Footnotes
For the historical context of this letter and an analysis of its contents, see Historical Introduction to Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.
The June 1835 issue of the Messenger and Advocate—the first one published after Phelps arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, from Missouri—is the first issue that has text attributed to “P.” Several issues thereafter have the same designation. It is evident that “P” is Phelps because a hymn authored by Phelps and published in the October 1835 Messenger and Advocate was also signed “P.” (“Hymns,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Oct. 1835, 2:208; see also Cornwall, Stories of our Mormon Hymns, 136–137.)
Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.
Cornwall, J. Spencer. Stories of Our Mormon Hymns. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971.
Phelps likely composed the original letter as well, although it was signed by JS, Cowdery, Whitmer, and Phelps. Phelps later referred to a letter that “had checked the Elders in their crusade for exaltation”—apparently this letter—calling it “my letter.” (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 20 July 1835, in Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 20 July 1835.)
Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.
JS History, vol. B-1, 593.
JS History / Smith, Joseph, et al. History, 1838–1856. Vols. A-1–F-1 (original), A-2–E-2 (fair copy). Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1839–ca. 1882. CHL. CR 100 102, boxes 1–7. The history for the period after 5 Aug. 1838 was composed after the death of Joseph Smith.
For annotation regarding the parts shaded in gray, see Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.
See, for example, “The Elders in the Land of Zion to the Church of Christ Scattered Abroad,” The Evening and the Morning Star, July 1832, [5].
The Evening and the Morning Star. Independence, MO, June 1832–July 1833; Kirtland, OH, Dec. 1833–Sept. 1834.
The original letter has “thus” instead of “that.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Matthew 13:40; and Revelation, 6 Dec. 1832 [D&C 86:7]. The original letter includes “while in an organized states” here. (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “by” instead of “with.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “after he has provided.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “if any he has.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “paid” instead of “paying.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “and prepare with one heart and one mind.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Revelation, 11 Sept. 1831 [D&C 64:34].
The original letter has “invite and persuade men.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Hebrews 1:14; and Vision, 16 Feb. 1832 [D&C 76:88].
See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 126 [Jacob 2:19].
See Articles and Covenants, ca. Apr. 1830 [D&C 20:46–52].
The original letter has “new covenants.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
At the time, church leaders in Ohio were preparing the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants for publication. (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 26 May 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU.)
Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.
The original letter has “may” instead of “must.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Jeremiah 50:29; Lamentations 3:64; and Revelation, 1 Nov. 1831–B [D&C 1:10].
The original letter has “urge and persuade.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “each other” instead of “one another.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Philippians 2:12; and Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 537 [Mormon 9:27].
The original letter has “bear and forbear one with another, brethren.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “God” instead of “the Lord.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
“Cease to find fault and learn to do well” is inserted here in the original letter. (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Romans 12:19; Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 524, 533 [Mormon 3:15; 8:20]; and Revelation, 26 Apr. 1832 [D&C 82:23].
See Matthew 7:6; Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 484 [3 Nephi 14:6]; and Revelation, 4 Feb. 1831 [D&C 41:6].
See Matthew 15:26; and Mark 7:27.
The original letter has “society of the sain[ts].” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “and” after “prayerful.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “work” instead of “working.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
The original letter has “when all the pure in heart can.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835, underlining in original.)
See Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:18]; and Revelation, 24 Feb. 1834 [D&C 103:11].
The original letter has “blessing.” (Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835.)
See Revelation, 1 Aug. 1831 [D&C 58:3].
See Jeremiah 31:14, 25.
See Book of Mormon, 1830 ed., 159 [Mosiah 2:41]; and Revelation, Apr. 1829–A [D&C 6:13].