SECTION
39
[Book
of Commandments 41, Kirtland D&C 59, LDS D&C 39]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., January 1831, at Fayette, New York.
This message was addressed to James Covill, a Baptist minister, who
had sought light concerning his relation to the Restoration movement.
1a.
Hearken and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to
all eternity, the great I AM, even Jesus Christ, the light and the
life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness, and the
darkness comprehendeth it not;
1b.
the same which came in the meridian of time unto my own, and my own
received me not;
1c.
but to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons, and
even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become
my sons.
2a.
And verily, verily I say unto thee, He that receiveth my gospel,
receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel, receiveth not me.
2b.
And this is my gospel: repentance and baptism by water, and then
cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter,
which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the
kingdom.
3a.
And now, behold, I say unto thee, my servant James, I have looked
upon thy works, and I know thee; and verily I say unto thee, Thine
heart is now right before me at this time, and, behold, I have
bestowed great blessings upon thy head;
3b.
nevertheless thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me
many times because of pride, and the cares of the world;
3c.
but, behold, the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt
hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee, Arise and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins, calling on my name, and thou shalt receive my
Spirit, and a blessing so great as thou hast never known.
3d.
And if thou doest this, I have prepared thee for a greater work.
3e.
Thou shalt preach the fullness of my gospel which I have sent forth
in these last days; the covenant which I have sent forth to recover
my people, which are of the house of Israel.
4a.
And it shall come to pass that power shall rest upon thee; thou shalt
have great faith and I will be with thee and go before thy face.
4b.
Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church,
and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and
flourish.
4c.
Behold, verily, verily I say unto thee, Thou are not called to go
into the eastern countries, but thou are called to go to the Ohio.
4d.
And inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves to the Ohio, I
have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children
of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from
thence men shall go forth into all nations.
5a.
Behold, verily, verily I say unto thee, that the people in Ohio call
upon me in much faith, thinking I will stay my hand in judgment upon
the nations, but I can not deny my word; wherefore lay to with thy
might and call faithful laborers into my vineyard, that it may be
pruned for the last time.
5b.
And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fullness of my gospel,
and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment; wherefore,
go forth, crying with a loud voice, saying, The kingdom of heaven is
at hand; crying, Hosanna! blessed be the name of the most high God.
5c. Go
forth baptizing with water, preparing the way before my face, for the
time of my coming; for the time is at hand; the day nor the hour no
man knoweth; but it surely shall come, and he that receiveth these
things receiveth me; and they shall be gathered unto me in time and
in eternity.
6. And
again, it shall come to pass, that on as many as ye shall baptize
with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost, and shall be looking forth for the signs of my
coming, and shall know me. Behold, I come quickly. Even so. Amen.
