| 229 Whitmer accompanying Oliver Cowdery to Independence. 16 This revelation also contained instruction concerning the duties of the church Historian.
There has been some comment on this revelation by those who claim that it reflects on the honesty and trustworthiness of Oliver Cowdery; but when we reflect that his way lay hundreds of miles through a wild, half-civilized country, often beset with rogues and outlaws, we can see the wisdom of his having a trusted and true friend with him. Besides, there is no intimation in the revelation that the church was in danger of suffering loss because of Cowdery's unfaithfulness; but this precaution was for "Oliver Cowdery's sake"-for his protection and help.
Joseph continues:-
"My time was occupied closely in receiving the commandments and sitting in conference, for nearly two weeks; for we held from the first to the twelfth of November four special conferences. In the last, which was held at Brother Johnson's, in Hiram, after deliberate consideration, in consequence of the book of Revelations, now to be printed, being the foundation of the church in these last days and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again intrusted to man; and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, therefore the conference prized the revelations to be
16 l. Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, for my servant Oliver Cowdery's sake: it is not wisdom in me that he should be intrusted with the commandments and the moneys which he shall carry unto the land of Zion, except one go with him who will be true and faithful; wherefore I, the Lord, willeth that my servant John Whitmer should go with my servant Oliver Cowdery; and also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church; and also that he receive counsel and assistance from my servant Oliver Cowdery, and others.
2. And also my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the accounts of their stewardships to the land of Zion, for the land of Zion shall be a seat and a place to receive and do all these things; nevertheless, let my servant John Whitmer travel many times from place to place, and from church to church, that he may the more easily obtain knowledge-preaching and expounding, writing, copying, selecting, and obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations, that shall grow up on the land of Zion, to possess it from generation to generation, forever and ever. Amen.
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