign, and as the prophet saith, so it must be: 'Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets' [Amos 3:7]. Therefore, hear this, O earth: the Lord will not come to reign over the righteous in this world in 1843, nor until everything for the Bridegroom is ready."
Original:
"he has not seen the sign of the son of man, as foretold by Jesus; neither has any man, nor will any man, till after the sun shall have been darkened and the moon bathed in blood, for the Lord hath not shown me any such sign, and, as the prophet saith, so it must be."
Joseph Smith:
"How are we to see it? As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west, so also is the coming of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance in the east and moves along gradually. So also will the coming of the Son of Man be. It will be small at its first appearance and gradually become larger until every eye shall see it. Shall the Saints understand it? Oh yes. Paul says so [1 Thes. 5:4-5]. Shall the wicked understand? Oh no. They [will] attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets coming in contact with each other. It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger until it will be all in a blaze, so that every eye shall see it."
Original:
"How are we to see it Ans. As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west—So also is the comeing of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance and gradualy becomes larger until every eye shall see it. Shall the Saints understand it Oh yes. Paul says so. Shall the wicked understand Oh no they attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets comeing in contact with each other
"It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger until it will be all in a blaze so that every eye shall see it."
Date: 6 April 1843 (Thursday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 180)
Joseph Smith:
"The coming of the Son of Man never will be, never can be, till the judgments spoken of for this hour are poured out, which judgments are commenced. . . . All this must be done before [the] Son of Man will make his appearance: wars and rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above [and] on the earth beneath, [the] sun turned into darkness [and the] moon to blood, earthquakes in diverse places, oceans heaving beyond their bounds, then one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, and so forth. Consequently, the Son of Man will come as the sign of [the] coming of the Son of Man."
Original:
"the Son of man never will be, never can be till the judgments spoken of for this hour are poured out, which judments are commenced.—
"Paul says ye are the children of the light--& not of the darkness, that that day should not overtake us as a thief in the night.—it is not the design of the Almighty to come upon the earth & crush it & grind it to powder he will reveal it to his servants the prophets. O what wondrous wise men there are going about & braying like—like as ass cry O, Lord, where is Joe Smith—Jose Smith.—whare—O Away up on the top of the topless throne aha. can &c—
"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. &c & all this must be done before Son of Man will make his appearance."
Matthew 24:14a (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31)
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). "And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked;" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31). Date: November 1835 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Messenger and Advocate (November 1835): 211
Joseph Smith:
"The servants of God will not have gone over the nations of the Gentiles with a warning voice until the destroying angel will commence to waste the inhabitants of the earth. And as the prophet hath said, 'it shall be a vexation to hear the report' [Isa. 28:19]. I speak because I feel for my fellow men; I do it in the name of the Lord, being moved upon by the Holy Spirit. Oh that I could snatch them from the vortex of misery into which I behold them plunging themselves by their sins, that I may be enabled, by the warning voice, to be an instrument of bringing them to unfeigned repentance, that they might have faith to stand in the evil day."
Original:
"
The servants of God will not have gone over the nations of the Gentiles, with a warning voice, until the destroying angel will commence to waste the inhabitants of the earth; and as the prophet hath said. "It shall be a vexation to hear the report." I speak because I feel for my fellow-men: I do it in the name of the Lord, being moved upon by the Holy Spirit. O that I could snatch them from the vortex of misery, into which I behold them plunging themselves, by their sins, that I may be enabled, by the warning voice, to be an instrument of bringing them to unfeigned repentance, that they may have faith to stand in the evil day.
"
Date: 12 November 1835 (Thursday) Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History 1834-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:135; cf. Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:77-78)
Joseph Smith:
"When you are endowed and prepared to preach the gospel to all nations, kindreds, and tongues in their own languages, you must faithfully warn all, bind up the law, and seal up the testimony. And the destroying angel will follow close at your heels and execute his tremendous mission upon the children of disobedience and destroy the workers of iniquity, while the Saints will be gathered out from among them and stand in holy places ready to meet the Bridegroom when he comes."
