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Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock

Source Note

JS, Discourse, [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL, 8 Apr. 1844]. Featured version inscribed [ca. 8 Apr. 1844] in Thomas Bullock, Minutes, 6–9 Apr. 1844, p. 23; handwriting of
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

View Full Bio
; Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minutes and Discourses, 6–8 Apr. 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock.

Historical Introduction

On 8 April 1844, the third day of the
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
’s April
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
, JS delivered a discourse in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, on the location of
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

View Glossary
, the role of the Nauvoo
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
, and the
gathering

As directed by early revelations, church members “gathered” in communities. A revelation dated September 1830, for instance, instructed elders “to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect” who would “be gathered in unto one place, upon the face of this land...

View Glossary
of the Latter-day Saints. The conference meeting on 8 April was held in a
grove

Before partial completion of Nauvoo temple, all large meetings were held outdoors in groves located near east and west sides of temple site. Had portable stands for speakers. JS referred to area as “temple stand” due to its location on brow of hill.

More Info
that lay about a quarter mile east of the unfinished temple.
1

JS, Journal, 6 Apr. 1844. Samuel W. Richards’s reminiscent account of the April conference supports this conclusion, as he noted that “the Grove a little East of the Temple was selected for the meeting ground, seats were made, and necessary arrangements for the congregation.” (Richards, Reminiscences and Journal, 6 Apr. 1844.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Richards, Samuel W. Reminiscences and Journal, ca. 1843–1845. Samuel W. Richards, Papers, 1839–1909. CHL. MS 1841.

On 6 April, at the opening of the conference, JS complained of the “weakness of his lungs,” and he delayed speaking at length until 7 April, when he addressed the Saints for two hours and fifteen minutes.
2

Discourse, 6 Apr. 1844; Discourse, 7 Apr. 1844; JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1844.


After JS spoke for so long to a large group in the open air, his lungs were “worn out,” and he could only give a shorter discourse on the morning of 8 April.
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
recorded JS bringing the meeting to order at ten o’clock in the morning, after which
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

View Full Bio
read 1 Corinthians 15 and
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
said a prayer. JS then preached until 10:40, meaning that his discourse lasted less than forty minutes.
3

JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.


JS had initially meant to continue his 7 April sermon, which focused on the nature of God and humankind.
4

See Discourse, 7 Apr. 1844.


His request to have 1 Corinthians 15 read as a preliminary to his 8 April discourse suggests that he intended to speak on the resurrection of the dead.
5

JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.


He decided, however, to forgo the topic, promising to take it up on another day.
6

JS addressed this topic again on 12 May 1844. (See Discourse, 12 May 1844.)


Instead, he made a “proclamation” to the church’s
elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
that modified the Latter-day Saint practice of gathering. Previously, JS had instructed the Saints to gather in either
Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

More Info
, Illinois, or
Lee County

First permanent settlement established, 1820. Organized 1837. Population in 1838 about 2,800; in 1840 about 6,100; in 1844 about 9,800; and in 1846 about 13,000. Following expulsion from Missouri, 1838–1839, many Saints found refuge in eastern Iowa Territory...

More Info
, Iowa Territory.
Stakes

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
outside of these counties had been discontinued in 1841, although
branches

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
of the church continued to function in various parts of the
United States

North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...

More Info
.
7

Letter to the Saints Abroad, 24 May 1841.


Later, in April 1843, JS counseled the Saints to leave
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
and settle in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
.
8

Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.


In this proclamation, JS explained that all of North and South America constituted the land of Zion.
9

As early as 1840, JS had taught the idea that “Zion” encompassed all of North and South America. The Book of Mormon taught that the Americas were a chosen or promised land where the “New Jerusalem” would be built. (See Discourse, ca. 19 July 1840; and Book of Mormon, 1840 ed., 48, 50, 60, 342, 533–534, 550–551 [1 Nephi 18:8, 22–23; 2 Nephi 1:7–9; Alma 46:17; Ether 6:5, 8, 12; 13:2–11].)


He also taught that the
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
was the necessary place for the Saints to perform certain sacred
ordinances

A religious rite. JS taught that ordinances were covenants between man and God, in which believers could affirm faith, gain spiritual knowledge, and seek blessings. Some ordinances were considered requisite for salvation. The manner in which ordinances were...

