Joseph Smith Sermons of 1841

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Old Homestead, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton's Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 59-60)

By Joseph, Jany. 5th 1841, at the organization of a school of instruction.

Description of Paul-He is about 5 foot high; very dark hair; dark complexion; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated and then it almost resembles the roaring of a Lion. He was a good orator, but Doctor Benentt is a superior orator, and like Paul is active and deligent, always employing himself in doing good to his fellow men.

By Joseph, January 5th, 1841 Answer to the question, was the Priesthood of Melchizedeck taken away when Moses died.

All priesthood is Melchizedeck; but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself.

The world and earth are not synonymous terms. The world is the human family. This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodelled and made into the one on which we live. The elements are eternal. That which has a begining will surely have an end. Take a ring, it is without beginning or end; cut it for a beginning place, and at the same time you will have an ending place.

A key, every principle proceeding from God is eternal, and any principle which is not eternal is of the Devil. The sun has no beginning or end, the rays which proceed from himself have no bounds, consequently are eternal. So it is with God. If the soul of man had a beginning it will surely have an end. In the translation, "without form and void" it should read "empty and desolate." The word "created" should be formed or organized.

Observations on the Sectarian God.

That which is without body or parts is nothing. There is no other God in heaven but that God who has flesh and bones. John 5-26, "As the father hath life in himself, even so hath he given the son to have life in himself". God the father took life unto himself precisely as Jesus did. The first step in the salvation of men is the laws of eternal and self-existent principles. Spirits are eternal. At the first organization in heaven we were all present and saw the Savior chosen and appointed, and the plan of salvation made and we sanctioned it. We came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the Celestial Kingdom. The great principle of happiness consists in having a body. The Devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of man and when cast out by the Savior he asked to go into the herd of swine showing that he would prefer a swines body to having none. All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him; the moment we revolt at anything which comes from God the Devil takes power.

This earth will be rolled back into the presence of God and crowned with Celestial Glory.

Date: 5 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Old Homestead, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 60-61)

Subject first-Discused By D. C. Smith; also this preciple practized By many the Blessings & Results of the same he said the priciple would Bind the Harts of Man together & give them confidence in each other & as John says thy word is truth; so he says if we keep his word shall all be actuated By the same principles be as one man; & as angels are obedient to the same word we shall have Concorse to them & also to all the Heavenly throng; Joseph said to D. C. Smith that to be free from the Coruptions of the Earth that meant the speaker should all ways speak in his Natural tone of voice; & Not to keep in one loud strain; But to act without affectaton. Next Subject was-Did the Lord God make the Earth out of Nothing; By D. Ells. say he God did not make the earth out of Nothing; for it is contrary to a Rashanall [rational] mind & Reason. that a something could be Brought from a Nothing; also it is contry to the principle & Means by witch God does work; for instance; [also Earth has been organized out of portions of other Globes that has been Disorganized; in testimony that this Earth was Not the first of Gods work;] when God formed man, he made him of something; the Dust of the Earth, & and he allways took a somthing to afect a something Else; oft he takes man to scorge his fellow man, or watter to Destroy man-or fire to Distroy Man or angels for instance the angel that went forth & Distroyed a hundred thousand one knigt Joseph Smith said to D Ells, & to the Congregation that he for a length of time, thought on phreknoleagee [phrenology]; & that he had a Revelation. the Lord Rebuking him sharply in Crediting such a thing; & further said there was No Reality in such a science But was the works of the Devil; he also said the Lord had told him that Bro. Law would Do well, he would Go & preach the Gospel he also said as for his own knowledge the Earth was made out of sumthing for it was impossible for a sumthing to be made out of Nothing fire, air, & watter are Eternal Existant principles which are the Composition of which the Earth-has been Composed; also this Earth has been organized out of portions of other Globes that has ben Disorganized; in tistimoney that this Earth was Not the first of Gods work; he quoted a passage from the testament where Jesus said all things that he had saw the father Do he had done & that he done Nothing But what he saw the father do John the 5th [verse 19] he also said in testimony of the situation the saints in the presence of God. that they had flesh & bones & that was the agreement in Eternity to come here & take on them tabernacles & the Differance Between us & Satin in that Respect is that he fell & had Not opertunity to Come in the flesh-& that he allways is striving to get others as miserable as himself-

Date: 12 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location: Amos Davis Home, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 62)

