History of Joseph Smith.

              “History of Joseph Smith.” Times and Seasons (Nauvoo, Illinois) 3, no. 17 (1 July 1842):
832–33.

HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH.

Continued.

On the fifteenth day of April, eighteen hundred and twenty nine, Oliver Cowdery came to
my house, until when I had never seen him. He stated to me that having been teaching school in
the neighborhood where my father resided; and my father being one of those who sent to the
school; he had went to board for a season at my father’s house, and while there the family related
to him the circumstance of my having received the plates, and accordingly he had come to make
enquiries of me.
Two days after the arrival of Mr. Cowdery, (being the 17th of April,) I commenced to
translate the Book of Mormon, and he commenced to write for me, which having continued for
some time, I enquired of the Lord, through the Urim and Thummim, and obtained the following
revelation:—
Revelation given April, 1829, to Oliver Cowdery, and Joseph Smith, Jr.
A great and marvellous work is about to come forth unto the children of men: behold I
am God, and give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two edged
sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: Therefore give heed unto my words.
Behold the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso desireth to reap, let him
thrust in his sickle with his might and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his
soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God: Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and
reap, the same is called of God; therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will
knock it shall be opened unto you.
Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to
bring forth and establish the cause of Zion: seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold the
mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so shall it be unto you; and if you
desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. Say nothing but repentance
unto this generation: keep my commandments and assist to bring forth my work according [832]
to my commandments, and you shall be blessed.
Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred
and cometh from above: and if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and
marvelous: therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou
mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred
things. If thou wilt do good, yea and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the
kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the
gift of salvation.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done, for thou hast
inquired of me, and behold as often as thou hast inquired, thou hast received instruction of my
Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
Behold thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me, and I did enlighten thy mind; and
now I tell thee these things, that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit
of truth; yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God, that knowest thy
thoughts and the intents of thy heart: I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee, that the words
or the work which thou hast been writing is true.
Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant Joseph faithfully in whatsoever difficult
circumstances he may be, for the word’s sake. Admonish him in his faults and also receive
admonition of him. Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.
Behold thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore
treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of
God; and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.
Behold I am Jesus Christ, the son of God. I am the same that came unto my own and my
own received me not.— I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the
night when you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these
things; did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you
have than from God? And now behold, you have received a witness, for if I have told you things
which no man knoweth, have you not received a witness? And behold I grant unto you a gift, if
you desire of me, to translate even as my servant Joseph.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel,
which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; and now I command you,
that if you have good desires, a desire to lay up treasures for yourselves, in heaven, then shall
you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been
hidden because of iniquity.
And now, behold I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph the keys of this gift,
which shall bring to light this ministry: and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every
word be established.
Verily, verily, I say unto you if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and
ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me; and if they do unto you,
even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory; but if they
reject not my words, which shall be established by the testimony which shall be given, blessed
are they; and then shall ye have joy in the fruit of your labors.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered
together in my name, as touching one thing, behold there will I be in the midst of them: even so
am I in the midst of you. Fear not to do good my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also
reap: therefore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward.
Therefore, fear not little flock, do good, let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye
are built upon my Rock, they cannot prevail. Behold I do not condemn you, go your ways and
sin no more: perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you: look unto me in
every thought, doubt not, fear not: behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints
of the nails in my hands and feet: be faithful: keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the
kingdom of heaven: Amen. [833]