Selected from Joseph Smith’s second June 1829 revelation
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Location Given: Fayette, New York – Whitmer Farm
Background: Days after being witnesses Oliver Cowdery wanted Divine guidance as to how to move forward as a witness. This revelation reveals that the Three Witnesses are to find Twelve Apostles. It is unclear at this time if there was a distinction between “twelve disciples” and “twelve apostles”.
It is important to note that this section mentioned Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery getting baptized. At the time the understanding was that they needed to get baptized as The Book of Mormon directs. It wasn’t until 1834 that the story of their baptism was modified to include a visit from a resurrected John the Baptist who ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood and promised they would have the Melchizedek Priesthood soon. David Whitmer, Zenas H. Gurley Sr., and William E. McLellin all testified that this part of the story was a retcon.
The baptism that is referenced should properly be understood as having been just seekers doing what they thought was right and nothing more.
1. Remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God:
2. For behold the Lord your God suffered death in the flesh: wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
3. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him on conditions of repentance.
4. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth.
5. Wherefore you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
6. And if it so be that you should labor in all your days, in crying repentance unto this people and bring save it be one soul only unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father?
7. And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me?
8. Behold you shall have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation:
9. Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.
10. And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.
11. Contend against no church save it be the church of the devil.
12. Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.