Tuesday the 12th at Mr. Davises-1st Subject Education By Mr- he said a people whose minds were Culavated & Manners Refined By Education-that they had Great & precious Ejoyments that Ignorant had Not 2d Subject was vice By Mr stout [Hosea Stout] he said Murder theft & the Like came from indulgances in this principle-Joseph-said that some things were Eavils that did not come under the Head of vise; for instance one Nation would come against an other it would be an Eavil on the Nation was come aganst yet it would not be a vice for them to Repell--Virtue was 3d subject 4th subject the Gospel By Mr Badlum he lectors on it till he Comes the Laying on the hands for the Holy Ghost-then Joseph-takes it up & ads the Resurection & Eternal Judgment in the Eternal Judgment there is many things to know & to under stand in Gods Judging for instance Peter said David had not yet ascend to heaven & that he was a Murderer & that His soul was in Hell is plainly told By Peter in acts 2d ch. Petter shews plainer it in the 3d of acts that a murderer could Not be Redmed intill he would send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you &.c-that is that faith Repentance & Baptizm would not save them until the[y were] scourged in hell or paid the Last farthing.

Date: 19 January 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 62)

Next Meeting-Joseph said that before foundation of the Earth in the Grand Counsel that the Spirits of all Men ware subject to opression & the express purpose of God in Giveing it a tabernicle was to arm it against the power of Darkness-for instance Jesus said Get behind me Satan Also the apostle said Resist the Devil & he will flee from you.

Date: 2 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 62-3)

Next Meeting-Joseph said the Lord said that we should build our house to his name that we might be Baptized for the Dead-But if we Did it Not we should be Rejected & our Dead with us & this Church should Not be excepted [accepted].

Date: 9 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63)

Joseph said in answer to Mr stout that Adam Did Not Comit sin in [e]ating the fruits for God had Decred that he should Eat & fall-But incomplyance with the Decree he should Die-only he should Die was the saying of the Lord therefore the Lord apointed us to fall & also Redeemed us-for where sin a bounded Grace did Much more a bound-for Paul says Rom-5.10 for if-when were enemys we were Reconciled to God by the Death of his Son, much more, being Reconciled, we shall be saved by his Life-

Date: 16 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63)

Next Meeting . . . Joseph said Concerning the Godhead it was Not as many imagined-three Heads & but one body, he said the three were separate bodies-God the first & Jesus the Mediator the 2d & the Holy Ghost & these three agree in one & this is the manner we Should aproach God in order to get his blessings & he also said Every Man were st stimulated by a certain Motive, to act motive preceeds action & if we want to know ourselves this is the Key to Examin the motive what it is, & the fact will be manifest.

Date: 23 February 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63)

Next Meeting . . . Joseph said he Never wanted to hear a man snore Louder than he could shout in battle-he Did Not want a man say O Joseph how I Love you &c. & when the time of Danger come forsake him.

Date: 2 March 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 63-64)

Next Meeting W[Leonard?] Soby on true friendship-he said true Friendship was such as a Man Laying Down his Life for his Friend. Joseph said there was a Diferance Between the vengeance that Belongeth to the Lord, & a man Defending himself or friend-of the Mamon of unrighteousness Joseph said the Majority of man Kind was agn'st [it] & true a [man] must Lavish His goods on all around him & out of them he will find friends in the hour of Distress for those that have been made Ritch By the Benevalance of their Rich friend of them there will be some that will do you good in affliction-

Date: 9 March (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 64-65)

Subject 1st on the Gospel By father Cole he Said that Some thought that He Difered from president Smith Concerning the time of the Giving of the Holy Ghost-as teach that all men receive the Holy Ghost before Baptizem-Joseph said we Do not take Notice of things as they Read them-or they might know things as they Read them-he quotes rather 2d Repent & be Baptized &c-& ye Shall Receive the Gift of the Holly Ghost-Now said he (taking up his Cap & presenting to Prd [William] Law) in Giveing you this Gift is not giving myself. However there is a prist-Hood with the Holy Ghost & Key-the Holy Ghost over shadows you & witness unto you of the authority & the Gifts of the Holly Ghost-he said was the provence of the Father to preside as the Chief or President-Jesus as the Mediator & Holy Ghost as the testator or witness-the Son Had a Tabernicle & so had the father But the Holly Ghost is a personage of spirit without tabernicle the Great God has a name By wich He will be Called which is Ahman-also in asking have Referance to a personage Like Adam for God made Adam Just in his own Image Now this a key for you to know how to ask & obtain.

Next was [Ebenezer] Robinson in the Gospel he spoke of Adam pertaking of the forbiden fruit & so on-Joseph said a person ought always take his subject along-for instance Jesus in all his Doctrines & pariables set it forth Like a tree or Mustard Stock Comencing at the foundation or Root thence up to the first Branch & out along it then back to the body of the tree or subject & thence to the Next Branch & so-on Now as to Adam the Lord said in the Day thou Shalt Eat there of thou shalt shurely Die Now the Day the Lord has Refferance too is spoken of by Petter a thousand of our years is with the Lord as one Day &c at the time the Lord said this to Adam there was No mode of Counting time By Man, as man Now Counts time.