Original:
"when you are endowed and prepared to preach the Gospel to all nations, kindreds & tongues in their own languages, you must faithfully warn all, bind up the law and seal up the testimony, and the destroying angel will follow close at your heels and execute his tremendous mission upon the children of disobedience, and destroy the workers of iniquity: while the Saints will be gathered out from among them, and stand in holy places ready to meet the Bride-Groom when he comes."
Matthew 24:14b (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31)
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). "And again, this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked;" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31). Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 366-67)
Joseph Smith:
"When [this verse] is rightly understood, it will be edifying. . . . The Savior said, when those tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man who should be a witness over the whole world. The keys of knowledge, power, and revelations should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world. It has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers. Just at the time when some men think that I have no right to the keys of the priesthood, just at that time I have the greatest right. . . . All the testimony is that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the priesthood to a witness over all people. Has the gospel of the kingdom commenced in the last days? And will God take it from the man until he takes him himself? I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ. . . . John saw the angel having the holy priesthood who should preach the everlasting gospel to all nations [Rev. 14:6]. God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained and prepared for that purpose in the last days. Wo! Wo! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his witness in these last days. For they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones. . . . Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of Heaven before this world was. I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council. . . . God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled."
Original:
"I shall read the 24th. ch of Matthew and give it a literal rendering and reading, and when it is rightly understood it will be edifying (he then read & translated it from the German) I thought the very oddity of its rendering would be edifying any how—"And it will preached be; the Gospel of the Kingdom in the whole world, to a witness overall people, and then will the end come." I will now read it in German--(which he did, and many Germans who were present said he translated it correct) the Savior said, when those tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man, who should be a witness over the whole world, the keys of knowledge, power, and revelations, should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world; it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers-- just at the time when some men think that I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood just at that time, I have the greatest right--the Germans are an exalted people. the old German translators are the most correct; most honest of any of the translators, and therefore I get testimony to bear me out in the revelations that I have preached for the last 14 years--the old German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew translations all say it is true, they cannot be impeached, and therefore I am in good company-- all the testimony is, that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the Priesthood to a witness over all people--has the Gospel of the Kingdom commenced in the last days? and will God take it from the man, until he takes him, himself? I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ--John the Revelator saw an angel flying thro' the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c. the Scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, great distress, judgments, &c are ready to be poured out on the Inhabitants of the Earth--John saw the angel having the holy Priesthood who should preach the everlasting gospel to all nations,--God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained, & prepared for that purpose in the last days-- Woe! Woe! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his Witness in these last days.--for they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones--my apostate enemies say that I have been a true prophet--& I had rather be a fallen true prophet, than a false prophet; when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet; false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones-- the doctrine of eternal judgments belong to the 1st. principles of the Gospel in the last days-- in relation to the Kingdom of God--the devil always sets up his Kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God,--every man who has a calling to minister to the Inhabitants of the world, was ordained to that very purpose in the grand Council of Heaven before this world was--I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that grand Council-- it is the testimony that I want, that I am God's servant, and this people his people--the Ancient Prophets declared in the last days the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor, left to other people; & the very time that was calculated on; this people was struggling to bring it out-- he that arms himself with Gun, sword, or Pistol except in the defense of truth, will some time be sorry for it--I never carry any thing weapon with me bigger than my Pen Knife--when I was dragged before the Cannon and muskets in Missouri, I was unarmed. God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled."
Joseph Smith:
"The original translation reads thus: 'And I will send you another witness, and he shall preach this gospel to all nations, to the ends of the world.' But wo to that man or woman who shall lift up their or his hands against God's witness, for they are raising their hands or arms against the power of God, and they will be cursed."
