1st and 2nd Peter
Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible
1 Peter 1 Peter 1:23 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1 Peter 1:23). Date: 1839 Location: Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion (Words of Joseph Smith, 12) Joseph Smith: "Being born again comes by the Spirit of God through ordinances." Original:same as above. 1 Peter 3:1, 5-7 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;" (1 Peter 3:1, 5-7). "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:5-7). Date: July 1838 Location: Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri, USA Source: Elders' Journal (July 1838): 61-62 Joseph Smith: "It is the duty of a husband to love, cherish, and nourish his wife, and cleave unto her and none else. He ought to honor her as himself, and he ought to regard her feelings with tenderness, for she is his flesh and his bone, designed to be an help unto him, both in temporal and spiritual things, one into whose bosom he can pour all his complaints without reserve, who is willing (being designed) to take part of his burden, to soothe and encourage his feelings by her gentle voice. "It is the place of the man to stand at the head of his family and be lord of his own house, not to rule over his wife as a tyrant, neither as one who is fearful or jealous that his wife will get out of her place and prevent him from exercising his authority. It is his duty to be a man of God—for a man of God is a man of wisdom—ready at all times to obtain from the scriptures, the revelations, and from on high, such instructions as are necessary for the edification and salvation of his household. "And on the other hand, it is the duty of the wife to be in subjection to her husband at all times, not as a servant, neither as one who fears a tyrant or a master, but as one who in meekness and the love of God regards the laws and institutions of heaven [and] looks up to her husband for instruction, edification, and comfort." 1 Peter 3:18-19; 4:6 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;" (1 Peter 3:18-19). "For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit" (1 Peter 4:6). 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.' "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." Date: 1 October 1842 (Saturday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (1 October 1842): 936; see D&C 128:22 Joseph Smith: "Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free." Original:
"Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prisons; for the prisoners shall go free." Date: 11 June 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 211) 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 (Tuesday) 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 (Tuesday) 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.' "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]."
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." 1 Peter 5:5-6 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" (1 Peter 5:5-6). Date: July 1840 Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Oliver Granger, Church Archives (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 511) Joseph Smith: "When pride shall fall and every aspiring mind be clothed with humility as with a garment, and selfishness give place to benevolence and charity, and a united determination to live by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord is observable, then and not till then can peace, order, and love prevail." Original:
"when pride shall fall and every aspiring mind be clothed with humility as with a garment and selfishness give place to benevolence and charity, and a united determination to live by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord is observable, then and not till then can peace and order, and love prevail."
2 Peter 2 Peter 1 "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:1-21). Date: 17 May 1843 (Wednesday) Location: Ramus, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 202) Joseph Smith: "Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles." Original:
same as above. 2 Peter 1:1-4 "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:1-4). Date: 21 May 1843 (Sunday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 209) Joseph Smith: "The first four verses are the preface to the whole subject." Original:
same as above. 2 Peter 1:2-11 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:2-11). 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 toward God in principle we are going from him &drawing towards 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 al 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 non 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 Knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness. wo unto you priests & divines, who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life & Salvation. Take away Apostles &c. 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. "What is salvation. Salvation is for a man to be Saved from all his enemies even our last enemy which is death and for David Saith, 'and the Lord Said unto my Lord 'Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' "The design of God before the foundation of the world was that we should take tabernacles that through faithfulness we should overcome & thereby obtain a resrection from the dead, in this wise obtain glory honor power and dominion for this thing is needful, inasmuch as the Spirits in the Eternal world, glory in bringing other Spirits in Subjection unto them, Striving continually for the Mastery, He who rules in the heavens when he has a certain work to do calls the Spirits before him to organize them. they present themselves and offer their Services— "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— "There are some things in my own bosom that must remain there. If Paul could say I Knew a man who ascended to the third heaven & saw things unlawful for man to utter, I more. There are only certain things that can be done by the Spirits and that which is done by us that is not done with a view to eternity is not binding in eternity. Oh Peter if they who were of like precious faith with thee were enjoined to make their Calling & Election sure, how much more all we There are two Keys, one key knowledge. the other make you 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.-" 2 Peter 1:10-11 "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:10-11). 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 [Peter] 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 i.13.14. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard 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." 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 toward God in principle we are going from him &drawing towards 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 al 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 non 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 Knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness. wo unto you priests & divines, who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life & Salvation. Take away Apostles &c. 