Date: 16 March 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 65)

Next Meeting . . . Joseph Said th they wiked will Not all be Distroyed at the Coming of Christ & also there will be wiked During the Melenium-for instance Isaiah says the Days of an infant shall be as the age of a tree also Zarch.[Zechariah 14:16-19]-says all who Does Not Come up year by year with their Gifts to the preasts of the tabernicle that No Rain shall fall upon them-& that Jesus will be a Resident on the Earth a thousand [years] with the Saints is Not the Case but will Raign over the saints & come Down & instruct as he Did the 5 hundrd Brethern (1st Cor. 15) & those of the first Resurrection will also Raign with him over the saints-then after the Little Season is Expired & the Earth underGoes its Last Change & is Gloryfyed then will all the meek inherit the Earth wherein Dwelleth the Righteous-he says satan Cannot Seduce us by his Enticements unless we in our harts Consent & yeald-our organization such that we can Resest the Devil If we were Not organized so we would Not be free agents.

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 65-67)

Sermon 2nd

On the death of Judge Higbee delivered in the latter part of the winter about just before he took Laws store at the House of Bishop Knight year 1841

Joseph Smith read the 3 chap Malachi dwelt with emphasis upon the Levitical priesthood and the promise concerning them

Took up Jhon shewed him to be a Levite and proceed The voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above all the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites therefore Jhon being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony. Hence the saying the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force after Jhon had been testifying of Jesus for some time Jesus came unto him for baptism Jhon felt that the honor of baptizing his master was too great a thing grater than he could claim and said I have need to be baptized thee and comest thou to me Jesus repled thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness thus signifying to Jhon the claim of the Aronic priesthood which holds the Keys of entrance into the Kingdom. Then the three signs which were given were conclusive The dove which sat upon his shoulder was a sure testimony that he was of God Brethren be not deceived an nor doubtful of this fact a spirit of a good man or an angell from heaven who has not a body will never undertake to shake hands with you for he knows you cannot perceive his touch and never will extend his hand but any spirit or body that is attended by a dove you may know to be a pure spirit Thus you may in some measure detect them the spirits who may come unto you Jhon was great in that he baptized Jesus an for this cause Jesus saith "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than Jhon the baptist But again he says the from the coming days of Jhon the Batist till the Kingdom of Haven suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force

Jesus as I said could not enter except by the administration of Jhon. Although Jhon was not a restorer but a forerunner It was not the Lawful priests who rejected jesus but the self made priests Those who were priests lawfully received the Saviour in his station which was given him by the Law All the Authority that we have is from Jhon The Law is not changed nor the ordinances The keys of ushering into the Kingdom were given to Peter, James & Jhon.

Malachi 4th [3rd] chap And he shall purify the sons of Levi &c yes brethren the Lord will purify the sons of Levi good or bad for it is through them that blessings flow to Israel and as Israel once was baptized in the cloud and in the sea so shall God as a refiners fire and a Fullers soap Purge purify the sons of Levi and purge them as Gold and as silver & then and not till then shall the offering of Judah & Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord as in days of old and as in former years

And he shall witness against all iniquity as saith Malachi and shall sorely chastize those who are gone astray, but still he saith I am God I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed return thou unto me and I will return unto thee The Lord will begin by revealing the House House of Israel among the gentiles and those who have gone from the ordinances of God shall return unto the keeping of all the law and observing his judgments and statutes to do them Then shall the law of the Lord go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord to the priests and through them from Jerusalem

And I prophecy that the day will come when you will say Oh that we had given heed but look now upon our public works the store schoolhouse for instance the Simoon of the Desert has passed over it the people will not hearken nor hear And bondage Death and destruction are close at our heels The Kingdom will not be broken up but Judgements awaits man we shall be scattered and driven gathered again & then dispersed reestablished & driven abroad and so on until the Ancient of days shall sit and the kingdom and power thereof shall the be given to the Saints and they shall the possess it forever and ever, which may God hasten for Christs sake Amen.

