SECTION
6
[Book
of Commandments 5, Kirtland D&C 8, LDS D&C 6]
Oliver
Cowdery met Joseph Smith on April 5, 1829. Two days later he began to
write for Joseph as the prophet dictated the translation of the Book
of Mormon. The following inspired instruction was received at
Harmony, Pennsylvania, during the latter part of the month. It was
addressed to Oliver Cowdery.
1a. A
great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of
men:
1b.
behold, I am God, and give heed unto my word, which is quick and
powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of
both joints and marrow:
1c.
therefore, give heed unto my words.
2a.
Behold, the field is white already to harvest, therefore whoso
desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and
reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul
everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God;
2b.
yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called
of God;
2c.
therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive, if you will knock
it shall be opened unto you.
3a.
Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, Keep my commandments,
and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion:
3b.
seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God
shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.
3c.
Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
4a.
Verily, verily I say unto you, Even as you desire of me, so shall it
be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much
good in this generation.
4b.
Say nothing but repentance unto this generation: keep my
commandments, and assist to bring forth my work according to my
commandments, and you shall be blessed.
5a.
Behold, thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift.
5b.
Remember it is sacred and cometh from above: and if thou wilt
inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous;
5c.
therefore, thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out
mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth;
yea, convince them of the error of their ways.
5d.
Make not thy gift known unto any, save it be those who are of thy
faith. Trifle not with sacred things.
5e. If
thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt
be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the
gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of
salvation.
6a.
Verily, verily I say unto thee, Blessed art thou for what thou hast
done, for thou hast inquired of me, and, behold, as often as thou
hast inquired, thou hast received instruction of my Spirit.
6b. If
it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where
thou art at this time.
7a.
Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me, and I did
enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things, that thou
mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the spirit of truth;
7b.
yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save
God, that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.
7c. I
tell thee these things as a witness unto thee, that the words or the
work which thou hast been writing is true.
8a.
Therefore be diligent, stand by my servant Joseph faithfully in
whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be, for the word’s sake.
8b.
Admonish him in his faults and also receive admonition of him.
8c. Be
patient; be sober; be temperate: have patience, faith, hope, and
charity.
9a.
Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy
desires; therefore, treasure up these words in thy heart.
9b. Be
faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will
encircle thee in the arms of my love.
10a.
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
10b. I
am the same that came unto my own and my own received me not.
10c. I
am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness
comprehendeth it not.
11a.
Verily, verily I say unto you, If you desire a further witness, cast
your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that
you might know concerning the truth of these things; did I not speak
peace to your mind concerning the matter?
11b.
What greater witness can you have than from God?
11c.
And now, behold, you have received a witness, for if I have told you
things which no man knoweth, have you not received a witness?
11d.
And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to
translate even as my servant Joseph.
12a.
Verily, verily I say unto you, that there are records which contain
much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the
wickedness of the people;
12b.
and now I command you, that if you have good desires, a desire to lay
up treasures for yourself in heaven, then shall you assist in
bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my Scriptures which
have been hidden because of iniquity.
13a.
And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph,
the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry;
13b.
and in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be
established.
14a.
Verily, verily I say unto you, If they reject my words, and this part
of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more
unto you than unto me;
14b.
and if they do unto you, even as they have done unto me, blessed are
ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory:
14c.
but if they reject not my words, which shall be established by the
testimony which shall be given blessed are they; and then shall ye
have joy in the fruit of you labors.
15a.
Verily, verily I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples,
15b.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one
thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them; even so am I in
the midst of you.
15c.
Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye
also reap:
15d.
therefore, if ye sow good, ye shall also reap good for your reward:
16a.
Therefore fear not, little flock, do good, let earth and hell combine
against you, for if ye are built upon my Rock, they can not prevail.
16b.
Behold, I do not condemn you, go your ways and sin no more: perform
with soberness the work which I have commanded you; look unto me in
every thought, doubt not, fear not:
16c.
behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the
nails in my hands and feet; be faithful; keep my commandments, and ye
shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
