Chapter XXI - LARGER VIEWS ON THE DOCTRINE OF THE PRIESTHOOD REVEALED - THE MEETING OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH, JUN., BRIGHAM YOUNG, AND HEBER C. KIMBALL

George A. Smith was baptized. John Smith, his father, was a brother of Joseph Smith's father, and he was a cousin of the the Prophet Joseph Smith. Asael Smith, Joseph Smith's paternal grandfather, received a letter from Joseph Smith, Sen., informing him of some of the visions the youthful Prophet had received, and the letter was read in the hearing of George A. Smith, and it made a deep impression on him. "The letter declared that the judgments of God would overtake the wicked of this generation unless they repented." George Albert championed the Book of Mormon... "he never afterwards ceased to advocate the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon." The letter is worth reading in its entirety. Here is an introduction to it:

"The letter is produced here for two reasons: first for its own intrinsic interest as a literary relic of one of the Prophet's ancestors, and of the American Revolutionary period; second, as showing the character of the stock from which the Prophet Joseph descended. This letter exhibits in Asael Smith a noble independence of character, united with a childlike humility before God, together with unbounded faith and trust in the wisdom of Providence and of His over-ruling hand in the affairs of nations. Loyalty to his country and faith in the stability of the government under the over-ruling providences of God are equally conspicuous. The letter will go far towards refuting the slanders which untruthful writers have been pleased to circulate concerning the character of that race from which the Prophet descended." (p. 286)

And here is the letter:

"ASAEL SMITH'S LETTER TO MB. JACOB TOWN.

"TUNBRIDGE, Jan. 14th, 1796.

"Respected Sir:" Having a favorable opportunity, altho' on very short notice, I with joy and gratitude embrace it, returning herewith my most hearty thanks for your respect shown in your favor of the 30th of November, by Mr. Willis, which I view as a singular specimen of friendship, which has very little been practiced by any of my friends in Topsfield, altho' often requested.

"My family are all, through the goodness of the Divine Benediction, in a tolerably good state of health, and desire to be remembered to you and to all inquiring friends.

"I have set me up a new house since Mr. Willis was here and expect to remove into it next spring, and begin again on an entire new farm, and my son Joseph will live on the old farm ( if this that has been but four years occupied can be called old), and carry it on at the halves, which half I hope will nearly furnish my family with food, whilst I with my four youngest sons shall endeavor to bring to another farm, etc.

"As to news, I have nothing, as I know of, worth noticing, except that grain has taken a sudden rise amongst us, about one-third.

"As to the Jocobin party, they are not very numerous here, or if they are they are pretty still; there are some in this state, viz., in Bennington, who like other children crying for a rattle, have blared out against their rulers, in hopes to wrest from them, if possible, what they esteem the plaything of power and trust. But they have been pretty well whipped and have become tolerably quiet again, and I am in hopes if they live to arrive to the years of discretion, when the empire of reason shall take place, that they will then become good members of society, notwithstanding their noisy, nucious behavior in their childhood, for which they were neither capable of hearing or giving any reason."

"For my part, I am so willing to trust the government of the world in the hands of the Supreme Ruler of universal nature, that I do not at present wish to try to wrest it out of his hands, and I have so much confidence in his abilities to teach our Senators wisdom, that I do not think it worth while for me to interpose, from the little stock of knowledge that he has favored me with, in the affair, either one way or the other. He has conducted us through a glorious revolution and has brought us into the promised land of peace and liberty, and I believe that he is about to bring all the world into the same beatitude in his own time and way; which, altho' his ways may appear never so inconsistent to our blind reason, yet may be perfectly consistent with his designs. And I believe that the stone is now cut out of the mountain without hands, spoken of by Daniel, and has smitten the image upon his feet, by which the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold (viz.,), all the monarchial and ecclesiastical tyranny will be broken to pieces and become as the chafi of the summer thrashing floor, the wind shall carry them all away, that there shall be no place found for them. "Give my best regards to your parents and tell them that I have taken up with the Eleventh commandment, that the negro taught to the minister, which was thus - "The minister asked the negro how many commandments there were, his answer was, 'Eleben, sir.' 'Aye/ replied the other, 'what is the Eleventh? that is one I never heard of.' *The Elebenth commandment, sir, is mind your own business.' "So I choose to do, and give myself but little concern about what passes in the political world. "Give my best regards to Dr. Meriam, Mr. Willes, Joseph Dorman, and Mr. Cree, and tell Mr. Cree I thank him for his respects and hope he will accept of mine. Write to me as often and as large as you can and oblige your sincere friend and well wisher," asael smith. "Mr Jacob Town, Jun."

