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Remarks delivered on October 25, 1831 Sirenes Burnet home, Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Source: Oliver Cowdery record copied into the Far West Record. See JSP, Documents vol.2:83-5.

Reward of Faithfulness

. . . Br 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 of every thing evil, and obtained blessings unspeakable in consequence of which, our name are sealed in the Lambs' 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 . . .

High Priests Given Authority to Seal Saints

Br. Joseph Smith jr. said that the order of the High priesthood is that they have power given them to seal up the Saints unto eternal life. And said it was the privilege of every Elder present to be ordained to the Highpriesthood1 . . .

Details of Book of Mormon Translation, etc. not to be Made Public

Br. 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. . . .

Importance of the Bible Translation Work

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 promise 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 testimony that our names are sealed in the Lamb's Book of life we have perfect love & then it is impossible for false Christ's to decieve 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 recieve the fulness of the Scriptures that they would yet fall. . .


Notes

1. The "high priesthood" refers to the office of high priest introduced in June 1831. See 6Apr37 and note there.


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