View Glossary
. After the elders received these ordinances, they were then to build congregations and establish stakes wherever people received the gospel. Converts, moreover, were not asked to relocate to Nauvoo but could come to receive their temple ordinances and then return to their homes. JS stated that this proclamation was “the greatest ever made,” while
apostle

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
later called these pronouncements “a perfect sweepstakes” and a “perfect knock down to the d——ls kingdom.”
10

Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 6–9 Apr. 1844, 34–35. Although he was enthusiastic about JS’s sermon, Young wrote a letter with Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock on 3 May, explaining that the sermon’s contents were not yet to be preached in Great Britain. (Brigham Young and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Reuben Hedlock, Liverpool, England, 3 May 1844, draft, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. General Church Minutes, 1839–1877. CHL

Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

Once JS concluded, he requested that
George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
speak, having previously instructed him on what he should preach. Adams’s remarks focused on the literal establishment of Zion and the salvation of the dead through vicarious ordinances.
11

See Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 6–9 Apr. 1844, 23–29. Thomas Bullock noted that Adams spoke for three hours, and Willard Richards recorded that Adams’s sermon lasted from 10:40 a.m. to 1:16 p.m., some two hours and thirty-six minutes. (JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.)


Church members
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

View Full Bio
,
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
,
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

View Full Bio
, and
Wilford Woodruff

1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,...

View Full Bio
attempted to capture the proceedings of the April conference. Bullock, a member of JS’s office staff, wrote in his journal that he was specifically attending the conference as a reporter.
12

Historian’s Office, Journal, 6–9 Apr. 1844.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

Clayton, who was JS’s private clerk,
13

Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 31.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

and Richards, who was JS’s “private se[c]retary & historian,”
14

JS, Journal, 21 Dec. 1842.


often acted as scribes for JS, and they may have also been assigned to record the proceedings. Woodruff, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also took notes from the conference in his journal.
15

Woodruff, Journal, 6–9 Apr. 1844. The quality of Woodruff’s handwriting suggests that the account in his journal was a fair copy and that he first inscribed the text elsewhere before transferring it to his journal. It is unclear, however, if Woodruff created his account from notes he took during the sermon or whether he reconstructed it from memory.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

The conference minutes taken by all four men included notes on JS’s 8 April discourse. Unlike JS’s other discourses from the April conference, however, his 8 April remarks were not published in the Times and Seasons. The four accounts of JS’s 8 April discourse, featured here, are remarkably similar to one another, being more or less parallel on a sentence-by-sentence level.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 6 Apr. 1844. Samuel W. Richards’s reminiscent account of the April conference supports this conclusion, as he noted that “the Grove a little East of the Temple was selected for the meeting ground, seats were made, and necessary arrangements for the congregation.” (Richards, Reminiscences and Journal, 6 Apr. 1844.)

    Richards, Samuel W. Reminiscences and Journal, ca. 1843–1845. Samuel W. Richards, Papers, 1839–1909. CHL. MS 1841.

  2. [2]

    Discourse, 6 Apr. 1844; Discourse, 7 Apr. 1844; JS, Journal, 7 Apr. 1844.

  3. [3]

    JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.

  4. [4]

    See Discourse, 7 Apr. 1844.

  5. [5]

    JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.

  6. [6]

    JS addressed this topic again on 12 May 1844. (See Discourse, 12 May 1844.)

  7. [7]

    Letter to the Saints Abroad, 24 May 1841.

  8. [8]

    Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.

  9. [9]

    As early as 1840, JS had taught the idea that “Zion” encompassed all of North and South America. The Book of Mormon taught that the Americas were a chosen or promised land where the “New Jerusalem” would be built. (See Discourse, ca. 19 July 1840; and Book of Mormon, 1840 ed., 48, 50, 60, 342, 533–534, 550–551 [1 Nephi 18:8, 22–23; 2 Nephi 1:7–9; Alma 46:17; Ether 6:5, 8, 12; 13:2–11].)

  10. [10]

    Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 6–9 Apr. 1844, 34–35. Although he was enthusiastic about JS’s sermon, Young wrote a letter with Willard Richards to Reuben Hedlock on 3 May, explaining that the sermon’s contents were not yet to be preached in Great Britain. (Brigham Young and Willard Richards, Nauvoo, IL, to Reuben Hedlock, Liverpool, England, 3 May 1844, draft, Brigham Young Office Files, CHL.)