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67)

Sabath Meeting-Joseph Read the 2 & 3d Chapters of Malichi & stated that there was a priestHood Confered upon the sons of Levi throughout the Jenerations of the Jews, & he also said they was born heirs to that priestHood By Linage or Decent & held the Keys of the first principles of the Gospel-for this-he quoted concerning Jesus coming to John to be Baptized of Jhon that he (Jesus) Might Enter into the Kingdom as Jhon held the Keys, suffer it to be so now &c he also Brought up Zacharias pleading with the Lord in the temple that he might have seed so that the priestHood might be preserved

he also prophesyed that all those that made Light of the Revelations that was Given and him & his words-would ere Long Cry & Lement (when the servant of God would be imprizened) say O!! that we had harkened to the words of God & the Revelattions Given-But all opertunity is Cut off from them.

Date: 28 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 67-68)

Next Meeting Meeting on sunday Joseph Reads the 38th Ch-of Job. in the book he says is a Great Display of human Nature-it is very Natureal for a man when he sees his fellow man afflicted his Natureal conclusion is that he is sufering the Rath of an angry God & turn from him in haste not knowing the purpose of God he says the spirit or the inteligence of men are self Existant principles he before the foundation this Earth-& quotes the Lords question to Job "where wast thou when I laid the foundation of the Earth" Evidence that Job was in Existing somewhere at that timehe says God is Good & all his acts is for the benifit of infereir inteligences-God saw that those intelegences had Not power to Defend themselves against those that had a tabernicle therefore the Lord Calls them togather in Counsel & agrees to form them tabernicles so that he might Gender the Spirit & the tabernicle togather so as to create sympathy for their fellowman-for it is a Natureal thing with those spirits that has the most power to bore down on those of Lesser power so we see the Devil is without a tabernicle & the Lord as set bo[u]nds to all Spirits & hence Come the Saying thou son of David why art thou Come to torment us before the time, & Jesus Comanded him to Come out of the Man & the Devil besought him that he might Enter in a herd of swine Near by (for the Devil knew they were a Coveitous people & if he Could Kill their Hogs that would Drive Jesus out of their Coasts & he then would have tabernicle enough) & Jesus-permitted him to Enter into the swine.

Date: 30 March 1841 (Tuesday)

Location:

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 68)

Next meeting Lecyum 1st-Stewart an Equality in property & in knoledge Joseph said that an Equality would Not answer for he says if we were eaquel in property at present in six months we would be worse than Ever for there is too many Dishonest men amongst us who has more injenity to threat the Rest &c

E. Robinson spoke on the other comforter in the 14 & 16 of John & that to all man kind for he shall [re]prove the world of sin & Righteous & of Judgment &c Joseph said he would Corect in the translation it ought to Read thus & he shall Remind the world of sin & of Righteous & of Judgment & this Comforter Reminds of the these things through the servants of the Lord-But the other Comforter spoken of By John is Jesus himself that is to Come & take up his aboad with them.

Date: 6 April 1841 (Tuesday Morning)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1841): 382 (Words of Joseph Smith, 69)

The first presidency superintended the laying of the Chief Corner Stone on the south east corner of the building, which done, Prest. J. Smith, arose and said, that the first corner stone of the Temple of Almighty God was laid, and prayed that the building might soon be completed, that the saints might have an habitation to worship the God of their fathers.

Date: 7 April 1841 (Wednesday Morning)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1841): 386-87 (Words of Joseph Smith, 69)

Gen. [John Cook] Bennett then read the revelations from "The Book of the Law of the Lord," which had been received since the last general Conference, in relation to writing a proclamation to the kings of the earth, building a Temple in Nauvoo, the organization of the church &c.

Pres. Jos. Smith rose and made some observations in explanation of the same, and likewise of the necessity which existed of building the Temple, that the saints might have a suitable place for worshiping the Almighty, and also the building of the Nauvoo Boarding House, that suitable accommodations might be afforded for the strangers who might visit this city.

Date: 8 April 1841 (Thursday)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1841): 387-88 (Words of Joseph Smith, 69-70)

At an early hour this morning the different quorums, who had previously been organized, came to the ground and took their seats as follows: the First Presidency, with the presidents of the quorums on the stand; the High Council, on the front of the stand; the High Priesthood on the front to the right of the stand; the Seventies immediately behind the high priesthood; the Elders in the front, to the left; the Lesser Priesthood on the extreme right.

On motion; Resolved: that this session of Congress continue until Sunday evening.

Pres't J. Smith declared the rule of voting, to be a majority in each quorum, exhorted them to deliberation, faith and prayer, and that they should be strict, and impartial in their examinations. He then told them that the presidents of the different quorums would be presented before them for their acceptance or rejection . . . .

Pres't. Joseph Smith presented the building Committee of the "House of the Lord," to the several quorums collectively, who were unanimously received.

Pres't. Smith observed, that it was necessary that some one should be appointed to fill the quorum of the twelve, in the room of the late Elder David W. Patten, whereupon, Pres't Rigdon nominated Elder Lyman Wight to that office, which was unanimously accepted. . . .

