Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible

Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 3-24

Luke 3:8-9 "Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Luke 3:8-9).

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 162)

Joseph Smith:

"From the moment John's voice was first heard, he was the pruner on the earth."

Original:
"from the moment John's voice was first heard he was the Prunner on the earth entitled to salvation. on the earth."

Luke 3:16 "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" (Luke 3:16).

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 (Tuesday)

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."

Luke 3:21-22 "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased" (Luke 3:21-22).

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 65)

Joseph Smith:

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 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal, (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

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."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 327-28)

Joseph Smith:

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:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 157-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)

Joseph Smith:

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:

Date: 10 March 1844

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:

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 20 March 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107-9)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 1 September 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 September 1842): 905

Joseph Smith:

Date: 9 July 1843

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 230)

Joseph Smith:

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:

Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18).

Date: July 1838

Location: Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, USA

Source: Elders' Journal (July 1838): 43

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 15 October 1841 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

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

"'Infinite years in torment must he spend'

"'And never, never, never, have an end.'

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

"When speaking about the blessings pertaining to the gospel, and the consequences connected with disobedience to its requirements, we are frequently asked the question, what has become of our Fathers? will they all be damned for not obeying the gospel, when they never heard it? certainly not. But they will possess the same privilege that we here enjoy, through the medium of the everlasting priesthood, which not only administers on earth but in heaven, and the wise dispensations of the great Jehovah; hence those characters referred to by Isaiah will be visited by this priesthood, and come out of their prison, upon the same principle as those who were disobedient in the days of Noah, were visited by our Saviour [Savior], [who possessed the everlasting, Melchizedec priesthood,] and had the gospel preached to them, by him in prison; and in order that they might fulfil [fulfill] all the requisitions of God, their living friends were baptized for their dear friends, and thus fulfilled the requirements of God."

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

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

"'Infinite years in torment must he spend'

"'And never, never, never, have an end.'

Date: 1 October 1842 (Saturday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 11 June 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

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

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

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

"'Infinite years in torment must he spend'

"'And never, never, never, have an end.'

Date: 15 December 1840 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Twelve (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 521)

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Date: 27 March 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

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

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

Luke 5:29-32 "And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:29-32).

Date: 9 June 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 123)

Joseph Smith:

"Christ said he came to call sinners to repentance and save them. Christ was condemned by the righteous Jews because he took sinners into his society. He took them upon the principle that they repented of their sins."

Original:
"Christ said he came to call sinners to repentance and save them. Christ was condemn'd by the righteous Jews because he took sinners into his society—He took them upon the principle that they repented of their sins."

Luke 6:22 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake" ( Luke 6:22).

Date: 18 August 1833 (Sunday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to W. W. Phelps and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 308)

Joseph Smith:

"Know this, when men thus deal with you and speak all manner of evil of you falsely for the sake of Christ, that he is your friend."

Original:
"know this when men thus deal with you and speak all maner of evel of you falsly for the sake of Christ that he is your friend."

Date: 31 August 1842 (Wednesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (Words of Joseph Smith, 131)

Joseph Smith:

"Shall a man be considered bad when men speak evil of him? No! If a man stands and opposes the world of sin, he may expect all things arrayed against him."

Original:
"Shall a man be considered bad when men speak evil of him? No! If a man stands and opposes the world of sin, he may expect all things array'd against him."

Date: 1 September 1842 (Thursday)

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Illinois Journal 1841-1842, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:457); see D&C 127:4

Joseph Smith:

"And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."

Original:
"And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you: for all this there is a reward in heaven."

Luke 6:27-28

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you" (Luke 6:27-28).

Date: 15 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1842): 759

Joseph Smith:

"While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. He views them as his offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men causes 'his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends his rain on the just and unjust.'"

Original:
"while one portion of the human race are judging and condemning the other without mercy, the great parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care, and paternal regard; he views them as his offspring; and without any of these contracted feelings that influence the children of men, causes 'his sun to rise on the evil and the good; and sends his rain on the just and unjust.'"

Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 229)

Joseph Smith:

"If we would secure and cultivate the love of others, we must love others, even our enemies as well as friends."

Original:
"if we would secure & cultivate the love of others we must love others, even our enemies--as well as friends."

Luke 6:30
"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again" (Luke 6:30)

Date: 22 January 1840 (Wednesday)

Location: Brandywine Chester County, Pennsylvania

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Mr. Editor (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 496)

Joseph Smith:

"Every person in this Church has a right to control his own property and is not required to do anything except by his own free voluntary act, that he may impart to the poor according to the requirement of the gospel."

Original:
"every person in this Church has a right to controll his own proppe[r]ty and is not required to do any thing except by his own free voluntary act that he may impart to the poor according to the requirement of the gospel."

Luke 6:43-45 "For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (Luke 6:43-45).

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 353)

Joseph Smith: "Out of the abundance of the heart man speaks. The man that tells you words of life is the man that can save you."

Original:
"out of the abundance of the heart man speaks—the man that tells you words of life is the man that can save you."

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:

"[The] best man brings forth [the] best works."

Original:
"Best man brings forth best works."

Luke 7:28
"For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:28).

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 great in that he baptized Jesus."

Original:
"Jhon was great in that he baptized Jesus."

Date: 29 January 1843 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 162-63)

Joseph Smith:

"How was John the greatest prophet ever born of a woman? How is the least in the kingdom greater than he?

"Answer to the first—his greatness consisted in three things. First, his appointment to prepare the way before the Lord Jesus Christ. Second, his privilege to baptize him or induct him into his kingdom. Third, his being the only legal administrator in the affairs of the kingdom that was then on the earth. Consequently, the Jews had to obey his instruction or be damned by their own law. . . .

"Answer to [the] second query: Christ was least in the kingdom in their estimation, or least entitled to their credulity as a prophet, but as in truth, greater than John."

Original:
"1st How was John the greatest prophet ever born of a woman
"2d How was Christ is the least in the Kingdom greater than he
"Ans to 1st His greatness consisted in 3 things 1st His appointment to prepare the way before the Lord Jesus Christ 2nd His privilege to Baptise him or induct him into his Kingdom 3d His being the only legal administrator in the affairs of the Kingdom that was then on the Earth consequently the Jews had to obey his instruction or be damned by their own Law & Christ fulfiled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the the Law which himself had given to Moses on the mount and thereby magnified it and made it honorable instead of destroying it.

