Читать книгу Essentials in Church History - Joseph Fielding Smith - Страница 147

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Before the Church could be organized it was essential that there be revealed such matters as pertained to the organization of the Church. This was done between the time the witnesses viewed the plates of the ancient record and the sixth of April, 1830. The first of these (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 18) was given to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, at Fayette. It made known the calling of the Twelve Apostles who should be chosen in this dispensation, although it was about six years before they were called. It gave instructions “relative to the building up of the Church of Christ according to the fulness of the Gospel.” It was also stated that the Book of Mormon contained “all things written concerning the foundation” of the Church and the Gospel. The Church, when organized, should be built upon the foundation of the Gospel and “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against it. Moreover, it was declared that “the world is ripening in iniquity, and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel.” To Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, the Lord said that all men were now called on to repent, for the Priesthood was restored and the opportunity given for the remission of sins. These men had been called as special witnesses, and therefore were under obligation to warn the world. Until this time men had not been privileged to be baptized, for there had been no authority in the earth to officiate in gospel ordinances. The Lord said the worth of souls was great, for Christ had suffered “the pains of all men that all might repent and come unto him.” As many as would repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and endure to the end, should be saved. It was made clear in this revelation that all men must take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, for in his name should “they be called in the last day.” Otherwise they “cannot have a place in the kingdom” of the Father.