Joseph Smith – The Help from Jesse Knight

This is a continuation of the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Currently in the story, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery have been continuing the work of the translation of the Book of Mormon from the ancient record given to Joseph by the angel Moroni from the Hill Cumorah. They are currently located in Harmony, Pennsylvania on the property of Joseph’s in-laws. It is about the same time that they received the Aaronic Priesthood.

I shall continue with the record taken from the Times and Seasons of 1842. Once again, my intention is to retain all original spelling, punctuation, and errors of the original text.

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-of-joseph-smith/26


About the same time came an old gentleman to visit us, of whose name I wish to make honorable mention; Mr. Joseph Knight, Sen. of Colesville, Broom county, N.Y. who, having heard of the manner in which we were occupying our time, very kindly and considerately brought us a quantity of provisions, in order that we might not be interrupted in the work of translation, by the want of such necessaries of life; and I would just mention here (as in duty bound) that he several times brought us supplies (a distance of at least thirty miles) which enabled us to continue the work which otherwise we must have relinquished for a season. Being very anxious to know his duty as to this work I enquired of the Lord for him and obtained as follows:

Revelation given to Joseph Knight Sen. at Harmony Susquehannah co. Penn. May, 1829.

A great and marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men: behold I am God, and give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow: therefore, give heed unto my word.

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: yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God: therefore if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

Now as you have asked, behold I say unto you, keep my commandments, and and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

Behold I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work, and no one can assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be intrusted to his care.

Behold I am the light and the life of the world, that speaketh these words: therefore, give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen.


Commentary from Brian Nettles.

Jesse Knight did join the church after it was established. His son Joseph also joined the church and served as the branch president over the Colesville Branch. The Saints book dedicated good portions of its history to this small branch who went through the fires of persecution particularly after moving to Missouri. The Saints book is available for free on the Gospel Library app.

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