Selected from Joseph Smith’s 4th April 1829 revelation
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Location Given: Harmony, Pennsylvania – Hale Farm
Background: Earlier in April 1829 Oliver Cowdery was told that he had the ability to dictate part of The Book of Mormon if he asked God in faith to help him with an honest heart and believe that he had the ability. He was able to dictate a small part of it, but was unable to do much at all.
This revelation addresses that failure to dictate. It talks about what he did wrong and says that he will be given another chance at some point in the future. It also reaffirms that he should continue as Joseph Smith Jr.’s scribe during the dictation process.
1. Behold I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right; and if it is right, I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
2. But if it be not right, you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
3. Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you, and a hair of your head shall not be lost, and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen.