Chapter 24

1

Shortly after commencing to translate, I became acquainted with Mr. Peter Whitmer, of Fayette, Seneca county, New York, and also with some of his family.

2

In the beginning of the month of June, his son, David Whitmer, came to the place where we were residing, and brought with him a two-horse wagon, for the purpose of having us accompany him to his father’s place, and there remain until we should finish the work.

3

Now, my wife had written some for me and also my Brother Samuel H Smith,

4

But we had become reduced in property and my wife’s father was about to turn me out of doors.

5

I had not where to go, and I cried unto the Lord that he would provide for me to accomplish the work whereunto he had commanded me.

6

¶ It was arranged that we should have our board free of charge, and the assistance of one of his brothers to write for me, and also his own assistance when convenient.

7

Having much need of such timely aid in an undertaking so arduous, and being informed that the people in the neighborhood of the Whitmers were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to inquire into these things,

8

We accepted the invitation, and accompanied Mr. Whitmer to his father’s house, and there resided until the translation was finished and the copyright secured.

9

Upon our arrival, we found Mr. Whitmer’s family very anxious concerning the work, and very friendly toward ourselves.

10

They continued so, boarded and lodged us according to arrangements; John Whitmer in particular assisted us very much in writing during the remainder of the work.

11

¶ We found the people of Seneca county in general friendly and disposed to enquire into the truth of these strange matters which now began to be noised abroad.

12

Many opened their houses to us, in order that we might have an opportunity of meeting with our friends for the purpose of instruction and explanation.

13

We met with many from time to time who were willing to hear us, and who desired to find out the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and apparently willing to obey the Gospel, when once fairly convinced and satisfied in their own minds;

14

And in this same month of June, my brother Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Junior, were baptized in Seneca lake, the two formers by myself the latter by Oliver Cowdery.

15

From this time forth many became believers, and some were baptized whilst we continued to instruct and persuade as many as applied for information.

16

¶ In the meantime, David, John and Peter Whitmer, Junior became our zealous friends and assistants in the work.

17

And being anxious to know their respective duties, and having desired with much earnestness that I should inquire of the Lord concerning them,

18

I did so, through the means of the seer stone, or as we called it the Urim and Thummim, and obtained for them in succession the following revelations:

19 [12:1a/14:1]

¶ A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

20 [12:1b/14:2a]

Behold I am God, 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;

21 [12:1c/14:2b]

Therefore, give heed unto my Word.

22 [12:2a1/14:3a]

¶ Behold the field is white already to harvest,

23 [12:2a2/14:3b]

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.

24 [12:2b1/14:4]

Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God;

25 [12:2b2/14:5]

Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive, if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

26 [12:3a/14:6a]

¶ Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion.

27 [12:3b1/14:6b]

Keep my commandments in all things,

28 [12:3b2/14:7]

And if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

29 [12:4a/14:8a]

¶ And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see;

30 [12:4b/14:8b]

And also, that ye may declare repentance unto this generation.

31 [12:5a1/14:9a]

¶ Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which created the heavens and the earth;

32 [12:5a2/14:9b]

A light which cannot be hid in darkness:

33 [12:5b/14:10]

Wherefore, I must bring forth the fullness of my Gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

34 [12:5c1/14:11a]

And behold thou art David, and thou art called to assist,

35 [12:5c2/14:11b]

Which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward; Amen.

36 [13:1a/15:1]

¶ Hearken my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer;

37 [13:1b1/15:2]

For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth;

38 [13:1b2/15:3]

And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone.

39 [13:1c/15:4]

For many times ye have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

40 [13:2/15:5]

¶ Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my commandments.

41 [13:3

1/15:6a]. ¶ And now behold I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you, will be to declare repentance unto this people,

42 [13:3

2/15:6b]. That you may bring souls unto me, that ye may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father; Amen.

43 [14:1a/16:1]

¶ Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer;

44 [14:1b1/16:2]