Note that only the editorial content created specifically for this issue of the Elders’ Journal is annotated here. Articles reprinted from other papers, letters, conference minutes, and notices, are reproduced here but not annotated. Items that are stand-alone JS documents, such as the letter from Wilford Woodruff and others, are annotated elsewhere.
mence among all people, unto the restoring of the house of Israel, saith the Lord.
And thus prophesied Joseph—saying, Behold, that seer will the Lord bless, and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded. Behold I am sure of the fulfillment of this promise, and his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father; and he shall be like unto me, for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand by the power of the Father, shall bring my people unto salvation.
Thus prophesied Joseph—I am sure of this thing, even as I am sure of the promise of Moses.’ 2nd Book of Nephi, 2nd chapter.
And again, Jesus says, as recorded in the book of Mormon, 526th page, 2nd edition, ‘Behold my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted, and shall be esteemed, and be very high. As many as were astonished at thee, so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at him, for that which had been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.’
Upon this servant is bestowed the keys of the dispensation of the fullness of times.— That from him, the priesthood of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, might be given to many, and the order of this dispensation established on the earth. And to the church he has said by commandment—(See book of Commandments, 46th section, 2nd paragraph.) “Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words, and commandments, which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me: for his word ye shall receive as from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith, for by doing these things, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Now my readers, you can see in some degree, the grace given to this man of God, to us-ward. That we, by the great mercy of God, should receive from under his hand, the gospel of Jesus Christ; and having the promise of partaking of the fruit of the vine, on the earth with him, and with the holy prophets and patriarchs our fathers. For these holy men are angels now. And these are they, who make the fullness of times complete with us. And they who sin against this authority given to him—(the before mentioned man of God,)—sins not against him only, but against Moroni, who holds the keys of the stick of Ephraim. And also, with Elias, who holds the keys of bringing to pass the restitution of all things, or the restoration of all things. And also John, the son of Zacharias which Zacharias Elias visited, and give promise that he should have a son, and his name should be John, and he should be filled with the spirit of Elias, which John I have sent unto you, my servants Joseph Smith Jr. and , to ordain you to this first priesthood, even as Aaron. And also Elijah who holds the keys of committing the power, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, that the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse.
And also Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain. And also Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days. And also, Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you, and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things I revealed unto them: unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last time, and for the fulness of times.— In the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven and which are on earth.
Therefore, brethren, beware concerning yourselves, that you sin not against the authority of this dispensation, nor think lightly of those whom God has counted worthy for so great a calling, and for whose sake he hath made them servants unto you, that you might be made the heirs of God, to inherit so great a blessing, and be prepared for the grand assembly, and sit there with the ancient of days, even Adam, our father, who shall come to prepare you for the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord; for the time is at hand, therefore, gather up your effects and gather together upon the land which the Lord has appointed for your safety.