Joseph Smith Sermons of 1831

Date: 3 June 1831 (Friday)

Location: Kirtland, Geagua County, Ohio, USA

Source: John Whitmer Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 7)

Conference opened by br. Joseph Smith jr. in exhortation & prayer. . . . Exhortation by . . . Joseph Smith jr.

Date: 4 August 1831 (Thursday)

Location: Home of Joshua Lewis, Kaw Township, Jackson County, Missouri, USA

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 9-10)

Exhortation by br. Joseph Smith jr. to acts of righteousness and keeping the commandments of the Lord with promise of blessings.

Date: 11 October 1831 (Tuesday)

Location: Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, USA

Source: John Whitmer Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 17)

Certain points were discussed by br Joseph Smith Jr, who said that the Elders present were to tarry untill the Morrow & hold a meeting so that the members might understand the ancient manner of conducting meetings as they were led by the Holy Ghost Also said that this was not perfectly known by many of the Elders of this Church.

Date: 25 October 1831 (Sunday)

Location: Sirenes Burnet Home, Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 20-21, 23)

Brother Joseph Smith, Jr. said we have assembled together to do the business of the Lord and it is through the great mercy of our God that we are spared to assemble together, many of us have went at the command of the Lord in defience[sic] of every thing evil, and obtained blessings unspeakable in consequence of which, our name are sealed in the Lamb's Book of life, for the Lord has spoken it. It is the privilege of every Elder to Speak of the things of God &c, And could we all come together with one heart and one mind in perfect faith the vail might as well be rent to day as next week or any other time and if we will but cleanse ourselves and covenant before God, to serve him, it is our privilege to have an assurence that God will protect us at all times.

Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that the order of the Highpriesthood [sic] is that they have power given them to seal up the Saints to eternal life. And said it was the privilege of every Elder present to be ordained to the Highpriesthood [i.e., a high priest].

Brother Hyrum Smith said that he thought best that the information of the coming forth of the book of Mormon be related by Joseph himself to the Elders present that all might know for themselves.

Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that it was not intended to tell the world all the particulars of the coming forth of the book of Mormon, & also said that it was not expedient for him to relate these things &c.

Br. Joseph Smith Jr said that he intended to do his duty before the Lord and hoped that the brethren would be patient as they had a considerable distance. also said that the promises of God was that the greatest blessings which God had to bestow should be given to those who contributed to the support of his family while translating the fulness of the Scriptures, also said until we have a perfect love we are liable to fall and when we have a testimony that our names are sealed in the Lamb's Book of life we have perfect love & then it is impossible for false Christs to deceive us. also said that the Lord held the Church bound to provide for the families of the absent Elders while proclaiming the Gospel. further said that the God had often sealed up the heavens because of covetousness in the Church. said that the Lord would cut his work short in righteousness and except the church receive the fulness of the Scriptures that they would yet fall.

Date: 25 October 1831 (Sunday)

Location: Sirenes Burnet Home, Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 25)

Br. Joseph Smith Jr, was appointed to examine these brethren, presenting themselves for ordination, after prayer said that he had a testimony that each had one tallent and if after being ordained they should hide it God would take it from them; exhorted them to pray continually in meekness Said that those who had been previously ordained Priests would be ordained Elders, & the others would be ordained Priests.

Date: 1 November 1831 (Tuesday)

Location: Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, USA

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 27)

Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that inasmuch as the Lord has bestowed a great blessing upon us in giving commandments and revelations, asked the Conference what testimony they were willing to attach to these commandments which should shortly be sent to the world.

Date: 2 November 1831 (Wednesday)

Location: Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, USA Continuation of Previous Day's Meeting

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 28)

The Revelation of last evening read by the Moderator [Oliver Cowdery] the brethren then arose in turn and bore witness to the truth of the Book of Commandments. After which br. Joseph Smith jr arose & expressed his feelings & gratitude concerning the Commandment [D&C 67] and Preface [D&C 1] received yesterday.

Date: 12-13 November 1831 (Saturday-Sunday)

Location: Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, USA (Joseph's "translating room," an upstairs room at the home of John Johnson)

Source: Oliver Cowdery Record Copied into the Far West Record (Far West Record, 31-32)

Br. Joseph Smith jr. said one item he wished acted upon was that our brs. Oliver Cowdery & John Whitmer & the sacred writings which they have entrusted to them to carry to Zion be dedicated to the Lord by the prayer of faith.

Secondly, Br. Oliver has labored with me from the beginning in writing &c Br. Martin [Harris] has labored with me from the beginning, brs. John [Whitmer] and Sidney [Rigdon] also for a considerable time, & as these sacred writings are now going to the Church for their benefit, that we may have claim on the Church for recompense, if this conference think these things worth prizing to be had on record to show hereafter I feel that it will be according to the mind of the Spirit for by it these things were put into my heart which I know to be the Spirit of truth, &c.

The book of Revelation [the Book of Commandments] now to be printed being the foundation of the Church & the salvation of the world & the Keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom & the riches of Eternity to the Church.