DC 39 Intro: SECTION 39
Revelation given through Joseph Smith, Jr., January 1831, at Fayette, New York. This message was addressed to James Covill, a Baptist minister, who had sought light concerning his relation to the Restoration movement.
1a Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the great I AM, even Jesus Christ, the light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not;
1b the same which came in the meridian of time unto my own, and my own received me not;
1c but to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons, and even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become my sons.
2a And verily, verily I say unto thee, He that receiveth my gospel, receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel, receiveth not me.
2b And this is my gospel: repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.
3a And now, behold, I say unto thee, my servant James, I have looked upon thy works, and I know thee; and verily I say unto thee, Thine heart is now right before me at this time, and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head;
3b nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride, and the cares of the world;
3c but, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee, Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on my name, and thou shalt receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as thou hast never known.
3d And if thou doest this, I have prepared thee for a greater work.
3e Thou shalt preach the fullness of my gospel which I have sent forth in these last days; the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel.