    Historian’s Office. General Church Minutes, 1839–1877. CHL

    Brigham Young Office Files, 1832–1878. CHL. CR 1234 1.

  11. [11]

    See Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 6–9 Apr. 1844, 23–29. Thomas Bullock noted that Adams spoke for three hours, and Willard Richards recorded that Adams’s sermon lasted from 10:40 a.m. to 1:16 p.m., some two hours and thirty-six minutes. (JS, Journal, 8 Apr. 1844.)

  12. [12]

    Historian’s Office, Journal, 6–9 Apr. 1844.

    Historian’s Office. Journal, 1844–1997. CHL. CR 100 1.

  13. [13]

    Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 31.

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  14. [14]

    JS, Journal, 21 Dec. 1842.

  15. [15]

    Woodruff, Journal, 6–9 Apr. 1844. The quality of Woodruff’s handwriting suggests that the account in his journal was a fair copy and that he first inscribed the text elsewhere before transferring it to his journal. It is unclear, however, if Woodruff created his account from notes he took during the sermon or whether he reconstructed it from memory.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock
*Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by William Clayton *Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by Willard Richards Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 4, 1 March–22 June 1844 *Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 23

it is just as impossible for me to continue the subject as to raise the dead— my lungs are worn out— I will do so ano[the]r. day— I want a few words to the
Elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
you know very well that the L[or]d. has led this
Church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
by rev[elatio]n I have an[othe]r. revn. a great grand & glorious revn. & this is what I am going to declare— you kno there has been great discus[sio]n. where
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

View Glossary
is & when the
gath[erin]g.

As directed by early revelations, church members “gathered” in communities. A revelation dated September 1830, for instance, instructed elders “to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect” who would “be gathered in unto one place, upon the face of this land...

View Glossary
of the D
1

The compilers of the manuscript history rendered this word as “dispensation.” (JS History, vol. E-1, 1981.)


is & which I am ea[g]er to— the whole America is the Land itself N[orth] & S[outh] itself & is desc[ribe]d. by the Prophets that it sho[ul]d. be in the centre of the land.
2

Prophecies in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon as well as JS revelations speak of the gathering of Israel from the four cardinal directions. (See Psalm 107:3; Isaiah 43:5–7; Book of Mormon, 1840 ed., 52, 59 [1 Nephi 19:16; 22:25]; and Revelation, 20 July 1831 [D&C 57:1–3].)


the declar[ation] is that as soon as the
temple

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
& B[aptismal] font is prep[are]d. & so as we can
wash

A ritual ablution of bodies symbolizing a purification from sin. As early as 1830, the Book of Mormon and JS revelations characterized baptism by immersion as a washing away of sins. On 23 January 1833, JS led the members of the School of the Prophets in ...

View Glossary
&
anoint

To apply ceremonial oil to the head or body, often in conjunction with priesthood ordinances and the blessing of the sick. The practice of blessing the sick included anointing with oil and laying hands on the sick person. Ritual washings and anointings were...

View Glossary
the El[ders] of Israel there must be a place prepd for that purpose //— There are provi[sio]ns made until the work is comp[lete]d.—
3

A January 1841 revelation specified that certain sacred ordinances, like baptisms for the dead, needed to be performed in a temple. However, the Latter-day Saints were allowed to perform these ordinances outside of the temple until they had had sufficient time to construct it. (See Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:28–39].)


to be as K[ings] & P[riests] of the mos[t] H[igh] God
4

See Revelation 1:6; 5:10; and Vision, 16 Feb. 1832 [D&C 76:56–57].


but as all to do with the
ho[use] of God

Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...

More Info
— but there must be an express place built for that purpose & for men to be
B[aptized]

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
for their d[ea]d
5

In August 1840, JS taught publicly for the first time that church members could be baptized on behalf of deceased relatives. Church members began performing proxy baptisms in the Mississippi River as early as September 1840.


for every man who wishes to save th[eir] F[ather] & M[other]— B[rothers] S[isters] & F[riends] must go thru the same— B[aptism]— A[nointing] W[ashing] & all the protect[io]n. of the powers of the
Priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
sam[e] as for themselves—
6

In his 21 January 1844 discourse, JS taught that the living “become Saviors on Mount Zion by building their temples erecting their Baptismal fonts & going forth & receiving all the ordinances, Baptisms, Confirmations, washings anointings ordinations, & sealing powers upon our heads in behalf of all our Progenitors who are dead & redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection & be exhalted to thrones of glory with us.” (Discourse, 21 Jan. 1844, underlining in original.)


