Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
Before the Church could be organized it was essential that there be
revealed such matters as pertained to the organization of the Church.
This was done between the time the witnesses viewed the plates of the
ancient record and the sixth of April, 1830. The first of these (Doc.
and Cov. Sec. 18) was given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David
Whitmer, at Fayette. It made known the calling of the Twelve Apostles
who should be chosen in this dispensation, although it was about six
years before they were called. It gave instructions "relative to the
building up of the Church of Christ according to the fulness of the
Gospel." It was also stated that the Book of Mormon contained "all
things written concerning the foundation" of the Church and the Gospel.
The Church, when organized, should be built upon the foundation of the
Gospel and "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against it. Moreover,
it was declared that "the world is ripening in iniquity, and it must
needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both
the Gentiles and also the house of Israel." To Oliver Cowdery and David
Whitmer, the Lord said that all men were now called on to repent, for
the Priesthood was restored and the opportunity given for the remission
of sins. These men had been called as special witnesses, and therefore
were under obligation to warn the world. Until this time men had not
been privileged to be baptized, for there had been no authority in the
earth to officiate in gospel ordinances. The Lord said the worth of
souls was great, for Christ had suffered "the pains of all men that
all might repent and come unto him." As many as would repent and be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and endure to the end, should be
saved. It was made clear in this revelation that all men must take upon
them the name of Jesus Christ, for in his name should "they be called
in the last day." Otherwise they "cannot have a place in the kingdom"
of the Father.
The Twelve Apostles
Not only were Joseph Smith and the witnesses to the Book of Mormon to
be called to testify, but there were to be twelve other witnesses, who
should be appointed to declare the Gospel to both Gentile and Jew. The
three witnesses to the Book of Mormon were designated to search out
these Twelve Apostles, who were to have charge of the preaching of the
Gospel in all the world.
Revelation Given to Martin Harris
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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