It was during this time, in 1832, when the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation on the priesthood now recorded in D&C 84.  The Oath and the Covenant of the Priesthood, the new covenant of the Book of Mormon, Christ calling us His friends, on your right hand and on your left, the new song, etc.  Joseph Smith continues the translation of the Bible.  Joseph and Emma had three children, a son who died at birth, and twins, a son and a daughter who lived only three hours.  After 9 days, they adopted the Murdock twins who were born the same day as their own children who had died. (p. 295)  Joseph Young, Brigham Young, and Heber Kimball met in Kirkland.  Brigham Young and John P. Greene spoke in tongues.  There is a brief biography of Brigham Young in this chapter, worth reviewing.  

One of the best things in this chapter is the account of Brigham Young, Joseph Young and Heber C. Kimball when they met the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Here is an excerpt:

"We rested a few minutes, took some refreshments and started to see the Prophet.  We went to his father's house, and learned that he was in the woods chopping.  We immediately repaired to the woods, where we found the Prophet, and two or three of his brothers, chopping and hauling wood.  Here my joy was full at the privilege of shaking the hand of the Prophet of God, and receiving the sure testimony, but the spirit  of prophecy, that he was all that any man could believe him to be as a true prophet.  He was happy to see us and bid us welcome.  We soon returned to his house, he accompanying us."

In this account, Brigham Young also prayed in tongues, and Joseph Smith told him that he had prayed in the pure Adamic language.  How cool is that?

Joseph Smith also recorded the following revelation (a portion here):

"Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:

And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;

While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning.

And all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are wailingand gnashing of teeth.

These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil."

And this:

"Oh Lord, when will the time come when Brother William, thy servant, and myself, shall behold the day that we may stand together and gaze upon eternal wisdom engraven upon the heavens, while the majesty of our God holdeth up the dark curtain until we may read the round of eternity, to the fulness and satisfaction of our immortal souls? O Lord God, deliver us in due time from the little narrow prison, almost as it were, total darkness of paper, pen and ink; and a crooked, broken, scattered and imperfect language." 

Awesome.

CHAPTER XX. "THE EVENING AND MORNING STAR"

Joseph continues the "translation" of the scriptures.  The paper "The Evening and Morning Star" began to be published to "gratify and enlighten the humble inquirer after truth."  The press was arrayed against the truth, even back then.  But "The Evening and Morning Star" was a bulwark against the calumny.

More than a few lines from the first edition of the newspaper are noteworthy, but let these suffice:

"That it (the Star) comes to declare that goodness consists in doing good, not merely in preaching it; That it comes to show that all men's religion is vain without charity; That it comes to open the way for Zion to rise and put on her beautiful garments and become the glory of the earth, that her land may be joined, or married (according to the known translation of Isaiah) to Jerusalem again, and they be one as they were in the days of Peleg." (p.275)

And, "It is the duty of the Church of Christ, in Zion, to stand as an ensign to all nations."

W.W. Phelps signed this salutatory address.

Here is another passage worth remembering:

"Example is the great thing that defies the world with all its vain glory; by letting their moderation be known unto all men, both in dress and in living; in words and in deeds; in watching and in praying; in love and in labor, and in works as well as in faith, they [the Saints] preach the world a lecture, they set the inquirer an example, and teach all Christendom a lesson, that studied preaching and pulpit eloquence have failed to accomplish."