"Ans to 2nd Query Christ was least in the Kingdom in their estimation or least entitled to their credulty as a Prophet but as in Truth greater than John"

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 160)

Joseph Smith:

"How is it John was considered one of the greatest of prophets? Three things:

"First, he was trusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. [Who ever received such] trust, before or since? No man. Second, He was trusted, and it was required at his hands, to baptize the Son of Man. Who ever did that? Who had so great a privilege and glory [to lead the] Son of God into the waters of baptism, beholding the Holy Ghost in the sign of a dove? . . . Third, John at that time was the only legal administrator, holding the keys of power, there was on earth. The keys, the kingdom, the power, and the glory [had gone] from the Jews [to the] son of Zacharias, by the holy anointing [and] decree of heaven. These three constituted him the greatest born of woman.

"[How is it that] he that is least in the kingdom is greater than he? Who did Jesus have reference to? Jesus was looked upon as having the least claim in all God's kingdom. 'He that is considered the least among you is greater than John, that is, myself.'"

Original:
"How is it John was considered one of the Greatest of Prophets? 3 things

"1st he was trusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord.—Trust before or since? no man!—

"2d. He was trusted & it was required at his hands to baptize the son of Man. Who ever did that? who had so great a privilege & glory?—son of God into the waters of baptism & beholding the Holy Ghost—in the sign the form of a dove—with the sign of the dove.

instituted before the creation Devil could not come in sign of a dove.—Holy Ghost is a personage in the form of a personage—does not confine itself to form of a dove—but in sign of a dove. = No man holds this book [Bible] more sacred than I do.—

"3d. John at that time was the only legal administrator holding the keys of Power there was on Earth. the Keys the Kingdom the power the Glory from the Jews Son of Zachariah by the holy anointing decree of heaven these 3 constituted him the greatest born of woman.

"He that is least in the Kingdom is greater than he? who did the Jesus have reference to? Jesus was looked upon as having the least claim in all gods kingdom.—

"He that is considered the least among you, is greater than John! that is myself."

Luke 8:26-39 "And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him" (Luke 8:26-39).

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton's Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60)

Joseph Smith:

"The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. The Devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of [a] man, and when cast out by the Savior, he asked to go into the herd of swine, showing that he would prefer a swine's body to having none. All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The Devil has no power over us, only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the Devil takes power."

Original:
"The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. the Devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of man and when cast out by the Savior he asked to go into the herd of swine showing that he would prefer a swines body to having none. All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. the devil has no power over us only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God the Devil takes power."

Date: 28 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 68)

Joseph Smith:

"The Devil is without a tabernacle, and the Lord has set bounds to all spirits. Hence comes the saying: 'Thou son of David, why art thou come to torment us before the time?' Jesus commanded him to come out of the man, and the Devil besought him that he might enter in a herd of swine nearby. For the Devil knew they were a covetous people, and if he could kill their hogs, they would drive Jesus out of their coasts, and he then would have tabernacle[s] enough. Jesus permitted him to enter into the swine."

Original:
"the Devil without a tabernicle & the Lord as set bo[u]nds to all Spirits & hence Come the Saying thou son of David why are thou Come to torment us before the time, & Jesus Comanded him to Come out of the Man & the Devil besought him that the might Enter in a herd of swine Near by (for the Devil knew they were a Coveitous people & if he Could Kill their Hogs that would Drive Jesus out of their Coasts & he then would have tabernicle enough) & Jesus—permitted him to Enter into the swine."

Date: 1 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 April 1842): 745

Joseph Smith:

"Wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed or controlled and know their future destiny. Hence those that were in the maniac said to our Savior, 'Art thou come to torment us before the time?'"

Original:
"wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed or controlled, and know their future destiny; hence those that were in the maniac said to our Saviour [Savior], 'art thou come to torment us before the time'"

Date: 14 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Yelrome, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 201)

Joseph Smith:

"The greatness of his punishment is that he shall not have a tabernacle; this is his punishment. So the Devil thinks to thwart the decree of God by going up and down in the earth seeking whom he may destroy—any person that he can find that will yield to him. He will bind him and take possession of the body and reign there, glorying in it mightily, not thinking that he had got a stolen tabernacle. By and by, someone of authority will come along and cast him out and restore the tabernacle to his rightful owner. But the Devil steals a tabernacle because he has not one of his own, but if he steals one he is liable to be turned out of doors."

Original:
"the greatness of his punishment is that he shall not have a tabernacle this is his punishment So the devil thinking to thwart the decree of God by going up & down in the earth seeking whom he may destroy any person that he can find that will yield to him he will bind him & take possession of the body & reign there glorying in it mightily not thinking that he had got a stolen tabernacle & by & by some one of Authority will come along & cast him out & restore the tabernacle to his rightful owner but the devil steals a tabernacle because he has not one of his own but if he steals one he is liable to be turned out of doors."

Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 207)

Joseph Smith:

"When Lucifer was hurled from heaven, the decree was that he should not obtain a tabernacle, nor those that were with him, but go abroad upon the earth exposed to the anger of the elements, naked and bare. But ofttimes he lays hold upon men, binds up their spirits, enters their habitations, laughs at the decree of God, and rejoices in that he hath a house to dwell in. By and by, he is expelled by authority and goes abroad mourning, naked upon the earth like a man without a house, exposed to the tempest and the storm."

Original:
"When Lucifer was hurled from Heaven the decree was that he Should not obtain a tabernacle not those that were with him, but go abroad upon the earth exposed to the anger of the elements naked & bare, but ofttimes he lays hold upon men binds up their Spirits enters their habitations laughs at the decree of God and rejoices in that he hath a house to dwell in, by & by he is expelled by Authority and goes abroad mourning naked upon the earth like a man without a house exposed to the tempest & the storm."

Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 208)

Joseph Smith:

"The mortification of Satan consists in his not being permitted to take a body. He sometimes gets possession of a body, but when the proven authorities turn him out of doors, he finds it was not his but a stolen one."

Original:
"The mortification of satan consists in his not being permitted to take a body. He sometimes gets possession of a body but when the proven authorities turn him out of Doors he finds it was not his but a stolen one."

Luke 9:1-2 "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick" (Luke 9:1-2).

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 9)

Joseph Smith:

"How have we come at the priesthood in the last days? It came down in regular succession. Peter, James, and John had it given to them, and they gave it up."

Original:
"How have we come at the priesthood in the last days? They it came down, down in regular succession. Peter James & John had it given ot them & they gave it up."

Date: 1 April 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 April 1842): 745

Joseph Smith:

"The apostles in ancient times held the keys of this priesthood—of the mysteries of the kingdom of God—and consequently were enabled to unlock and unravel all things pertaining to the government of the Church, the welfare of society, the future destiny of men, and the agency, power, and influence of spirits. For they could control [the spirits] at pleasure, bid them depart in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious operations when trying to palm themselves upon the Church in a religious garb and militate against the interest of the Church and the spread of truth."