[P.M.] Pres't. Rigdon delivered a discourse to the conference on the subject of "Baptism for the dead" which was set forth in a manner new and interesting, and with an eloquence peculiar to the speaker, which was listened to with intense interest by the assembly.

Gen. Bennett made some very appropriate observations in continuation of the subject.

Pres't Smith likewise followed on the same subject, threw considerable light on the doctrine which had been investigated.

Date: 9 April 1841 (Friday Morning)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1841): 388 (Words of Joseph Smith, 70)

Pres't. J. Smith made some observations respecting the duty of the several quorums, in sending their members into the vineyard, and also stated, that labor on the Temple would be as acceptable to the Lord as preaching in the world.

Pres't. Smith then stated that it was necessary that some one should be appointed to collect funds for building the Temple. . . .

Pres't. J. Smith then stated that he should resign the meeting to the presidency of the Stake, and the president of the High Priest Quorum.

Date: 9 April 1841 (Friday Morning)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: McIntire Minute Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 70)

Joseph said to the presidents of the quorums that they should see that No man go out to preach unless their family, was amply Provided for; and if not provided for stay untill they are, this is Done to put up the Barrs against those that mearly Join the Church & Get ordained & Get their families struck in her & Go out & Glut themselves while the Church has their families to Keep.

Date: 11 April 1841 (Sunday Afternoon)

Location: Temple Site, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 April 1841): 288 (Words of Joseph Smith, 71)

Pres't. Joseph Smith then addressed the assembly and stated, that in consequence of the severty of the weather, the saints had not received as much instruction as he desired and that some things would have to be laid over until the next conference-as there were many who wished to be baptized [for the dead], they would now go to the water and give opportunity to any who wished to be baptized of doing so.

Date: 25 April 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Near Temple, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Alexander Neibaur Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 71)

Showery fornoon; went to the preaching in the open air, a fine spot of land near the Temple-a platform for the speakers, seats prepared for the congregation. Br. [John Cook] Bennett spoke first in respect to his profession, all caracter being injured by some of those who prefesset to be Saints. Br. [William] Law followed on the principles of righteousness & unrighteousness, there having been some depratations being committed by some that once had been Saints but was cut off from the Church for misconduct. Elder Joseph the Prophet followed in very strong language determined to put down all iniquity.

Date: 9 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: William Clayton Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 71)

Joseph preached on his side [of the river-Clayton lived on the Iowa side] on baptism for the dead (see Record.)

Date: 9 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Alexander Neibaur Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 71)

Fine day. Elder Joseph Smith preached from 9th Romans on the principles of Election.

Date: 16 May 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 June 1841): 429-430 (Words of Joseph Smith, 72-74)

The indications of the morning promised a beautiful day. At 10 o'clock A.M. a large concourse of the saints assembled on the meeting ground and were addressed by Pres. Joseph Smith, who spoke at considerable length. He commenced his observations by remarking that the kindness of our Heavenly Father, called for our heartfelt gratitude. He then observed that satan was generally blamed for the evils which we did, but if he was the cause of all our wickedness, men could not be condemned. The devil cannot compel mankind to evil, all was voluntary.-Those who resist the spirit of God, are liable to be led into temptation, and then the association of heaven is withdrawn from those who refuse to be made partakers of such great glory-God would not exert any compulsory means and the Devil could not; and such ideas as were entertained by many were absurd. The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but Christ subjected the same in hope-we are all subject to vanity while we travel through the crooked paths, and difficulties which surround us. Where is the man that is free from vanity? None ever were perfect but Jesus, and why was he perfect? because he was the son of God, and had the fullness of the Spirit, and greater power than any man.-But, notwithstanding our vanity, we look forward with hope, (because "we are subjected in hope,") to the time of our deliverance.

He then made some observations on the first principles of the gospel, observing that many of the saints who had come from different States and Nations, had only a very superficial knowledge of these principles, not having heard them fully investigated. He then briefly stated the principles of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, which were believed by some of the religious societies of the day, but the doctrine of laying on of hands for the gift of the holy ghost, was discarded by them.