The Saints began to prepare schools and books for children.  The gathering of Israel was in full swing.  If revelations were given anciently, one article of the Star affirmed, then it only makes sense that revelations pertaining to different times and circumstances would be given as well.  Thus the Star explains the necessity of continuing revelation.

There is counsel given to the Elders of the Church, there is foreign news, items for the public, reports of the cholera, and invitations to the honorable men of the world.

"And fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves.  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

It is a great name, and a great newspaper.  

CHAPTER XIX. MOB VIOLENCE AT HIRAM- THE SECOND JOURNEY OF THE PROPHET TO ZION, AND RETURN TO KIRTLAND.

This is an amazing chapter.  Read it all.

Joseph Smith and his associates endure many afflictions at the hands of the mob.  Emma had given birth to twins, who died shortly after birth.  She became the mother of the Murdock twins after that, but one night, while Joseph, Emma and the babies were sleeping, the wicked mob broke into their home and wrestled Joseph from his bed.  One of the strongest members of the mob would later remark that Joseph the Prophet was the most powerful man he had ever encountered.  Joseph was stripped, beaten, tarred and feathered.  The mob tried to force poison into his mouth, but the phial broke on his teeth.  There was tar on his lips, and his body was scratched and injured.  The next day, Joseph Smith, still in pain, preached and baptized several people, and some of the mob members were present to witness it.

Oliver Cowdery was badly hurt by the mob.  One of the Murdock twins died as a result of the mob violence.  Emma fainted when she saw her husband return from the persecution.

Joseph lept from a runaway horse coach, as did his associate, Bishop Whitney.  Joseph was unharmed, but Bishop Whitney broke his leg in several places.

Joseph Smith had been fed poisonous material, which he vomited up so violently that it dislocated his jaw.  It also caused him to loose tufts of hair (which is the reason why some depictions of the Prophet Joseph Smith show his hair combed in a funny sort of way.)  Joseph Smith praised God and thanked Him even in his afflictions.  He manifested the gifts of seership, and through his tribulations became stronger and drew closer to God.

Read this chapter if you wish to learn something about enduring tribulation and persecution in the name of Jesus Christ.   

CHAPTER XVIII. THE AMHERST CONFERENCE- THE VISION OF THE DEGREES OF GLORY IN MAN'S FUTURE LIFE.

Joseph Smith resumes the translation of the scriptures, a branch of his calling, and Sidney Rigdon is his scribe.

Consider how earnestly Joseph Smith sought to do God's will:

"Knowing now the mind of the Lord, that the time had come that the Gospel should be proclaimed in power and demonstration to the world, from the Scriptures, reasoning with men as in days of old, I took a journey to Kirkland, in company with Elder Sidney Rigdon on the 3rd day of December to fulfil the above revelation."

Joseph Smith wasn't just receiving revelations in response to curiosity.  His mind was set to fulfill God's will.  When he first ask which Church to join, with the real intent to act, to do God's will, he didn't stop there.  He was duty bound to fulfill the commandments that were given to him in the revelations.

Joseph Smith received more revelations about stewardship.  His labor with Sidney Rigdon was fruitful:

"From this time until the 8th or 10th of January, 1832, myself and Elder Rigdon continued to preach in Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, setting forth the truth, vindicating the cause of our Redeemer; showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the night..." (p. 241)

Joseph translates and preaches the Gospel.  In response to inquiries about the New Testament (1 Corinthians 7:14 and Revelation), he receives more revelation.

Joseph Smith discovers that the Bible had really been tampered with:

"Upon my return from Amherst conference, I resumed the translation of the Scriptures.  From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled.  It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded everyone according to the deeds done in the body the term Heaven, as intended for the Saints' eternal home must include more kingdoms than one."

