SECTION
9
[Book
of Commandments 8, Kirtland D&C 35, LDS D&C 9]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., to Oliver Cowdery in Harmony,
Pennsylvania, during April 1829. It followed and explained Oliver’s
failure as a translator and encouraged him to continue as Joseph’s
scribe, which he did.
1a.
Behold, I say unto you, my son, that because you did not translate
according to that which you desired of me, and did commence again to
write for my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., even so I would that you
should continue until you have finished this record, which I have
intrusted unto him;
1b.
and then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you
power that you may assist to translate.
2a. Be
patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that
you should translate at this present time.
2b.
Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my
servant Joseph;
2c.
and, behold, it is because that you did not continue as you
commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this
privilege from you.
2d. Do
not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you
after this manner.
3a.
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give
it unto you, when you took no thought, save it was to ask me;
3b.
but, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind;
3c.
then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right, I will cause
that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that
it is right;
3d.
but if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you
shall have a stupor of thought, that shall cause you to forget the
thing which is wrong;
3e.
therefore, you can not write that which is sacred, save it be given
you from me.
4a.
Now, if you had known this, you could have translated; nevertheless,
it is not expedient that you should translate now. Behold, it was
expedient when you commenced, but you feared, and the time is past,
and it is not expedient now;
4b.
for, do you not behold that I have given unto my servant Joseph
sufficient strength, whereby it is made up, and neither of you have I
condemned?
5a. Do
this thing which I have commanded you, and you shall prosper. Be
faithful, and yield to no temptation.
5b.
Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of
your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last
day. Amen.