Original:
"I shall read the 24th. ch of Matthew and give it a literal rendering and reading, and when it is rightly understood it will be edifying (he then read & translated it from the German) I thought the very oddity of its rendering would be edifying any how—"And it will preached be; the Gospel of the Kingdom in the whole world, to a witness overall people, and then will the end come." I will now read it in German--(which he did, and many Germans who were present said he translated it correct) the Savior said, when those tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man, who should be a witness over the whole world, the keys of knowledge, power, and revelations, should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world; it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers-- just at the time when some men think that I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood just at that time, I have the greatest right--the Germans are an exalted people. the old German translators are the most correct; most honest of any of the translators, and therefore I get testimony to bear me out in the revelations that I have preached for the last 14 years--the old German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew translations all say it is true, they cannot be impeached, and therefore I am in good company-- all the testimony is, that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the Priesthood to a witness over all people--has the Gospel of the Kingdom commenced in the last days? and will God take it from the man, until he takes him, himself? I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ--John the Revelator saw an angel flying thro' the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c. the Scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, great distress, judgments, &c are ready to be poured out on the Inhabitants of the Earth--John saw the angel having the holy Priesthood who should preach the everlasting gospel to all nations,--God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained, & prepared for that purpose in the last days-- Woe! Woe! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his Witness in these last days.--for they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones--my apostate enemies say that I have been a true prophet--& I had rather be a fallen true prophet, than a false prophet; when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet; false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones-- the doctrine of eternal judgments belong to the 1st. principles of the Gospel in the last days-- in relation to the Kingdom of God--the devil always sets up his Kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God,--every man who has a calling to minister to the Inhabitants of the world, was ordained to that very purpose in the grand Council of Heaven before this world was--I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that grand Council-- it is the testimony that I want, that I am God's servant, and this people his people--the Ancient Prophets declared in the last days the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom which should never be destroyed, nor, left to other people; & the very time that was calculated on; this people was struggling to bring it out-- he that arms himself with Gun, sword, or Pistol except in the defense of truth, will some time be sorry for it--I never carry any thing weapon with me bigger than my Pen Knife--when I was dragged before the Cannon and muskets in Missouri, I was unarmed. God will always protect me until my mission is fulfilled."
Joseph Smith:
"'Preached to a man who should be a witness to all people,' is the meaning of the text."
Original:
"preached to a man who should be a witness to all people, is the meaning of the text."
Matthew 24:24 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:22)
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24). "For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:22). Date: 25 October 1831 (Tuesday) Location: Source: Far West Record: Minutes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844, ed. Donald Q. Cannon and Lyndon W. Cook. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983, 23
Joseph Smith:
"Until we have perfect love, we are liable to fall. And when we have a testimony that our names are sealed in the Lamb's book of life, we have perfect love, and then it is impossible for false Christs to deceive us."
Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 367)
Joseph Smith:
"When a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones."
Original:
"when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet; false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones."
Joseph Smith:
"But in these times in the last days, there will many false prophets arise, and false teachers, and deceive many. They shall have many followers by their deceit. They strive to have power and by their pernicious ways lead off many."
Original:
"But in these times in the last days there will many fals prophets arise and false teachers and decieve many the[y] Shall have many followers by their deceit. the[y] Strive to have power and by their pernicious ways lead of[f] many."
Matthew 24:27-30 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:26, 33, 36)
"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:27-30). "For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Verily, I say unto you, this generation, in which these things shall be shown forth, shall not pass away until all I have told you shall be fulfilled. Although, the days will come, that heaven and earth shall pass away; yet my words shall not pass away, but all shall be fulfilled. And, as I said before, after the tribulation of those days, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory;" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:26, 33, 36). Date: 20 March 1839 (Wednesday) Location: Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Church at Quincy, Illinois (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 432)
Joseph Smith:
"We see that perilous times have come, as was testified of. We may look then with most perfect assurance for the rolling in of all those things that have been written. And with more confidence than ever before, [we] lift up our eyes to the luminary of day and say in our hearts, 'Soon thou wilt veil thy blushing face.' He that said, 'Let there be light'—and there was light—hath spoken this word. And again, 'Thou moon, thou dimmer light, thou luminary of night, shalt turn to blood.' We see that everything is fulfilling, and the time shall soon come when the Son of Man shall descend in the clouds of heaven."
Original:
"we see that paralas times have come as was testified of we may lok then with most purfect asshurance for the roling in of all those things that have been written and with more confidence than ever before lift up our eyes to the luminary of day and say in our harts soon thou wilt vail thy blushing face he that said let there be light, and there was light hath spoken this work, and again thou moon thou dimmer light thou luminary of night shall trurn <turn> to blood we see that evry thing is fulfilling and the time shall soon come when the son of man shall desend in the clouds of <heaven.>"
Joseph Smith:
"I will prophesy that the signs of the coming of the Son of Man are already commenced. One pestilence will desolate after another. We shall soon have war and bloodshed. The moon will be turned to blood. I testify of these things and that the coming of the Son of Man is nigh, even at your doors. If our souls and our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, and after we are dead if we are not looking forth, we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon us."