Original:
"The apostles in ancient times held the keys of this priesthood-of the mysteries of the kingdom of God, and consequently were enabled to unlock, and unravel all things pertaining to the government of the church, the welfare of society, the future destiny of men, and the agency, power, and influence of spirits; for they could control them at pleasure, bid them depart in the name of Jesus, and detect their mischievous and mysterious operations when trying to palm themselves upon the church in a religious garb, and militate against the interest of the church, and the spread of truth."

Luke 9:24-25 "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" (Luke 9:24-25).

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 Christ."

Luke 9:28-36 "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen" (Luke 9:28-36).

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."

Date: 27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 246)

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."

Luke 11:28
"But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it" (Luke 11:28).

Date: 15 July 1842 (Friday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Times and Seasons (15 July 1842): 857

Joseph Smith:
"As a church and a people it behooves us to be wise, and to seek to know the will of God and then be willing to do it. For 'blessed is he that heareth the word of the Lord and keepeth it,' says the scripture."

Original:
"As a church, and a people it behoves [behooves] us to be wise, and to seek to know the will of God, and then be willing to do it; for "blessed is he that heareth the word of the Lord and keepeth it," says the scriptures."

Luke 12:10
"And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).

Date: 3 October 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

"All are within the reach of pardoning mercy who have not committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither in this world nor in the world to come."

Original:
"All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither in this world, nor in the world to come."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 353-54)

Joseph Smith:

"I have a declaration to make as to the provision which God made from before the foundation of the world. What has Jesus said? [For] all sins and all blasphemies—every transgression that man may be guilty of —there is a salvation for him [here] or in the world to come. Every spirit in the eternal world can be ferreted out and saved unless he has committed that sin which cannot be remitted to him. God has wrought out salvation for all men unless they have committed a certain sin. A friend who has got a friend in the world can save him unless he has committed the unpardonable sin. . . . He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it. He has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens are open to him. . . . I warn you against all evil characters who sin against [the] Holy Ghost, for there is no redemption for them in this world nor in the world to come. . . . Those who sin against the Holy Ghost cannot be forgiven in this world or in the world to come. But they shall die the second death. As they concoct scenes of bloodshed in this world, so they shall rise to that resurrection which is as the lake of fire and brimstone."

Original:
"I have a declarn to make as to the provn. which God made from before the foundn. of the world. what has J. sd. All sins & all blas. every trans. that man may be guilty of there is a Saln for him or in the world to come"--every Sp in the Et. world can be ferreted out & saved unless he has comd. that Sin which cant be remd to him--that God has wrot. out saln. for all men unless they have comd. a certn. sin. a friend who has got a friend in the world can save him unless he has comd. the unpard sin & so you can see how far you can be Savior there is no thing that a man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body & there is a way possible for escape. not Part[icul]arly st[ate]d those that are witht. wisdom until they get exalted to wisdom so long as man will not give acct. of his sins a sinner has his own mind & is in his own condemner for the C will the torment of the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burng. with fire & brimstone--I know the Scriptures I understand them--no man can commit the unpardonable sin after the dissn of the body but they must do it in this World--hence the Saln. of J. C. was wrought out for all men to triumph over the devil--for he stood up for a Savior—J. contd. that there wod. be certn. souls that wod. be condemned & the d[evi]l sd. he cod. save them all--as the grand council gave in for J. C. so the d l fell & all who put up their heads for him. All sin shall be forgiven except the sin agt. the H. G. he has got to say that the Sun does not shine while he sees it he has got to deny J. C. when the heavens are open to him. & from that time they begin to be enemies like many of the apostates of the Church of J. C. of L.D.S.--when a man begins to be an enemy he hunts him--for he has the same Sp. that they had who crucd. the Lord of life--the same Sp. that Sin agt. the H. G. I advise all to be careful what you do--stay--do not give way--you may find that some one has laid a snare for you be cautious-- await--when you find a Sp. wants bloodshed murder same is not of God but is of the devil out of the abundance of the heart man speaks--the man that tells you words of life is the man that can save you--I warn you agt all evil characters who sin agt H. G. for there is no redempn. for them in this world nor in the world to come I can enter into the mysteries--I can enter largely into the eternal worlds--for J. sd. where my In my Fars mansion there are many mansions &c There is one glory of the moon sun & star&c we have the reason to have the greatest hope & consoln for our dead-- for we have aided them in the 1.st princ for we have seen them walk in the midst & sink asleep in the arms of J. & hence is the glory of the Sun--you mourners have occn. to rejoice for your husband has gone to wait until the redn. & your expn. & hope are far above what man can conceive--for why God has revd to us--& I am authd .to say by the authy. of the H. G. that you have no occasion to fear for he is gone to the home of the just--don't mourn don't weep--I know it by the test of the H. G. that is within me--rejoice O Israel--your friends shall triumph gloriously--while their murderers shall welter for years.--I say for the benefit of strangers I have a Far. Bror. Friends who are gone to a world of Sp--they are absent for a momt.--they are in the Sp. then shall we hail our Mor. Far. Friends & all no fear of mobs--&c but all one Eternity of felicity--Mothers you shall have your Children for they shall have it--for their debt is paid there is no damn. awaits them for they are in the Spirits--as the Child dies so shall it rise from the ded & be living in the burng. of God.--it shall be the child as it was bef it died out of your arms Children dwell & exercise power in the same form as they laid them down

"The Baptism of Water witht. the B of Fire & the H G. attg. it are necy he must be born of W. & Sp in order to get into the K of God & in the German text bears me out same as the revns. which I have given for the 14 years--I have the test to put in their teeth that my test has been true all the time You will find it in the declar of John the Bap (reads from the German) John says I bap you with Water but when J comes who has the power he shall adm the bap of F. & the H. G. Gt. God now where is all the Sect. world. & if this is true they are all d--d as clearly as any Anathama ever was--I know the text is true--I call upon all to say I--(shouts of I) Alex Campbell--how are you going to save them with water--for John sd. his bapm. was nothing witht. the bap of J. C. One God, Far., Jesus, hope of, our calling, one baptism--all three bap make one. I have the truth & I am at the defiance of the world to contradict.

"I have preached Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German & I have fulfilled all. I am not so big a fool as many have taken me for--the Germans know that I read the German correct--Hear it all ye Ends of the Earth--all ye Sinners Repent Repent--turn to God for your religion won't save you & ye will be d--d but I do not say how along-- but those who Sin agt. the Holy Ghost cannot be forgiven in this world or in the world to come but they shall die the 2nd. death--but as they concoct scenes of bloodshed in this world so they shall rise to that resurn. which is as the lake of fire & brimstone"

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

"[I] speak in relation to the provisions God hath made to suit the conditions of man. What hath Jesus said? [For] all sins and blasphemies—every transgression except one—there is a provision either in this world or in the world of spirits. Hence God hath made a provision that every spirit can be ferreted out in that world that has not sinned the unpardonable sin. . . . After a man has sinned the sin against the Holy Spirit, there is no repentance for him."

