SECTION
116
Revelation
given through President Joseph Smith III, May 4, 1865.
A
council of the first Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve was in
session at the home of Bishop Israel L. Rogers in Kendall County,
Illinois, May 1-5, 1865. Among other things the council was concerned
about “the ordination of men of the Negro race.” President Joseph
Smith was asked to seek divine guidance in this connection, and the
revelation was received in response to the fasting and prayers of the
members of the council. It should be studied against the background
of the American Civil War and with the social and educational status
of the American Negro of that period in mind.
The
revelation was presented to the Quorum of Twelve, who voted
unanimously to approve it. The semiannual conference of 1878
authorized its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
1a.
Hearken! Ye elders of my church, I am he who hath called you friends.
Concerning the matter you have asked of me:
1b.
Lo! It is my will that my gospel shall be preached to all nations in
every land, and that men of every tongue shall minister before me:
1c.
Therefore it is expedient in me that you ordain priests unto me, of
every race who receive the teachings of my law, and become heirs
according to the promise.
2a. Be
ye very careful, for many elders have been ordained unto me, and are
come under my condemnation, by reason of neglecting to lift up their
voices in my cause, and for such there is tribulation and anguish:
2b.
haply they themselves may be saved (if doing no evil) though their
glory, which is given for their works, be withheld, or in other words
their works are burned, not being profitable unto me.
3a.
Loosen ye one another’s hands and uphold one another, that ye who
are of the Quorum of Twelve, may all labor in the vineyard, for upon
you rests much responsibility;
3b.
and if ye labor diligently the time is soon when others shall be
added to your number till the quorum be full, even twelve.
4a. Be
not hasty in ordaining men of the Negro race to offices in my church,
for verily I say unto you,
4b.
All are not acceptable unto me as servants, nevertheless I will that
all may be saved, but every man in his own order, and there are some
who are chosen instruments to be ministers to their own race. Be ye
content, I the Lord have spoken it.
