SECTION
102
[Nauvoo
D&C 102, LDS D&C 105]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., June 22, 1834, at Fishing River,
Missouri. The company of Saints known as “Zion’s Camp” left
Kirtland, Ohio, for Missouri, May 8, 1834 (D. and C. 100:5-6). They
reached an elevated piece of land between two branches of the Fishing
River June 19 and were obliged to stay there because of a heavy rain
and hailstorm. The following revelation was given through Joseph
Smith on June 22, 1834. It was first published in 1844 without
conference approval and its retention was specifically authorized by
the 1970 World Conference.
For
“Baurak Ale” read Joseph Smith. “Baneemy” evidently referred
to the other leading elders of the church.
1.
Verily I say unto you, who have assembled yourselves together that
you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted
people:
2a.
Behold, I say unto you, Were it not for the transgressions of my
people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they
might have been redeemed even now;
2b.
but, behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which
I require at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do
not impart of their substance, as becometh Saints, to the poor and
afflicted among them, and are not united according to the union
required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
2c.
and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law
of the celestial kingdom, otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself;
2d.
and my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if
it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.
3a. I
speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who
are the first elders of my church, for they are not all under this
condemnation; but I speak concerning my churches abroad;
3b.
there are many who will say, Where is their God? Behold, he will
deliver in time of trouble; otherwise we will not go up unto Zion,
and will keep our moneys.
3c.
Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of my people, it is
expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for
the redemption of Zion, that they themselves may be prepared, and
that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and
know more perfectly, concerning their duty, and the things which I
require at their hands;
3d.
and this can not be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed
with power from on high;
3e.
for, behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be
poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful, and continue in
humility before me;
3f.
therefore, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a
little season, for the redemption of Zion; for, behold, I do not
require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said
in a former commandment, even so will I fulfill, I will fight your
battles.
4a.
Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine
enemies;
4b.
and not many years hence, they shall not be left to pollute mine
heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have
consecrated for the gathering together of my saints.
5a.
Behold, I have commanded my servant Baurak Ale, to say unto the
strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men and middle-
aged, to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw
down the towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen;
5b.
but the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words; but
inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have
prepared a blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue
faithful.
5c. I
have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is
expedient in me, that they should be brought thus far, for a trial of
their faith.
6a.
And now, verily I say unto you, A commandment I give unto you, that
as many as have come up hither, that can stay in the region round
about, let them stay;
6b.
and those that can not stay, who have families in the east, let them
tarry for a little season, inasmuch as my servant Joseph shall
appoint unto them, for I will counsel him concerning this matter; and
all things whatsoever he shall appoint unto them shall be fulfilled.
7a.
And let all my people who dwell in the regions round about, be very
faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me, and reveal not the
things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me that
they should be revealed.
7b.
Talk not judgment, neither boast of faith, nor of mighty works; but
carefully gather together, as much in one region as can be
consistently with the feelings of the people:
7c.
and, behold, I will give unto you favor and grace in their eyes, that
you may rest in peace and safety, while you are saying unto the
people, Execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and
redress us of our wrongs.
8a.
Now, behold, I say unto you, my friends, in this way you may find
favor in the eyes of the people, until the army of Israel becomes
very great;
8b.
and I will soften the hearts of the people, as I did the heart of
Pharaoh, from time to time, until my servant Baurak Ale, and Baneemy,
whom I have appointed, shall have time to gather up the strength of
my house, and to have sent wise men, to fulfill that which I have
commanded concerning the purchasing of all the lands in Jackson
County, that can be purchased, and in the adjoining counties round
about; for it is my will that these lands be purchased, and after
they are purchased that my Saints should possess them according to
the laws of consecration which I have given;
8c.
and after these lands are purchased, I will hold the armies of Israel
guiltless in taking possession of their own lands, which they have
previously purchased with their moneys, and of throwing down the
towers of mine enemies, that may be upon them,
8d.
and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies, unto
the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
9a.
But firstly, let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified
before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon,
and that her banners may be terrible unto all nations;
9b.
that the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge
that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and
his Christ; therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.
10a.
Verily I say unto you, It is expedient in me that the first elders of
my church should receive their endowment from on high, in my house,
which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of
Kirtland;
10b.
and let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her
law, be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption.
10c.
There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of
choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy; and it shall be
manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are
chosen, and they shall be sanctified;
10d.
and inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they
shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining
to Zion.
11a.
And again, I say unto you, Sue for peace, not only the people that
have smitten you, but also to all people;
11b.
and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace
unto the ends of the earth;
11c.
and make proposals for peace, unto those who have smitten you,
according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things
shall work together for your good;
11d.
therefore, be faithful, and, behold, and lo, I am with you even unto
the end. Even so. Amen.