Original:
"Speak in relation to the provisions God hath made to suit the conditions of man. What hath Jesus said?--All sins & all blasphemies every transgression except one there is a provision either in this world or in the world of spirit. Hence God hath made a provision that every spirit can be ferreted out in that world that has not sinned the unpardonable sin neither in this world or in the world of spirits. Every man who has a friend in the eternal world who hath not committed the unpardonable sin you can save him. A man cannot commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body there is a way for his escape. Knowledge saves a man and in the world of spirits a man can't be exalted but by knowledge. So long as a man will not give heed to the commandments he must abide without salvation. A man is his own torment. Hence the saying they shall go into the lake that burns with fire & is as exquisite as a lake & so is the torments of a man--I said no man could commit the unpardonable sin after the dissolution of the body--Hence the salvation that the saviour wrought out for the salvation of a man if it did not [indecipherable] him in one place it would another--The contention in heaven was Jesus said there were certain man would not be saved the devil said he could save them. he rebelled against God and was thrust down. After a man has sinned the sin against the H. S. there is no repentance for him."

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:

"God made provisions before the world was for every creature in [it]. All sin shall be forgiven in this world or [the] world to come, except one. [There is] salvation for all men who have not committed the certain sin. . . . [One has] got to deny the plan of salvation, and so forth, with his eyes open. . . . Those who commit the unpardonable sin are damned to '�lam [eternity] without end."

Original:
"God made provisions before the world was for every creature in

"All sin shall be forgiven in this world or world to come--except one

"Salvation for all men who have not committed a certain sin can save any man who has not committed the unpardonable sin. . cannot commit the unpardonable sin after the ~~diss~~ dissolution of the body. Knowledge save a man.—

"No way for a man to come to understanding but give his consent to the commandment Damned by mortification--a lake as of fire of brimstone--as exquisite the disappointment of the mind of man—

"Why? Must commit the unpardonable sin in this world. will suffer in the eternal world until he will be exalted.—

"work of the devil. the plans the devil laid to save the world.—

"Devil said he could save them all--Lot fell on Jesus.--All sin &c forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost.--Got to deny the plan of salvation &c. with his eyes open. Like many of the apostates of christ of the Church of Jesus Christ of last Days.

"Let All be careful.--lest you be deceived. Best man brings forth best works.

"To the mourners, your friend has gone to wait the perfection of the reunion--the resurrection of your friend in felicity. While worlds must wait myriads of years before they can receive the like blessings.--Leave the subject. Bless those who have lost friends. Only gone for a few moments.—

"Shall mothers have their Children? Yes. they shall have it without price. Redemption is paid possessing all the intelligence of a god. The child as it was before it died out of your arms thrones upon thrones. Dominion upon dominion just as you—

"Baptism of water fire & Holy Ghost. are inseparably connected.--found in the German Bible to prove what I have taught for 14 years about baptism.--I baptize you with water. but when Jesus comes having the keys--he shall baptize you with the baptism of fire & Holy Ghost.—

"Leaving the principles of doctrine of baptism &c--one god, one baptism, & one baptism--I.E. all three.

"called upon all men, Priests, and all to repent and obey the gospel.--if they do not, they will be damned.-- those who commit the unpardonable sin are doomed to Gnaolom. without end."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 346-47)

Joseph Smith:

"All sins and blasphemy were to be forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost. . . . Any man that has a friend in eternity can save him if he has not committed the unpardonable sin. He cannot be damned through all eternity. . . . Jesus Christ will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? They must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto them, and know God, and then sin against him. . . . There have also been remarks made concerning all men being redeemed from hell. But I say that any man who commits the unpardonable sin must dwell in hell worlds without end."

Original:
"All sins and blasphemy were to be forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost. God has made provision for evry spirit in the eternal world, and the spirits of our friends should be searched out & saved, Any man that has a friend in eternity can save him if he has not committed the unpardonable sin, He cannot be damned through all eternity, their is a possibility for his escape in a little time, if a man has knowledge he can be saved, if he has been guilty of great sins, he is punished for it, when he consents to obey the gospel whether Alive or dead, he is saved, his own mind damns him I have no fear of hell fire that dont exist No man can commit the unpardonable sin, untill he receives the Holy Ghost, All will suffer untill they obey Christ himself, even the devil said I am a savior and can save all, he rose up in rebelion against God and was cast down,. Jesus Christ will save all except the sons of perdition. What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin they must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto them, & know God, & then sin against him, this is the case with many apostates in this Church, They never seease to try to hurt me, they have got the same spirit the devil had, you cannot save them, they make open war like the devil, stay all that hear, dont make any hasty mooves you may be saved if a spirit of Bitterness is in you, dont be in haste say you that man is a sinner, well if he repents, he shall be forgiven. I could go back and trace evry subject of interest concerning the relationship of man to God if i had time their is many mansions in my fathers Kingdom, what have we to console us in relation to our dead, we have the greatest hope in relation to our dead, of any people on earth we have seen them walk worthy on earth and those who have died in the faith are now in the selestial kingdom of God, they have gone to await the resurrection of the dead, to go to the celestial glory, while there is many who die who will have to wait many years, But I am authorized to say to you my friends in the name of the Lord, that you may wait for your friends to come forth to meet you in eternity in the morn of the celestial world. Those saints who have been murdered in the persecution shall triumph in the celestial world, while their murderers shall dwell in torment untill they pay the utmost farthing.

"I have Fathers, Brothers, children, that are gone to eternity soon to meet me, the time will soon be gone, the trump will soon be blown. A question, will Mothers have their children in Eternity yes, yes, you will have the children but as it falls so it will rise it will never grow, It will be in its precise form as it fell in its mothers arms. Eternity is full of thrones upon which dwell thousands of children reigning on thrones of glory not one cubit added to their stature I will leave this subject here and make a few remarks upon Baptism. I will read a tex[t] in Jerman [German] upon Baptism, 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, Many talk of any baptism not being essential to salvation, but this would lay the foundation of their damnation, There has also been remarks made concerning all men being redeemed from Hell, But I say that any man who commits the unpardonable sin must dwell in hell worlds without end."

Date: 27 June 1839 (Thursday)

Location:

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

Joseph Smith:

"St. Peter exhorts us to make our calling and election sure. This is that sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places [Eph. 1:13-14]. [It is] that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption. This principle ought, in its proper place, to be taught. For God hath not revealed anything to Joseph but what he will make known unto the Twelve. And even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them."