In response to this inquiry, Joseph Smith received one of the greatest revelations of this dispensation, on the kingdoms of glory.  D&C 76 is worthy of a lifetime of study, but verses 8-11, 19-23 provide great insights into how to obtain revelation.  This is how Joseph Smith described the revelation:

"Nothing could be more pleasing to the Saints upon the order of the kingdom of the Lord, than the light which burst upon the world through the foregoing vision.  Every law, every commandment, every promise, every truth, and every point touching the destiny of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of the scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to show the perfection of the theory [of different degrees of glory in the future life] and witnesses the fact that that document is a transcript from the records of the eternal world.  The sublimity of the ideas; the purity of the language; the scope for action; the continued duration for completion, in order that the heirs of salvation may confess the Lord and bow the knee; the rewards for faithfulness, and the punishments for sins, are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of men, that every honest man is constrained to exclaim: 'It came from God.'" (p. 253)

Joseph Smith's revelation explaining a key to St. John's Revelation includes questions and answers, the last of which describes the role of two witnesses, who are the two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days.

In another revelation, the Lord even used code names for His servants: Ahashdah [Newel K. Whitney], Gazelam or Enoch [Joseph Smith, Jun.,] and Pelagoram [Sidney Rigdon]."  How cool is that?!

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him even an hundred fold, yea, more." (D&C 78:19)

Gratitude.  Be grateful.

Roberts provides an interesting note at the end of this chapter to explain that the First Presidency of the Church has operated since the days of Adam.  Peter, James, and John constituted the First Presidency of the Church who conferred the keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  Noah also held this office.

CHAPTER XVII. THE APOSTASY OF EZRA BOOTH- PREPARATIONS FOR PUBLISHING THE BOOK OF COMMANDMENTS.

The Prophet Joseph Smith continues the "translation" of the Bible, which is really the revision, or the inspired revision of the English Bible.  Roberts notes that Smith never pretended to any knowledge of the ancient Hebrew or Greek at the time.

Ezra Booth came into the Church by curiosity and by a miracle, and thus was not truly converted, and became an apostate, perhaps the first to write openly against the Church.  He didn't understand the prerequisites to faith and testimony.  However, the miracle that brought him into the Church is worth remembering:

"Amos S. Hayden (eyewitness non-believer in Joseph Smith)

Ezra Booth, of Mantua, a Methodist preacher of much more than ordinary culture, and with strong natural abilities, in company with his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and some other citizens of this place, (Hiram) visited Smith at his home in Kirtland, in 1831. Mrs. Johnson had been afflicted for some time with a lame arm, and was not at the time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head. The party visited Smith partly out of curiosity, and partly to see for themselves what there might be in the new doctrine. During the interview the conversation turned on the subject of supernatural gifts, such as were conferred in the days of the apostles. Some one said, "Here is Mrs. Johnson with a lame arm; has God given any power to men now on earth to cure her?" A few moments later, when the conversation had turned in another direction, Smith arose, and walking across the room, and taking Mrs. Johnson by the hand, said in the most solemn and impressive manner: "Woman, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command thee to be whole," and immediately left the room. The company were awe-stricken at the infinite presumption of the man, and the calm assurance with which he spoke. The sudden mental and moral shock—I know not how better to explain the well-attested fact, electrified the rheumatic arm—Mrs. Johnson at once lifted it with ease, and on her return home the next day she was able to do her washing without difficulty or pain. (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1:278)"

This is true.  It really happened.  It is a miracle, and one of many that the Lord performed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  But faith precedes miracles, and it is the Holy Ghost that brings lasting conversion, not the witnessing of miracles.

W.W. Phelps purchases a printing press in order to establish the monthly paper at Independence, the Evening and Morning Star.  Orson Hyde is baptized, and "He was soon after designated as one of the chosen men of the Lord, to bear His word to the nations."  Orson had heard of a "golden Bible," and many people thought it was a hoax.  But Orson Hyde remarked: "Who knows but that this 'golden Bible' may break up our religion and change its whole features and bearing." (p. 218)  

Many revelations are received.  Powerful revelations.  The translation of the Bible continues.  There is a sad account of William Cahoon and Peter Devolue having abused one of Brother Whitney's children (although I'm guessing that "abused" in the parlance of the time did not have the same connotation as it has today).  William E. M'Lellin receives revelation through Joseph Smith's inquiry.

