Verily I say unto you, who have assembled together, that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people. Behold I unto you, were it not for the transgression of my people, speaking concerning the , and not individually, they might have been redeemed even now; but behold they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I require at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance as be cometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; and are not united according to the union required by the law of the law of the ; and cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial Kingdom: otherwise I can not receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be by the things which they suffer: I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who are the of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation; but I speak concerning the church abroad. There are many who will say, where is there God? Behold, he will deliver in time of trouble, otherwise we will not go up unto , and will keep our monies. ¶ Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of people, it is expedient in me that mine should wait; for a little season, for the redemption of ; that they themselves may be prepared: and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experince, and know more perfectly concerning their duty and the things which I require at their hands: And this cannot be brought to pass untill mine elders are endowed with power from on high. For behold I have prepared a great and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful, and continue in humility before me. ¶ Theirefore it is expedient in me, that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of : for behold I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of : for as I have said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfill: I will fight your battles. Behold the Destroyer I have already sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute my heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the land which I have consecrated for the gathering [p. [1]]