| November 1, 1831, Kirtland, Ohio. |
| Elders did not have sufficient faith to receive
a witness of Joseph's revelations. If any one of them can write one as
good as Joseph's weakest, they are justified §;
if not, they will be condemned for not bearing witness. They know there
is nothing unrighteous in them, and since the Father is the source of righteousness,
they must be true. If they will put themselves right with God, they will
see him—spiritually,
not naturally, for mortals must be quickened by the Spirit in order to
endure His presence §. They aren't ready for that yet—or the ministering
of angels—but they should be patient until they attain perfection
and not turn back. |
| Not published in the Book of Commandments. |
| 1835 Doctrine and Covenants 25 heading: Revelation
given November, 1831. |
1835 Doctrine and
Covenants 25 Text |
| Listen up |
1 |
Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of
my church, who have assembled yourselves together, whose prayers I have
heard, and whose hearts I know, and whose desires have come up before
me. |
1 |
Modern verse numbers are to the
left of the text. 1835 D&C verse numbers are to the right. |
|
2 |
Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you; and the heavens and
the earth are in mine hands, and the riches of eternity are mine to give. |
|
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You tried to receive a witness
but were afraid
So didn't get testimony |
3 |
Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing
which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were
fears in your hearts; and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive. |
|
Minutes
of November 1–2, 1831
All in favor?
|
| Here it is |
4 |
And now I the Lord give unto you a testimony of the truth
of these commandments which are lying before you: |
2 |
Revelation
of November 1, 1831 |
| You know Joseph's flaws and wanted
to improve his language |
5 |
your eyes have been upon my servant Joseph Smith, jr.: and
his language you have known; and his imperfections you have known; and
you have sought in your hearts knowledge that you might express beyond
his language: this you also know: |
|
|
Pick the weakest
revelation
Pick your best writer |
6 |
now seek ye out of the book of commandments, even the least
that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you; |
|
|
| If he can write one as good,
you can say you don't know they are true |
7 |
or if there be any among you, that shall make one like unto
it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true: |
|
|
| But if he can't, you will be
condemned for not bearing record |
8 |
but if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation
if ye do not bear record that they are true: |
|
|
| You know there is nothing unrighteous in
them, therefore from the Father |
9 |
for ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which
is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights. |
|
|
Don't be jealous or afraid
Be humble
Then you will see me—spiritually |
10 |
And again, verily I say unto you, that it is your privilege,
and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry,
that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble
yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall
be rent and you shall see me and know that I am; not with the carnal,
neither natural mind, but with the spiritual; |
3 |
|
| No one can see God without being quickened |
11 |
for no man has seen God at any time in the flesh,
except quickened by the Spirit of God:
|
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| |
12 |
neither can any natural man abide the presence of God; neither after
the carnal mind; |
|
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Nor ministering angels
Be patient until you are perfect
|
13 |
ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither
the ministering of angels: wherefore, continue in patience until ye are
perfected. |
|
|
Don't give up
In my time you will see and know
|
14 |
Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due
time, ye shall see and know that which was conferred upon you by the hands
of my servant Joseph Smith, jr. Amen. |
4 |
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Revelation of November
1, 1831
D&C 68
D&C 66
Ohio
Revelations
Doctrine and Covenants
|