Original:
"I prophecy that the signs of the coming of the Son of Man are already commenced, one pestilence will dessolate after another, we shall soon have war & bloodshed. The Moon will be turned to blood. I testify of these things, & that the coming of the Son of Man is night even at your doors.—If our Souls & our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the So of Man, & after we are dead if we are not looking forth, &c we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon us."
Joseph Smith:
"We realize that perilous times have come, as have been testified of in ancient days, and we may look with certainty and the most perfect assurance for the rolling in of all those things which have been spoken of by all the holy prophets. Lift up your eyes to the bright luminary of day, and you can say, 'Soon thou shalt veil thy blushing face, for at the behest of him who said 'Let there be light'—and there was light—thou shalt withdraw thy shining.' 'Thou moon, thou dimmer light and luminary of night, shalt turn to blood.' We see that the prophecies concerning the last days are fulfilling, and the time shall soon come when the Son of Man shall descend in the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory."
Original:
"
we realize that perilous times have come, as have been testified of in ancient days, and we may look with certainty and the most perfect assurance, for the rolling in of all those things which have been spoken of by all the holy prophets: lift up your eyes to the bright luminary of day, and you can say, soon thou shalt veil thy blushing face, for at the behest of HIM who said, 'let there be light, and their was light,' thou shalt withdraw thy shining. Thou moon, thou dimmer light, and luminary of night, shalt turn to Blood. We see that the prophecies concerning the last days are fulfilling, and the times shall soon come when the 'Son of man shall descend in the clouds of heaven, in power and great glory.'
"
Date: 1 March 1843 (Wednesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 March 1843). 113
Joseph Smith:
"[A certain man] has not seen the sign of the Son of Man as foretold by Jesus. Neither has any man, nor will any man, till after the sun shall have been darkened and the moon bathed in blood. For the Lord hath not shown me any such sign, and as the prophet saith, so it must be: 'Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets' [Amos 3:7]. Therefore, hear this, O earth: the Lord will not come to reign over the righteous in this world in 1843, nor until everything for the Bridegroom is ready."
Original:
"he has not seen the sign of the son of man, as foretold by Jesus; neither has any man, nor will any man, till after the sun shall have been darkened and the moon bathed in blood, for the Lord hath not shown me any such sign, and, as the prophet saith, so it must be."
Joseph Smith:
"How are we to see it? As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west, so also is the coming of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance in the east and moves along gradually. So also will the coming of the Son of Man be. It will be small at its first appearance and gradually become larger until every eye shall see it. Shall the Saints understand it? Oh yes. Paul says so [1 Thes. 5:4-5]. Shall the wicked understand? Oh no. They [will] attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets coming in contact with each other. It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger until it will be all in a blaze, so that every eye shall see it."
Original:
"How are we to see it Ans. As the lighting up of the morning or the dawning of the morning cometh from the east and shineth unto the west—So also is the comeing of the Son of Man. The dawning of the morning makes its appearance and gradualy becomes larger until every eye shall see it. Shall the Saints understand it Oh yes. Paul says so. Shall the wicked understand Oh no they attribute it to a natural cause. They will probably suppose it is two great comets comeing in contact with each other
"It will be small at first and will grow larger and larger until it will be all in a blaze so that every eye shall see it."
Date: 6 April 1843 (Thursday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 180)
Joseph Smith:
"The coming of the Son of Man never will be, never can be, till the judgments spoken of for this hour are poured out, which judgments are commenced. . . . All this must be done before [the] Son of Man will make his appearance: wars and rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above [and] on the earth beneath, [the] sun turned into darkness [and the] moon to blood, earthquakes in diverse places, oceans heaving beyond their bounds, then one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, and so forth. Consequently, the Son of Man will come as the sign of [the] coming of the Son of Man."
