| 448 Times and Seasons.
"Truth will prevail."
Vol., V. No. 5] CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. MARCH 1, 1844 [Whole No. 89
HISTORY OF Joseph Smith.
(Continued)
The first Sabbath after our arrival in Jackson county, brother W. W. Phelps preached to a western audience, over the boundary of the United States, wherein were specimens of 'all the families of the earth, for there were several of the indians, quite a respectable number of negroes, and the balance was made of citizens of the surrounding counties, and fully represented themselves as pioneers of the west. At this meeting two were baptized who had previously believed in the fulness [fullness] of the gospel. During this week the Colesville branch referred to in the latter part of the last revelation, and Sidney Rigdon and wife, and elders Morley and Booth arrived: and I also received the following
Revelation given in Zion, August, 1831.
Hearken O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I have sent you: for verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation cometh blessings. For after much tribulation cometh the blessings. Wherefore, the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory, the hour is not yet but is nigh at hand.
Remember this which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which shall follow. Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come; and also that you might be honored of laying the foundation, and of bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand; and also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea a feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail; yea a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared unto which all nations shall be invited. Firstly the rich, and the learned, the wise and the noble; and after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the poor, the lame and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come. Behold I the Lord have spoken it.
And that the testimony might go forth from Zion; yea from the mouth of the city of the heritage of God: yea, for this cause I have sent you hither; and have selected my servant Edward Partridge and have appointed unto him his mission in this land: but if he repent not of his sins, which are unbelief and blindness of heart, let him take heed lest he fall. Behold his mission is given unto him and it shall not be given again. And whoso standeth in this mission, is appointed to be a judge in Israel, like as it was in ancient days, to divide the lands if the heritage of God unto his children; and to judge his people by the testimony of the just, and by the assistance of his counsellors [counselors], according to the laws of the kingdom which are given by the prophets of God: for verily I say unto you, my laws shall be kept on this land.
Let no man think that he is ruler but let God rule him that judgeth, according to the council of his own will: or in other words, him that counselleth, or sitteth upon the judgement [judgment] seat. Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God, hath no need to break the laws of the land: wherefore be subject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet. Behold the laws which ye have received from my hand, are the laws of the church; and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold here is wisdom.
And now as I spake concerning my servant Edward Partridge: this land is the land of his residence, and those whom he has appointed for his counsellors [counselors]. And also the land of the residence of him whom I have appointed to keep my storehouse: wherefore let them bring their families to this land, as they shall counsel between themselves and me: for behold it is not meet that I should command on all things, for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant: wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own-free will, and bring to pass much righteousness: for the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in no wise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful
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