The speaker then referred them to the 6th chap. of Heb. 1. and 2. verses, "not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works &c., but of the doctrines of baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection and eternal judgment &c." The doctrine of eternal judgment was perfectly understood by the apostle, is evident from several passages of scripture. Peter preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins to the Jews, who had been led to acts of violence and blood, by their leaders, but to the Rulers he said, "I would that through ignorance ye did it, as did also those ye ruled."-Repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing (redemption), shall come from the presence of the Lord, for he shall send Jesus Christ, who before was preached unto you &c." The time of redemption here had reference to the time, when Christ should come; then and not till then would their sins be blotted out. Why? Because they were murderers, and no murderer hath eternal life. Even David, must wait for those times of refreshing, before he can come forth and his sins be blotted out; for Peter speaking of him says, "David hath not yet ascended into Heaven, for his sepulchre is with us to this day:" his remains were then in the tomb. Now we read that many bodies of the saints arose, at Christ's resurrection, probably all the saints, but it seems that David did not. Why? because he had been a murderer.

If the ministers of religion had a proper understanding of the doctrine of eternal judgment, they would not be found attending the man who had forfeited his life to the injured laws of his country by shedding innocent blood; for such characters cannot be forgiven, until they have paid the last farthing. The prayers of all the ministers in the world could never close the gates of hell against a murderer.

The speaker then spoke on the subject of election, and read the 9th chap. in Romans, from which it was evident that the election there spoken of was pertaining to the flesh, and had reference to the seed of Abraham, according to the promise God made to Abraham, saying, "In thee and in thy seed all, the families of the earth shall be blessed." To them belonged the adoption, and the covenants &c. Paul said, when he saw their unbelief I wish myself accursed-according to the flesh-not according to the spirit.

Why did God say to Pharaoh, "for this cause have I raised thee up?" Because Pharaoh was a fit instrument-a wicked man, and had committed acts of cruelty of the most atrocious nature.

The election of the promised seed still continues, and in the last days, they shall have the priesthood restored unto them, and they shall be the "Saviors on mount Zion" the "ministers of our God," if it were not for the remnant which was left, then might we be as Sodom and as Gomorrah.

The whole of the chapter had reference to the priesthood and the house of Israel; and unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the apostles.

God did elect or predestinate, that all those who would be saved, should be saved in Christ Jesus, and through obedience to the gospel; but he passes over no man's sins, but visits them with correction, and if his children will not repent of their sins, he will discard them.

This is but a very imperfect sketch of a very interesting discourse, which occupied more than two hours in delivery, and was listened to with marked attention by the vast assembly present.

Date: 16 May 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Extracts from William Clayton's Private Book (Words of Joseph Smith, 74)

Remarks by Joseph, May 16th, 1841.

There are three independent principles-the spirit of God, the spirit of man, and the spirit of the devil. All men have power to resist the devil. They who have tabernacles have power over those who have not. The doctrine of eternal judgment Acts 2-41 Peter preached repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, &c but in Acts 3-19 he says "Repent and be converted that you sins may be blotted out when the time of redemption shall come and he shall send Jesus," &c. Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in christendom might pray for a murderer on the scaffold forever, but could not avail so much as a gnat towards their forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come and that in hell. Peter had the keys of eternal judgment and he saw David in hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ. Romans 9-all election that can be found in the scripture is according to the flesh and pertaining to the priesthood.

Date: 30 May 1841 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Alexander Neibaur Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 75)

J. Smith preached from the last 2 Ch Cronicls.

Date: 13 or 20 June 1841 (Sunday)

Location: In Front of Temple, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Juliet Courier and Times and Seasons (2 August 1841): 498 (Words of Joseph Smith, 75)

On Sunday I attended one of their meetings, in front of the Temple now building, and one of the largest buildings in the state. There could not have been less than 2,500 people present, and as well appearing as any number that could be found in this or any state. Mr. Smith preached in the morning, and one could have readily learned, then, the magic by which he has built up this society, because, as we say in Illinois, "they believe in him," and in his honesty.

Date: 25 July 1841 (Sunday Afternoon)

Location: Grove, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Manuscript History of the Church (Words of Joseph Smith, 75)

I followed him [Sidney Rigdon], illustrating the subject of the resurrection by some familiar figures.

Date: 16 August 1841 (Monday Afternoon)

Location:

Source: Times and Seasons (1 September 1841): 521-22 (Words of Joseph Smith, 75)

President Joseph Smith now arriving proceeded to state to the conference at considerable length, the object of their present meeting, and in addition to what President [Brigham] Young had stated in the morning, said that the time had come when the twelve should be called upon to stand in their place next to the first presidency, and attend to the settling of emigrants and the business of the church at the stakes, and assist to bear off the kingdom victoriously to the nations; and as they had been faithful, and had borne the burden in the heat of the day that it was right that they should have an opportunity of providing something for themselves and families, and at the same time relieve him so that he might attend to the business of translating.

Date: 22 August 1841 (Sunday)

Location: At the Stand, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Manuscript History of the Church (Words of Joseph Smith, 76)

I preached at the Stand on Wars & desolations that await the nations.

