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TEMPLES, 1834
1834: Jan.: Prepare for an endowment.
“Though the Lord said this affliction came upon you because of your sins, polluting your inheritances, etc., yet there is an exception of some, namely, the heads of Zion; for the Lord said, Your brethren in Zion begin to repent, and the angels rejoice over them. You will also see an exception at the top of the second column of this revelation; therefore this affliction came upon the Church to chasten those in transgression, and prepare the hearts of those who had repented, for an endowment from the Lord.” (Letter of the First Presidency to the Scattered Saints, Jan., 1834. HC 1:474-476)
22 Jan.: The Ancients had all the ordinances.
“We all admit that the Gospel has ordinances, and if so, had it not always ordinances, and were not its ordinances always the same? Perhaps our friends will say that the Gospel and its ordinances were not known till the days of John, the son of Zacharias, in the days of Herod, the king of Judea. But we will here look at this point: For our own part we cannot believe that the ancients in all ages were so ignorant of the system of heaven as many suppose, since all that were ever saved, were saved through the power of this great plan of redemption, as much before the coming of Christ as since; if not, God has had different plans in operation (if we may so express it), to being men back to dwell with Himself; and this we cannot believe, since there has been no change in the constitution of man since he fell.” (Epistle of the Presidency of the High Priesthood from Kirtland to their Brethren Abroad, 22 Jan., 1834, HC 2:4-24)
22 Jan.: Rev. 5: Made Kings and Priests unto God.
“We find another promise to individuals living in the church as Sardis who had not defiled their garments: ‘And they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels.’ John represents the sound which he heard from heaven, as giving thanks and glory to God, saying that the Lamb was worthy to take the book and to open its seals; because He was slain, and had made them kings and priests unto God: and they should reign on the earth (see Rev. v).” (Epistle of the Presidency of the High Priesthood from Kirtland to their Brethren Abroad, 22 Jan., 1834, HC 2:4-24; also in E&MS Mar., 1834, in nearly identical form.)
9 Feb.: Brethren to assist in building temple.
“The work of the building of the House of the Lord in Kirtland was also taken into consideration it was decided that the brethren in this place should assist in erecting the house all that is in their power, that the Elders of the Church may be endowed with power from on high according to the promise of God, that the work of the father may roll forth.” (Kirtland High Council Minutes, 9 Feb., 1834)
21 Apr.: Rigdon speaks of endowment.
“After which he [Sidney Rigdon] said there were now three great items which he would proceed to speak upon more particularly at present, which were, The deliverance of Zion. The endowment of the Elders with power from on high according to former promises, and the spreading of the word of the Lord to the four winds. . . .
Bro. Sidney Rigdon then took up the second item, viz:–The endowment of the Elders with power from on high. He gave an account of the endowments of the ancient apostles and laid before the conference the dimensions of the house to be built in Kirtland and rehearsed the promise to the Elders in the last days which they were to realise after the house of the Lord was built. Bro. J. Bosworth then related a few itmes of a vision which he gave as a testimony of those things contained in the revelations read by Bro. Sidney, and his remarks upon that part relative to the endowment of the Elders with power from on high. Bro. Joseph then occupied a few minutes by way of explanation of the revelation concerning the building of the house of the Lord.” (Kirtland High Council Minutes, 21 Apr., 1834)
6 May: Oliver comments on forthcoming endowment.
6 May, 1834: Presidency (Kirtland) to John F. Boynton (Saco, Maine)
“Copy of a letter to John F. Boynton of Saco, Maine: written by Oliver Cowdery for the Presidency
Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1834.
Dear Brother:
Circumstances are such that wisdom directs for bro. Greene to go to Canada, and we have counselled that bro. Jared Carter go to the east, to attend the conference at Saco. The object of bro. Jared’s mission is principally to obtain subscriptions for the hosue of the Lord in Kirtland. He may advise concerning going to Zion also. We want you to travel & hold conferences in the church with brother Jared & use your influence with his to obtain means for the purpose of building this house. We want you to understand that the Lord has not promised to endow his servants from on high only on the condition that they build him a house; and if the house is not built the Elders will not be endowed with power, and if they are not they can never go to the nations with the everlasting gospel. Within that house God will pour out his Spirit in great majesty and glory; and encircle his people with fire more gloriously and marvelously than at Pentecost, because the work to be performed in the last days is greater than was in that day. Therefore, all who desire let them make their covenant with Sacrifice, that they may be prepared against the day of burning. The work is to be a short one and every faculty and tallent should be brought into requisition to forward the great work. You will see then, that you are required to use your best endeavors to forward the business, by assisting brother Jared with your labors.
Your brethren in the new covenant.
(Signed) Sidney Rigdon, President H.P.
(Signed) N. K. Whitney, Bishop
(Signed) Oliver Cowdery, High Counsellor
To John F. Boynton
Saco, Maine.”