One very interesting thing is Joseph Smith's reticence about the manner in which the Book of Mormon came to light:

"'Brother Joseph Smith, Jun., said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon; and also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things.'  This will account for the Prophet confining himself to the merest generalities in all his statements concerning the coming forth of the Book of Mormon." (p. 220)

Faith is necessary.

More revelations are received, revelations concerning the Book of Commandments, etc.

"They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall." (D&C 1:16)

The Lord accomplishes His purposes through the weak and the simple.

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (D&C 1:38)

In mildly humorous episode in Church History, the Lord challenges any of the early saints to write something that even comes close to a revelation, and foolishly William E. M'Lellin, "as the wisest man, in his own estimation, having more learning than sense, endeavored to write a commandment like unto one of the least of the Lord's, but failed; it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord." (p. 226)

The Elders submit their testimony of the veracity of the Book of Commandments.

More revelations are poured out, to Orson Hyde, Luke Johnson, and William E. M'Lellin.  Parents are responsible to teach their children TO UNDERSTAND the doctrine of repentance; faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.  Seek the riches of eternity.  Oliver Cowdery is chosen to bring the Book of Commandments to Independence for printing.  Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.  First to the Gentiles then to the Jews.  Prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom.  All men everywhere are commanded to repent. Prophecies of great future events.  The tribe of Judah shall see Christ return, who shall be red in his apparel.  He trod the winepress alone.  He comes in a day of vengeance.  The Lord's errand.  The weak confound the wise.  

John Whitmer accompanies Oliver in his journey, for safety purposes.  The saints are to prize the revelations contained in the Book of Commandments.  They will give an account of their stewardship.

CHAPTER XVI. THE FOUNDING OF ZION.

"At the same time, through prayer, the land of Zion was consecrated and dedicated by Elder Sidney Rigdon for the gathering of the Saints.  It was a season of joy to those present, and afforded a glimpse of the future, which time will yet unfold to the satisfaction of the faithful." (p. 196)

The land of Zion was blessed "to become one of the most blessed places on the globe." (p. 198)

Joseph Smith dedicated ground for the temple:

"On the third day of August, I proceeded to dedicate the spot for the Temple, a little west of Independence, and there were also present Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, W.W. Phelps, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris and Joseph Coe." (p. 199)

There was another conference, this time at the house of Brother Joshua Lewis.  There was a funeral for Sister Polly Knight, the first death in the Church.  Joseph Smith described the situation thus: "a worthy member sleeps in Jesus till the resurrection."  Polly Knight was very ill, but she held on long enough to obtain the desire of her heart to stand upon the land of Zion. (p. 199)

Many revelations are received.  "Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things."  Keep unspotted from the world.  Thanksgiving, cheerful hearts and countenances.  "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."  Open your mouths.  Be more faithful.  The Lord is able to make us holy. The Lord forgives sins.

Joseph Smith travels from Independence to Kirtland.  There are dangers upon the waters, and the destroyer is upon the waters.  More revelations are received about gathering in the land of Zion.

"For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words.  For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days."

Joseph Smith plans to go to the town of Hiram and to renew work on the translation of the Bible.

The Lord is merciful, and forgives.

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."

The Lord's errand.  The Lord requires the heart and a willing mind.

There are many revelations and details concerning the gathering to Zion, but this will suffice for now as a summary.

CHAPTER XV. THE IMPORTANT CONFERENCE OF JUNE 3RD-6TH- ARRIVAL OF THE ELDERS IN WESTERN MISSOURI.

The Lord pours out the power of His Spirit even more abundantly.  Joseph Smith commands the devil to depart.  The history reads:

"It is clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required.  Great harmony prevailed; several were ordained; faith was strengthened; and humility, so necessary for the blessing of God to follow prayer, characterized the Saints." (p. 176-177)

The office of high priest is introduced.

