I continue the the History of the Church written by Joseph Smith and placed into the 1842 Times and Seasons. This follows the visits from Joseph Knight who brought Joseph and Oliver Cowdery supplies to sustain themselves during the translation project of the Book of Mormon while Joseph and Oliver where staying on the property of Joseph’s in-laws. As on all other pages, I am doing my best to retain all original spelling or mis-spellings and original punctuation.
Before proceeding, I want to give you a map so you can visualize the where the places are.
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-of-joseph-smith/26
Shortly after commencing to translate, I became acquainted with Mr. Peter Whitmer of Fayette, Seneca co. New York, and also with some of his family. 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 waggon, for the purpose of having us accompany him to his father’s place and there remain until we should finish the work. He proposed that we should have our board free of charge, and the assistence of one of his brothers to write for me, as also his own assistence when convenient.
Having much need of such timely aid in an undertaking so arduous, and being informed that the people of the neighborhood were anxiously awaiting the opportunity to enquire into these things, we accepted the invitation, and accompanied Mr. Whitmer to his father’s house, and there resided until the translation was finished, and the copy-right secured.–Upon our arrival, we found Mr. Whitmer’s family very anxious concerning the work, and very friendly towards ourselves. They continued so, boarded and lodged us according to proposal, and John Whitmer, in particular, assisted us very much in writing during the remainder of the work.
In the meantime, David, John, and Peter Whitmer Jr. became our zealous friends and asssstants in the work; and being anxious to know ther respective duties, and having desired with much earnestness that I should enquire of the Lord concerning them, I did so, through the means of the Urim and Thummin, and obtained for them in succession the following revelations:
Revelation given to David Whitmer, at Fayette Seneca co. New York, June, 1829.
A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto 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.
Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things, 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.
And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, 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; and also, that you may declare repentance unto this generation.
Behold I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth; a light which cannot be hid in darkness; wherefore, I must bring forth the fullness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel. And behold thou are David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blissed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.
Revelation given to John Whitmer, jr. June, 1829.
Hearken my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my commandments.
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, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.–Amen.
Revelation given to Peter Whitmer, June, 1829.
Hearken my servant Peter, and listen to the words of Jesus Chrst, your Lord and your Redeemer, for behold I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth, and I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone: for many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you, according to my commandments.
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, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.–Amen.
HISTORY OF JOSEPH SMITH. Continued.
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: many opened their houses to us in order that we might have an opportunity of meeting with our friends for the purposes of instruction and explanation. We met with many from time to time, who were willing to hear us, and wishful to find out the truth as it is in Christ Jesus,and apparantly willing to obey the gospel when once fairly convinced and satisfied in thier own minds; and in this same month of June, my brother Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr. were baptized in Seneca lake the two former by myself; the latter by Oliver Cowdery. From this time forth many became believers, and were baptized, whilst we continued to instruct and persuade as many as applied for information.