Original:
"St Paul exhorts us to make our Calling & Election shure. This is that sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places (See Eph 1.13.14. In whom ye also trusted, that after y hears the work of truth; the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory.) That we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption, this principle ought. (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed any thing to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve & even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to—bear them."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 334)

Joseph Smith:

"Make your calling and election sure. Go on from grace to grace until you obtain a promise from God for yourselves that you shall have eternal life."

Original:
"Make your calling and election sure go on from grace to grace until you obtain a promise from God for yourselves that you shall have eternal life."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

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

Joseph Smith:

"To obtain this sealing is to make our calling and election sure, which we ought to give all diligence to accomplish. There are two sins against which this power does not secure or prevail. They are the sin against the Holy Ghost and shedding of innocent blood, which is equivalent to crucifying the Son of God afresh and putting him to an open shame. Those who do these, it is impossible to renew unto repentance, for they are delivered to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemptions."

Original:
"To obtain this sealing is to make our calling and election sure which we ought to give all diligence to accomplish

"there are two sins against which this power does not secure or prevail they are 'The sin against the Holy Ghost' And 'shedding of innocent Blood' which is equivalent to 'crucifying the Son of God afresh & putting him to an open shame' Those who do these it is impossible to renew unto repentance for they are delivered to the buffetings of Satan untill the day of redemptions"

Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 368)

Joseph Smith:

"Oh! I beseech you to [go] forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure."

Original:
"Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure"

Date: 10 April 1842 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 113-14)

Joseph Smith:

"If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses. For if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from him and drawing towards the Devil. . . . Search your hearts and see if you are like God. I have searched mine and feel to repent of all my sins. . . . As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the Devil and lose knowledge. And without knowledge we cannot be saved. And while our hearts are filled with evil and we are studying evil, there is no room in our hearts for good or studying good. Is not God good? Yes; then you be good. If he is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing. . . . A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence, it needs revelation to assist us and give us knowledge of the things of God."

Original:
"If you wish to go whare God is you must be like god or possess the principles which God possesses for if we are not drawing towards God in principle we are going from him & drawing toward the devil, yes I am standing in the midst of all kinds of people Search your hearts & see if you are like god, I have searched mine & feel to repent of all my sins, we have theives among us Adulterers, liars, hypocritts, if God should speak from Heaven he would Command you not to steal, not to commit Adultery, not to covet, nor deceive but be faithful over a few things As far as we degenerate from God we desend to the devil & loose knowledge & without knowledge we cannot be saved &while our hearts are filled with evil & we are studying evil their is no room in our hearts for good or studying good, is not God good, Yes then you be good. if he is faithful then you be faithful Add to your faith virtue to virtue knowledge. & seek for evry good thing the church must be cleansed & I proclaim against all iniquity. A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge for if he does not get knowledge he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world as evil spirits will have more knowlede & consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. hence it needs Revelation to assist us & give us knowledge of the things of God."

Date: 14 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Yelrome, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 200)

Joseph Smith:

"It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us, but that we should have a little. Then we can comprehend it. . . . The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. The principle can be comprehended, for anyone that cannot get knowledge to be saved will be damned. The principle of salvation is given to us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ."

Original:
"It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us but that we should have a little then we can comprehend it. He then read the second Epistle of Peter 1st Ch 16 to last vers & dwelt upon the 19th vers with some remarks Ad to your faith Knowledge &c The principl of knowledge is the principle of Salvation the Principle can be comprehended, for any one that cannot get knowledge to be saved will be damned. The Principl of Salvation is given to us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ."

Date: 14 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Yelrome, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 201)

Joseph Smith:

"Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, and so forth, yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure."

Original:
"Not withstanding the Apostle exhorts them to make their CallingAdd to their faith virtue Knowledge temperance &C yet he exhorts them to make their Calling & election Shure."

Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 209)

Joseph Smith:

"There are three grand keys to unlock the whole subject: First, what is the knowledge of God? Second, what is it to make our calling and election sure? Third and last is how to make our calling and election sure. It is to obtain a promise from God for myself that I shall have eternal life. That is the more sure word of prophecy."

Original:
"There are three grand Keys to unlock the whole subject. First what is the knowledge of God, Second what is it to make our calling and election sure. Third and last is how to make our calling and election sure. Ans, it is to obtain a promise from God for myself that I shall have Eternal life. that is the more sure word of prophecy."

Date:� 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 206-8)

Joseph Smith:

"Now brethren, who can explain this? No man but he that has obtained these things in the same way that Peter did. Yet it is so plain and so simple and easy to be understood that when I have shown you the interpretation thereof you will think you have always known it yourselves. These are but hints of those things that were revealed to Peter. And verily, brethren, there are things in the bosom of the Father that have been hid from the foundation of the world that are not known, neither can be, except by direct revelation. The apostle says, " . . . Wherefore the rather, brethren, after all this, give diligence to make your calling and election sure." Knowledge is necessary to life and godliness. Wo unto you priests and divines who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life and salvation. Take away apostles, and so forth, take away knowledge, and you will find yourselves worthy of the damnation of hell. Knowledge is revelation. Hear, all ye brethren, this grand key: knowledge is the power of God unto salvation. . . . There are two keys: one key, knowledge; the other, make your calling and election sure."

Original:
"Now brethren who can explain this no man be [but] he that has obtained these things in the same way that Peter did. Yet it is so plain & so simple & easy to be understood that when I have shown you the interpretation thereof you will think you have always Known it yourselves--These are but hints of those things that were revealed to Peter, and verily brethren there are things in the bosom of the Father, that have been hid from the foundation of the world, that are not Known neither can be except by direct Revelation The Apostle says, unto them who have obtained like precious faith with us the apostles through the righteousness of God & our Savior Jesus Christ, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory & virtue add faith virtue &c. &c. to godliness brotherly kindness--Charity--ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. He that lacketh these things is blind--wherefore the rather brethren after all this give diligence to make your calling & Election Sure."

Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 205-6)

Joseph Smith:

"[There are] three grand secrets lying in this chapter which no man can dig out, which unlock the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind which are not written concerning eternal glory. I am going to take up this subject by virtue of the knowledge of God in me which I have received from heaven. The opinions of men, so far as I am concerned, are to me as the crackling of the thorns under the pot, or the whistling of the wind. . . .

"After having all these qualifications [verses 5-7], he lays this injunction: "But rather make your calling and election sure." After adding all this—virtue, knowledge, and so forth—make your calling and [election] sure. What is the secret? The starting point? 'According as his divine power which hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness.' How did he obtain all things? Through the knowledge of him who hath called him. There could not anything be given pertaining to life and godliness without knowledge. . . . 'After all this, make your calling and election sure.' If this injunction would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken, how much more then to them of the nineteenth century?"

"First key: knowledge is the power of salvation. Second key: make [your] calling and election sure. Third: it is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, and another to hear the voice declare to you, 'You have a part and lot in the kingdom.'"