Original:
"the Son of man never will be, never can be till the judgments spoken of for this hour are poured out, which judments are commenced.—
"Paul says ye are the children of the light--& not of the darkness, that that day should not overtake us as a thief in the night.—it is not the design of the Almighty to come upon the earth & crush it & grind it to powder he will reveal it to his servants the prophets. O what wondrous wise men there are going about & braying like—like as ass cry O, Lord, where is Joe Smith—Jose Smith.—whare—O Away up on the top of the topless throne aha. can &c—
"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. &c & all this must be done before Son of Man will make his appearance."
Matthew 24:32-33 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:38-39)
"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32-33). "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand; So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors;" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:38-39). Date: 15 March 1839 (Friday) Location: Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Presendia Huntington Buell (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 428)
Joseph Smith:
"When you see the fig tree begin to put forth its leaves, you may know that the summer is nigh at hand. There will be a short work on the earth; it has now commenced. I suppose there will soon be perplexity all over the earth. Do not let our hearts faint when these things come upon us, for they must come or the word cannot be fulfilled. I know that something will soon take place to stir up this generation to see what they have been doing, and that their fathers have inherited lies, and they have been led captive by the Devil to no profit. But they know not what they do."
Original:
"when you see the fig tree begin to put forth its leaves you may know that the Summer is nigh at hand there will be a short work on the Earth it has now commenced I suppose there will soon be perplexity all over the Earth do not let our hearts faint when these things come upon us for they must come or the word cannot be fulfilled I know that something will soon take place to stir up this generation to see what they have been doing and that their fathers have inherited lies and they have been led captive by the Devil to no profit but they know not what they do."
Matthew 24:36 (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:40)
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36). "But of that day, and hour, no one knoweth; no, not the angels of God in heaven, but my Father only" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:40). Date: 2 April 1843 (Sunday) Location: Ramus, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 168-69) ; see D&C 130:14-15Joseph Smith:
"I was once praying very earnestly to know the time of the coming of the Son of Man, when I heard a voice repeat the following: 'Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man. Therefore, let this suffice, and trouble me no more on this matter.' I was left thus without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the Millennium or to some previous appearing, or whether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the Son of Man will not be any sooner than that time."
Original:
"I was once praying very ernestly to know the time of the coming of the son of man when I heard a voice repeat the following 'Joseph my son, if thou livest untill thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man, therefore let this suffice and trouble me no more on this matter.' I was left thus without being able to decide wither this coming referred to the beginning of the Millenium, or to some previous appearing, or wether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the son of man will not be any sooner than that time."
Joseph Smith:
"I earnestly desired to know concerning the coming of the Son of Man and prayed, when a voice said to me, 'Joseph, my son, if thou livest until thou art eighty-five years old, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man. Therefore, let this suffice and trouble me no more on this matter.'"
Original:
"I earnestly desired to know concerning the coming of the Son of Man & prayed, when a voice Said to me, Joseph , my son, if thou livest until thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man. therefore let this suffice & trouble me no more on this matter."
Joseph Smith:
"I was once praying earnestly upon this subject, and a voice said unto me, 'My son, if thou livest till thou art eighty-five years of age, thou shalt see the face of the Son of Man.' I was left to draw my own conclusions concerning this, and I took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time, he would make his appearance. But I do not say whether he will make his appearance or I shall go where he is."
Original:
"I was once praying earnestly upon this subject. and a voice said unto me. My son, if thou livest till thou art 85 years of age, thou shalt see the face of the son of man.—I was left to draw my own conclusions concerning this & I took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time Jesus he would make his appearance.—but I do not say whether he will make his appearance or I shall go where he is."
Joseph Smith:
"Christ says, 'No man knoweth the day or the hour when the Son of Man cometh.' . . . Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations? Oh no; he spoke in the present tense. No man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour. But he did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should know the day or the hour. No, for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture, for the prophet says that God will do nothing but what he will reveal unto his servants the prophets [Amos 3:7]. Consequently, if it is not made known to the prophets it will not come to pass."