Date: 5 September 1841 (Sunday)

Location: At the Stand, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Manuscript History of the Church (Words of Joseph Smith, 76)

I preached to a large congregation at the Stand, on the Science and practice of Medicine, desiring to persuade the Saints to trust in God when sick, and not in an arm of flesh, and live by faith and not by medicine, or poison; and when they were sick, and had called for the Elders to pray for them, and they were not healed, to use herbs and mild food.

Date: 2 October 1841 (Sunday Afternoon)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 October 1841): 576-77 (Words of Joseph Smith, 76)

P.M. Pres. Joseph Smith opened by calling on the choir to sing a Hymn-sung 18th Hymn. The President then read a letter from Br. O. Hyde giving an account of his journeys and success in his mission, which was listened to with intense interest; and the conference, by vote, expressed their approbation of the style and spirit of said letter. The President then made remarks on the inclemency of the weather and the uncomfortable situation of the saints with regard to a place of worship, and a place of public entertainment . . . .

Br. L Wight then addressed the conference on the importance of order and uniformity of instruction, and, of unanimity of effort to spread the work of the kingdom. Pres. Joseph Smith then made some corrections of doctrine in quoting a passage from 1 Cor. 12, 28 showing it to be a principle of order or gradation in rising from one office to another in the Priesthood.

Date: 3 October 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 October 1841): 577-78 (Words of Joseph Smith, 76-79)

Sunday 3rd, A. M. Conference assembled and was called to order by President Marks, and divine service commenced by the choir singing Hymn 274, and prayer by Br. H. C. Kimball.

President Joseph Smith, by request of some of the Twelve, gave instructions on the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead; which was listened to with intense interest by the large assembly. The speaker presented "Baptism for the Dead" as the only way that men can appear as saviors on mount Zion. The proclamation of the first principles of the gospel was a means of salvation to men individually, and it was the truth, not men that saved them; but men, by actively engaging in rites of salvation substitutionally, became instrumental in bringing multitudes of their kin into the kingdom of God. He explained a difference between an angel and a ministering spirit; the one a resurrected or translated body, with its spirit, ministering to embodied spirits-the other a disembodied spirit, visiting and ministering to disembodied spirits. Jesus Christ became a ministering spirit, while his body laying in the sepulchre, to the spirits in prison; to fulfil an important part of his mission, without which he could not have perfected his work or entered into his rest After his resurrection, he appeared as an angel to his disciples &c. Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future missions. The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a translated or resurrected body.-Jesus Christ went in body, after his resurrection, to minister to translated and resurrected bodies. There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time. The only way to obtain truth and wisdom, is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer and obtain divine teaching. It is no more incredible that God should save the dead, than that he should raise the dead. There is never a time when the spirit is too old to approach God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed the unpardonable sin, which hath no forgiveness, neither in this world, nor in the world to come. There is a way to release the spirit of the dead; that is, by the power and authority of the Priesthood-by binding and loosing on earth.

This doctrine appears glorious, inasmuch as it exhibits the greatness of divine compassion and benevolence in the extent of the plan of human salvation. This glorious truth is well calculated to enlarge the understanding, and to sustain the soul under troubles, difficulties, and distresses.

For illustration the speaker presented, by supposition, the case of two men, brothers, equally intelligent, learned, virtuous and lovely, walking in uprightness and in all good conscience, so far as they had been able to discern duty from the muddy stream of tradition, or from the blotted page of the book of nature. One dies, and is buried, having never heard the gospel of reconciliation, to the other the message of salvation is sent, he hears and embraces it, and is made the heir of eternal life. Shall the one become a partaker of glory, and the other be consigned to hopeless perdition? Is there no chance for his escape? Sectarianism answers, "none! none!! none!!!" Such an idea is worse than atheism. The truth shall break down and dash in pieces all such bigoted Pharisaism; the sects shall be sifted, the honest in heart brought out, and their priests left in the midst of their corruption. The speaker then answered the objections urged against the Latter Day Saints for not admitting the validity of sectarian baptism, and for withholding fellowship from sectarian churches. It was like putting new wine into old bottles and putting old wine into new bottles. What, new revelations in the old churches! New revelations knock out the bottom of their bottomless pit. New wine into old bottles!-the bottles burst and the wine runs out. What, Sadducees in the new church! Old wine in new leathern bottles will leak through the pores and escape; so the Sadducee saints mock at authority, kick out of the traces, and run to the mountains of perdition, leaving the long echo of their braying behind them.