Original:
"3 grand secrets lying in this chapter which no man can dig out. which unlocks the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophets mind. which are not written concerning eternal glory.

"I am going to take up this subject by virtue of the knowledge of God in me. which I have received from heaven.

"the opinions of men, so far as I am possessed concerned, are to me as the crackling of the thorns under the pot, or the whistling of the wind.

"Columbus and the eggs.--Ladder and rainbow. like precious faith with us--add to your faith virtue &c. another point after having all these qualifications he lays this injunction. but rather make your calling & election sure--after adding all this virtue knowledge &. make your calling & sure.--what is the secret. the starting point.--according as his divine power which hath given unto all things that pertain to life & godliness.

"how did he obtain all things? through the knowledge of him who hath called him.--there could not any be given pertaining to life knowledge & godliness without knowledge wo wo wo to christendom.--the divine spirits; &c if this be true.

"salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies.--until a man can triumph over death. he is not saved. knowledge will do this.

"organization of Spirits in the eternal world.--spirits in the eternal world are like spirits in this world. when those spirits have come into this [and] risin & received glorified bodies. they will have an ascendancy over spirits who have no bodies. or kept not their first estate like the devil. Devils punishment, should not have a habitation like other men. Devils retaliation come into this world bind up mens bodies. & occupy himself. authorities come alone and eject him from a stolen habitation

"design of the great God in sending us into this world and organizing us to prepare us for the Eternal world.--I shall keep in my own bosom. we have no claim in our eternal comfort in relation to Eternal things unless our actions & contracts & all things tend to this end.—

"after all this make your calling and election sure. if this injunction would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken. how much more then to them of the 19. century.—

"1 Key Knowledge is the power of Salvation

"2 Key Make his calling and Election Sure

'3. it is one thing to be on the mount & hear the excellent voice &c &c. and another to hear the voice declare to you, you have a part & lot in the kingdom."

Date: 14 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Yelrome, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 201-2)

Joseph Smith:

"Though they had heard the audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says, 'We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light shining in a dark place.' Now wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God, saying, 'This is my beloved Son'? Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling were made sure, that they had part with Christ and were joint heirs with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings Hash and earthquakes bellow and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble, and tribulation.

"Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. . . . I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God, until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy. And wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it."

Original:
"though they had herd the audible voice from heaven bearing testinoy that Jesus was the Son of God yet he says we have a more sure word of Prophecy where unto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying this is my Beloved Son &C Now for the Secret & grand Key though they might hear the voice of God & know that Jesus was the Son of God this would be no evidence that their election & Calling & election was made shure that they had part with Christ & was a Joint heir with him, they then would want that more sure word of Prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens & had the promise of eternal live in the Kingdom of God then having this promise sealed unto them it was as an anchor to the Soul Sure & Steadfast though the thunders ; might roll & lightnings flash & earthquakes Bellow & war gather thick around yet this hope & knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trail [trial] trouble & tribulation Then Knowledge through our Lord & savior Jesus Christ is the grand Key that unlocks the glories & mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven compare this principle once with Christendom at the present day & whare are they with all their boasted religion piety & sacredness while at the same time they are Crying out against Prophets Apostles Angels Revelation, Prophesyings, & Visions &C. Why they are Just ripening for the damnation of hell, they will be damned for they reject the more glorious principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ & treat with disdain & trample under foot the main key that unlocks the heavens & puts in our possession the glories of the Celestial world. Yes I say such will be damned with all their professed godliness

"Then I would exhort you to go on & continue to call upon God until you make your Calling & election sure for yourselves by obtaining this more sure word of Prophesy & wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it"

Date: 17 May 1843 (Wednesday)

Location: Ramus, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 202) ; see D&C 131:5

Joseph Smith:

"The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood."

Original:
"He said the more sure word of prophecy meant a mans knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life by revelation & the spirit of prophecy through the power of the Holy priesthood."

Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 208)

Joseph Smith:

"It is one thing to receive knowledge by the voice of God ('this is my beloved Son,' etc.) and another to know that you yourself will be saved. To have a positive promise of your own salvation is making your calling and election sure. Namely, the voice of Jesus saying, 'My beloved, thou shalt have eternal life.' Brethren, never cease struggling until you get this evidence. Take heed both before and after obtaining this more sure word of prophecy."

Original:
"It is one thing to receive knowledge by the voice of God, (this is my beloved Son &c.) & another to Know that you yourself will be saved, to have a positive promise of your own Salvation is making your Calling and Election sure. viz the voice of Jesus saying my beloved thou shalt have eternal life. Brethren never cease strugling until you get this evidence. T Take heed both before and after obtaining this more sure word of Prophecy."

Luke 13:1-5 "There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Date: 29 September 1839 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Illinois Journal 1839, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:332)

Joseph Smith:

"It is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death, and the Savior has said, 'Judge not, lest ye be judged' [Matt. 7:1]."

Original:
"it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death for all flesh is subject to death and the Saviour has said, 'Judge not lest ye be judged'."

Date: 28 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67-68)

Joseph Smith:

"In the book is a great display of human nature. It is very natural for a man when he sees his fellow man afflicted his natural conclusion is that he is suffering the wrath of an angry God and turn from him in haste, not knowing the purpose of God." �

Original:
"Joseph Reads the 38th Ch—of Job. in the book he says is a great Display of human Nature—it is very Natureal for a man when he sees his fellow man afflicted his Natureal conclusion is that he is suffering the Rath of an angry God & turn from him in haste not knowing the purpose of God."

Luke 13:34
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" (Luke 13:34).
Date: 11 June 1843 (Friday)

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."

Date: 11 June 1843 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 210)

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."

Date: 11 June 1843 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 212-13, 214)

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."

Luke 15:1-2 "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them" (Luke 15:1-2).

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 161)

Joseph Smith:
"What is the rule of interpretation? Just no interpretation at all, understood precisely as it reads. I have a key by which I understand the scripture: I inquire what was the question which drew out the answer. . . . First dig up the root. What drew the saying out of Jesus? Pharisees and scribes murmured: 'This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.' This is the key word—to answer the murmuring and questioning of Sadducees and Pharisees: 'Is this man as great as he pretends to be and eats with publicans and sinners.'"
Original:
"what is the rule of interpretation? Just no interpretation at all. understood precisely as it read.—I have Key by which I understand the scripture—I enquire what was the question which drew out the answer.—

"National. Abraham. &c as some suppose 1st place dig up the root—what drew out the saying out of Jesus? Pharisees & scribes murmured! this man receives sinners & eatheth with them this is the key word.—to answer the murmuring & questioning of [that] Saducees & Pharisees had is it this man as great as he pretends to be. & eat with publicans & sinners."

Luke 15:2-10 "And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:2-10).