the Elders of Israel shall build Churches unto the Ld. & there shall they build Churches unto the Lr. [Lord]— there shall be a
Stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
of Zion—
7

A 20 July 1831 revelation designated Missouri as the “Land of Zion” for the gathering of the Saints and the place where the “City of Zion” was to be built, with the Independence area as the “centre place” of Zion. Substantial Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere became known as “stakes” of Zion, drawing on Old Testament imagery of the tent of Zion being supported by cords fastened to stakes. (Revelation, 20 July 1831 [D&C 57:1–3, 14]; see also Revelation, 26 Apr. 1838 [D&C 115:6]; and Isaiah 33:20; 54:2.)


it is a glorious procl[amatio]n. & I reserved it to the last & des[ig]n. it to be undestd. [understood] that it shall be after the washd. & anointg. here— the place that the Ld. has est[ablishe]d. for the S[alvatio]n. of the dead— there must be a par[ticu]lar place— I verily believe this to be the place— & men who wish to save their dead must come here to be B for their dead— & then may go back ag[ai]n.— & I shall leave m[y] Bre[thre]n to enlarge— it is my duty to teach those who err in doctrine— the Sp[irit] is will[in]g. but the flesh is weak—
8

See Matthew 26:41.


it God made Aaron to be their mouthpiece & made me to be their K. & their God—
9

See Exodus 7:1–2.


& if you dont like it you must lump it— I have given instr[ucti]on to
El[der] [George J.] Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
in some principles— if he makes a mistake I will tell it
10

Two days earlier, at the opening of the April conference, JS stated, “The elders will give you instruction, and then, (if necessary) I will offer such corrections as may be proper to fill up the interstices.” (Discourse, 6 Apr. 1844.)


[p. 23]
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Editorial Title
Discourse, 8 April 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock
ID #
4194
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • Thomas Bullock

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    The compilers of the manuscript history rendered this word as “dispensation.” (JS History, vol. E-1, 1981.)

  2. [2]

    Prophecies in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon as well as JS revelations speak of the gathering of Israel from the four cardinal directions. (See Psalm 107:3; Isaiah 43:5–7; Book of Mormon, 1840 ed., 52, 59 [1 Nephi 19:16; 22:25]; and Revelation, 20 July 1831 [D&C 57:1–3].)

  3. [3]

    A January 1841 revelation specified that certain sacred ordinances, like baptisms for the dead, needed to be performed in a temple. However, the Latter-day Saints were allowed to perform these ordinances outside of the temple until they had had sufficient time to construct it. (See Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:28–39].)

  4. [4]

    See Revelation 1:6; 5:10; and Vision, 16 Feb. 1832 [D&C 76:56–57].

  5. [5]

    In August 1840, JS taught publicly for the first time that church members could be baptized on behalf of deceased relatives. Church members began performing proxy baptisms in the Mississippi River as early as September 1840.

  6. [6]

    In his 21 January 1844 discourse, JS taught that the living “become Saviors on Mount Zion by building their temples erecting their Baptismal fonts & going forth & receiving all the ordinances, Baptisms, Confirmations, washings anointings ordinations, & sealing powers upon our heads in behalf of all our Progenitors who are dead & redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection & be exhalted to thrones of glory with us.” (Discourse, 21 Jan. 1844, underlining in original.)

  7. [7]

    A 20 July 1831 revelation designated Missouri as the “Land of Zion” for the gathering of the Saints and the place where the “City of Zion” was to be built, with the Independence area as the “centre place” of Zion. Substantial Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere became known as “stakes” of Zion, drawing on Old Testament imagery of the tent of Zion being supported by cords fastened to stakes. (Revelation, 20 July 1831 [D&C 57:1–3, 14]; see also Revelation, 26 Apr. 1838 [D&C 115:6]; and Isaiah 33:20; 54:2.)

  8. [8]

    See Matthew 26:41.

  9. [9]

    See Exodus 7:1–2.

  10. [10]

    Two days earlier, at the opening of the April conference, JS stated, “The elders will give you instruction, and then, (if necessary) I will offer such corrections as may be proper to fill up the interstices.” (Discourse, 6 Apr. 1844.)

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