Joseph Smith receives another spiritual manifestation:

"The spirit of the Lord fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner. And prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been led away by Salmanasar King of Israel be Assyria], to prepare them for their return, from their long dispersion, to again possess the land of their fathers. He prophesied many more things that I have not written. After he had prophesied he laid his hands upon Lyman Wight [ordained him] to the High Priesthood after the Holy Order of God. And the spirit fell upon Lyman, and he prophesied, concerning the coming of Christ, he said that there were some in the congregation that should live until the Savior should descend from heaven, with a shout, with all the holy angels with him. He said the coming of the Savior should be, like; the sun rising in the east, and will cover the whole earth, so with the coming of the Son of man be, yea, he will appear in his brightness and consume all before him. And the hills will be laid low, and the valleys be exalted; and the crooked be made straight; and the rough smooth. And some of my brethren shall suffer martyrdom, for the sake of the religion of Jesus Christ, and seal the testimony of Jesus with their blood.

He saw the heavens opened, and the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the Father. Making intercession for his brethren, the Saints. He said that God would work a work in these last days that tongue cannot express, and the mind is not capable to conceive. The glory of the Lord shone around."

More of the early saints are introduced: Lyman Wight, John Corral, John Murdock, Thomas B. Marsh, Ezra Thayer, Isaac Morely, Ezra Booth, Harvey Whitlock, Solomon Hancock, Simeon Carter, Edson Fuller, Jacob Scott, Levi W. Hancock, Zebedee Coltrin, Reynolds Calhoon, Wheeler Baldwin, William Carter, Selah J. Griffin, Joseph Wakefield, Solomon Humphrey, Herman Bassett, Simonds Ryder, Jared Carter, George James, etc.

Information is given about the breaking of the covenant in the branch of the Church in Thompson.

Revelations are received about missions to the Lamanites (referring to Native American Indians).  We even have a record of Oliver Cowdery's fascinating speech to the Delaware Indians:

"Once the red men were many; they occupied the country from sea to sea—from the rising to the setting sun; the whole land was theirs; the Great Spirit gave it to them, and no pale faces dwelt among them. But now they are few in numbers; their possessions are small, and the pale faces are many.

Thousands of moons ago, when the red men’s forefathers dwelt in peace and possessed this whole land, the Great Spirit talked with them, and revealed His law and His will, and much knowledge to their wise men and prophets. This they wrote in a Book; together with their history, and the things which should befall their children in the latter days.

This Book was written on plates of gold, and handed down from father to son for many ages and generations.

It was then that the people prospered, and were strong and mighty; they cultivated the earth; built buildings and cities, and abounded in all good things, as the pale faces now do.

But they became wicked; they killed one another and shed much blood; they killed their prophets and wise men, and sought to destroy the Book. The Great Spirit became angry, and would speak to them no more; they had no more good and wise dreams; no more visions; no more angels sent among them by the Great Spirit; and the Lord commanded Mormon and Moroni, their last wise men and prophets, to hide the Book in the earth, that it might be preserved in safety, and be found and made known in the latter day to the pale faces who should possess the land; that they might again make it known to the red man; in order to restore them to the knowledge of the will of the Great Spirit and to His favor. And if the red man would then receive this Book and learn the things written in it, and do according thereunto, they should cease to fight and kill one another; should become one people; cultivate the earth in peace, in common with the pale faces, who were willing to believe and obey the same Book, and be good men and live in peace.

Then should the red men become great, and have plenty to eat and good clothes to wear, and should be in favor with the Great Spirit and be his children, while he would be their Great Father, and talk with them, and raise up prophets and wise and good men amongst them again, who should teach them many things.

This Book, which contained these things, was hid in the earth by Moroni, in a hill called by him, Cumorah, which hill is now in the State of New York, near the village of Palmyra, in Ontario County." (from the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt)

Many more revelations are received, some of which instruct as to the location of the New Jerusalem in the land of Missouri, and Independence.  W.W. Phelps preaches up a storm.  The following encouraging verses of revelation were also received at this time:

"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand." (D&C 58:3-4)

Be obedient.  Be anxiously engaged in a good cause.  He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and the Lord remembers them no more.  Repentance means confessing and forsaking sin.  And so forth.