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 161)

Joseph Smith:
"'This man receiveth sinners.' He spoke this parable: 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep and a hundred Sadducees and Pharisees . . . ?' 'If you Pharisees and Sadducees are in the sheepfold, I have no mission for you. [I am] sent to look up sheep that are lost. [I] will back them up and make joy in heaven, hunting after a few individuals, laying [them] on [my] shoulder, one publican you despise, one piece of silver, the piece which was lost. Joy is found [in the presence] of the angels over one sinner that repenteth' "[The Pharisees and Sadducees are] so righteous they will be damned. Anyhow, you cannot save them; [it is like] rain off from a goose's back. 'Great I, little you!'"

Original:
"this man receiveth sinners—he spoke this parable. what man of you having an hundred sheep & 100 saducees & Pharisees If you pharisees & saducees. are in the sheepfold. I have no mission for you sent to look up sheep that are lost will back him up—& make joy in heaven.—hunting after a few individuals laying it on his Shoulder—one publican you despise.—one piece of Silver—the piece which was lost—Joy in found of the angels over one sinner that repenteth so righteous they will be damned any how you cannot save them rain off from a gooses back—Great I. little you."

Luke 15:11-32 "And he said, A certain man had two sons:

And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found" (Luke 15:11-32).

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 161-62) ��

Joseph Smith:

"'A certain man had two sons,' and so forth. '[I] am a poor publican, a sinner.' [He] humbled [himself], spending [his] bread and living. 'I'll return to my father's house, to Jesus.' 'You Pharisees [are] so righteous you cannot be touched.' 'I will arise and claim not [to] be a Pharisee or Sadducee. I claim not to be a son. Do not let me starve.' . . . All that is meant is brought to bear upon the Pharisee, Sadducee, the publican, and sinners. [The] eldest son: Pharisees and Sadducees murmuring and complaining because Jesus sat with the publicans and sinners. . . .

[The] dealing of God with individual men [is] always righteous. [They] always have access to [the] throne of God. . . . Servants of God of the last days, myself and those I have ordained, have the priesthood and a mission—to the publicans and sinners."

Original:
"certain man had two sons &c.—am a poor publican a sinner—humbled themselves. spending their bread & living &c Ill return to my fathers house. to Jesus you pharisees so righteous you cannot be touched.—I will arise &c claim not be a pharisee or saducee. I claim not to be a son do not let me starve—nothing about Ephraim Abraham—is not mentioned. all that is meant is brought to bear upon the pharisee. saducee. the publicans & sinners, Eldest son, pharisees & saducees murmuring & complaining—because Jesus sat with publicans & sinners—father came out & entreated when John came baptized all. when Jesus come they were angry & would not go in. dealing of God with individuals men always Righteous always have access to throne of God eats in his fathers home If we interpret this to national, view where is the eldest son?

"likened the kingdom to an old womans milk pan—how could Jesus take the kingdom from those who bore no fruit & give it to another.—is an apple tree no longer a tree because it has no apples? parable of Prodigal son spoken to illustrate this distinction—from the moment John's voice was first heard he was the Prunner on the earth entitled to salvation. on the earth.

"Servants of God of the last days myself & those I have ordained, have the priesthood & a mission—to the publicans & sinners."

Luke 16:16

"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it" (Luke 16:16).

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."

Luke 16:31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:31).

Date: 12 December 1835 (Saturday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Ohio Journal 1835-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:102)

Joseph Smith:

"The victims of priestcraft and superstition would not believe though one should rise from the dead."

Original:
"the victims of priestcraft and superstition, would not believe though one should rise from the dead."

Date: 12 December 1835 (Saturday)

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA�

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, History 1834-1836, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 1:158)

Joseph Smith:

"Priestcraft has its victims also in this age, like those in ages past, that would not believe though one should rise from the dead."

Original:
"priestcraf[t] has it's victims, also in this age, like those in ages past, that would not believe, though one should rise from the dead."

Luke 18:1-8

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8).

Date: 10 December 1833 (Tuesday)

Location: Kirtland Mills, Lake County, Ohio, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Edward Partridge and others (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 331)

Joseph Smith:

"[When] all things else fail you but God alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor woman the unjust judge, he will not fail to execute judgement upon your enemies and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night. Behold, he will not fail you."

Original:
"all things else fails you but God alone, and you continue to weary him with your importunings, as the poor woman the unjust Judge, he will not fail to exicute Judgment upon your enemies and to avenge his own elect that cry unto him day and night � Behold he will not fail you."

Luke 18:10-14

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" (Luke 18:10-14).

Date: 24 December 1842 (Saturday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith's Journal 1842-43, by Willard Richards, Church Archives (An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, 258)

Joseph Smith:

"The better a man is the more his prayer will prevail, like the publican and Pharisee. One was justified rather than the other, showing that both were justified in a degree."

Original:
"The better a man is the more his prayer will prevail like the publican and pharisee, one was justified rather than the other showing that both were justified in a degree."

Luke 20:27-36

"Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.

And the second took her to wife, and he died childless.

And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.

Last of all the woman died also.

Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife.

And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection" (Luke 20:27-36).

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 an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next."

Date: 16 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 232)

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."

Luke 21:9-11

"But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven" (Luke 21:9-11).

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."

Date: 29 September 1839 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Papers, Illinois Journal 1839, Church Archives (Papers of Joseph Smith, 2:332)

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."

Date: 2 April 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Ramus, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 172) ; see D&C 130:12-13

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."

Date: 20 March 1839 (Wednesday)

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

Source: Joseph Smith Letter to the Church at Quincy, Illinois, Church Archives (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 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.> "

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 10-11)

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."

Date: May 1840

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (May 1840): 100

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."

Date: 6 April 1843 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 181)

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."

Luke 21:25-27

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:25-27).

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:

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.>"

Date: 1839

Location:

Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 10-11)

Joseph Smith:

Date: May 1840

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (May 1840): 100

Joseph Smith:

Date: 1 March 1843 (Wednesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 March 1843). 113

Joseph Smith:

Date: 6 April 1843 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 181)

Joseph Smith:

"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:

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.—

Luke 21:29-31

"And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand" (Luke 21:29-31).

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."

Luke 21:36

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).

Date: 15 July 1842 (Friday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 July 1842): 857

Joseph Smith:

"'Watch and pray always,' says our Savior, 'that ye may be accounted worthy to escape the things that are coming on the earth, and to stand before the Son of Man.' If Enoch, Abraham, Moses, the children of Israel, and all God's people were saved by keeping the commandments of God, we, if saved at all, shall be saved upon the same principle. As God governed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as families, and the children of Israel as a nation, so we as a Church must be under his guidance if we are prospered, preserved, and sustained. Our only confidence can be in God, our only wisdom obtained from him, and he alone must be our protector and safeguard, spiritually and temporally, or we fall."