(Oliver Cowdery letterbook, pp. 45-46; Huntington Library)
22 Jun.: Fishing River Revelation.
“Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion, that they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience and know more perfectly, concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands; and this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high: for behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful, and continue in humility before me: therefore, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion: for behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil, I will fight your battles. . . .
Verily I say unto you, it is expedient in me that the first elders of my church should receive their endowment from on high, in my house, which I have commanded to be built unto my name in the land of Kirtland; and let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law, be executed and fulfilled, after her redemption. There has been a day of calling, but the time has come for a day of choosing; and let those be chosen that are worthy; and it shall be manifested unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen, and they shall be sanctified: and inasmuch as they follow the counsel which they receive, they shall have power after many days to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion.” (22 Jun., 1834, “History of Joseph Smith,” in T&S 6(22):1104, 1105, 1 Feb., 1846)
“Received a revelation that it was not wisdom to go to Jackson county at this time and that the armies of Israel should become very great and terrible first, and the Servants of the Lord be endowed with power from on high previous to the redemption of Zion. Thus our fond hopes of being redeemed at this time were blasted at least for a season. the first Elders were to receive their endowment at Kirtland Ohio in the house of the Lord built at that stake.” (John Whitmer, The Book of John Whitmer Kept by Commandment)
23 Jun.: People chosen to receive “endowment”.
“On the 23rd; resumed our march for Liberty, Clay county, taking a circuitous course round the heads of Fishing River, to avoid the deep water. When within five or six miles of Liberty, we were met by Gen. Atchison and other gentlemen who desired us not to go to Liberty, as the feelings of the people were so much enraged against us. At their communication we wheeled to the left, and crossing the prairie and wood and, came to Sidney Gilbert’s residence, and encamped on the bank of Rush Creek, in Bro. Burgharts field. During this a council of High Priests assembled in fulfilment of the revelation given the day previous, and the following individuals were called and chosen as they were made manifest unto me by the voice of the Spirit, and Revelation, to receive their endowment.
Edward Partridge was called and chosen, to go to Kirtland and receive his endowment with power from on high, and also, to stand in his office of Bishop to purchase lands in the State of Missouri.
Wm. W. Phelps was called and chosen, and it was appointed unto him for to receive his endowment with power from on high, and help to carry on the printing establishment in Kirtland, until Zion is redeemed.
Isaac Morley and John Corrill were called and chosen, and it was appointed unto them to receive their endowment with power from on high in Kirtland and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house and preach the gospel.
John Whitmer and David Whitmer were called and chosen, and appointed to receive their endowments in Kirtland and continue in their offices.
Algernon S. Gilbert, was called and chosen, and appointed to receive his endowment in Kirtland, and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house, and to proclaim the everlasting gospel until Zion is redeemed. But he said he ‘could not do it.’
Peter Whitmer Jun., Simeon Carter, Newel Knight, Parley P. Pratt, Christian Whitmer, and Solomon Hancock were called and chosen; and it was appointed unto them to receive their endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high; to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house; and to preach the everlasting gospel.
Thomas B. Marsh was called and chosen; and it was appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, his office to be made known hereafter.
Lyman Wight was called and chosen; and it was appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland, with power from on high; and to return to Zion and have his office appointed unto him hereafter.” (23 Jun., 1834, “History of Joseph Smith,” T&S 6(22):1105-1106, 1 Feb., 1846)
“A council of High Priests assembled in fulfillment of the revelation given the day previous, and the following individuals were called and chosen, as they were made manifest unto me by the voice of the Spirit and revelation, to receive their endowments:
Edward Partridge was called and chose, to go to Kirtland and receive his endowment with power from on high, and also, to stand in his office as Bishop to purchase lands in the state of Missouri. . . .” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:112-113)
“Clay County June 23, 1834
A Council of High Priests met according to revelation in order to choose some of the first Elders to receive their endowments being appointed by the voice of the Spirit through Br. Joseph Smith, jr. President of the Church of Christ.
Proceeded First:
Edward Partridge–Is called & chosen and is to go to Kirtland to receive his endowment with power from on high–And also stand in his office as Bishop to purchase lands in the land of Missouri.
William W. Phelps–Is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receivehis endowment with power from on high & help carry on the printing establishment in Kirtland till Zion is redeemed.
Isaac Morley is called & chosen and is appointed unto him to receive his endowment with power from on high in Kirtland and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house and preach the Gospel.
John Corrill The same as Isaac Morley.
John Whitmer Is called and chosen And it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high–And to continue in his office.
David Whitmer Is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive an endowment from on high in Kirtland–And to stand in the office that is appointed unto him.
A. S. Gilbert–Is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment from on high in Kirtland–And to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house and to proclaim the everlasting gospel until Zion is redeemed–But he said he could not do it–And truly he departed his life a few days after this was given–And we are left to lament his loss.
Peter Whitmer, jr. is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment, in Kirtland with power from on high and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house and proclaim the Gospel.
Simeon Carter is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high, and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house, and proclaim the everlasting Gospel.
Newel Knight is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receiv ehis endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house, and to preach the Gospel.
