rum of Twelve; of Leonard Rich, of the Presidency of Seventy; of W. W. Phelps, John Whitmer, John Smith, for the High Council in Kirtland; of Levi Jackman, for the High Council in Missouri; of Bishops N. K. Whitney, John Corrill; of John Gould, acting President of the Elders; of Ira Ames, acting President of the Priests; of Erastus Babbit, acting President of the Teachers; of William Burgess, acting President of the Deacons; and of the aged Thomas Gates.

To question the correctness of the revelations as published in Doctrine and Covenants is to question the honor of these men, some of whom were with the church from the beginning and knew whereof they affirmed; and among these witnesses is W. W. Phelps, the very man who published the "Book of Commandments."

as delivered before a Theological class in this place, and in consequence of their embracing the important doctrine of salvation, we have arranged them into the following work.

The second part contains items or principles for the regulation of the church, as taken from the revelations which have been given since its organization, as well as from former ones.

There may be an aversion in the minds of some against receiving anything purporting to be articles of religious faith, in consequence of there being so many now extant; but if men believe a system, and profess that it was given by inspiration, certainly, the more intelligibly they can present it, the better. It does not make a principle untrue to print it, neither does it make it true not to print it.

The church viewing this subject to be of importance, appointed, through their servants and delegates the High Council, your servants to select and compile this work. Several reasons might be adduced in favor of this move of the Council, but we only add a few words. They knew that the church was evil spoken of in many places-its faith and belief misrepresented, and the way of truth thus subverted. By some it was represented as disbelieving the Bible, by others as being an enemy to all good order and uprightness, and by others as being injurious to the peace of all governments civil and political.

We have, therefore, endeavored to present, though in few words, our belief, and when we say this, humbly trust, the faith and principles of this society as a body.

We do not present this little volume with any other expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced, in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of every man's labor be given him.

With sentiments of esteem and sincere respect, we subscribe ourselves Your brethren in the bonds of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,

JOSEPH SMITH, JR.
OLIVER COWDERY.
SIDNEY RIGDON.
F. G. WILLIAMS.

KIRTLAND, Ohio, February 17, 1835.

3. No one in those early days ever questioned the correctness of the revelations as published in the "Doctrine and Covenants," while of the revelations in the Book of Commandments published by W W. Phelps, and by him also published in the Evening and Morning Star, we find the following:

"There are many typographical errors in both volumes, and especially in the last, which we shall endeavor carefully to correct, as well as principle, if we discover any. The evidence. It is also proper for us to say, that in the first

fourteen numbers, in the revelations, are many errors, typographical, and others, occasioned by transcribing manuscript; but as we shall have access to originals, we shall endeavor to make proper corrections."-Evening and Morning Star, vol. 2, p. 384.

The first fourteen numbers of the Star were published at Independence, Missouri, and edited by W. W. Phelps. When the press was destroyed the publication was transferred to Kirtland, Ohio, and edited by Oliver Cowdery, where also the first fourteen numbers were reprinted.

In the first number of the original issue we find what is now section 17 of the Doctrine and Covenants substantially as it appears in the Book of Commandments; but in the reprint it appears substantially in harmony with the Doctrine and Covenants; and the difference is explained by Oliver Cowdery, as follows:

"On the revelations we merely say, that we were not a little surprised to find the previous print so different from the original. We have given them a careful comparison, assisted by individuals whose known integrity and ability is uncensurable. Thus saying we cast no reflections upon those who were intrusted with the responsibility of publishing them in Missouri, as our own labors were included in that important service to the church, and it was our unceasing endeavor to have them correspond with the copy furnished us. We believe they are now correct. If not in every word, at least, in principle. For the special good of the church we have also added a few items from other revelations. -[Editor of the

Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate.]”—Evening and Morning Star, vol. 1, p. 16.

This last sentence has been interpreted to mean that "a few items from other revelations" were added to this one, but he evidently intended to say he had added other items in the reprint not found in the first issue of the paper. But these other items are not incorporated with this revelation. Here then is positive evidence that the revelations in the Book of Commandments were found to be wrong when compared with originals. Later this revelation was published the third time, and this time just as it appears in the Doctrine and Covenants. (See Evening and Morning Star, volume 2, page 193.)

Of this the Editor, Oliver Cowdery, states:

"We have again inserted the articles and covenants according to our promise in a previous number, for the benefit of our brethren abroad who have not the first number of the first volume. As there were some errors which had got into them by transcribing, we have since obtained the original copy and made the necessary corrections." Evening and Morning Star, vol. 2, p. 196.

To doubt the correctness of the revelations as they appear in the Doctrine and Covenants is to doubt the veracity of Oliver Cowdery as well as the testimony of all those who testified in the above-mentioned assembly. If we were prepared to do this we would lay down the pen, having no history to write. We feel sure then that we can historically affirm that the revelations contained in the Doctrine and Covenants are substantially in harmony with the originals.

In connection with this point we will cite the testimony of John Whitmer and then leave it with our readers.

In his "Address" when leaving the Editorial chair of the Messenger and Advocate, in March, 1836, after bearing testimony to the Book of Mormon, which we have before referred to, he adds:

"I would do injustice to my own feelings if I did not here notice still further the work of the Lord in these last days: The revelations and commandments given to us are, in my estimation, equally true with the Book of Mormon, and equally

John Whitmer

necessary for salvation. It is necessary to live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God: and on Doctrine I know that the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book and Covenants. of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, contain the revealed will of heaven. I further know that God will continue to reveal himself to his church and people, until he has gathered his elect into his fold, and prepared them to dwell in his presence."- Messenger and Advocate, vol. 2, p. 287.

CHAPTER 23.

1835.

GATHERING-HISTORICAL ITEMS-SOME DEPART FOR ZION-REDEMPTION OF ZION-THE TWELVE RETURN-SICKNESS-SPECIAL PRAYER-S. H. SMITH FINED-TROUBLE WITH WILLIAM-NO COMMON STOCK-MORE ABOUT WILLIAM-A PROPHECY VERIFIED -BOOK BINDERY-COUNCIL WITH THE TWELVE-MR. HOLMESA MARRIAGE-O. HYDE COMPLAINS-MORE TROUBLE WITH WILLIAM-O. HYDE'S CASE-WILLIAM'S CASE AGAIN-SEVENTY'S COUNCIL-CHARGES AGAINST WILLIAM SMITH-PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS-COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE-ENCOURAGING REPORTS. ON August 21, 1835, nine of the Twelve met in conference at Saco, Maine.

On August 23, Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland from his mission to Michigan.

August 28, 1835, the Twelve met at Farmington, Maine, and organized the Maine conference. The same day Joseph preached in Kirtland on the duty of wives.

Gathering and

On September 1, 1835, Joseph wrote the following to John Whitmer, which was published in the Mesother items. senger and Advocate. It will be valuable as showing the attitude of Joseph on the gathering, Zion, and other things.

To the Elders of the Church of Latter Day Saints:"After so long a time, and after so many things having been said, I feel it my duty to drop a few hints, that perhaps the elders traveling through the world to warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come and save themselves from this untoward generation, may be aided in a measure, in doctrine, and in the way of their duty. I have been laboring in this cause for eight years, during which time I have traveled much, and have had much experience. I removed from Seneca County, New York, to Geauga County, Ohio, in February, 1831.

"Having received by an heavenly vision a commandment, in June following, to take my journey to the western boun