Original:
"Christ says no man knoweth the day or the hour when the Son of Man cometh. This is a sweeping argument for sectarianism against Latter day ism. Did Christ speak this as a general principle throughout all generations Oh no he spoke in the present tense no man that was then living upon the footstool of God knew the day or the hour But he did not say that there was no man throughout all generations that should not know the day or the hour. No for this would be in flat contradiction with other scripture for the prophet says that God will do nothing but what he will reveal unto his Servants the prophets consequently if it is not made known to the Prophets it will not come to pass."
Joseph Smith:
"The rainbow is not to be seen. It is a sign of the commencement of famine, pestilence, and so forth, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant."
Original:
"the Rainbow is not to be seen--it is a sign of the commencement of famine & pestilence &c &c and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant."
Joseph Smith:
"So long as you see the rainbow stretching across the heavens, there will be seed time and harvest, and the Son of Man will not come that year."
Original:
"so long as you see the rainbow strethching across the heavens there will be seed time and harvest and the son of Man will not come that year."
Joseph Smith:
"While inquiring of the Lord concerning the end of time, it was made known to me by the Holy Spirit that there should be prosperity, seed time, and harvest every year in which the rainbow was seen. For to that was Noah referred as a surety on this subject. But in the year when the bow was not to be seen would commence desolation, calamity, and distress among the nations, without seed time or harvest."
Original:
"While enquiring of the Lord concerning the End of time, it was made known to him by the Holy Spirit, that there should be prosperity, seed time and harvest every year in which the Rainbow was seen, for to that was Noah referred as a surety on this subject,-- But in the year when the Bow was not to be seen, would commence desolation, calamity and distress among the Nations, without seed time or harvest."
Joseph Smith:
"So long as we see the bow in the cloud, seed time and harvest shall continue that year. When the bow shall cease, then shall come famine, wars, and so forth, after which the sign of the Son of Man shall be seen in heaven."
Original:
"So long as we see the bow in the cloud seed time & harvest shall continue that year when the bow shall cease then shall come famine wars &c after which the sign of the son of man shall be seen in heaven."
Joseph Smith:
"The Savior will not come this year, nor forty years to come. The bow has been seen in the cloud, and in that year that the bow is seen, seed time and harvest will be. But when the bow ceases to be seen, look out for a famine."
Original:
"The Savior will not come this year. nor 40 yrs to come. Me bow has been seen in the cloud & in that year that the bow is seen seed time and harvest will be. but when the bow ceases to be seen look out for a famine."
Joseph Smith:
"I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming, and while asking, the Lord gave me a sign and said: 'In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the bow should be seen, the Lord would not come; but there should be seed time [and] harvest during that year. But whenever you see the bow withdraw, it shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the nations.' . . . Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise time that he would come. Go and read the scriptures, and you cannot find anything that specified the exact [time] he would come. All that say so are false teachers."
Original:
"I have asked of the Lord concerning his coming & while asking, the Lord gave me a sign & said in the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign & token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come, but their should be seed time--harvest during that year, but when ever you see the bow withdraw, it shall be a token that their shall be famin pestilance & great distress among the nations. But I take the responsibility upon myself to prophesy in the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come this year as [William] Miller has prophecyed, for we have seen the bow. And I also Prophecy in the name of the Lord that Christ will not Come in forty years & if God ever spake by my mouth he will not come in that length of time & Jesus Christ never did reveal to any man the precise time that he would come, go & read the scriptures & you cannot find any thing that specified the exact [time] he would come & all that say so are fals teachers."
Matthew 25:14-30
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:14-30). Date: February 1834 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Evening and Morning Star (February 1834): 135
Joseph Smith:
"The reflection that everyone is to receive according to his own diligence and perseverance while in the vineyard ought to inspire everyone who is called to be a minister of these glad tidings to so improve his talent that he may gain other talents, that when the Master sits down to take an account of the conduct of his servants, that it may be said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will now make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'"
Original:
"
And the reflection, that every one is to receive according to his own diligence and perseverance while in the vineyard, ought to inspire every one who is called to be a minister of these glad tidings, to so improve upon their talent that they may gain other talents, that when the Master sits down to take an account of the conduct of his servants, that it may be said, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will now make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
"
Date: March 1834 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Evening and Morning Star (March 1834): 142
Joseph Smith:
"Without a strict observance of all [God's] divine requirements, you may at last be found wanting. And if so, you will admit that your lot will be cast among the unprofitable servants. We beseech you therefore, brethren, to improve upon all things committed to your charge, that you lose not your reward."