Thomas B. Marsh is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high, and his office made known hereafter.
Lyman Wight is called and chosen, and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high–And to return to Zion and have his office appointed unto him hereafter.
Parley P. Pratt is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house and proclaim the gospel.
Christian Whitmer is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and to assist in gathering up the strength of the Lord’s house, and preach the gospel.
Solomon Hancock is called and chosen and it is appointed unto him to receive his endowment in Kirtland with power from on high and proclaim the everlasting Gospel and assist in gathering up the strength of the Lords house.
F. G. Williams Clerk.”
(Far West Record, 23 Jun., 1834)
SEE D&C 105:13-14, 18, 33.
27 Jun.: His holy temple must be built here.
“The ministers on the part of the Mormons state as [sine quo?] they can never surrender their lands, as God directed them there and there alone to build up his holy temple for the gathering of the scattered tribes of Israel. Thus matters stand my impressions are we shall have more smoke than fire.” (J. C. Chauncey to “Dr. Sir; Liberty Clay County, 27 Jun., 1834; the context is the march of Zion’s Camp, which is then encamped only a mile from Chauncey; RLDS Archives, f1 P31)
Jun.: “Calling and election sure.”
“More significant, however, is the fact that this is the first record [27 Jun., 1839] we have of a discourse by the Prophet Joseph on this doctrine using Peter’s words ‘calling and election sure.’ To be sure the genearl concept was taught as early as 1834 because Oliver Cowdery says that the Saints ‘make their calling and electure sure’ when the ‘obtain the promise from the Lord of glory (“hear his voice . . . [and receive] a promise from his mouth”) that their salvation was sealed that their election was sure’ (see The Evening and The Morning Star 2[June 1834]:167). Furthermore, in 1835 Joseph Smith wrote to his uncle Silas to convince him that revelation was still necessary, reasonsing that the modern Saints had to hear an audible voice from the Lord by revelation to know that their salvation was secure, just as their ancient counterparts had received such assurances by revelation. However, in this letter Joseph Smith made no allusion to Peter’s ‘calling and election’ wording (Oliver R. Smith, ed., Six Decades in the Early West: The Journal of Jesse Nathaniel Smith; Diaries of a Mormon Pioneer, 1834-1906. 3d ed. [Provo, Utah: Jesse N. Smith Family Association, 1970], pp. 3-4)” (Ehat and Cook, The Words of JS, p. 18)
16 Aug.: High Council to select elders for endowment.
“I shall now procede to give you such council as the spirit of the Lord may dictate you will reccollect that your business must be done by your high council: you will reccollect that the first elders are to receive their endowment in Kirtland before the redemption of Zion you will reccollect that your high council will have power to say who of the first Elders among the Children of Zion are accounted worthy.” (Joseph Smith to Lyman Wight, Edward Partridge, John Corrill, Isaac Morley, and Others of the High Council, 16 Aug., 1834. In Jessee, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 329)
“I shall now proceed to give you such counsel as the Spirit of the Lord may dictate. You will recollect that your business must be done by your High Council. You will recollect that the first Elders are to receive their endowment in Kirtland, before the redemption of Zion. You will recollect that your High Council will have power to say who of the first Elders among the children of Zion are accounted worthy; and you will also recollect that you have my testimony in behalf of certain ones, previous to my departure. You will recollect that the sooner these ambassadors of the Most High are dispatched to bear testimony, to lift up a warning voice, and proclaim the everlasting Gospel, and to use every convincing proof and faculty with this generation, while on their journey to Kirtland–the better it will be for them and for Zion. Inasmuch as the indignation of the people sleepeth for a while our time should be employed to the best advantage; althoug it is not the will of God, that these ambassadors should hold their peace after they have started upon their journey. They should arouse the sympathy of the people.” (Joseph Smith, HC 2:144-145)
Sep.: All who are not baptized are damned.
“And unless God had sent the apostles, or others authorized as they were, the world must have perished: every creature in it must have been damned: for they were to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, he (that is, every creature) that believed and was baptized, should be saved; but he (that is, every creature) that believed not, should be damned. Had there been one creature in all the world who was in a state of salvation, or could have attained that state without the apostles, this commission would not have been correct, that is, that every creature in all the world who did not believe them and be baptized by their direction should be damned.” (Sidney Rigdon, E&MS 2(Sep., 1834):187)
9 Dec.: Joseph not sealed to eternal life in blessing.
[Patriarchal blessing given to Joseph by his father on this date contained no reference to sealing to eternal life. Copy of blessing is in RLDS Archives, P8/F25]
ca. 1834-35: Excommunicated for rejecting The Vision.
“On arrival there they found that Landon and Orton and several others had been excommunicated from the branch of the Church at Geneseo and elder John Murdock was presiding there instead of Landon. Landon and others had been cut off from the church for rejecting the Vision concerning the three glories &c as recorded in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.” (Warren Foote, Autobiography and Journals, 1837-1903; LDS Archives, Ms 1123, Vol. 1; Barney)