SECTION
21
[Book
of Commandments 17–21, Kirtland D&C 45, LDS D&C 23]
This
section is a composite of five revelations given through Joseph
Smith, Jr., at Manchester, New York, April 1830, and addressed to
Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith, Sr., and
Joseph Knight, Sr. They were given in answer to the prayers of these
brethren concerning their relation to the work of the church. Each
paragraph in Doctrine and Covenants 21 was printed as a separate
chapter in the “Book of Commandments,” but the chapters were
combined in the 1835 (first) edition of the Doctrine and Covenants
and have been published in this form ever since. They were received
on the day the church was organized.
1a.
Behold, I speak unto you, Oliver, a few words. Behold, thou art
blessed, and art under no condemnation. But beware of pride, lest
thou shouldst enter into temptation.
1b.
Make known thy calling unto the church, and also before the world;
and thy heart shall be opened to preach the truth from henceforth and
forever. Amen.
2a.
Behold, I speak unto you, Hyrum, a few words, for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy heart is opened, and thy tongue loosed; and
thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen the church
continually.
2b.
Wherefore thy duty is unto the church for ever; and this because of
thy family. Amen.
3.
Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Samuel, for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy calling is to exhortation, and to strengthen
the church. And thou art not as yet called to preach before the
world. Amen.
4.
Behold, I speak a few words unto you, Joseph; for thou also art under
no condemnation, and thy calling also is to exhortation, and to
strengthen the church. And this is thy duty from henceforth and for
ever. Amen.
5a.
Behold, I manifest unto you, Joseph Knight, by these words, that you
must take up your cross, in the which you must pray vocally before
the world, as well as in secret, and in your family, and among your
friends, and in all places.
5b.
And, behold, it is your duty to unite with the true church, and give
your language to exhortation continually, that you may receive the
reward of the laborer. Amen.