Original:
"Watch and pray always," says our Savior, "that ye may be accounted worthy to escape the things that are coming on the earth, and to stand before the Son of man." If Enoch, Abraham, Moses, the children of Israel, and all God's people were saved by keeping the commandments of God, we, if saved at all, shall be saved upon the same principle. As God governed Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as families, and the children of Israel as a nation, so we, as a church, must be under his guidance if we are prospered, proserved [preserved], and sustained. Our only confidence can be in God; our only wisdom obtained from him; and he alone must be our protector and safeguard, spiritually and temporally, or we fall."

Luke 22:3-4

"Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them" (Luke 22:3-4).

Date: April 1834

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Evening and Morning Star (April 1834): 152

Joseph Smith:

"From apostates the faithful have received the severest persecutions. Judas was rebuked and immediately betrayed his Lord into the hands of his enemies, because Satan entered into him. There is a supreme intelligence bestowed upon such as obey the gospel with full purpose of heart, which, if sinned against, the apostates are left naked and destitute of the Spirit of God, and they are, in truth, nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. When once that light which was in them is taken from them, they become as much darkened as they were previously enlightened. And then, no marvel if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas-like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors. What nearer friend on earth or in heaven had Judas than the Savior? And his first object was to destroy him! Who among all the Saints in these last days can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as perfect, who is as pure, and who as holy as he was? Are they to be found? He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven. No deceit was in his mouth, neither was guile found in his heart. And yet one that ate with him, who had often supped of the same cup, was the first to lift up his heel against him. Where is there one like him? He cannot be found on earth. Then why should his followers complain if from those whom they once called brethren, and considered in the nearest relation in the everlasting covenant, they should receive persecution? From what source emanated the principle which has ever been manifested by apostates from the true Church to persecute with double diligence, and seek with double perseverance, to destroy those whom they once professed to love, with whom they once communed, and with whom they once covenanted to strive with every power in righteousness to obtain the rest of God? Perhaps, our brethren will say, the same that caused Satan to seek to overthrow the kingdom of God, because he himself was evil, and God's kingdom is holy."

Original:
"From apostates the faithful have received the severest persecutions: Judas was rebuked, and immediately betrayed his Lord into the hands of his enemies, because satan entered into him. There is a supreme intelligence bestowed upon such as obey the gospel with full purpose of heart, which, if sinned against, the apostate is left naked and destitute of the Spirit of God, and they are in truth, nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. When once that light which was in them is taken from them, they become as much darkened as they were previously enlightened. And then, no marvel, if all their power should be enlisted against the truth, and they, Judas like, seek the destruction of those who were their greatest benefactors! What nearer friend on earth, or in heaven, had Judas, than the Savior? and his first object was to destroy him! Who, among all the saints in these last days, can consider himself as good as our Lord? Who is as perfect, who is as pure, and who as holy as he was? Are they to be found? He never transgressed or broke a commandment or law of heaven no deceit was in his mouth, neither was guile found in his heart! and yet one that ate with him, who had often supped of the same cup, was the first to lift up his heel against him! Where is there one like him? He cannot be found on earth. Then why should his followers complain, if from those whom they once called brethren, and considered in the nearest relation in the everlasting covenant, they should receive persecution? From what source emanated the principle which has ever been manifested by apostates from the true church, to persecute with double diligence, and seek with double perseverance, to destroy those whom they once professed to love, with whom they once communed, and with whom they once covenanted to strive, with every power, in righteousness, to obtain the rest of God? Perhaps, our brethren will say, The same that caused satan to seek to overthrow the kingdom of God, because he himself was evil, and God's kingdom is holy."

Luke 23:42-43

"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

"And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

Date: 11 June 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith diary by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 211)

Joseph Smith:

"'Paradise' [is a] modern word [that] does not answer to the original word used by Jesus. . . . 'This day you will be with me in the world of spirits, and then I will teach you all about it.' . . . [It is] a world of departed spirits. Disembodied spirits all go—good, bad, and indifferent. Misery in [the] world of spirits is to know they come short of the glory others enjoy. They are their own accusers."

Original:
"Paradise. Modern word. don't answer to the original word used by Jesus.--find the origin of Paradise--find a needle in a hay mow.-- here is a chance for a battle ye learned man.--Said Jesus. for there is not time to investigat this matter. for this day you will be with me in the world of Spi[ri]ts. & then I will teach you all about it. & Peter says he went & preached to the world of Spirits. so that they would receive it could have it answered by proxey by those who live on the earth &c.

"gathered you for baptism for the dead washing anointings, &c.--said Jesus to Jews. At one time God obtained a house where Peter was[hed] and anointed &c on the day of pentecost. criticise a little further Hell, modern term. burning lake of fire and Brimstone. I would make you think I was climbing a ladder when I was climbing a rainbow.--who ever revealed it. God never did. Hades. I will hunt after Hades as pat did for woodchuck. Sheol--who are you? God reveals. means a world of spirits.--I don't think so says one. go to my house I will take my lexicon--&c--a world of departed spirits. disembodied spirits all go.--good bad & indifferent.-- misery in a world of spirits is to know they come short of the glory others enjoy--they are their own accusers."

Date: 11 June 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 213-14)

Joseph Smith:

"I will say something about the spirits in prison. There has been much said about the saying of Jesus on the cross to the thief, saying, 'This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.' The commentators 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 and will teach thee, or answer thy inquiries.' The thief on the cross was to be with Jesus Christ in the world of spirits. He did not say 'paradise' or 'heaven.' . . .

"There has been also much said about the word 'hell,' and 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 she'�l, the Hebrew. The true signification is a world of spirits. Hades, she'�l, paradise, spirits in prison—[it] is all one. It is a world of spirits. The righteous and the wicked all go to the same world of spirits."

Original:
"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."

Luke 24:36-40

"And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet" (Luke 24:36-40).

Date: 9 October 1843 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 254)

Joseph Smith:

"Jesus showed himself to his disciples, and they thought it was his spirit. And they were afraid to approach his spirit."

Original:
"Jesus shewed himself to his disciples and they thought it was his spirit. & they were afraid to approach his spirit. Angels have advanced higher in knowledge & power than spirits."

Luke 24:46-47

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:46-47).

Date: September 1835

Location: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Messenger and Advocate (September 1835): 180-81

Joseph Smith:

"By this we learn that it behooved Christ to suffer and to be crucified and rise again on the third day, for the express purpose that repentance and remission of sins should be preached unto all nations."

Original:
"By this we learn, that it behoved [behooved] Christ to suffer, and to be crucified, and rise again on the third day, for the express purpose that repentance and remission of sins should be preached unto all nations."

JST

Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 3-24