SECTION
27
[Book
of Commandments 30, Kirtland D&C 31, LDS D&C 28]
Revelation
given to Oliver Cowdery through Joseph Smith, Jr., in September 1830
at Fayette, New York.
Hiram
Page had come into possession of a stone by use of which he had
obtained certain “revelations” concerning the building of Zion,
church organization, and similar matters. Oliver Cowdery and the
Whitmer family, to whom Hiram was related, tended to accept his
claims. The instruction now received appoints Oliver to an important
mission and then sets forth the associated principles of prophetic
guidance and common consent according to the church covenants and the
prayer of faith. It should be noted that Oliver, who had shared
responsibility for the difficulties which had arisen, is now
commanded to take responsibility for their settlement.
1.
Behold, I say unto thee, Oliver, that it shall be given unto thee
that thou shalt be heard by the church in all things whatsoever thou
shalt teach them by the Comforter, concerning the revelations and
commandments which I have given.
2a.
But, behold, verily, verily I say unto thee, No one shall be
appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church
excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., for he receiveth them even as
Moses;
2b.
and thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto
him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and
revelations, with power and authority unto the church.
2c.
And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach,
or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou
mayest do it.
2d.
But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom; and
thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the
church, for I have given him the keys of the mysteries and the
revelations, which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them
another in his stead.
3a.
And now, behold, I say unto thee that thou shalt go unto the
Lamanites, and preach my gospel unto them;
3b.
and inasmuch as they receive thy teachings, thou shalt cause my
church to be established among them, and thou shalt have revelations,
but write them not by way of commandment.
3c.
And now, behold, I say unto thee, that it is not revealed, and no man
knoweth where the city shall be built, but it shall be given
hereafter.
3d.
Behold, I say unto thee that it shall be on the borders by the
Lamanites.
4a.
Thou shalt not leave this place until after the conference, and my
servant Joseph shall be appointed to preside over the conference by
the voice of it, and what he saith to thee thou shalt tell.
4b.
And again, thou shalt take thy brother Hiram Page between him and
thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from
that stone are not of me, and that Satan deceiveth him; for, behold,
these things have not been appointed unto him;
4c.
neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary
to the church covenants, for all things must be done in order and by
common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.
5a.
And thou shalt assist to settle all these things, according to the
covenants of the church, before thou shalt take thy journey among the
Lamanites.
5b.
And it shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the
time thou shalt return, what thou shalt do.
5c.
And thou must open thy mouth at all times, declaring my gospel with
the sound of rejoicing. Amen.