Original:
"
without a strict observance of all his divine requirements, you may, at last, be found wanting; and if so, you will admit, that your lot will be cast among the unprofitable servants.-We beseech you, therefore brethren, to improve upon all things committed to your charge, that you lose not your reward!
"
Date: April 1834 Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Evening and Morning Star (April 1834): 152
Joseph Smith:
"The great plan of salvation is a theme which ought to occupy our strictest attention and be regarded as one of heaven's best gifts to mankind. No consideration whatever ought to deter us from approving ourselves in the sight of God, according to his divine requirement. Men not infrequently forget that they are dependent upon heaven for every blessing which they are permitted to enjoy and that for every opportunity granted them they are to give an account. You know, brethren, that when the Master called his servants he gave them their several benefits to improve on while he should tarry for a little season, and then he will call each to render his account. And where five talents were bestowed, ten will be required, and he that has made no improvement will be cast out as an unprofitable servant, and the faithful are to enjoy everlasting honors. Therefore, we earnestly implore the grace of our Father to rest upon you, through Jesus Christ his Son, that you may not faint in the hour of temptation, nor be overcome in the time of persecution."
Original:
"
The great plan of salvation is a theme which ought to occupy our strictest attention, and be regarded as one of heaven's best gifts to mankind. No consideration whatever ought to deter us from approving ourselves in the sight of God, according to his divine requirement. Men not unfrequently forget, that they are dependent upon heaven for every blessing which they are permitted to enjoy, and that for every opportunity, granted them, they are to give an account. You know, brethren, that when the Master called his servants, he gave them their several benefits to improve only while he should tarry for a little season, and then he will call each to render his account; and where five talents were bestowed, ten will be required, and he that has made no improvement will be cast out as an unprofitable servant, and the faithful are to enjoy everlasting honors.-Therefore, we earnestly implore the grace of our Father to rest upon you, through Jesus Christ his Son, that you may not faint in the hour of temptation, nor be overcome in the time of persecution.
"
Date: 1842 Location: Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Nancy Rigdon, Sangamo Journal (19 August 1842); (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 539)
Joseph Smith:
"Blessings offered but rejected are no longer blessings but become like the talent hid in the earth by the wicked and slothful servant. The proffered good returns to the giver; the blessing is bestowed on those who will receive and occupy. For unto him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundantly; but from him that hath not, or will not receive, shall be taken away that which he hath, or might have had."
Original:
"Blessings offered, but rejected are no longer blessings, but become like the talent hid in the earth by the wicked and slothful servant-the proffered good returns of the giver, the blessing is bestowed on those who will receive, and occupy; for unto him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundantly; but unto him that hath not, or will not receive, shall be taken away that which he hath, or might have had."
Matthew 27:1
"When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:" (Matthew 27:1). Date: 12 November 1835 (Thursday) Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Ohio Journal 1835-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:75; cf. Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:133)
Joseph Smith:
"Darkness prevails at this time as it was at the time Jesus Christ was about to be crucified. The powers of darkness strove to obscure the glorious sun of righteousness that began to dawn upon the world and was soon to burst in great blessings upon the heads of the faithful."
Original:
"Darkness prevails; it is in a great degree now as it was when Christ was about to be crucified. The powers of darkness strove to obscure the glorious sun of righteousness, that then began to dawn upon the world, and was soon to burst in great blessings upon the heads of the faithful."
Matthew 27:52-53
"And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many" (Matthew 27:52-53). Date: 1 June 1841 (Tuesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429
Joseph Smith:
"We read that many bodies of the Saints arose at Christ's resurrection, probably all the Saints."
Original:
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Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints.
"
Matthew 28:18
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Date: 27 August 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 246)
Joseph Smith:
"Did ever language of such magnitude fall from the lips of any man? Hearken [to] him!"
Original:
"did ever language of such magnitude fall from the lips of any man, hearken him."
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