The speaker then contrasted the charity of the sects, in denouncing all who disagree with them in opinion, and in joining in persecuting the saints, with the faith of the saints, who believe that even such may be saved in this world and in the world to come, (murderers and apostates excepted.)

This doctrine, he said, presented in a clear light, the wisdom and mercy of God, in preparing an ordinance for the salvation of the dead, being baptized by proxy, their names recorded in heaven, and they judged according to the deeds done in the body. This doctrine was the burden of the scriptures. Those saints who neglect it, in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.

The dispensation of the fullness of times will bring to light the things that have been revealed in all former dispensations, also other things that have not been before revealed. He shall send Elijah the prophet &c., and restore all things in Christ.

The speaker then announced, "There shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the font of the Lord's House; and the church shall not hold another general conference, until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord!"

Date: 3 October 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Jonathan Dunham Diary, (Words of Joseph Smith, 79)

Comm at 9 agan Continued until 5 p.m. A commandment from the Lord that there should no more Conference be held until the house of the Lord should be finished Adjourned with out day or date.

Date: 4 October 1841 (Monday Morning)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (15 October 1841): 579 (Words of Joseph Smith, 79)

Monday 4th A.M. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 183 [Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed!] and prayer by Bro. Geo. [A.] Smith.

Pres't. Joseph Smith made a lengthy exposition of the condition of the temporal affairs of the church, the agency of which had been committed to him at a general conference in Quincy-explaining the manner that he had discharged the duties involved in that agency, and the condition of the lands and other property of the church.

Date: 5 October 1841 (Tuesday Afternoon)

Location: Meeting Ground, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons 2 (15 October 1841): 579 (Words of Joseph Smith, 79)

P.M. Conference opened by the choir singing hymn 104 [My Soul is Full of Peace and Love], and prayer by Bro. O. Pratt.

Bro. O. Pratt read to the conference, the minutes of a special conference held in the city of Nauvoo Aug. 16th 1841.

Pres't. Joseph Smith made remarks explanatory of the importance of the resolutions and votes passed at that time. [Twelve Apostles to assume leadership of day to day Church operations.]

Date: 7 November 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Meeting Ground Near Temple, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 80)

7th Sunday I first called upon Br Joseph with some of the Twelve from thence to B. Young from thence to the meeting ground near the Temple whare I found many hundreds of Saints Elder Wm Clark preached about 2 hours when Br Joseph arose & reproved him as pharisaical & hypocritical & not edifying the people Br Joseph then delivered unto us an Edifying address showing us what temperance faith virtue, charity & truth was he also said if we did not accuse one another God would not accuse us & if we had no accuser we should enter heaven he would take us there as his backload if we would not accuse him he would not accuse us & if we would throw a cloak of charity over his sins he would over ours for Charity covered a multitude of sins & what many people called sin was not sin & he did many things to break down superstition & he would break it down he spoke of the curse of ham for laughing at Noah while in his wine but doing no harm.

Date: 14 November 1841 (Sunday)

Location: At Temple, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 80)

Joseph preached to a large congregation at the Temple.

Date: 12 December 1841 (Sunday Morning)

Location: Brother Snider's Home, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 80)

Joseph preached in the forepart of the day at Br Sniders & had an interesting meeting.

Date: 19 December 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Old Homestead, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 80-81)

Joseph the Seer arose & read a Chapter in the New Testament containing the parable of the vine & its branches & explained much to our edification & said, "if we kept the commandments of God we should bring forth fruit & be the friends of God & know what our Lord did, "Some say Joseph is a fallen Prophet because he does not bring forth more of the word of the Lord" "Why does he not do it" are we able to receive it No (says he) not one in this room, he then chastised us for our wickedness & unbelief knowing that whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth & scourgeth every son & daughter whom he receiveth & if we do not receive chastisements then are we bastards & not Sons. On revelation he said "A man would command his son to dig potatoes, saddle his horse but before he had done either tell him to do something els this is all considered right "But as soon as the Lord gives a commandment & revokes that decree & commands something els then the prophet is considered fallen &c" Because we will not receive chastisement at the hand of the Prophet & Apostles the Lord chastizeth us with sickness & death "Let not any man publish his own righteousness for others can do that for him." sooner let him confess his sins & then he will be forgiven & he will bring forth more fruit when a man is chastised he gets angry & will not endure it. The reason we do not have the secrets of the Lord revealed unto us is because we do not keep them but reveal them, we do not keep our own secrets but reveal our difficulties to the world even to our enemies then how would we keep the secrets of the Lord Joseph says I can keep a secret till dooms day He spoke of love what greater love hath any man than that he lay down his life for his friend then why not fight for our friend untill we die & many other things of interest was spoken.

---