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. "What is salvation. Salvation is for a man to be Saved from all his enemies even our last enemy which is death and for David Saith, 'and the Lord Said unto my Lord 'Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' "The design of God before the foundation of the world was that we should take tabernacles that through faithfulness we should overcome & thereby obtain a resrection from the dead, in this wise obtain glory honor power and dominion for this thing is needful, inasmuch as the Spirits in the Eternal world, glory in bringing other Spirits in Subjection unto them, Striving continually for the Mastery, He who rules in the heavens when he has a certain work to do calls the Spirits before him to organize them. they present themselves and offer their Services— "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— "There are some things in my own bosom that must remain there. If Paul could say I Knew a man who ascended to the third heaven & saw things unlawful for man to utter, I more. There are only certain things that can be done by the Spirits and that which is done by us that is not done with a view to eternity is not binding in eternity. Oh Peter if they who were of like precious faith with thee were enjoined to make their Calling & Election sure, how much more all we There are two Keys, one key knowledge. the other make you 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) 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:
"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." 2 Peter 1:16-19 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" (2 Peter 1:16-19). 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) 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:
"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." Date: 27 June 1839 (Monday) 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 [Peter] 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 i.13.14. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard 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." 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 toward God in principle we are going from him &drawing towards 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 al 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 non 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 Knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness. wo unto you priests & divines, who preach that knowledge is not necessary unto life & Salvation. Take away Apostles &c. 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. "What is salvation. Salvation is for a man to be Saved from all his enemies even our last enemy which is death and for David Saith, 'and the Lord Said unto my Lord 'Sit thou on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.' "The design of God before the foundation of the world was that we should take tabernacles that through faithfulness we should overcome & thereby obtain a resrection from the dead, in this wise obtain glory honor power and dominion for this thing is needful, inasmuch as the Spirits in the Eternal world, glory in bringing other Spirits in Subjection unto them, Striving continually for the Mastery, He who rules in the heavens when he has a certain work to do calls the Spirits before him to organize them. they present themselves and offer their Services— "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— "There are some things in my own bosom that must remain there. If Paul could say I Knew a man who ascended to the third heaven & saw things unlawful for man to utter, I more. There are only certain things that can be done by the Spirits and that which is done by us that is not done with a view to eternity is not binding in eternity. Oh Peter if they who were of like precious faith with thee were enjoined to make their Calling & Election sure, how much more all we There are two Keys, one key knowledge. the other make you 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.-" 2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21). Date: 15 June 1842 (Wednesday) Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA Source: Times and Seasons (15 June 1842): 823 Joseph Smith: "We believe that holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle." Original:
"we believe that holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle." 2 Peter 2:1-2 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of" (2 Peter 2:1-2).
Date: 25 October 1831 (Tuesday)
Location:
Source: Far West Record: Minutes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1844, ed. Donald Q. Cannon and Lyndon W. Cook. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983, 23
Joseph Smith:
"Until we have perfect love, we are liable to fall. And when we have a testimony that our names are sealed in the Lamb's book of life, we have perfect love, and then it is impossible for false Christs to deceive us."
Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 367)
Joseph Smith:
"When a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones."
Original:
"when a man goes about prophesying and commands men to obey his teachings, he must be either a true or false prophet; false prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets, and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones."
Date: 12 May 1844 (Sunday)
Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: George Laub Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 370)
Joseph Smith:
"But in these times in the last days, there will many false prophets arise, and false teachers, and deceive many. They shall have many followers by their deceit. They strive to have power and by their pernicious ways lead off many."
Original:
"But in these times in the last days there will many fals prophets arise and false teachers and decieve many the[y] Shall have many followers by their deceit. the[y] Strive to have power and by their pernicious ways lead of[f] many."
2 Peter 3:10-11
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness," (2 Peter 3:10-11).
Date: 19 November 1833 (Thursday)
Location: Kirtland Mills, Geauga County, Ohio, USA
Source: Joseph Smith Letter to Moses Nickerson (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 326-27)
Joseph Smith:
"When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when he shall come to receive his Saints unto himself, where they shall dwell in his presence and be crowned with glory and immortality, when I consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken and the earth tremble and reel to and fro and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up, that every mountain and island are to flee away—I cry out in my heart, 'What manner of person ought I to be in all holy conversation and godliness!'"
Original:
"When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when he shall come to receive his saints unto himself where they shall dwell in his presence and be crowned with glory & immortality; when I consider that soon the heaven[s]s are to be shaken, and the earth tremble and reel to and fro; and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is folded <rolled> up, that every mountain and island are to flee away <away - > I cry out in my heart, What manner of person ought I to be in all holy conversasion and godliness!